Exterior & Arrival
Inside Entry
Pro Tip: Place a framed WiFi card on the entry table or kitchen counter. Guests look for this immediately upon arrival.
Final Walkthrough Test
Pretend you are a guest arriving for the first time:
- Enter with no instructions—can you get in easily?
- Find and connect to WiFi
- Turn on the TV and find streaming
- Run a shower—check water pressure and temperature
- Open every door and drawer
- Sit on every bed—is it comfortable?
- Make a cup of coffee
- Check the view from each window
If something feels confusing or inconvenient—it probably is. Fix it before your first guest arrives.
Amenity Scoring Guide
Use this to prioritize spending and avoid over-investing where it won't pay off.
Must-Have
Required to compete. Missing = fewer bookings.
- • Fast WiFi
- • Smart TV (streaming-ready)
- • Coffee maker
- • A/C & heating
- • Quality mattresses
- • Clean, matching linens
- • Adequate towels
- • Stocked kitchen basics
- • Smoke & CO detectors
- • Smart lock (self check-in)
Nice-to-Have
Boost reviews & satisfaction.
- • Dedicated workspace
- • Washer & dryer
- • Iron & ironing board
- • Extra pillows & blankets
- • Coffee bar upgrades
- • Welcome basket/snacks
- • Board games or books
- • Outdoor seating
- • Bluetooth speaker
- • Hair dryer
Premium
Increase nightly rate.
- • Hot tub
- • Pool
- • Fire pit
- • Grill
- • EV charger
- • Waterfront access
- • Dock / boat slip
- • High-end outdoor furniture
- • Crib, high chair
- • Pet amenities
Market-Specific Guidance
Florida / Warm Climate
- • A/C must be powerful and reliable
- • Pool towels essential
- • Beach chairs, umbrella, cooler if near beach
- • Sunscreen in welcome basket
- • Hurricane preparedness info posted
Waterfront Properties
- • Life jackets available (various sizes)
- • Dock rules posted
- • Fishing gear (optional but appreciated)
- • Kayaks, paddleboards, or boat info
- • Outdoor shower for rinsing off
Family-Friendly
- • Pack 'n Play / crib available
- • High chair
- • Baby gate for stairs
- • Outlet covers
- • Kid-friendly dishes and utensils
- • Board games for various ages
Pet-Friendly
- • Pet bowls (food and water)
- • Pet waste bags
- • Pet towels for muddy paws
- • Lint roller available
- • Info on nearby dog parks and pet-friendly restaurants
- • Clear pet policy and rules posted
Suggested Signage
Clear signage protects you legally and helps guests navigate your property. Consider posting these signs:
Safety & Emergency
- • Emergency exit routes
- • Fire extinguisher location
- • First aid kit location
- • Emergency contact numbers (911, local hospital)
- • Carbon monoxide/smoke detector notice
- • Property address (for 911 calls)
Pool & Water Areas
- • "No Lifeguard on Duty" sign
- • Pool rules (no diving, no glass, etc.)
- • Pool hours
- • Hot tub rules & temperature warning
- • Dock/waterfront safety rules
- • Life jacket location
Property Rules
- • Quiet hours (typically 10pm-8am)
- • No smoking / smoking area
- • No parties/events policy
- • Maximum occupancy
- • Pet policy (if applicable)
- • Trash/recycling instructions
- • Checkout procedures
Appliances & Utilities
- • Thermostat instructions
- • TV/streaming setup guide
- • Washer/dryer instructions
- • Dishwasher instructions
- • Coffee maker instructions
- • Grill usage & propane shutoff
- • Water heater location
WiFi & Technology
- • WiFi network name & password
- • Smart lock instructions
- • Smart thermostat guide
- • Bluetooth speaker pairing
- • Streaming service logins (if provided)
Outdoor & Recreation
- • Grill safety & propane location
- • Fire pit rules
- • Kayak/paddleboard usage
- • Boat lift instructions
- • Outdoor shower usage
- • Garbage/wildlife warnings
Pro Tip: Use consistent, professional signage throughout your property. Laminated cards or framed signs look better than handwritten notes and last longer.