The Best Amenities to Offer in Your Brisbane Airbnb to Get 5-Star Reviews
Brisbane’s holiday rental market is becoming increasingly competitive. So how does one stand-out in such a saturated space while also building on our previous advice about maximising your Airbnb profits?
The answer is simple: amenities.
Guests don’t just want a place to sleep- otherwise, they would just book a cheap hotel.
Instead, they are looking for a comfortable experience that meets both their needs and their expectations. Whether you're catering to holidaymakers, business travellers, or locals looking for a weekend staycation (check out our suburb guide to help you narrow down your ideal market), offering the right amenities is key to securing those coveted 5-star reviews.
Take the first step today toward easy Airbnb investment!
If you are looking at maximising your income from your short-term rental in Brisbane, then investing in your property's amenities, with the guidance of a management service is the right call.
The Best Amenities To Invest In (Backed by Data)
Airbnb’s own data shows that listings with key amenities are more likely to appear in search results and receive higher ratings.
Generally speaking, what are the core features every Brisbane holiday rental should offer?
High-Speed Wi-Fi
Statistic: Properties offering high-speed internet see a notable increase in bookings.
Why it matters: Whether your guests are streaming Netflix or working remotely, stable internet is non-negotiable. Imagine a business traveller comparing two listings: one offers a dedicated workspace with an ergonomic chair, dual monitors, and 50+ Mbps Wi-Fi and the other just has a dining table. Guess which one gets booked?
Pro Tip: Ensure minimum speeds of 50 Mbps and include the internet speed in your listing description.
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Statistic: Airbnb reports that listings with well-stocked kitchens consistently earn higher reviews.
Why it matters: Guests, especially families or long-term stays, value the option to cook. It also makes your place feel more like home- plus being able to have access to a kitchen can save money! So even if your listing is a little more expensive than another place, it is the kind of edge that can make your property more appealing.
Pro Tip: Include a microwave, coffee maker, toaster oven, full cookware set, and a welcome basket with snacks and condiments.
Laundry Facilities
Statistic: The sites data shows that properties with washers and dryers are booked more often and receive better ratings.
Why it matters: Convenience matters. Laundry facilities are a sure fire way to attract guests staying longer than a few days or families traveling with children- especially if you’re holiday home is close to the beach.
Pro Tip: Offer in-unit laundry machines, detergent and clear instructions.
Air Conditioning and Heating
Statistic: As battling the elements is part of the Australian way of life, listings with climate control are among the most searched in Australia.
Why it matters: Brisbane’s summers are hot and humid, while winters can surprise guests with chilly evenings, so being able to control the temperature in their environment is tantamount to a guest's comfort.
Pro Tip: Install reverse-cycle air conditioners to keep your property comfortable year-round.
Dedicated Workspace
Statistic: With remote work on the rise, short-term rentals with a proper workspace are in high demand.
Why it matters: Especially if you are looking to attract business travellers or digital nomads, a functional desk setup, quiet environment and good lighting make your property appealing.
Pro Tip: Add a desk, office chair, strong lighting and plenty of outlets in a quiet corner. A comfortable office chair makes a world of difference to the seasoned remote worker.
Bonus Amenities to Elevate the Guest Experience
Once you’ve nailed the essentials, offering bonus amenities is where you can truly stand out. These features can increase your average nightly rate, attract more niche audiences, and help you justify a premium listing price. If you are worried about the upkeep of these facilities, some co-hosting services help with short-term rental management in Brisbane that will make the investement worthwhile!
Take the first step today toward easy Airbnb investment!
Outdoor Entertainment Area
Statistic: Airbnb has found that listings with BBQs and outdoor lounges receive more positive reviews. Not surprising, as a BBQ and hanging outside definitely adds to the holiday atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Provide a BBQ grill, outdoor seating, fairy lights and possibly a fire pit for cooler evenings.
Swimming Pool or Hot Tub
Statistic: Listings with pools/hot tubs enjoy significantly higher RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room)- especially being in sunny Brisbane!
Pro Tip: Make sure the pool is the main feature image on your listing. Regularly clean and maintain the area and include safety instructions and towels. If you are not sure you’ll be able to keep up with the maintenance, partner with co-hosts in Brisbane.
Pet-Friendly Features
Statistic: Demand for pet-friendly stays is rising rapidly- we all know that couple who treat their pet as a child!
Pro Tip: Add pet beds, bowls, waste bags, and establish clear pet policies to avoid issues.
Indoor or Electric Fireplace
Why it matters: While Brisbane is known for it’s Summer getaways, people who are travelling for work or even just to get out of the bitter coldness of the other locations in Australia will still appreciate a cozy atmosphere during winter months.
Pro Tip: If a real fireplace isn’t feasible, a stylish electric one adds both warmth and ambience. International travellers, especially, would appreciate this effort as sometimes the coolness of Australia in winter can catch them off guard!
Entertainment & Games
Why it matters: When you are travelling, sometimes you like to have a few down days or something to do in the evening, so games, entertainment and other ways to pass the time can really help you optimise the interest in your Airbnb. Also, it just makes guests feel a little more at home and can keep kids entertained.
Options to include:
Board games like Monopoly and Scrabble.
Streaming services: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video.
Video game console: PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch.
Voice assistants like Google Home or Alexa.
Gym or Wellness Setup
Why it matters: People who are committed to a health and wellness regime or lifestyle will actively seek out spaces that enable them to continue their healthy habits while travelling. Sunny places, especially like Brisbane, often attract the health and wellness crowd, so this is an amenity to consider if that is the type of guest you are catering towards.
Pro Tip: Offer yoga mats, light weights or even a full home gym. If space allows, a sauna or massage chair can be a premium feature.
Bicycles & Surfboards
Why it matters: Some of the best places to own a holiday rental in Brisbane are within close distance to cycling paths or have easy coastal access.
Pro Tip: Provide secure storage and maintenance gear. If you are near the Gold or Sunshine Coast, offering surfboards is a smart niche touch!
Family-Friendly Gear
Why it matters: When families travel, one less item to bring can make a world of difference. So, having items that cater to families is incredibly enticing.
Pro Tip: Include a crib, high chair, blackout curtain and baby bath. These little touches lead to glowing reviews from traveling parents as you are simply adding so much more ease and comfort to their experience.
Smart Home Features
Why it matters: Little features can add just more convenience and a luxury feel.
Must-Have Tech:
Smart lock for easy check-in/out.
Smart thermostat for personalised climate control.
Google Home or Alexa for voice-activated convenience.
Airport Pickup & Transport Services
Why it matters: While this is not an essential service to offer, a smooth arrival experience enhances the guest's first impression- especially for those who are visiting Brisbane for the first time.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have the means to offer this yourself, partner with local transport services, co-hosting services or offer an Uber gift card. Guests arriving late or from overseas will greatly appreciate it.
So Why Do Amenities Matter?
In today’s market, guests have higher expectations than ever. They compare listings not just on price and location, but on comfort, convenience, and the “extras” that make their stay more enjoyable.
Depending on what sort of guests you are looking to attract to your holiday investment property (make sure you check our previous blog on the best places to own an Airbnb in Brisbane for more advice), the right investment can be the difference between somebody booking with you over somebody else.
While it may seem a little stressful to manage some of the amenities, by enlisting the help of short-term rental management or co-hosting services in Brisbane, you can incorporate them worry-free.
So what are these amenities?
Take the first step today toward easy Airbnb investment!
In Brisbane’s competitive short-term rental market, standing out isn’t just about having a stylish space—it’s about anticipating and exceeding guest needs. By offering a combination of essential and bonus amenities, you’ll not only attract more bookings but also cultivate the kind of unforgettable stays that lead to glowing 5-star reviews.
Whether you're managing one property or scaling a portfolio, consider partnering with a professional Airbnb management company. They can help with co-hosting services for your short-term rental as well as to implement, maintain, and optimise these amenities. Taking the guesswork out of hosting and helping you maximise profits while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
