Luxury Touches That’ll Make Your Short-Term Rental Stand Out!
In the world of short-term rentals, the little things make all the difference. Today’s guests aren’t just looking for a place to sleep, they want an experience. Whether you’re hosting in a high-end vacation home or a cozy city apartment, adding thoughtful luxury touches can set your rental apart, increase your nightly rate, and keep guests coming back.
The best part? Luxury doesn’t have to mean expensive. It’s all about making guests feel comfortable, indulged, and at ease.
Here are some simple yet impactful ways to give your short-term rental a five-star, luxury feel.
1. Upgrade the Bedding for a Hotel-Quality Sleep
A great night’s sleep is one of the most memorable parts of any stay. High-quality bedding instantly makes your rental feel more refined.
✔ Crisp, high-thread-count sheets (cotton or linen for breathability)
✔ Fluffy, hotel-style pillows (offer both firm and soft options)
✔ A cozy, all-season duvet or weighted blanket
✔ Blackout curtains for uninterrupted sleep
Luxury Touch: Place a small lavender sachet or linen spray on the nightstand for extra relaxation.
2. Create a Spa-Like Bathroom Experience
A well-appointed bathroom with thoughtful amenities can elevate your rental’s appeal.
✔ Soft, oversized towels (bonus points for a towel warmer)
✔ High-quality shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (skip the generic brands)
✔ A plush bathrobe and slippers
✔ A rainfall showerhead for a luxurious bathing experience
Luxury Touch: Add spa extras like Epsom salts, essential oils, or a face mask for guests to enjoy.
3. Elevate the Coffee & Tea Station
A basic coffee maker is fine, but a truly special coffee and tea setup can impress your guests.
✔ An espresso machine or French press
✔ Locally roasted coffee beans & grinder
✔ A variety of high-end teas and honey
✔ Milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos
Luxury Touch: Leave a handwritten note with recommendations for the best local cafés and bakeries.
4. Offer a Thoughtful Welcome Gift
Nothing says “we care” like a well-thought-out welcome gift. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, just something that feels personal.
✔ Local treats or a bottle of wine
✔ A handwritten welcome note with personalized recommendations
✔ Seasonal goodies (hot cocoa in winter, fresh fruit in summer)
Luxury Touch: If you have repeat guests, track their preferences and surprise them with something tailored to their tastes.
5. Invest in Smart Home Features
Luxury is about ease and convenience. Smart home upgrades can wow guests and simplify management.
✔ Keyless entry for a seamless check-in experience
✔ Smart thermostat to ensure the perfect temperature
✔ High-speed Wi-Fi with a Wi-Fi extender for full coverage
✔ Smart lighting with dimmable, warm-toned bulbs
Luxury Touch: Program soft lighting and calming music to greet guests upon arrival.
6. Add Cozy & Stylish Design Details
Luxury isn’t just about function, it’s also about aesthetics. Small design upgrades can make your space feel curated and high-end.
✔ Statement lighting like a chandelier or unique pendant lights
✔ Quality rugs and plush throw blankets for warmth and texture
✔ Framed artwork or a gallery wall featuring local artists
✔ Scented candles or an essential oil diffuser to create ambiance
Luxury Touch: Rotate decorative accents seasonally to keep the space feeling fresh and intentional.
7. Offer Premium Entertainment & Extras
Help guests unwind by providing entertainment options beyond the basics.
✔ Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+)
✔ Bluetooth speaker for music
✔ Curated book collection with travel guides and bestsellers
✔ Board games or a vintage record player for a nostalgic touch
Luxury Touch: Include a handwritten note with a “rainy day itinerary” featuring cozy local activities.
8. Stock a Mini Bar or Wine Cart
A stylish minibar setup makes guests feel like they’re staying in a boutique hotel.
✔ A selection of wines and spirits (or non-alcoholic options like craft sodas)
✔ Glassware for wine, cocktails, and champagne
✔ Small snacks like nuts, chocolate, or gourmet popcorn
Luxury Touch: Provide a cocktail recipe card featuring a drink inspired by your city.
9. Curate a Signature Scent
Luxury hotels are known for their signature scents, and you can do the same in your rental.
✔ Essential oil diffusers with calming scents like lavender or sandalwood
✔ Scented linen sprays for bedding and towels
✔ Fresh flowers or eucalyptus in the bathroom
Luxury Touch: Use the same scent throughout your listing to create a consistent, immersive experience.
10. Go Above & Beyond with Personalized Touches
Luxury isn’t just about what you provide—it’s about how you make guests feel.
✔ A custom welcome guidebook with your personal recommendations
✔ A check-in message tailored to their trip purpose (business, romantic getaway, family vacation)
✔ Flexible check-in/check-out times when possible
Luxury Touch: If guests are celebrating a special occasion, surprise them with a small gift or handwritten congratulatory note.
Final Thoughts
Luxury doesn’t have to mean over-the-top spending, it’s about creating an experience that feels effortless, thoughtful, and indulgent.
By incorporating small but meaningful touches like premium bedding, a well-stocked coffee bar, or a signature scent, you’ll set your short-term rental apart and leave guests raving about their stay.
