The Most Requested Guest Essentials for a Successful Holiday Home
At Short Let Space, we regularly review guest feedback to understand what truly enhances a short-term stay. By analysing our 2025 guest reviews across Oxford, Oxfordshire, and beyond, we’ve identified the most commonly requested items that make a real difference to guest satisfaction.
For holiday home owners, small upgrades and thoughtful additions can significantly improve reviews, repeat bookings, and overall guest experience. Below are the top seven guest-requested essentials to consider for your property.
Bluetooth Speakers/ Sound Systems
Many guests enjoy listening to music while relaxing, cooking, or socialising. A simple Bluetooth speaker is an affordable addition that adds instant appeal, particularly for couples and groups.
Owner tip: Choose a robust, easy-to-use speaker and clearly label instructions to avoid connectivity issues. We can also add all instructions to our helpful Home User Guides.
Board Games and Books
Screen-free entertainment is increasingly popular, especially with families and multi-generational groups. A small selection of board games, card games, or books provides enjoyment for all ages and encourages guests to spend quality time together.
Owner tip: Opt for classic games (such as Uno, Scrabble, Jenga or chess) that are easy to replace if lost or damaged.
BBQ
A BBQ can be a big selling point, particularly for larger homes or properties with outdoor space. However, it’s essential to consider health, safety, and cleaning responsibilities.
Owner tip: Only provide a BBQ if you can ensure it’s cleaned between stays and clear usage instructions are provided. This might be worth a discussion with your home manager and account manager to ensure this is the right decision for your home, in terms of cost and usability.
Air Conditioning or Fans
British summers are becoming warmer, and guests increasingly expect ways to keep cool. While air conditioning can be a significant investment, portable fans are a cost-effective alternative that guests greatly appreciate.
Owner tip: Providing fans seasonally is an affordable way to increase comfort and avoid negative reviews during heatwaves. Our recommendation is to buy well first and not have to rebuy multiple over and over. Our team can advise on the best ones to supply.
Streaming services on TV
Guests expect modern entertainment options. A Smart TV that allows access to streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime – using their own logins, is more than ever becoming an essential part of the amenities that guests are coming to expect.
Owner tip: Ensure instructions for using the TV and streaming apps are clear and easy to follow. We can add these instructions to our helpful home user guides for guests.
Family friendly amenities
If your property sleeps more than three guests, family-friendly features are highly recommended. Items such as a travel cot, high chair, and children’s crockery can make your home far more appealing to families.
Owner tip: We can highlight these amenities clearly in your listing to attract family bookings.
Artwork & Cosy touches
Guests want to feel at home – not like they’re staying in a sterile, impersonal space. Tasteful artwork, cushions, throws, and soft furnishings can transform a property and make it feel warm and welcoming.
Owner tip: Neutral décor with pops of colour works well and photographs beautifully for listings.
Providing these guest-requested essentials doesn’t require a full refurbishment, just thoughtful choices based on real guest feedback. Investing in comfort, convenience, and atmosphere can lead to better reviews, higher occupancy, and increased revenue.
If you’d like tailored advice on how to optimise your holiday home or need support managing guest expectations, the Short Let Space Team is always here to help.
