Guest Bedroom Essentials: Must-Have Items for Short-Term Rentals and Hotels

Guest Bedroom Essentials: Must-Have Items for Short-Term Rentals and Hotels

Guest Bedroom Essentials: Must-Have Items for Short-Term Rentals and Hotels

Creating the perfect guest bedroom is one of the most important parts of designing any short-term rental or hotel room. Whether you’re hosting vacationers in your Airbnb or welcoming travelers to your boutique hotel, your guests expect a space that’s clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed.

Here are our top guest bedroom essentials every host or hotelier should have to create a five-star guest experience:


1. Full-Length Mirrors

A full-length mirror is a non-negotiable item in any guest room. Travelers want to check their outfits before heading out, especially when they're dressing for events, business meetings, or nights out. 

Including a mirror not only shows attention to detail, it adds both function and style.

Pictured: The Boardwalk Hotel, Mission Beach, CA


2. Conveniently Placed Electrical Outlets

In today’s digital world, guests need access to multiple charging points. Make sure your guest room includes accessible electrical outlets near the bed, desk, and vanity areas. Even better? Include USB ports or charging stations for added convenience.

Pictured: Cottage in Covert, MI

 

3. Bedside Tables with Lighting

Every guest bedroom needs matching bedside tables and lamps (or wall sconces). This provides a practical surface for phones, books, and water, while also giving guests the ability to control lighting from bed. Choose soft, warm-toned bulbs for a cozy, inviting feel.

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Pictured: The George in Broken Bow, OK

 

4. Create Purposeful Zones: Work, Rest, and Unwinding

If space allows, design your guest bedroom with separate zones for different activities. A small desk or workspace helps business travelers stay productive. A comfortable seating nook or reading chair provides a cozy spot to unwind. And, of course, the bed zone is dedicated to rest. When guests can easily identify these areas, their stay feels more comfortable and functional.

Pictured: White Birch Cabin, MI


5. Luggage Rack, Hanging Bars or Benches

Avoid suitcases tossed on the bed or floor. A foldable luggage rack, hanging bar, or dedicated bench gives guests a convenient, elevated place to open and access their bags. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in room usability.

Looking for more on this? Check out our blog: No Closet? No Problem: Smart Airbnb Bedroom Storage Ideas

Pictured: The George in Broken Bow

 

6. Blackout Curtains or Window Shades

Sleep is sacred when traveling. Make sure your bedroom has effective blackout window treatments to help guests rest better (especially in urban environments or during early sunrises.) 

Bonus: it adds a feeling of luxury.

Pro Tip: Layer blackout curtains with blinds to give guests even more options to customize the room's lighting to their liking.

Pictured: The George in Broken Bow

 

7. Invest in High-Quality Bedding

You don’t have to spend a fortune on luxury sheets, but quality matters. Go for crisp white bedding (it looks and feels cleaner), soft but durable materials, and offer at least four pillows per bed with a mix of firm and soft. Your bedding directly impacts guest comfort—and your reviews.

Pictured: Cottage in Covert, MI

 

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8. Intentionally Designed Touches

This is what separates a “fine” stay from an unforgettable one. Whether it’s a custom feature wall, curated artwork, or layered textures, add something visually unique. Your goal is to create a space that’s not only functional but also Instagram-worthy and memorable.

Pictured: The Tulsa Manor, OK

 

📘 Want Our Full Guest Bedroom Checklist?

We’ve bundled our expert insights into The Hospitality Design Blueprint: The Ultimate Bedroom Edition—a must-have guide for any Airbnb host or hotel owner.

Inside the guide, you’ll discover:

  • The psychology of rest
  • The five non-negotiable zones
  • How to design with a “viral mindset” that gets your space shared—and rebooked.

Whether you’re launching your first listing or scaling a growing portfolio, this guide is your key to making every bedroom unforgettable—and wildly profitable.


Final Thoughts on Guest Bedroom Must-Haves

The best hospitality spaces go beyond the basics. When you focus on comfort, functionality, and thoughtful design, including creating purposeful zones for work, rest, and unwinding,  your guests notice. 

Your reviews will reflect it too. Whether you're managing a short-term rental, boutique hotel, or vacation property, these guest bedroom essentials will help you create a space your guests won’t stop talking about!


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