Journal
The Ultimate Airbnb Amenities Checklist for Adelaide Hosts
A complete short term rental essentials guide built from 500+ stays across the Adelaide market. Cover the must-haves, add the premium touches, and turn one-night bookings into five-star reviews.
7 min read
Guests do not book a property. They book an experience. And the experience starts with what they find when they walk through the door. After managing short-stay properties across Adelaide for three years, we have learned that amenity quality is one of the strongest predictors of review score, repeat booking rate, and nightly rate growth.
This Airbnb amenities list splits into two tiers: the essentials every Adelaide property must have to be competitive, and the premium touches that push a 4.6 review to a 4.9 and justify a higher rate bracket. We have also included Adelaide-specific additions that guests from interstate and overseas consistently mention in feedback.
Foundation
The essentials: non-negotiable for every stay
These are the short term rental essentials. Missing any of them guarantees a negative mention in a review, a support ticket, or a booking platform deduction. Stock them before the first guest arrives and check them after every turnover.
Bedding & linen
- High-thread-count sheets (minimum 300 thread count)
- Duvet with seasonal-weight insert
- Two pillow options per guest (firm + soft)
- Spare blanket in the wardrobe
- Mattress protector (waterproof, breathable)
Bathroom basics
- Two bath towels + two face washers per guest
- Hand soap and body wash (pump dispensers preferred)
- Toilet paper (3+ rolls stocked)
- Shower mat and bath mat
- Hair dryer with diffuser attachment
- Bin with liner
Kitchen must-haves
- Cookware: frypan, saucepan, baking tray
- Utensils: knives, spatulas, tongs, peeler, can opener
- Plates, bowls, glasses (6 of each minimum)
- Coffee plunger or pod machine + pods
- Electric kettle + tea selection
- Basic condiments: salt, pepper, oil
- Dishwashing liquid, sponge, tea towel
- Rubbish bin + recycling bin
Climate & comfort
- Reverse-cycle air conditioning or heating
- Ceiling fans in bedrooms
- Blackout curtains or blinds
- Insect screens on operable windows
- Portable fan for summer peak (backup)
Tech & connectivity
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi (50+ Mbps minimum)
- Smart TV with Netflix / Stan / Disney+ logged in
- USB charging ports bedside
- Universal power adapter (international guests)
- Clear Wi-Fi password card on arrival
Safety & compliance
- Smoke alarms in every bedroom and hallway (SA law)
- Carbon monoxide detector (if gas appliances)
- Fire extinguisher and fire blanket in kitchen
- First-aid kit (checked monthly)
- Emergency contact card with local numbers
- Slip-resistant mats in bath/shower
Premium
The touches that earn five-star reviews
These are not required to avoid a complaint. They are what turns a functional stay into a memorable one. Properties with three or more of these categories consistently outperform their comp set on rate and occupancy.
Arrival experience
- Welcome hamper with local Adelaide produce
- Nespresso or specialty coffee setup
- Bottled sparkling and still water
- Personalised welcome card with host name
- Fresh flowers or indoor plant
Sleep & wellness
- Blackout sleep masks and earplugs
- Aromatherapy diffuser with lavender oil
- Bedside reading lamp with warm light
- Phone charging dock or wireless pad
Entertainment & lifestyle
- Board games and playing cards
- Local Adelaide guidebook (printed)
- Streaming service subscriptions (4K where possible)
- Bluetooth speaker (portable, waterproof for outdoor)
- Books or magazines relevant to local culture
Work-ready setup
- Dedicated desk or workspace with lamp
- Ergonomic chair
- Monitor or laptop stand (where space allows)
- Notepad and pen set
- Powerboard with surge protection
Outdoor & seasonal
- Outdoor dining setting with shade
- BBQ tools and cleaning brush
- Beach towels (separate from bath towels)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Reusable shopping bags
Local context
Adelaide-specific additions guests actually notice
Interstate and international guests arrive with assumptions that do not match Adelaide's climate, water, or event calendar. Anticipating these removes friction and signals local expertise.
Extra sunscreen and hats — Adelaide UV is extreme in summer
Filtered water jug — tap water is safe but some guests prefer filtered
Event calendar card — Fringe, WOMADelaide, AFL Gather Round dates
Wine glasses and decanter — Barossa and McLaren Vale are day-trip territory
Picnic basket or cooler bag — Adelaide Hills and beach trips are common
Heated throw or electric blanket — June to August nights can drop sharply
Clear instructions for reverse-cycle AC — interstate guests often unfamiliar
Operations
Keeping the checklist alive: turnover discipline
An amenities list is only useful if it is maintained. We run a photographic turnover checklist after every stay: every towel counted, every condiment checked, every battery tested. Before-and-after photos are logged against the property record, which protects both owner and guest in a damage claim.
We also review the checklist quarterly. Guest expectations shift, seasons change, and what was premium two years ago is now baseline. A quarterly audit keeps the property competitive without overstocking.
Property management
Want the checklist run for you?
Luxe Managements stocks, maintains, and upgrades amenities across every property in our portfolio. Owners never buy toilet paper. Guests never find an empty dispenser.