Be Sure to Include These 24 Must-Have Amenities
You can attract more renters to your Outer Banks vacation rental by including essential amenities that draw attention and make your home stand out amongst the competition. It's no question that the current Outer Banks vacation rental market is competitive! With so many different companies to choose from and more places to stay added daily, it can be a challenge to ensure that your property stands out and gets all the attention that we know it deserves! That's where amenities come in. Offering distinctive amenities can elevate your property, attracting more guests and increasing your positive reviews. And by focusing on purchasing from local businesses, you're not only supporting the local economy but also offering your guests a uniquely authentic OBX experience. Keep reading for the top 24 amenities that are sure to draw the crowds to your rental - and ideas on how to work with local vendors to make sure that your vacation rental offers a truly unforgettable Outer Banks getaway experience.
1. Inviting Entryway & Coastal Curb Appeal
If you're fortunate enough to have a home with oceanfront or soundfront views, you're already one step ahead of the game in drawing in renters. But regardless of whether your home is oceanfront, soundfront, oceanside, or soundside, first impressions matter. When guests come into your home, the first thing that they see is the entryway. The decor, layout, and overall feel and design can set the entire tone for their stay! Consider adding a coastal-inspired welcome sign, indoor and outdoor lighting, and seating like benches inside or Adirondack chairs outside the front door to welcome your guests in with relaxed island vibes. Enhance your space with native coastal plants and unique decor accents created by local artists!
2. Private Pool
Installing a private pool is a sure way to increase interest in your property and garner more positive public reviews! Having a private pool at a beach house offers guests a more secluded space to unwind when they're looking to get away from the crowds at the beach while still enjoying the beautiful weather of the Outer Banks. A pool is also a great choice on red flag days and days when it's just too windy to get out and enjoy the water! Families love the ability to swim and enjoy time outside in a controlled environment while simultaneously having the ideal place to gather together, enjoy a meal under the stars, and have an unforgettable summer bonding with loved ones and making cherished memories! Bonus points when those memories include Instagram-worthy photos on the pool deck!
3. Hot Tub
Pools are great and certainly scream "summer," but there's something about the year-round appeal of a hot tub that is perfect for a beach house vacation rental. Whether guests are looking for a way to relax after a day at the beach or they want to enjoy the sound of the ocean during the cooler months, a hot tub can be the answer while adding value and drawing in guests all year long. As an added bonus, soaking in a hot tub is great for soothing tired muscles after a day of surfing, swimming, and exploring while it also creates a welcoming social hub for family members to relax! Adding a hot tub to your rental will help you stand out in search results while attracting attention and adding a little extra "wow" factor to your online photos.
4. Outdoor Shower
Outdoor showers can be a game-changer for an Outer Banks vacation rental! Having an outdoor shower makes beach days so much more convenient! They offer a quick and easy way to rinse off after spending the day at the beach, while making sure that the sand stays outside instead of bringing it on the floors and furniture. Outdoor showers are also great for cooling down after exploring on a hot day, even if the beach wasn't on the agenda. Not to mention, if your home is pet-friendly, this is a great way to clean off those sandy paws and offer added convenience for families traveling with pets! Guests who want to spend as much time at the beach as possible will be much more interested in your house with an outdoor shower because it really is just a practical perk for beach living!
5. Washer & Dryer (Maybe 2!)
Ensuring that you have a top-of-the-line washer and dryer at your Outer Banks vacation rental is a simple but meaningful amenity that is sure to enhance the experience of your guests while adding practical value to what you're investing in your property! Offering a way for guests to wash clothes throughout the week helps lighten the packing load, which ensures comfort and convenience throughout the week. When they've got to pack less, chances are, your guests will have an even more positive experience and will enjoy the ability to save money and space by simply washing things throughout the week. It also ensures less to worry about once they're home - meaning they're going to be more focused on having fun than worrying about when the vacation will end! For larger homes, having a second washer and/or dryer as well as an outside clothes line can really add to the convenience of your property!
6. Beach Gear & Equipment
Offering beach equipment like beach carts, coolers, chairs, and umbrellas can really add to guest satisfaction when staying at your home. Things like coolers and carts are hard or impossible to bring with normal luggage - usually resulting in added expenses during the actual vacation. So by including beach gear and equipment for your guests, you're not only making their entire stay more convenient, but it's easy for something as simple as providing beach chairs to completely elevate their entire vacation experience! This will often result in positive reviews and repeat renters to your home.
7. High-Speed Wi-Fi & Streaming Services
Wifi and streaming services are essential for a beach vacation rental, offering guests both convenience and entertainment - a standard that most modern travelers expect as a default! Offering high-speed wifi helps guests stay in touch with their families and friends while on vacation while also tapping into a rental market that has become more popular since the pandemic: remote workers! Having high-speed wifi encourages remote workers (and students) to come stay for longer stretches which helps to fill in those gaps in the non-summer months. Not to mention that by having streaming services, kids will be much happier when they have the opportunity to unwind after a day at the beach and parents can relax with the trappings of home just a click away. Check out our "Reasons to Choose Silicon Travel for Your Outer Banks Home" guide for a more detailed look finding reliable internet and streaming services on the Outer Banks.
8. Gourmet Kitchen
Gourmet kitchens are a great selling point for Outer Banks vacation rental homes because not only do they offer a little extra luxury during a summer stay, but they also make your property a great choice for holiday rentals! Including upscale kitchen appliances and bonus amenities like double stoves or dishwashers can truly enhance your guests' vacation experience. They'll be able to save money while accommodating dietary preferences, ensuring peace of mind and a broader market of potential renters. Guests are especially looking for gourmet kitchens when planning their holiday vacations - helping boost rental numbers during November and December. This will give your home a competitive edge while also encourage extended stays!
9. Coffee Bar
High-end coffee bars are an amazing way that a small added touch can make a huge impact on your Outer Banks vacation rental. A coffee bar adds comfort and luxury while making guests feel like they're staying at a luxurious, boutique hotel. This helps the vacation feel a little more special than it already does while creating memorable moments that set your home apart from others on the market. Not to mention, waking up to the sunrise over the ocean and watching it from the comfort of an oceanside deck is a truly miraculous experience. Make this even more unforgettable by offering a dedicated coffee bar that provides a cozy space to start the day and get the vacation going on slow and easy island time! Consider partnering with a local coffee shop to ensure a steady supply of local coffee for your guests to enjoy!
10. Outdoor Furniture
One of the best things about coming to the Outer Banks is the chance to enjoy the weather while staying at your beach vacation rental! Quality outdoor furniture is a game-changer for your Outer Banks vacation rental because it turns an otherwise ordinary space into a transformative retreat, enhancing your overall guest experience and giving guests exactly what they're looking for. Thoughtfully curated outdoor spaces boost the value of your home and often increase the number of bookings that you'll receive, offering comfort, the perfect space for outdoor dining, and a safe and comfortable area for families with kids and pets to make the most of their vacation! The Outer Banks is also one of the best places in the world to go stargazing! Consider capitalizing on this and maximizing outdoor living through the creation of the perfect relaxation retreat that begs for evening cocktails at sunset and a good book on a warm afternoon.
11. Game Room
For Outer Banks vacation rentals, game rooms are often a must-have! Not only do they create a fun and engaging space for families to bond, but they're also great for adding that little boost of luxury to their vacation. Game rooms can take on whatever vision you have for them, appealing to different types of guests. From classic board games and puzzles to video games or even arcade machines, game rooms make things a little more fun for everyone involved. Game rooms are also great for rainy day entertainment, offering the perfect retreat when it starts to storm or the kids are getting a little overwhelmed with the heat. Not only that, but game rooms look great on a listing and can attract attention by adding you to additional search categories and appealing to year-round vacationers.
12. Bicycles
Bicycles are a great addition to your Outer Banks vacation rental because they offer guests both a fun and convenient way to explore the Outer Banks! The OBX has plenty of bike paths that take guests through charming neighborhoods and give them a chance to enjoy fresh ocean breezes and beautiful coastal views. Bikes allow guests to explore at their own pace while adding a little bit of adventure eccentricity to their stay! Bikes also make getting to the beach access incredibly easy while encouraging families to spend time together - creating lasting vacation memories at YOUR beach house!
13. Watersports Equipment
Watersports equipment is a great way to boost rentals - especially if your home is located on or near the sound, South Nags Head, or Hatteras Island! Offering gear like kayaks, paddleboards, and boogie boards is a smart investment that allows guests to dive right into water activities with additional fees or booking equipment. These activities are great for families of all types and ages and encourage healthy fun. They also encourage longer stays for people who are looking to have a little adventure while keeping the kids occupied. In the competitive rental market, unique amenities like surfboards, kayaks, and canoes can truly help your property shine while giving guests the chance to grab those Insta-worthy shots from the comfort of their rental. Check out Kitty Hawk Kites for a great selection of reasonably priced and locally trusted watersports gear for your guests!
14. Outdoor Fire Pit
Adding an outdoor fire pit is an incredibly popular and valuable amenity for any Outer Banks beach vacation rental. It creates a fantastically cozy gathering space that is inviting and relaxing for roasting marshmallows, sipping glasses of wine, or simply relaxing underneath the stars. It's also perfect for chilly nights when the temperatures on the Outer Banks can head down to the 50s, meaning you don't have to stop the fun just because the sun goes down! And if your guests are here for a romantic getaway, a fire pit can add to the ambiance, while family groups with kids will love the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime!
15. Outdoor Movie Screen/Projector
One of the perks of staying in an Outer Banks beach house is the weather and getting to enjoy the temperate climate outside. So why not give your guests the chance to have a unique entertainment opportunity that is sure to keep them talking for years to come? Outdoor Movie Screens/Projectors are perfect for creating an unforgettable entertainment experience. Guests can enjoy watching a movie under the stars with the sound of the ocean in the background which encourages relaxation and a unique selling point that will help your home stand out among others in the market! Outdoor movies are also great for kids of all ages and is perfect for larger families who want to spend even more time at their rental all year long - because whether you're watching a movie on a warm summer night or snuggling up next to a fire pit in the winter, it's always sure to be a hit.
16. Tiki Bar
Tiki bars are great - and we even have an amenity option on our website that will highlight your home with a tiki bar! Tiki bars really add to the OBX aesthetic and help bring the laid-back, beachy vibe directly to your rental. Guests will feel like they're staying at a resort with this fun, casual addition to the poolside coastal atmosphere. Tiki bars elevate any outdoor living space while encouraging families to stay a little bit longer so that they have the chance to enjoy all the amenities in your home. Tiki bars are also equally fun for adults and kids, whether you're whipping an amazing mocktail or mixing up a beachside drink like the ones featured here. Either way, a tiki bar can be a simple addition that truly transforms the feel-good atmosphere of your outdoor spaces!
17. Hammock
And speaking of simple, a hammock is an incredibly simple yet transformational addition to any Outer Banks beach house! Get ready to have your guests enjoy living life on island time with a hammock where they can relax for a nap or their favorite beach read with the sounds of the ocean nearby. Hammocks add instant coastal charm that gives the appearance of a beachside bungalow wherever your home is located on the OBX. Plus, hammocks are a unique amenity that few guests will have at their homes, meaning that many are eager to seek out these meaningful additions. Additionally, in the grand scheme of things, hammocks are a relatively affordable amenity, with Nags Head Hammocks offering beautiful hammocks starting at just over $200! Encourage your guests to slow down and enjoy the ocean air as they learn how to celebrate the art of doing nothing!
18. Deck, Balcony, and/or Patio
Whether you're right across from the ocean or near the sound, a deck is a must-have feature for any beach house on the Outer Banks. Having a deck not only extends the usable space of your beach house, but gives you the chance to showcase the scenery, whether that be ocean views, soundside sunsets, or gorgeous coastal OBX landscapes. These spaces are fantastic for relaxation in the sunshine while adding tables or seating is ideal for an al fresco dining experience that guests are sure to love. Private decks often feel like a luxury while offering more space to relax and move between indoor and outdoor spaces enhances the livability of your space, encouraging guests to bring their loved ones and stay a little longer!
19. Barware
Barware, like glasses, cocktail shakers, and salt rimmers, are perfect for an Outer Banks beach house because they elevate the guest experience while enhancing that vacation vibe! Encourage guests to whip up their own favorite drink and gather together with their loved ones for a luxurious and hassle-free vacation experience. Barware is the perfect complement to an outdoor kitchen, wine bar, or tiki bar, creating a cohesive experience that helps boost the appeal of your rental and provides guests the opportunity to get those perfect family pictures! Whatever your guests are celebrating, barware offers convenience and fun for everyone! Consider adding extras like pitchers for serving, recipe cards with your favorite OBX-inspired drinks, and decorative stir sticks for an even better beachside experience!
20. Charging Station/Electrical Adapters
Creating a charging station with electrical adapters is a small but meaningful amenity that will make your Outer Banks beach house even more convenient and family-friendly! Guests often rely on phones, tablets, cameras, and more for everything from entertainment to medical necessities. Having a dedicated charging station will encourage guests to book your property because they're not going to have to worry about whether or not they've got the right chargers packed or whether there are enough outlets for everyone's devices! A designated station will also help keep things glowing, preventing scattered cords and chargers while keeping things organized and tastefully designed. This is a great option for homes looking to support international and remote workers as well as reducing wear and tear on outlets, ultimately saving you upkeep costs in the future!
21. Local Maps & Guidebooks
This is a fun way to help your guests get into an OBX state of mind while welcoming them to the area and helping them feel even more at home in your OBX vacation rental. Guidebooks and maps with your favorite spots highlighted while helping guests find hidden games in the area and encourage adventure! Including local maps and guidebooks for guest use in your rental will also help support local businesses by encouraging guests to visit locally owned and operated spots, boosting the economy, and allowing your guests to feel like they're a part of the local coastal landscape! Leaving personal recommendations for your guests adds a thoughtful touch that will provide guests with a memorable stay, boosting reviews and encouraging repeat-renters!
22. Outdoor Games
Like some of our other recommendations, including outdoor games will help your guests enjoy the beautiful OBX environment with instant entertainment and a carefully curated social space that is sure to bring joy to kids of all ages! Games like horseshoes and cornhole boards are perfect for enhancing relaxation while getting families together to create memories in this beautiful space. This is a cost-effective upgrade that will certainly add a huge amount of value to your property by create a laid-back, playful atmosphere that encourages more repeat guests, positive reviews, and amazing photos that add excitement and fun to your beachside paradise.
23. Home Gym Equipment
Creating a home gym is sure to add value and appeal to your property! Many guests hope to continue their fitness routine even while on vacation, so including gym equipment in your home will attract the health-conscious guest who wants to stay maybe longer than week at the beach without sacrificing their fitness goals! Home gyms also add convenience for guests who like privacy while working out and by giving them the chance to exercise at home, your guests will be saving money, meaning that they're more likely to have a positive rental experience. Not to mention, including a home gym will add to those "wellness retreat vibes." Consider complementing with smoothies, hot tubs, and yoga mats to really market your space as a wellness getaway on the Outer Banks!
24. EV Charger
Including an EV charger in your OBX beach house is a forward-thinking, economical upgrade that will not only boost your rental appeal to a growing market but will also add convenience for guests who drive electric cars. While there are charging stations on the Outer Banks, some guests may have to drive to find them, so by including one in your home, you'll increase the length of stays while creating a premium vacation experience. EV chargers are a standout amenity that will keep guests relaxed and increase your booking potential across the board. Support sustainable travel alongside convenience to ensure your guests have the best OBX vacation experience possible.
Make Your Vacation Rental Stand Out!
In today’s competitive vacation rental market, offering thoughtful, high-quality amenities can make a world of difference in attracting guests and ensuring a memorable stay. By incorporating standout features like a private pool, gourmet kitchen, beach gear, and a charging station, you’re not only enhancing the overall guest experience but also differentiating your property from others. Investing in these key upgrades doesn’t just improve your property’s appeal — it has the potential to directly impact your booking rate, guest satisfaction, and positive reviews. In turn, these factors lead to higher occupancy rates, increased revenue, and repeat bookings.
We love property management on the Outer Banks and it shows. Family-owned and locally managed for over 30 years, Seaside Vacations goes above and beyond to make sure property management is Hassle-Free, meaning that we’ll take care of the details so that you can get back to taking care of the things that matter most to you. We'll help you make the most of your vacation rental.
If you’re not already working with us and you're ready to find out more about how we support YOU in your rental property business, request your Complimentary Rental Projection today! Simply fill out this form to receive a commitment-free call from Michelle Russell, our Business Development Director at Seaside Vacations, who can answer any questions you may have about how Seaside Vacations can help you make the most of your Outer Banks vacation rental property.
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About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, history professor, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
