Category: Getting Started
By: Omar Hassan
Reply by Tyler Jackson:
Here's my tiered list after hosting 500+ guests: **REQUIRED (will get bad reviews without these):** - Clean, comfortable bed with decent mattress - Fresh, white towels (at least 2 per guest) - Working WiFi (test speed — guests need 25+ Mbps) - Basic kitchen: pots, pans, plates, utensils, coffee maker - Toilet paper, soap, shampoo (don't make guests buy basics) - Hangers in the closet (seriously, people notice) - Heating/AC appropriate for your climate - Smoke/CO detectors - Self check-in (smart lock or lockbox) **HIGH-ROI NICE-TO-HAVE (gets mentioned in positive reviews):** - Nespresso or good coffee machine — $99 - Phone chargers on nightstands — $20 - Blackout curtains — $40 - White noise machine — $25 - Welcome snacks — $10/stay - Iron + ironing board — $30 **LUXURY (nice but not necessary to start):** - Ring doorbell, smart thermostat, designer furniture, fire pit, hot tub Start with the required tier. Add high-ROI items one at a time as revenue allows. You can use the cleaning fee calculator at https://strspecialist.com/tools/cleaning-fee-calculator to figure out your per-stay costs and budget for upgrades.
Reply by Jessica Morales:
I'd add one to the "required" list: **extra blankets**. Regardless of climate, some guests run cold. A folded throw blanket on the couch and an extra blanket in the closet costs $30 total and prevents "the apartment was cold" complaints. Also — a toilet plunger. Because if a guest needs one and you don't have one, that's a REALLY awkward situation for everyone.