A well-stocked rental is great. But a rental that keeps guests entertained? Even better. Small upgrades can turn a good stay into a memorable one and boost your reviews along the way. Whether you're hosting families, couples, or solo travelers, here are ways to make your rental the one they talk about long after checkout.
Why It All Matters
Your listing photos and amenities may get someone to book. But what gets them to come back, or recommend you to friends, is how they felt while staying. Entertainment adds personality. It turns downtime into fun time. And it shows that you've designed your space for people, not just bookings.
The best part? Most of these upgrades are affordable, low-effort, and easy to maintain. Start small, test what your guests use most, and build from there.
How to Add Entertainment Amenities to Your Vacation Rental
1. Make Streaming Simple
Most guests want to unwind with a show after a busy day. Make it easy for them. Install smart TVs in the living room and bedrooms. Log in to major apps like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and YouTube; just make sure you're okay with guests using your accounts or set up guest profiles.
Better yet, leave clear instructions on how to use the system and how to log in with their own info. You can even leave a list of recommendations, like local-themed shows or family favorites. It makes the space feel more personal.
2. Stock Classic Board Games and Card Decks
This is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make, and one of the most appreciated. Pick games everyone knows: Uno, Monopoly, Scrabble, Jenga, and a few card decks. Add a few kid-friendly options if you're hosting families.
Keep everything in a designated drawer or basket, and make sure the pieces are complete. Games aren't just for rainy days; they help families bond and friends laugh. People remember that kind of thing.
3. Build a Small Library
You don't need a full bookshelf, just a stack of books in good condition. Include something for everyone: light fiction, local travel guides, cookbooks, maybe even some coffee table photography.
Guests love flipping through something casual while sipping coffee or winding down at night. Add in local magazines or brochures. It's a simple way to inspire them to explore the area and support local businesses.
4. Create an Outdoor Fun Zone
If you have any sort of outdoor space, use it. Set up cornhole boards, bocce ball, or horseshoes. If you're near the beach, keep a bin with buckets, shovels, and a couple of beach balls. Even a hammock or a few foldable chairs can go a long way.
In colder areas or during winter, offer sleds, snow toys, or even a fire pit kit with wood and matches. The goal is to help guests make memories without needing to leave the property.
5. Include a Bluetooth Speaker and Curated Playlists
Let guests create their own vibe. Place a small Bluetooth speaker in the living room or kitchen. Include instructions for how to pair it.
And go one step further by creating a few playlists for different moods: morning coffee, beach day, date night, family dinner. Link them via QR code or Spotify search. It's free to do and feels personal.
6. Don't Forget the Little Ones
If your rental is family-friendly, this is where you can really shine. Create a small corner or box with toys, picture books, coloring books, and crayons. Leave a booster seat or high chair if you can. Even just a nightlight in the hallway shows that you're thinking about families.
For entertainment, add a few children's movies or a kids' profile on your streaming apps. Parents notice these details and leave better reviews because of them.
7. Offer Local Experiences on Paper
Don't assume guests will Google everything. Make it easy for them. Put together a simple welcome binder or PDF with local entertainment options:
- Movie theaters
- Mini golf
- Arcades
- Farmers markets
- Concerts
- Escape rooms
- Kids' indoor play centers
- Trivia nights at nearby breweries
Also include local live music spots or any seasonal festivals. This list gives your guests something to do and shows you're a host who cares.
8. Build a Rainy-Day Backup Plan
No one wants a vacation stuck inside with nothing to do. Keep a few cozy extras on hand. Think:
- Puzzle boxes
- Hot chocolate packets
- Throw blankets
- Books
- Popcorn bags
- A movie night guide with your top picks
Rainy days can be frustrating, but your setup can turn them into an unexpected highlight.
9. Add Indoor Entertainment for All Ages
Think beyond the basics. Include a small speaker for music or a white noise machine for better sleep. If you've got the space, a foosball table, a dart board, or a retro arcade machine will be a huge hit. If you're tight on space, consider smaller wins:
- A trivia card set
- A deck of conversation starters
- A streaming stick (like Roku or Fire TV)
Guests appreciate options, and they won't forget the effort.
10. Explore Seasonal Touches
Update your entertainment stash with the seasons. Summer? Add beach chairs, sunscreen, or paddleball sets. Fall? Blankets, a pumpkin-scented candle, and info on corn mazes or haunted houses.
Winter? Board games, hot cocoa, and details on ski or sled spots. Spring? Nature guides, kites, or trail maps. Guests don't expect this level of thoughtfulness, but they'll remember it.
List Your Property Where You Control the Experience
Want more guests who appreciate these personal touches? Host your vacation rental on Houfy.
Houfy is built for direct bookings; no hidden fees, no middlemen. You set the rules, manage communication, and keep more of what you earn. Plus, the platform gives you tools to showcase your personality, story, and all the special touches you've added.
If you're serious about standing out, Houfy helps you build a guest-first brand that travelers trust. List your property today!
