Airbnb Upgrades Under $100 That Guests Rave About

Marifil Limpahan
Aug 21
3 min read

Smart Airbnb Upgrades Under $100 That Guests Will Love

If you’re just getting started with Airbnb hosting, it can feel overwhelming. Do you need to remodel the whole place? Buy fancy furniture? Spend thousands just to stand out?

Here’s the truth: you don’t need a huge budget to impress guests and boost bookings. In fact, some of the best Airbnb Upgrades Under $100 can completely change how guests experience your property.

At BNB Guardians, we coach new and struggling hosts on Airbnb strategy every day. And we’ve seen it over and over: the small, thoughtful touches lead to 5-star reviews and higher occupancy. Let’s dive into a few upgrades that pay for themselves after just one booking.

1. Keyless Entry for Hassle-Free Check-In

Cost: $70–$100

Guests don’t want to fumble with keys at midnight. A smart lock or keyless entry makes their arrival smooth, safe, and stress-free.

Why it matters: It’s one of the easiest ways to improve your Airbnb guest communication. No more “Where’s the key?” texts—you can set and share codes automatically with tools like Guesty.

This isn’t just a convenience, it’s an Airbnb management upgrade that saves you time and headaches too.

2. Upgrade Your Bedding for Hotel-Level Comfort

Cost: $40–$80

Nothing affects reviews like sleep. Investing in hotel-quality pillows, crisp sheets, or a comfy mattress topper will instantly elevate your Airbnb listing creation.

Why it matters: Guests expect comfort. And when they sleep well, they’re more likely to leave glowing reviews that boost your Airbnb SEO.

At BNB Guardians, we remind our coaching clients: “Never underestimate the power of a good pillow.”

3. Create a Simple Coffee & Tea Station

Cost: $50–$90

Guests love waking up to a fresh cup of coffee. A budget-friendly coffee maker, French press, or Keurig with a few pods makes your Airbnb feel premium. Add some tea bags and mugs, and you’ve created an experience.

Why it matters: This is one of the easiest Airbnb marketing wins. Guests often mention little details like coffee stations in reviews, and that builds trust with future bookers.

4. Smart Lighting That Sets the Mood

Cost: $25–$60

Smart bulbs or a dimmable lamp let guests adjust lighting instantly. Whether it’s a cozy movie night or bright workspace, lighting helps them feel at home.

Why it matters: It’s a small Airbnb optimization move that improves your photos and your guest experience.

5. Welcome Basket That Feels Personal

Cost: $30–$50

Imagine arriving in a new city and finding a basket with water bottles, snacks, and a handwritten welcome note. That $30 gesture feels priceless.

Why it matters: Personal touches improve guest satisfaction and can even increase repeat bookings. Inside our Airbnb coaching program, we teach hosts how to create repeatable systems for small details like this without adding stress.

The Big Picture: Small Investments, Big Results

Building a profitable Airbnb business isn’t about throwing money at expensive décor. It’s about smart Airbnb strategy knowing which upgrades actually move the needle.

Start with one or two of these ideas, track how guests respond, and watch how quickly it impacts your reviews, bookings, and bottom line.

At BNB Guardians, we help hosts just like you with Airbnb optimization, guest communication, and pricing strategies that build long-term success.