Must-Have Guest Essentials for Airbnb Hosts

Essentials Every STR Host Should Provide

Even the most prepared travelers forget something.

And when they do?

They’re either running to the nearest convenience store…

Or leaving you a 4-star review because their stay felt inconvenient.

As an STR operator, small details create big guest experience wins, and providing commonly forgotten travel essentials is one of the easiest ways to stand out from nearby listings.

If you're aiming for consistent 5-star reviews (and fewer guest complaints), here are 20 commonly forgotten items every Airbnb host should keep stocked.

Why Stocking Forgotten Essentials Matters

When guests arrive after:

• A long flight

• A delayed drive

• A late-night check-in

The last thing they want to do is leave again to buy basics.

Providing these simple items:

✔️ Improves guest satisfaction

✔️ Prevents unnecessary support messages

✔️ Protects your linens & furniture

✔️ Encourages better reviews

✔️ Reduces friction during check-in

And ultimately helps your listing feel more like a home, not just a rental.

20 Travel Essentials Guests Commonly Forget

Bathroom & Personal Care

1. Toothbrush & toothpaste

2. Hairbrush or comb

3. Makeup remover wipes

4. Contact lens solution & case

5. Disposable razors

6. Shampoo, conditioner & body wash

7. Lip balm

8. Hand sanitizer

9. First aid kit

10. Hair dryer

Clothing & Grooming

11. Iron or steamer

12. Tide stain pen

13. Laundry pods

Tech & Convenience

14. Universal travel adapter

15. USB charging station

16. Extension cords

Comfort & Entertainment

17. Umbrella

18. Books or board games

19. Snacks, coffee, or tea

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

20. Bottle opener or corkscrew

Bonus points for:

• Bug spray

• Sunscreen

• Reusable water bottles

• Matches (for fireplaces or outdoor areas)

Protect Your Property While Helping Guests

Some of these items do more than improve convenience, they help prevent damage.

For example:

• Makeup wipes reduce towel staining

• Umbrellas prevent water-damaged floors

• Stain pens protect bedding & upholstery

• First aid kits reduce liability risk

Small investments that can save you on:

Replacement costs

Negative reviews

Guest complaints

Automate Guest Communication About Essentials with Guesty

Many hosts provide these items, but forget to tell their guests they exist.

With Guesty, you can automate:

• Welcome messages

• Amenity lists

• Bathroom supply info

• Charging station locations

• Emergency kits or first aid details

So guests know exactly what’s available without needing to ask mid-stay.

This reduces:

• Late-night guest messages

• Confusion during check-in

• Repetitive support requests

And keeps your operations running smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Providing commonly forgotten essentials is one of the simplest ways to:

✔️ Elevate your guest experience

✔️ Protect your property

✔️ Increase 5-star reviews

✔️ Reduce guest support messages

And make your STR feel thoughtfully prepared for every type of traveler.

👉 Need help with your STR?

Join our Airbnb Super Host Academy on Skool or book a call with the BNB Guardians team for hands-on STR coaching.