No Soap? Amenities Cheap Airbnb Hosts Skip & How to Get Them

You know, we're really getting tired of feeling like the bad guys with our Airbnb stays. Over the past year, almost every place we've booked has been cutting back on the basics—things hosts promise but don't deliver. This leaves guests wondering how to deal with missing Airbnb amenities.

Airbnb has revolutionized the way we travel, offering home-like comforts in diverse locations. However, as frequent Airbnb users, staying in hundreds of units, we've recently noticed a trend of hosts cutting back on essential amenities. This guide aims to help both guests and hosts navigate this issue, ensuring a better experience for everyone.

The Amenity Dilemma

Recently, we've encountered several issues with Airbnb stays:

• Empty laundry detergent containers
• Insufficient toilet paper for extended stays
• Used kitchen sponges
• Dead batteries in remotes
• Lack of hand soap upon arrival

These issues can significantly impact the guest experience, especially after a long day of travel.

We choose rentals based on what’s advertised: toiletries, soaps, extra linens, and cooking gear—the whole package. Lately, though, it feels like we’re paying more and getting less.

Upon arrival, we find empty laundry detergent containers, one roll of toilet paper for a week's stay, and remotes with dead batteries. Even more frustrating is when no hand soap is provided when we're dying to wash our hands after a long travel day.

Unlike hotels, where you can easily ask for additional items at the front desk, Airbnb sets guests up for awkward encounters with hosts that are oftentimes ghost or off-site. So what's the best way to navigate the situation?

We'll explore how guests can effectively get hosts to provide these missing amenities.

50 Vital Airbnb Amenities and Items

Unfortunately, missing amenities have become so commonplace that it's clear some hosts are cutting corners and becoming "forgetful" in their attempts to save money. Unfortunately, when many essentials are missing, asking for them all can seem rude, leaving guests scrambling for basics upon arrival. This creates a frustrating start and a poor impression of our Airbnb hosts.

It’s worth noting that we’re not asking for anything unreasonable. We’re highlighting issues with hosts who don’t replace advertised essentials or provide necessary items for daily living.

So, hosts, don’t skimp! Many of these “forgotten” amenities are low-cost but greatly enhance guest satisfaction. Happy guests lead to great reviews, so consider adding these items to your restock list.

Kitchen

• Kitchen towels
• Cordless rechargeable stick vacuum and/or a Swiffer Sweeper
• Dish drying rack (if the rental doesn't have a dishwasher)
• Cleaning supplies (all-purpose cleaner)
• New sponges and/or scrub pads
• Ice cube trays
• Bottle opener and corkscrew
• Can opener
• Scissors
• Basic spices and cooking oil
• Coffee maker with filters
• Electric Tea kettle
• Dish soap
• Trash bags
• Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
• Food storage containers
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Oven mitt(s)
• Microwave
• Toaster
• Peeler
• Whisk
• Food thermometer
• Blender or Immersion blender
• Paper towels
• Fire extinguisher

Bathroom

• Extra bath towels
• Plunger
• Hair dryer
• Toilet paper (two rolls for the first day and one for each additional)
• Hand soap
• Shower mat (if at all slippery)
• Quiet-close toilet seat
• Shower caddy or organizer (if there is no shelf)
• Bath mat or floor towel
• Cotton swabs
• Black makeup towel

Living Room/General

• Cozy table lamp
• Local maps with recommendations and guidebooks
• An extension cord or power strip
• Universal power adapter (for international rentals)
• Extra batteries (various sizes)
• Portable fan
• Smart TV with streaming options
• Coasters
• Decorative pillows for couches/futons without armrests
• Flashlight or emergency lighting

Bedroom(s)

• Extra hotel-style pillows
• Extra hotel-style blankets
• Bedside lamp
• Blackout curtains
• Nightlights

Laundry Area

• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softener or dryer sheets
• Clothes hangers
• Laundry clips or clothespins
• Iron and ironing board
• Laundry basket or hamper
• Stain remover
• Clothes drying rack if no dryer is available

Miscellaneous

• Hooks for hanging clothes/bags/etc.
• Reusable shopping bags
• Shoe rack or shoe mat
• Welcome mat
• Basic toolkit (screwdriver, pliers, etc.)
• Outdoor seating and table (patio furniture)
• Umbrella
• Beach towel & chair & umbrella
• Small sewing kit
• Binoculars (for vacation rentals located near natural parks, coastal areas, or scenic landscapes where guests might enjoy bird watching, wildlife spotting, or sightseeing).
• First aid kit

Rare but Enhancing Items to Elevate Your Stay

These 11 uncommon items can significantly enhance your rental, offering guests a more luxurious and memorable experience:

1. White noise machine
2. Portable Bluetooth speaker
3. Yoga mats
4. Bicycle with a bike pump
5. Picnic basket and blanket
6. Air purifier
7. Espresso machine
8. UV sanitizer for electronics and personal items
9. Steamer (for clothes)
10. Electric shoe dryer (for wet climates)
11. Bathrobe(s)

Items Hosts Constantly Forget During...Our Stays

When staying at an Airbnb, there are key essentials that hosts consistently forget, which can significantly impact the guest experience. Here are the items that are often overlooked but crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

1. Dish Soap

Leaving empty containers for new guests signals a lack of attention to detail and can make guests feel unwelcome and undervalued. It also creates inconvenience, as guests may need to purchase basic supplies themselves instead of starting their stay comfortably. As a paying guest, I won't be singing your praises in a review if I'm lugging heavy dish soap and bags of laundry detergent back to your apartment—especially if you're the one with a car.

2. Extra Bath Towel(s)

In our recent Airbnb stays, hosts have only provided one bath towel per guest for a week. Without a tumble dryer, damp towels start to smell musty and moldy after one or two showers. Having an extra bath towel is essential to use while the other dries outside. This is especially important when your balcony does not receive direct sunlight or during periods of cold, damp weather.

3. Kitchen Towels or Drying Rack

For some reason, the last few Airbnb apartments we stayed in didn't provide kitchen towels for drying dishes or a dish rack. We are not sure how hosts expect guests to dry hands, dishes, or countertops without a set of durable kitchen towels.

We assume providing extra towels likely means more laundry, higher electricity usage, and increased costs. One host admitted that he takes everything to the dry cleaners and essentially told me, "Sorry, no kitchen towels for you!"

Interestingly, while our female hosts provided kitchen towels upon request, our male hosts offered a small roll of cheap paper towels instead, suggesting we use those for drying dishes. At the very least, why not provide something small and collapsable like this instead?

One technique I've used is to text our hosts something like this:

Harry really likes to cook, and I'd hate for him to ruin your nice white bath towels after making a pot of spaghetti.

Within an hour, kitchen towels were delivered to our door.

4. Cleaning Supplies

Despite high cleaning fees, Airbnb hosts still expect guests to leave the rental clean and tidy. Recently, one listing claimed to provide cleaning supplies. However, when I asked where I could find some, the host stated there was dish soap for cleaning. Have you ever cleaned a glass coffee table or toilet seat with dish soap?

If Airbnb hosts don't hire professional housekeeping, shouldn't part of the cleaning fee go to supplying guests with proper cleaning supplies? Needless to say, leaving a cleaning kit is a great way to encourage guests to take care of your apartment. As a property owner, you should set your guests up to help you properly maintain the space.

5. Laundry Clips

If line drying is the most popular method to dry clothes outside the U.S., what's the deal with hosts leaving no laundry clips? On a windy evening in Baku, we even had items blow off our balcony, never to be seen again.

In Kutaisi, Georgia, our Airbnb host left us three laundry clips—not even enough to attach a day's worth of socks for two people. Often flimsy, laundry clips are a common item that is not replaced after breaking. Therefore, be sure to purchase quality laundry clips to last.

6. New Kitchen Sponge

Is there anything worse than seeing a used kitchen sponge full of remnants of the previous guests' meal? In what world do hosts think people want to use a scramble-egged laced sponge to clean their silverware? A fresh sponge should be given to each new guest and if you can offer one with a cute factor, go for it!

Bonus Items

If you're a host aiming to offer exceptional hospitality, these items leave a strong impression on us as experienced Airbnb guests. While not essential, rental owners who provide these amenities distinguish themselves from others.

1. Soft-close Toliet Seats

A soft-close toilet seat enhances hospitality by providing a quiet and gentle closing, adding a touch of luxury to the bathroom experience. Once you’ve enjoyed the comfort of a soft-close seat, other bathroom amenities can seem subpar in comparison.

2. Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains are great for guests because they block out unwanted light, ensuring a restful and uninterrupted sleep. They also help maintain privacy, creating a more comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.

3. Beach Towels

Offering beach towels is a wonderful way for Airbnb hosts to show exceptional care and consideration for their guests. Not only does this thoughtful gesture save guests from the hassle of packing their own, but it also prevents them from using the rental’s nicer shower towels at the beach, keeping bathroom towels in pristine condition. If hosts are concerned about beach towels going missing, they can include a note in their listing stating that a fee will be charged if the towels are not returned.

4. Ice Trays

Europeans are often known for not using ice in their drinks, but providing ice trays is a thoughtful nod to international guest preferences. It’s especially amusing when rentals have those Barbie house-sized trays that make tiny ice cubes—cute, but not ideal for chilling a whole pitcher of lemonade!

Adding ice trays shows you care about accommodating diverse tastes and enhances the overall guest experience.

How to Handle Missing Airbnb Amenities

As soon as we arrive, we do a quick inventory and immediately message the host about any missing items. It’s a chore, but it’s become part of our routine to advocate for ourselves and our wallet. In our message, we say something like:

Dear host, everything looks great but it appears that housekeeping forgot to replace some of the amenities offered on your listing.

Although we know most hosts conduct their own apartment cleaning, it helps to direct fault to a third-party individual. It also allows Airbnb hosts the opportunity to fix the situation under the guise of the forgetfulness of a flighty housekeeper. More often than not, the host will reply with, “I'll bring some to you shortly."

Hotels > Airbnb?

More and more people are trying to avoid Airbnb rentals and booking familiar hotels instead due to inconsistent service, confusing booking policies, exorbitant fees, and the hassle of cleaning requirements. Also, travelers who don't plan to be in the room very long tend to book hotel rooms, while those who plan to cook, work, and spend more time in their accommodation typically book an Airbnb.

However, hosts forget that the essence of the platform is to offer the comforts and details of staying at home. Their reluctance to provide essential amenities may make guests reconsider hotel stays, where such conveniences are typically readily available upon request.

Advice for Hosts

To provide an excellent guest experience:

• Regularly update your listing to accurately reflect available amenities
• Consider the guest perspective when stocking your rental
• Invest in quality, durable items for long-term cost-effectiveness
• Respond promptly to guest requests
• Remember that happy guests lead to positive reviews and repeat bookings

Keep Communication Open

While Airbnb offers unique travel experiences, clear communication and provision of essential amenities are crucial for guest satisfaction. As guests, don't hesitate to communicate your needs politely. As hosts, attention to these details can set your rental apart and ensure positive reviews.

By working together, we can make Airbnb stays more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.

We Need Your Help

Did you find this article helpful? If so, bookmark it and when you’re planning your next vacation click on any of the links below before finalizing reservations. You’ll get the best price, we’ll earn a small commission, and you’ll help support future articles.

Thank you!