Just like the kitchen is the heart of any home, it’s also often the heart of a vacation rental. It’s a place to whip up meals together, sit around the table and visit, and enjoy breakfast and a cup of coffee. More and more, guests are looking for tasteful, well-stocked kitchens that provide many of the conveniences of home.
In order to ensure that guests are able to cook and enjoy meals, you’ll need to provide the following basics for your kitchen:
Silverware settings (dinner fork, salad fork, teaspoon, soup spoon, knife) for eight to 12 people.
Coffee Maker
Silverware organizer (drawer insert)
Everyday dish setting (dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl) for six, or as needed
Bowls, serving platters
Glassware assortment, including 4-, 6-, and 8-ounce glasses, coffee mugs
Trash and recycling cans
Trash Bags
Pots and pans
Oven mitts
Spatulas, ladles, whisks, etc.
Container for counter top storage of spatulas, ladles, whisks, etc.
Dish towels
Dish drying rack
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowls
Pam spray
Salt and pepper
Bottle opener and corkscrew
Plastic containers for food storage (e.g. Tupperware or Gladware)
Rolls of aluminum foil, wax paper, plastic wrap, and parchment paper
Cutting board
Toaster
Kettle or hot pot
Ice cube trays
Blender
Can opener
Good, sharp knives (at least one large chef’s knife and a small paring knife)
Serving spoon
Dish Scrubbers
Small area rug
Dining Table
Dining Chairs (with enough seating to match guest count)
Inviting decor
When it comes to kitchens, going above and beyond the basics can be a great way to earn rave reviews. Here are some extras that we recommend for creating a kitchen that guests love to spend time in:
Crock pot
Rice maker
Small indoor electric grill (for homes without an outdoor barbecue)
Pancake griddle or waffle iron
Cappuccino machine
Children’s highchair
Kid-friendly dishware
Oils and spices
Another great way to impress guests is to offer a welcome treat. Many successful properties leave goodies on the counter, such as cookies from a local bakery, fresh fruit, chocolates, popcorn, chips and salsa, etc. One of our popular Hawaiian properties provides guests with a fresh pineapple and a welcome note, which has been a hit with guests. A small refreshment can go a long way toward garnering great reviews.
