The range of amenities offered by accommodations to their guests is constantly growing, with new services being added, and some that were once considered luxuries are now being regarded as a given. For example, who would have imagined just a few years ago that one could enter a property simply by typing a code into a screen, without needing anything other than good memory?
In today’s world, have you ever wondered what are the essential features guests seek from their accommodation and what conditions they expect it to meet in order to select it? We have all the answers. In this article, we’ve compiled the must-have amenities that an accommodation must check off on every guest’s list in order to be selected.
1. Swimming Pool and/or Hot Tub
A swimming pool has increasingly become a prerequisite when choosing an accommodation. With its popularity skyrocketing in recent years, it’s no surprise that the presence of a pool is now considered an essential feature, especially in island destinations such as Mykonos and Paros. Offering a pool can not only add extra value to an accommodation but also help it stand out in search results, leading to an increase in bookings.
Similarly, the demand for hot tubs is also on the rise. Given that installing a hot tub is simpler than a pool, it is a more profitable option for a business, as it can bring a significant boost in bookings and revenue.
2. Internet/WiFi
Who doesn’t want to share a joy-filled story or moment of relaxation from their vacation on Instagram or have immediate access to any needed information? With the mobile phone now being the constant “companion” for every guest, internet and (strong) WiFi must be part of the accommodation’s offering, rather than relying on the guest’s personal device. Connection issues are a major headache for many owners and guests, as the network signal often behaves unpredictably, leaving guests unhappy.
3. Air Conditioning/Heating
The equation here is simple: in winter, the accommodation must be warm; in summer, it should stay cool, especially with the extreme temperatures the planet has been experiencing in recent years. Therefore, the presence of both heating and cooling systems in a guest room is what one would call an “absolute necessity”—a non-negotiable provision for everyone.
4. Washing Machine and Dryer
“Feel like home” embodies Greek hospitality, and so a washing machine, and secondarily a dryer, greatly contribute to this feeling. The same “accidents” that can happen at a guest’s home can also happen while on vacation—red wine spills on a white shirt, beach towels get dirty during a coastal exploration, and so on.
The likelihood that guests will need to do laundry increases with the length of their stay, and the need becomes even more pressing for families with children, for obvious reasons.
5. Gym
Everyone wants to lose track of time while on vacation, but no one wants to lose track of their fitness routine. That’s why, in today’s environment, an accommodation should offer basic gym equipment to provide a touch of wellness and fitness to the guest’s experience. Yoga mats, dumbbells, resistance bands, and stability balls are among the most popular items in this category.
When we add spotless cleaning, which is the primary source of satisfaction for every guest, we end up with a list of key factors influencing their decision to return or recommend the accommodation to others.
