No Pool? 6 Best Affordable Outdoor Amenities For Airbnb
BY MIKEL HUBBARD
FORMER HGTV PRODUCER | CO-FOUNDER, THE HOST CO |
OWNER, TIMES EIGHT PROPERTY & DESIGN
People who stay in Airbnbs are just as much as about the outdoor spaces as the indoors, especially if they’re outside the city and looking to relax. Swimming pools and hot tubs are great features to get people to book, but they’re expensive and can be a lot of upkeep. Here are our six favorite outdoor amenities to get more bookings without breaking the bank!
#1: FIREPITS AND OUTDOOR FIREPLACES
Sitting outside around a campfire or outdoor fireplace is the easiest, cheapest way to attract more guests. It’s an activity, something people normally don’t get to do at home and when it’s cold, it’s a way to sit outside and stay warm. Whether it’s a brick bonfire pit, a chiminea, an outdoor fireplace or even a gas-powered fireplace in areas that aren’t allowed to have floating embers, these are inexpensive ways to gain an edge over your neighbor. We advise telling people to bring their own firewood too so you aren’t responsible to stocking a woodpile… plus, the less wood they have, the less likely they are to have a bonfire or chat it up outdoors til 4am.
#2: COWBOY TUBS
Head down to your local tractor supply and pick up a $200 metal cowboy tub normally used for horses. On hot days, guests can cool off with a cocktail so it FEELS like having a pool without all the upkeep and expense. There are ways to add a filter and chlorinate them if you want or simply buy a smaller one and let guests drain it after their stay. You can bury them in the ground or just toss one in the backyard. Cowboy tubs give you the opportunity to feature a “pool” without all the upkeep of actually owning one.
#3: HORSESHOE PIT OR BOCCE BALL COURT
Making space for a simple horseshoe pit or bocce ball court won’t cost a lot, but it’ll make guests feel like they’re getting a lot. If you’re on vacation, you want experiences for relaxing. Selling someone on a game of bocce ball at sunset or a chance to play horseshoes with friends over a bottle of beer on a Sunday afternoon makes the whole trip more exciting and more likely they’ll choose your place to stay.
#4: SWING SET
A swing set sounds hokey, but even adults like to swing and if you have kids, it’s an even bigger draw. A swing set with views makes for a very Instagrammable moment in your yard and the whole setup is super cheap. If you have the space, we definitely advise.
#5: OUTDOOR DINING ROOM
We’re not talking about a dumpy patio table on a concrete pad. If you’re going to create an outdoor dining room, make it an experience for guests. Build your own table with a pergola overhead that has string lights. Set it under a tree and hang lanterns. Whatever you do, create a magical moment for a dinner they’ll never forget. Get creative and make some magic!
#6: OUTDOOR BATHTUB OR SHOWER (OR BOTH)
Having a bath or shower outdoors is such a rarity and screams vacation. Putting one together isn’t that expensive but can sell someone so quick on the idea that your property oozes vacation. People love to do things outside that they normally do inside - so living rooms, dining rooms, even bathrooms outdoors are the key to enticing more guests.
Got any outdoor amenities you recommend installing to boost your bookings? We wanna hear!