10 best lake house amenities for repeat bookings

You’ve purchased that gorgeous house on the lake. Learned how to design and furnish it to attract more guests. Now, let’s look at what could convince guests to book your lake home again and again—the right amenities.

“Aim to make a guest’s getaway easier,” says Alex McBride, Vacasa’s Senior Manager of Home Quality and Design. “They want to make memories, not trips to the store for things they’ll likely never use again.”

While amenities may seem small or frivolous, don’t underestimate the value and impact they can have on a guest’s stay.

“Little details like these matter,” Alex says. “They show that you really care about your guests' experiences. Plus, amenities are just as important to them as the home itself. Don’t be surprised if your amenities are mentioned often in guest reviews.”

Here are 10 lake house amenities that win over guests.

1. Outdoor furniture

Alfresco dinners, cocktails on the deck, family barbecues. Outdoor living and dining spaces instantly elevate the experience of any vacation rental. Not sure what type of furniture to get? First consider how guests will use your outdoor areas. Does your deck beckon for a day of sunbathing? Purchase stylish and sturdy loungers. Will they want to unwind in the evening over wine and appetizers? Bring in bistro or bar tables and hang white-string lights to complete the look.

2. Floats and inflatables

Playing in the water is a quintessential lake house experience. Help your guests dive right into the fun by providing some water toys, from inflatable loungers to tube-style floats. Look for floats made from high-gauge PVC, which are designed to withstand occasional scrapes on rocks and are less likely to get punctures and tears. Don’t forget to buy some children-sized options and an air pump.

3. Beach towels

Don’t want guests dragging your crisp, white bath towels through the wet sand? Provide plenty of colorful beach towels designated for the outdoors that they can use instead.

4. Marshmallow roasting sticks

Have an outdoor firepit? S’mores will immediately be on your guests’ minds. Make it easy (and safer) for them to enjoy these toasty treats by offering the s’mores-making essential—roasting sticks. Look for ones that are reusable and dishwasher safe for easy clean up. Bonus: Your guests can also use these sticks to roast veggies and sausages.

5. Outdoor dinnerware and cutlery

From afternoon picnics to brunch on the boat, offering outdoor melamine plates, cups, and cutlery will ensure guests don’t accidentally lose track of your silverware on the shore or break your wine glasses while boating. Plus, outdoor dinnerware is more sustainable (and attractive) than simply stocking your kitchen with paper plates and cups. Today’s melamine options are cost-effective and just as stylish as the dishes you have inside.

6. Picnic blanket

Lakes beckon for casual outdoor picnics on the shore. Look for a picnic blanket that’s waterproof or water repellent to help combat spills and machine washable to get rid of grass stains. Plus, buy a size large enough that can accommodate a family.

7. Water gear

Though one of the costlier amenities you can offer, water gear like paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks can be worth the investment. Offering one or two of these immediately adds value to the guest experience and could end up being the reason you win a booking over another property. Don’t forget to mention them in your headline and vacation rental listing.

8. Portable cooler

One thing is for certain—your lake house guests will want to bring meals and snacks with them out to the shore. Provide a cooler (and ice packs) to help keep food organized and at safe temperatures.

9. Fold-up beach chairs and umbrellas

Keep your guests out of wet sand with comfy and durable beach chairs. Buy several that are portable and lightweight, preferably made with an aluminum body that is rust-free and salt resistant. The same goes for umbrellas to shade guests on sun-drenched days.

10. Beach cart or wagon

Heading out to the lake with all these amenities can be a handful, even if it’s just steps away. A beach cart or wagon will make it easy for guests to go to-and-from the water throughout their stay.