In today's booming vacation rental market, particularly in sought-after destinations like Sonoma and Marin counties, simply having a clean, well-located property isn't enough anymore. With thousands of options at their fingertips, travelers are increasingly drawn to properties that offer something special—amenities that create memorable experiences and justify premium pricing.

At 3 SUNS Vacation Rentals, we've seen firsthand how the right amenities can transform a property's performance, dramatically increasing bookings, rates, and guest satisfaction. But what exactly makes the difference between a forgettable stay and one guests rave about for years?

Let's explore the creative amenities that truly set vacation properties apart in 2025 and beyond.

Entertainment Spaces That Create Lasting Memories

The most successful vacation rentals understand that guests aren't just looking for a place to sleep—they're seeking experiences that bring people together and create lasting memories.

Game Rooms: The Ultimate Gathering Space

A dedicated game room transforms rainy days and quiet evenings into highlights of the vacation. Consider including:

• Multi-game arcade machines that appeal to both nostalgic adults and tech-savvy kids
• Pool, foosball, or ping pong tables for friendly competition
• Board game collections featuring both classics and modern favorites
• Interactive gaming systems with physical activities like dancing or sports

One Stinson Beach property in our portfolio saw a 22% increase in bookings after converting an underutilized basement into a game room with vintage pinball machines and a custom poker table.

Outdoor Entertainment That Celebrates Your Location

Outdoor spaces offer unlimited potential for memorable amenities:

• Fire pits with comfortable seating create natural gathering points for evening conversations and s'mores
• Outdoor movie setups with weatherproof screens and projectors
• Unique features that match your location, such as stargazing equipment in areas with dark skies or beach volleyball courts in coastal properties
• For family-friendly properties, consider giant outdoor games like Connect Four, Jenga, or chess

"The outdoor movie screen was the highlight of our family reunion," noted one guest in a recent review of a Guerneville property. "We had movie night under the stars every evening."

Wellness Features That Rejuvenate

Today's travelers increasingly seek properties that support their wellbeing, not interrupt it.

Spa-Like Touches

Transform bathrooms and outdoor spaces into personal retreats:

• Soaking tubs with views (where possible)
• Outdoor showers with privacy screens (perfect for post-beach rinses in Stinson Beach properties)
• High-quality bath products featuring local ingredients
• Plush robes and slippers that make guests feel pampered

Fitness and Mindfulness

Keep guests on track with their wellness routines:

• Dedicated yoga spaces with mats, blocks, and digital class subscriptions
• Basic fitness equipment that doesn't require much space (resistance bands, kettlebells)
• Meditation corners with comfortable seating and sound machines
• Curated hiking guides for nearby trails with difficulty ratings and highlights

"I chose this property specifically for the wellness amenities," shared a guest who stayed at a 3 SUNS property in Sonoma. "The meditation deck overlooking the vineyards was worth the entire stay."

Tech Amenities That Impress Without Overwhelming

Smart technology can dramatically enhance a stay when it's intuitive and purposeful.

Seamless Entertainment

• Streaming services with easy login systems (and auto-logout upon departure)
• Smart speakers for music throughout the property
• Universal charging stations in convenient locations
• High-speed internet that supports multiple devices simultaneously—essential for groups or "workcations"

Convenience Through Technology

• Keyless entry systems with personalized codes
• Smart thermostats pre-set to comfortable temperatures
• Lighting systems with preset "scenes" for different moods and times of day
• Digital guidebooks accessible via QR codes or dedicated tablets

The key is ensuring technology enhances rather than complicates the experience. Always provide clear instructions and backup options.

Kitchen and Dining Experiences That Inspire

The kitchen often becomes the heart of a vacation home, especially for longer stays and group gatherings.

Culinary Amenities That Encourage Exploration

• Specialty appliances that match your location (wine fridges in Sonoma, professional-grade grills in outdoor entertainment spaces)
• Local cookbooks featuring regional specialties
• Starter kits of local ingredients (olive oil, spices, coffee beans)
• Recipe cards for simple dishes using local produce

Dining Setups That Create Occasions

• Outdoor dining areas with ambient lighting and weather protection
• Special occasion serving pieces for celebrations
• Wine glasses appropriate for the varieties produced nearby
• Local winery maps with personal recommendations

One of our most successful Guerneville properties includes a custom outdoor pizza oven and dining area that guests consistently mention in reviews. The owner reports that this single amenity has allowed them to increase nightly rates by $75-100, quickly recouping the investment.

Local Experiences That Connect

The most memorable stays offer authentic connections to the surrounding community and natural environment.

Outdoor Equipment That Opens Possibilities

• Beach gear for coastal properties (chairs, umbrellas, coolers, toys)
• Bicycles with suggested routes and safety equipment
• Binoculars and wildlife guides for nature-rich areas
• Picnic baskets and blankets pre-packed for adventures

Local Knowledge Presented Thoughtfully

• Partnerships with local experiences (wine tastings, guided tours, workshops)
• Custom maps highlighting lesser-known attractions
• Personal recommendations from owners with stories and context
• Books about local history, nature, and culture

Our 3 SUNS Vacation Rentals properties feature curated activity guides that go beyond the typical tourist recommendations, highlighting experiences that match each property's unique character.

Luxury Touches That Elevate the Ordinary

Sometimes it's the smallest details that create the strongest impression of luxury and thoughtfulness.

Sleeping Experiences Worth Traveling For

• Premium mattresses with toppers and high-thread-count linens
• Pillow menus with options for different sleeping preferences
• Blackout options for bedrooms to ensure quality rest
• White noise machines or sound systems with sleep soundtracks

Thoughtful Extras That Show Care

• Welcome baskets featuring local products
• Heated bathroom floors or towel racks
• Plush beach or pool towels distinct from bathroom towels
• Handwritten notes with personalized recommendations based on guest interests

Practical Amenities That Remove Friction

Sometimes the most appreciated amenities are those that solve common travel frustrations.

Family-Friendly Features

• Pack-n-plays, high chairs, and baby gates available upon request
• Step stools for children in bathrooms
• Family-appropriate games and activities
• Childproofing kits available for parents of young children

Work-Ready Setups for the Modern Traveler

• Dedicated workspace with proper lighting and ergonomic chairs
• Monitor, keyboard, and mouse available upon request
• Printer access for essential documents
• Background options for video calls that showcase your property's best features

"The dedicated workspace meant I could extend my stay by a full week," noted a guest who combined work and pleasure at a Sonoma property. "The separate office area with a view of the vineyards made working remotely a joy."

Implementation Strategies for Property Owners

Adding distinctive amenities doesn't necessarily require massive investment. Consider these approaches:

Start With Guest Feedback

Review your existing feedback to identify what guests already appreciate and what they find lacking. The best amenity investments often address specific guest pain points or enhance features they already love.

Focus on Your Unique Property

Let your property's natural strengths guide your amenity choices. A home with spectacular views might benefit most from outdoor living enhancements, while a cozy cottage might shine with luxury bedding and indoor entertainment options.

Create Seasonal Rotation

Not all amenities need to be available year-round. Consider creating seasonal packages that highlight different aspects of your property and region throughout the year.

Professional Management Makes the Difference

At 3 SUNS Vacation Rentals, we specialize in helping property owners identify, implement, and maintain the right amenities for their specific properties and target guests. Our revenue management approach includes strategic amenity recommendations that maximize return on investment.

The Bottom Line: Memorable Experiences Drive Revenue

Properties with thoughtfully curated amenities consistently outperform the market in key metrics:

• Higher nightly rates
• Increased occupancy
• More repeat bookings
• Stronger word-of-mouth referrals
• Better reviews
• Fewer discount requests

While location will always be crucial, the right amenities create experiences that guests can't find elsewhere—making your property the obvious choice even in a crowded marketplace.

Ready to make your vacation rental unforgettable? Contact us today for a complimentary property analysis and customized amenity recommendations that will set your property apart.