What Do Airbnb Guests Actually Expect?

According to Airbnb's own data, toiletries are one of the most mentioned amenities in guest reviews — both positively when present and negatively when absent or poor quality. Guests booking short-term rentals increasingly expect a hotel-like bathroom experience, not a bare soap bar on the sink.

A 2024 survey of Airbnb guests found that 94% expected some form of toiletries to be provided, with shampoo and body wash being the top two expectations. Properties that provide quality toiletries consistently receive higher cleanliness and overall ratings — even when the toiletries themselves aren't specifically mentioned in the review.

The expectation has shifted significantly since 2020. What was once a nice-to-have has become a baseline requirement for competitive listings in most markets. Hosts who don't provide toiletries are increasingly seeing it reflected in their ratings.

Essential Toiletries to
Provide for Airbnb Guests

Not all toiletries are equal in terms of guest expectation. Here is what to prioritise, in order of importance:

🥇 Must-Have — Non-Negotiable

These are the toiletries guests expect without exception. Missing any of these will result in negative reviews and lower ratings.

• Shampoo — The single most expected toiletry. Always provide it.
• Conditioner — Expected alongside shampoo. Providing shampoo without conditioner feels incomplete.
• Body Wash or Soap — Either is acceptable. Body wash in a dispenser feels more premium; individual bars feel more hygienic for guests.

🥈 Should-Have — Strong Impact on Reviews

These toiletries aren't universally expected but consistently appear in positive reviews when present. Easy wins for hosts.

• Body Lotion — Guests love it, especially in dry climates. Small cost, high perceived value.
• Hand Soap — Separate from shower soap. Guests expect this at the sink.
• Shower Gel — If offering body wash already, a shower gel adds variety for longer stays.

🥉 Nice-to-Have — Premium Differentiation

These additions push your listing into the premium category and justify higher nightly rates.

• Face Wash / Cleanser — Unexpected and appreciated, especially for business travellers.
• Cotton Pads & Swabs — Small items that signal attention to detail.
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste — For guests who forget their own — a genuine lifesaver they remember.

Complete Airbnb Bathroom
Toiletries Checklist

Use this checklist before every guest arrival to ensure your bathroom is fully stocked. Print it, save it, or bookmark this page.

Basic vs Standard vs
Premium Airbnb Toiletries

Your toiletry setup should match your listing's price point and positioning. Here's how to think about each tier:

How Much Should You Spend on
Airbnb Toiletries?

The average Airbnb host spends between $2 and $6 per guest stay on toiletries when buying at retail prices. Buying in bulk reduces this to $0.80–$2.50 per stay — a saving of 40–60% with no visible difference to guests.

For a property with 20 stays per month, that's a saving of $24–$70 per month — or $288–$840 per year — simply by switching from retail to bulk purchasing. The toiletries themselves are identical in quality.

Roomsium's travel size toiletry sets start from 30 pieces and scale up to 170 pieces — designed specifically for hosts who want professional quality at wholesale pricing. Sets include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, and lotion in individual guest portions.

Why Buy Airbnb Toiletries
in Bulk?

Buying travel size toiletries in bulk sets is the standard approach for professional Airbnb hosts and property managers. Here's why it makes sense:

Cost: Bulk sets cost 40–60% less per piece than buying individual bottles from a supermarket or pharmacy.

Consistency: Every guest gets the same product, same fragrance, same experience. No mixing of brands or sizes.

Time: One bulk order every 4–8 weeks instead of frequent small purchases. Less time shopping, more time managing your property.

Presentation: Matching sets look more professional than assorted retail products. Guests notice coordinated bathroom setups.

Roomsium supplies Airbnb hosts with bulk travel size toiletry sets from 30 to 170 pieces — all manufactured in Turkey to European quality standards, TSA-compliant, and available with fast 48-hour dispatch.