5 Simple Upgrades to Turn Your Rental into a Boutique Stay

When we were hosting in Trogir, I noticed something interesting.

Guests rarely commented on the size of the apartment.
They didn’t talk about how many square meters it had.

They talked about how comfortable it felt.

They mentioned the bed. The towels. The little details.
They said things like: “It felt like a small boutique hotel.”

And the truth is — we didn’t spend a fortune.

Creating a space where guests feel genuinely pampered isn’t about expensive furniture or dramatic renovations. It’s about thoughtful upgrades that quietly elevate the experience.

Here are five simple changes that made a real difference for us — and that guests consistently noticed.

If you’re currently upgrading your space, I’ve put together a free guide with 9 small changes that guests regularly notice and mention in reviews. You can download it here:

9 specific upgrades that guests consistently mention in 5-star reviews.

1. Bedsheets and Bedlinen

The bed is where your guests spend the most time. If there is one area worth investing in, it’s this one.

White cotton sheets are timeless. They look fresh, clean and elegant in every interior style. They also photograph beautifully — which matters more than we sometimes admit.

The weave makes a difference:

• Percale feels crisp and breathable, perfect for warmer climates.
• Sateen feels smoother and slightly more luxurious.

In our apartment, I chose white cotton sateen. It felt soft, elegant and still practical to maintain. Guests often commented on how well they slept — and that alone makes the investment worthwhile.

If possible, aim for a 300–400 thread count. It creates that subtle “hotel feel” without becoming impractical to wash and maintain.

Good sleep leads to good reviews. It’s that simple.

2. Pillows

Have you ever stayed somewhere where the pillows were so good you didn’t want to get up?

Providing just one pillow per guest never feels generous. We always offered at least two:

• one softer
• one medium to firm

That small choice allows guests to adjust their comfort. It shows care.

While down pillows feel luxurious, synthetic fillings are often more practical. They suit guests with allergies and can be washed at higher temperatures — something very important in a rental.

It’s a small detail. But small details accumulate.

3. Bathroom Amenities and Towels

Most guests expect basic toiletries. Shampoo and shower gel are standard.

But presentation changes perception.

Instead of mismatched bottles, consider neutral refillable dispensers. They look cleaner, more intentional, and reduce plastic waste — something many guests appreciate.

Adding conditioner or a simple body lotion is a small step that feels thoughtful.

And then there are the towels. If you ask me, provide the thickest, best quality towels you can afford. They just signal luxury instantly.

Choose the towels based on GSM (grams per square meter).
For most rentals, 500–700 GSM works beautifully — soft and absorbent, but not too heavy for warmer climates.

Always provide:

• a bath towel
• a hand towel
• a washcloth

If guests stay longer, having extras available is always appreciated.

We even embroidered our apartment initials on the towels. It wasn’t necessary — but it added a subtle boutique touch that guests remembered.

4. Cozy Extras

Cosy does not mean cluttered.

It means layered and intentional.

A soft throw blanket.
A couple of textured cushions.
Warm, indirect lighting instead of relying only on ceiling lights.

These details help guests relax faster.

For safety reasons, I prefer LED candles instead of real ones. A table lamp or standing lamp instantly makes the space feel warmer and more inviting.

It’s about creating corners where guests feel comfortable sitting, reading, talking.

Comfort turns into atmosphere.
Atmosphere turns into reviews.

5. Entertainment and Local Touches

Many guests simply want to switch off.

Offering access to streaming services is a relatively small cost that adds value, especially on rainy days.

When families stayed with us, I always made sure a few board games were visible in the living room. It encouraged quality time and was often mentioned in reviews.

And finally — local recommendations.

Guests truly appreciate curated suggestions. Not a long generic list, but your favourites:

• Restaurants you genuinely love
• A quiet coffee spot
• Practical tips about parking or transport
• Information about nearby laundry if needed

I eventually turned our guest information system into editable welcome book templates because I noticed the same questions repeating over and over.

Why These Small Upgrades Matter

None of these changes are dramatic.

But together, they create a feeling.

And feeling is what guests remember when they leave their review.

Over time, I realised that the difference between an average stay and a memorable one is rarely about luxury. It’s about intention.