How to Create an Airbnb Bathroom Guests Love

The bathroom is one of the first places guests visit after they arrive.

Usually, they haven’t even unpacked their suitcase yet. They haven’t tested the bed, and they probably haven’t asked for the WiFi password either.

That’s why first impressions matter so much.

A clean, well-prepared bathroom immediately tells guests they’re staying somewhere that’s been looked after. On the other hand, worn towels, empty soap dispensers, or cluttered shelves can make even a beautiful rental feel less welcoming.

The good news is that you don’t need a luxury bathroom to impress your guests.

In fact, it’s usually the little things that make the biggest difference. Soft towels, good toiletries, practical storage, and a few thoughtful extras often leave a much stronger impression than expensive tiles or designer fittings.

Let’s take a look at the bathroom details guests really notice—and how you can easily improve them.

1. Invest in Towels Guests Actually Want to Use

If there’s one thing I’d always recommend investing a little more money in, it’s good towels.

Guests probably won’t ask where you bought them. However, they’ll definitely notice how they feel after a shower.

Soft, fluffy towels make a bathroom feel comfortable and well cared for. On the other hand, thin, rough, or worn towels can make the whole space feel a little tired, even if everything else is spotless.

When you’re choosing towels, it’s worth looking at the GSM (grams per square metre). It simply tells you how thick and absorbent the towel is. Personally, I think somewhere between 500 and 700 GSM works really well for most Airbnb properties. They’re soft, absorbent, and still practical enough for regular washing.

Personally, I still prefer white towels. They make the bathroom feel fresh, they match almost every style, and you can bleach them if needed. I also find it much easier to spot stains during cleaning, which means I know exactly when it’s time to replace one.

Of course, there’s one problem every host knows sooner or later…

Makeup stains.

Instead of constantly replacing white towels, I like leaving a couple of dark washcloths specifically for makeup removal. You can also leave a small packet of makeup remover wipes. A friendly note explaining why they’re there is usually enough, and most guests are happy to use them.

Don’t Forget the Essentials

As a minimum, I like to leave:

• One large bath towel
• One hand towel
• One washcloth or face towel

If guests are staying for a week or longer, I also leave an extra bath towel. It’s a small detail, but people always appreciate having a spare.

Presentation Matters Too

You don’t have to fold towels like a five-star hotel.

However, taking an extra minute to present them neatly does make a difference.

For example, you could fold them on an open shelf, roll them in a basket, or simply stack them neatly next to the sink. None of these ideas cost anything, but they make the bathroom feel much more inviting.

2. Bathroom Essentials Every Airbnb Should Provide

These days, providing basic toiletries is simply expected.

Guests probably won’t leave a five-star review because you supplied shampoo or hand soap. However, they’ll certainly notice if they’re missing.

At the very least, I’d recommend having:

• Hand soap
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Shower gel
• Toilet paper
• A hairdryer

You don’t have to buy expensive brands. However, I would avoid the very cheapest products if possible. Spending just a little more usually gives guests a much nicer experience, and it’s something they quietly appreciate.

Whenever possible, I also use refillable dispensers instead of several different plastic bottles. They look tidier, they’re easier to refill between guests, and they create less plastic waste too.

The Small Extras Guests Really Appreciate

This is where you can make someone’s day.

Most of us have travelled somewhere and realised we’d forgotten something.

Maybe it was a toothbrush.

Hair ties.

Cotton pads.

Or makeup remover.

That’s why I like keeping a few useful extras in the bathroom, such as:

• Makeup remover wipes
• Cotton pads and cotton buds
• Body lotion
• Hand cream
• A gentle facial cleanser
• Hair ties
• A spare toothbrush
• Feminine hygiene products

Of course, you don’t need to provide everything on this list.

Even one or two thoughtful extras can be incredibly helpful if a guest has forgotten something at home or arrived late when the shops are already closed.

Keep Everything Easy to Find

One mistake I see quite often is hiding everything inside cupboards.

The problem is that many guests won’t go looking through every cabinet to find spare toilet paper or cotton pads.

Instead, I like keeping the everyday essentials somewhere guests can see them straight away. A small basket, a tray, or an open shelf usually works perfectly.

It keeps the bathroom looking tidy, makes things easier for your guests, and it’s much quicker to restock between stays too.

3. Give Guests Space to Unpack

When setting up an Airbnb bathroom, it’s easy to focus on what you want to provide.

However, it’s just as important to think about what your guests are bringing with them.

Most people arrive with their own shampoo, skincare products, toothbrush, medications, or makeup bag. If every shelf and every corner is already full, they’ll quickly run out of space to put their own things.

That’s why I always try to leave a little empty space on a shelf or the countertop. It might not sound like much, but it makes the bathroom feel much easier to use.

Keep Things Organised

A tidy bathroom always feels more relaxing.

At the same time, it also makes cleaning and restocking much quicker between guests.

I like using baskets or trays to keep similar things together instead of leaving everything spread across different shelves. It looks neater, but more importantly, guests can find what they need without searching around.

Inside the shower, a simple shelf or shower caddy also makes a big difference. It keeps shampoo and shower gel within easy reach and avoids that cluttered look of bottles sitting all around the bath or shower.

For spare toilet paper, I use a decorative metal holder that holds four or five rolls. Guests can immediately see where the extra toilet paper is, and I never have to answer that question during someone’s stay.

The same goes for extra towels or toiletries. Keeping everything in one place simply makes the bathroom easier to use.

The goal isn’t to fill every shelf.

Instead, try to make the space feel practical, organised, and comfortable for your guests.

4. Bathroom Lighting Makes a Bigger Difference Than You Think

Lighting is one of those things guests don’t usually notice until it isn’t right.

For example, have you ever tried putting on makeup or shaving in a bathroom with poor lighting? It’s frustrating.

That’s why good lighting is worth thinking about, especially if you’re renovating or updating your bathroom.

Ideally, your bathroom should have two different types of light.

Bright Lighting Where Guests Need It

The area around the mirror should be bright enough for everyday tasks like shaving, styling hair, or applying makeup.

If you’re planning to replace your mirror, a model with built-in LED lighting is a great option. Alternatively, wall lights on each side of the mirror also work really well because they provide much more even light than a single ceiling fixture.

Guests may not mention it in their review, but they’ll definitely appreciate it while they’re getting ready each morning.

Softer Lighting for a More Relaxed Feel

At the same time, bathrooms aren’t only practical spaces.

After a long day of travelling or sightseeing, it’s nice if the room feels calm rather than harshly lit.

You don’t need anything complicated to achieve that.

Simply choosing warm-toned light bulbs instead of very cool white ones can completely change the atmosphere. If your lighting is dimmable, even better.

It’s a small detail, but it helps the whole bathroom feel warmer and more inviting.

5. The Small Details That Make Guests Feel Cared For

Once you’ve covered the essentials, it’s the little finishing touches that make your bathroom feel more welcoming.

None of these ideas are expensive. However, together they can make guests feel that you’ve really thought about their stay.

Consider Comfort Beyond the Basics

If you’re aiming for a slightly more premium feel, there are a few extras that guests really enjoy.

A soft bathrobe.

Hotel-style slippers.

A magnifying mirror.

Or even a small stool where guests can place their clothes while they’re showering.

None of these are essential, and I certainly wouldn’t say every Airbnb needs them. However, if they fit your style and budget, they can make your bathroom feel that little bit more special.

Keep Fragrance Subtle

A clean bathroom should smell… clean.

Personally, I think that’s much more important than strong fragrances.

If you enjoy using a reed diffuser or a lightly scented room spray, keep the scent subtle. That way it adds a pleasant atmosphere without becoming overwhelming.

At the same time, I’d avoid spraying lots of air freshener just before guests arrive. Some people are sensitive to fragrance, and a strong scent can sometimes have the opposite effect.

Add a Little Greenery

A small plant is one of the easiest ways to make a bathroom feel fresher.

If your bathroom has natural light, plants like pothos or eucalyptus work beautifully. If it doesn’t, don’t worry. Good-quality artificial plants look surprisingly realistic these days. IKEA’s FEJK range , for example, has some lovely options that are also very affordable.

As a bonus, greenery also looks great in your Airbnb photos.

The Most Important Detail of All

Finally, let’s talk about the one thing that matters more than anything else.

Cleanliness.

You can have beautiful towels, lovely toiletries, and expensive accessories. However, none of them will make up for a bathroom that doesn’t feel spotless.

Guests notice water spots on mirrors.

Hair in the shower.

Soap residue around the sink.

Dusty corners.

These are small things, but together they affect how guests feel about the whole property.

That’s why I always spend a few extra minutes checking the bathroom before every arrival.

After all, guests might forgive older tiles or a small scratch on a cabinet.

However, they’re much less likely to forget a bathroom that didn’t feel completely clean.

Final Thoughts

Creating a bathroom guests love doesn’t mean spending thousands on a renovation.

More often than not, it’s the simple details that leave the biggest impression. Soft towels, good toiletries, practical storage, and a bathroom that feels clean and well looked after can completely change how guests experience their stay.

The nice thing is that most of these improvements don’t cost very much.

Instead, they simply show guests that someone has taken the time to think about their comfort.

Most people probably won’t mention your hand soap or bath mat in their review.

However, they’ll remember how the bathroom made them feel.

Was it clean?

Was everything easy to find?

Did it feel comfortable to use?

Those little moments often become part of a guest’s overall impression of your property, even if they never mention them directly.

Finally, if you’re ever wondering whether your bathroom is ready for your next guests, ask yourself one simple question:

Would I be happy to use this bathroom if I arrived after a long day of travelling?

If the answer is yes, chances are your guests will feel exactly the same.

Want to Make Your Whole Airbnb Feel This Thoughtful?

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like my guide to the Airbnb amenities guests notice within the first hour of their stay.Many of the same ideas apply there too. It’s often the smallest details that help guests feel welcome from the moment they walk through the door.

→ The Airbnb Amenities Guests Notice Within the First Hour

Free Airbnb Bathroom Essentials Checklist

Want to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything before your next guest arrives?

I’ve put together a free Airbnb Bathroom Essentials Checklist that covers everything guests expect, from the everyday essentials to the thoughtful little extras that are easy to overlook.

Whether you’re getting your first Airbnb ready or simply refreshing your bathroom, it’s an easy way to double-check that everything is prepared before check-in.

→Download the Free Bathroom Essentials Checklist