Best Amenities to Add to Increase Rental Occupancy Playa del Carmen — Playa del Carmen, Mexico

In competitive rental markets—especially in destinations like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the wider Riviera Maya—amenities are no longer “nice-to-haves.” They are occupancy boosters, rate increasers, and review enhancers. The right amenities can easily push your rental from average to fully booked, even in slower seasons.

If you’re looking to maximize occupancy, stand out on Airbnb/Booking.com, and deliver a 5-star guest experience, these are the top amenities that actually move the needle.

1. High-Speed, Reliable WiFi (The #1 Deciding Factor)

Guests will forgive a lot—but not bad internet.

In 2025, fast WiFi is the single most important amenity for:

Digital nomads
Remote workers
Families streaming content
Long-stay winter travelers

Recommended: 50–300 Mbps fiber optic connection + a backup router or mesh system.

Why it matters:
Better internet = better reviews = higher occupancy.

2. Blackout Curtains and Strong Air Conditioning

Comfort sells.

Travelers expect:

Cool indoor temps
A quiet, restful sleep
A dark room, especially in tropical destinations

These two amenities directly impact guest comfort—which directly impacts reviews. A property that sleeps well books well.

3. Smart TV With Streaming Apps Installed

Streaming is the modern equivalent of cable TV.
Make it easy for guests by offering:

Netflix
Prime
Disney+
YouTube

Whether you provide your own login or allow guests to log in themselves, a smart TV makes your listing instantly more appealing.

4. Washer + Dryer (Even a Combo Unit Helps)

A huge win for:

Families
Long-stay travelers
Digital nomads
Beachgoers

Properties with in-unit laundry receive significantly more long-term inquiries.

Even a compact or shared laundry solution is better than none.

5. Workspace or Desk Area

Remote work isn’t slowing down.
A dedicated workspace—no matter how small—can increase occupancy dramatically.

Include:

A comfortable chair
A simple desk
Good lighting
Convenient outlets

Your listing will attract digital nomads who stay longer and pay more.

6. Fully Stocked Kitchen (The Airbnb Must-Have)

Guests don’t need a gourmet chef setup—they just want functionality.

High-ROI kitchen additions include:

Sharp knives
Non-stick pans
Coffee maker + coffee
Blender
Toaster
Microwave
Basic spices and cooking oil

A well-stocked kitchen increases the likelihood of longer stays and glowing reviews.

7. Keyless Smart Lock Access

A small upgrade that creates a big impact.

Benefits:

No lost keys
Smooth self-check-in
Reduced headaches for guests and managers
Better security

In 2025, guests prefer contactless entry—your occupancy benefits from meeting that expectation.

8. Beach Gear (Top Performer in Coastal Markets)

Properties near the beach see a huge bump in booking conversions when they provide:

Beach towels
Umbrella
Cooler
Beach chairs
Snorkel gear (optional but loved)

These simple additions help your listing stand out in a crowded Riviera Maya market.

9. Pet-Friendly Setup

Pet-friendly rentals can command:

Higher nightly rates
Higher occupancy
Longer bookings

To do it safely, include:

Pet bowls
Pet bed
Vacuum for hair
Clear rules and deposits

This amenity alone can increase occupancy by 20–30%.

You can read about the advantages of pet friendly rentals here: https://nasplaya.com/should-you-allow-pets-the-real-roi-of-pet-friendly-rentals/

10. Outdoor Seating + Small Upgrades

People travel to relax. Make your outdoor area inviting:

Comfortable patio furniture
Hammock
Bistro set
Soft lighting
Plants

A well-designed outdoor space improves listing photos—and listing photos drive bookings.

11. Pool Access or Shared Amenities

If your property doesn’t have a private pool, highlight and enhance shared amenities:

Pool
Gym
Rooftop
Coworking area
Security
Parking

Even small upgrades like providing pool towels and gym access instructions improve the guest experience.

12. 24/7 NAS-Integrated Support (The Behind-the-Scenes Secret)

A NAS-based monitoring system isn’t visible to guests—but dramatically improves occupancy through:

Faster response times
Reliable WiFi
Seamless access management
Fewer mechanical failures
Prevention of guest damage

Better operation = better reviews = higher occupancy.

Which Amenities Give the Highest ROI?

If you’re limited on budget, prioritize:

Top 5 High-Impact Amenities:

High-speed WiFi
Smart lock
Blackout curtains + good AC
Smart TV
Workspace

For Beach Rentals:

Add beach gear immediately—it pays for itself within a few bookings.

For Long-Term Rentals:

Washer/dryer and kitchen upgrades create the biggest return.

Final Thoughts: Amenities Are an Investment, Not an Expense

Every amenity above has one goal:
Increase occupancy and keep guests happy.

When guests feel cared for, they:

Book faster
Stay longer
Pay higher rates
Leave better reviews
Come back again

And in markets like Riviera Maya, better reviews and higher occupancy mean a stronger, more consistent rental income.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.

From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.

Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.

North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
🌐 www.nasplaya.com 🔑 Rentals: rentals@nasplaya.com
📊 Ventas: buy@nasplaya.com 🏘 Property Management: bookings@nasplaya.com

Best Amenities to Add to Increase Rental Occupancy in Playa del Carmen, Mexico