Is your rental kitchen helping or hurting your reviews?
In this episode I’ll give you the ultimate checklist to turn your vacation rental kitchen into a guest-pleasing, booking-boosting star.

Before we start, don’t forget to hit subscribe and ring that bell 🔔 so you never miss a new episode filled with vacation rental wisdom!

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Are you tired of guest reviews that say, “The kitchen was… okay”? If you’re managing a short-term rental, your kitchen isn’t just a bonus—it’s a booking magnet. A great kitchen setup can mean the difference between one-time visitors and five-star repeat guests. Ready to turn that underused space into a guest-pleasing powerhouse? Let’s dig in.

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Why Your Kitchen Deserves the Spotlight

Guests want more than just a place to crash—they want a home away from home. And the kitchen? It’s the heart of it all. Whether it’s a quick breakfast, a romantic dinner, or just somewhere to heat up leftovers from that amazing taco truck down the street, your kitchen needs to deliver.

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In “Launch Your First Vacation Rental” course we break down the essentials for creating a memorable guest experience. Spoiler alert: your kitchen is front and centre.

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Stock It Like You Mean It

Let’s start with the basics. Every guest expects pots, pans, and plates. But what if you gave them more?

Must-Haves That Impress:

• Full cookware set (not just one tiny pot!)

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• Sharp knives (no one likes sawing tomatoes)

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• Spices, oils, and maybe even foil and wrap

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• A French press or Keurig with pods (yes, they will love you)

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Quick Tip: Organise your kitchen like a restaurant. Everything in its place. Labelled. Logical. And clean. Oh please, clean.

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Think Guest First, Always

Design your kitchen like it’s your guest’s first time using it—because it is.

Make it intuitive:

• Clear signage (where’s the wine opener?)
• Welcome basket with a snack, coffee, and a quick note
• Local grocery list or takeout guide on the fridge

Funny how a magnet and a list can say, “I got you,” isn’t it?

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Tech and Tools Guests Rave About

Want to blow their minds? Add some smart and sleek touches.

Top Tech That Delivers:

• Smart microwave with presets

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• Induction cooktop (safe and fast)

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• USB charging stations in the kitchen

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And if you’ve got space? A dishwasher that doesn’t sound like it’s starting a lawnmower race.

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Don’t Forget the Fridge

Yes, the fridge. It matters more than you think.

Do this:

• Clean it before every guest (I mean spotless)

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• Leave a bottle of water, milk, or even local jam

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• Add fridge organisers for style and function

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Think “Instagram meets Airbnb.” That’s your fridge goal.

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Make It Photo-Ready

In today’s world, people post everything. So why not turn your kitchen into a selfie-worthy space?

• Add open shelving with colour-coordinated dishes

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• Style a cutting board with a lemon and some basil

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• Include one “wow” piece (vintage kettle, quirky art, etc.)

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Because let’s be honest… if it’s cute, it gets booked.

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Cleaning Setup That Guests Will Notice

They won’t just see it—they’ll smell it.

• Stash an eco-friendly dish soap and scrubber

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• Include a dishwasher pod or two

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• Have a small compost bin and labelled waste containers

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Want to really impress? Leave a little “Kitchen Essentials” card. It shows you thought of everything.

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Hosting should bring joy, not just job lists.

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Get the “The 7-Day Vacation Rental Jumpstart” download.
Seven bite-sized steps to a rental guests rave about—without burning out.

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Get your copy now! You can find a link in the show notes.

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What’s the one thing in your rental kitchen guests always mention in reviews—good or bad? Share in the comments.

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Here Are Your 5 Takeaways

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In Conclusion

Designing the ultimate kitchen setup doesn’t mean spending a fortune. It means thinking like a guest. When you give them what they actually use—plus a few extras—you’re not just setting a table. You’re setting the stage for glowing reviews.

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And if you’re looking to streamline your rental’s setup, operations, and guest experience without losing the personal touch, check out our course, “Launch Your First Vacation Rental.”

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Now, go wipe that countertop, fluff that tea towel, and hit subscribe so you don’t miss our next episode. Your guests deserve a 5-star kitchen—and you deserve a calendar full of bookings.