10 Things Every Vacation Rental Should Have

There’s nothing worse than showing up to your vacation rental to find out you’re missing. basic essentials or have neighbors so close they can see your every move. Vacations should be about relaxation and creating memories. When choosing a cabin for your next mountain getaway, be sure your rental includes all of the amenities you need to keep your mountain vacation a vacation.

Here are 10 essential amenities every mountain vacation cabin should have to ensure the perfect time away.

1. Everyday Essentials

Items like paper towels and dishwasher and laundry detergent seem like a given, but so many rental property owners today try to save a few dollars by not providing these basic essentials (trust us, we’ve stayed at some before). Be sure to read the list of amenities carefully to see if these amenities are included. Beyond the essentials, look to see if your cabin rental focuses on some of the little details (more in this below). These little details can take your rental from good to great.

2. A Well-Stocked Kitchen

A well-stocked kitchen gives guests the confidence to make their favorite family-gathering recipes without sacrificing quality. Essential items to look for include a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, grill, and a variety of cookware and utensils. Additionally, having basics like spices, cooking oil, and coffee can enhance the experience, making it feel more like a home away from home.

3. High-Speed Internet

While a rustic feel is part of the mountain charm, you’re not savages. Modern amenities such as high-speed internet and TVs in every room can make a stay more convenient and enjoyable. Don’t settle for slow, spotty satellite internet when streaming music or your favorite shows.

4. Central Air and Heat

Depending on the season and location, proper heating and cooling systems are crucial. A cabin should have reliable heating for those cozy winter nights and air conditioning for the summer heat. But why settle for just one? For those who prefer looking at a fire in the cooler seasons, a remote-controlled electric fireplace in addition to central heat will provide the warmth needed as well as the mountain ambiance that adds to a cabin’s charm.

5. A Great Deck and View

A vacation cabin should capitalize on its natural surroundings. Make the most of the high country by choosing a cabin with mountain views., preferably west-facing, so you can take in a gorgeous sunset A spacious deck or patio with comfortable seating can make a huge difference to the enjoyment of a cabin. As a bonus, check to see if the patio has ceiling fans. These can be a game-changer on those hot, mid-afternoon days.

6. A Hot Tub

A hot tub is more than just a luxury: it’s the ultimate amenity that transforms a good cabin stay into an unforgettable escape.. Whether you’re relaxing sore muscles after a long hike, enjoying a romantic getaway, reducing stress, or just sipping a cold one, a hot tub will enhance your overall vacation experience. Bonus: Look for dedicated hot tub towels and a towel rack near the hot tub.

7. Privacy

Looking at your neighbors might be fine at home, but when you vacation in the mountains you want to be able to enjoy the surroundings Look at the cabin pictures and try to notice things like privacy fences or screen near high-relaxation areas such as next to hub tubs. If you see a privacy fence, it’s there for a reason.

8. Dedicated Hot Tub Towels

Using bath towels for the hot tub means you may need to do laundry on your vacation and the towels will become less soft quicker. For cabins that offer a hot tub, look for dedicated hot tub towels. This lets you know the cabin owners have thought there every detail of their guest experience.

9. Entertainment (Indoor and Outdoor)

While nature provides plenty of entertainment, having options for rainy days or quiet evenings is important. Look for a variety of adult and children’s board games, playing cards with poker chips, a wide selection of DVDs, streaming-connected TVs, and even video game systems. As a bonus, if the rental offer community amenities, look to if they provide items like basketballs and pickelball equipment.

10. The Little Details

When rental cabins focus on the little details it shows its owners care about their guests’ experiences. Items like bath robes can transform the cabin into a spa. Look for updated light fixtures, nightstand lights with built-in plugs to charge your devices, ceiling fans on the porch, themed chandeliers, extra sunglasses for sunset views, extra pillows and throw blankets, hangers, clothes hampers, flashlights, wine corks, plastic cups with lids for the hot tub, sports equipment, and sugar packets for coffee are just some of the little details to pay attention to,

A well-equipped vacation cabin can transform your rental cabin from a temporary rental into a mountain-top retreat By ensuring these ten essential amenities, you can enjoy the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, privacy, and rustic charm that makes a cabin getaway so special. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, these amenities will help you make the most of your time away.

See a complete list of the amenities offered at Changes in Altitude NC, a private NC mountain cabin featuring stunning sunset views. located close to Boone in the Leatherwood Mountains community.