10 Must-Have Airbnb Essentials for Hosting Game Day Guests
Welcome to football season in a college town—where short-term rentals fill up fast, guests come ready to cheer, and reviews can make or break your listing. Whether you're prepping for a weekend of touchdowns or tassels (graduation!), these 10 Airbnb essentials will help you create a 5-star experience your guests won’t stop raving about.
5/8/20242 min read
1. Welcome Basket with Local Flavor
Give guests a warm Southern welcome with a basket of snacks, water bottles, and a printed list of your favorite local spots. Add a mini bottle of Advil or Gatorade for those tailgate hangovers—they’ll thank you later!
Pro Tip: Include local goodies like chips from a nearby shop or your favorite coffee beans.
2. Hotel-Quality Bedding
Invest in white, high-thread count sheets and multiple pillow options (firm + soft). White feels clean, photographs well, and can be bleached if needed. Don’t forget a cozy throw in school colors for added flair!
🛒 Recommended:
3. Plush Towels + Toiletries
Stock 2 towels per guest + hand towels and washcloths. Keep a basket of extras under the sink and include toiletries like shampoo, body wash, and lotion. I also like to have some wash cloths for makeup!
🛒 Recommended:
4. Game Day Setup
Make it easy for guests to watch all the games! We will have a large TV in the living room and smaller ones in each bedroom.
Smart TV with easy login instructions and how to navigate to the sports channels
High-speed WiFi
Foldable chairs or extra seating
Bonus: Include a game schedule printed and framed on the wall!
5. Fully Stocked Kitchen
Game weekend means eating in! Stock your kitchen with:
Coffee Maker, K-cups, coffee & filters
Corkscrew & bottle opener (may need a few, these things tend to disappear)
6. Quick-Clean Supplies
Help guests (or your cleaning crew) keep things tidy:
Trash bags
Clorox wipes
Basic cleaning supplies (409 cleaner, dish soap, dishwasher tablets)
Lint roller
7. Phone Charging Station
A universal charging station (or a few USB wall plugs) is always a hit. Add one in the living room and both bedrooms.
🛒 Recommended:
8-Port USB Charging Hub (one in living room and each bedroom)
8. Local Guidebook
Create a printed or digital guide with:
Best restaurants, coffee, and brunch
Parking tips on game days
Closest pharmacy and grocery store
Emergency contacts
9. Safety + Comfort Items
Make guests feel safe and at ease with:
10. Touches of Team Spirit
Hang a banner or small framed art in school colors. Keep it subtle—think “classy fan zone,” not frat house. Add a dry-erase board with a handwritten “Welcome [Team Name] fans!” message for each group of guests.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a short-term rental for college game weekends doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With just a little prep and thoughtful details, you’ll stand out from the crowd—and rack up those 5-star reviews like a true Champion. 💪