HOW TO TURN AMENITIES INTO TRAVELER REWARDS
Have You Wondered
“Which amenities make the biggest splash?”
There’s a moment in every memorable trip—a spark that turns a nice stay into a never-forget. At The Olive Jar, we call that spark a guest touch point.
It’s more than just a welcome basket or an aesthetic detail. It’s a designed moment that says, this space was made for you.
Today’s traveler isn’t just craving comfort. They’re craving connection. They want to feel seen. Known. Delighted. And your amenities? They can do all of that and more—when they’re reimagined through the lens of experiential marketing.
First—What Is Experiential Marketing?
It’s not just for big brands or flashy pop-ups.
Experiential marketing is the art of creating memorable, emotion-driven interactions that allow guests to engage with your brand in a tangible way.
It’s sensory. It’s story-driven. It builds loyalty—not just bookings.
And in the STR world, it means designing amenities that live on in memory, not just in listing photos.
In a sea of pretty listings, what sets yours apart is how it makes people feel in the story you’re telling—before, during, and even after their stay.
Experiential marketing is the art of creating memorable, emotion-driven interactions that allow guests to engage with your brand in a tangible way.
Why do experiential amenities matter for STR hosts?
Your property isn’t just a transaction—it’s a living, breathing brand. And while Airbnb has a hundred boxes you can check to let guests know what they’re getting when they book, the element of surprise isn’t one of them…what if the element of surprise could be your greatest super power?
When it comes to nuanced amenities, the element of surprise turns guest expectations into CAPTIVATING REWARDS.
Rewards play into pleasure, and a dose of dopamine goes a long way. Dopamine-driven positive feelings and experiences are vital for driving traveler loyalty—whether that means rebooking, opening your newsletters or organically sharing your listing with others.
The right rewards hit the spot.
So the golden question is: What kind of reward hits the spot?
In this article, YOU’LL GET TO KNOW how CURATED amenities can drive your story in ways that spark A strong emotional connection WITH YOUR TRAVELER—and LEAVE A lasting impression.
I’ll be breaking down FIVE (5) categories of amenities as I see them, ranging from permanent in-home features to curated gifts guests take home, each one an opportunity to say something meaningful about your brand.
By the way, maybe you’ve tried implementing a unique guest touch point, but it’s just not landing. Don’t give up yet. Maybe it just needs a little layering, some zhuzh.
Consider this read your chance to workshop that offering.
STEAL (MORE THAN) ONE OF THESE IDEAS
TO SURPRISE EVERY GUEST WITH A CAPTIVATING REWARD: MINI EXPERIENCES THAT BUILD YOUR BRAND STORY
Before you read on, are you sure you want to be a true Storyteller thru and thru? If so, you’ll be sure to combine amenity categories for a more dynamic experience. You’ll see how we’ve already done that a bit in our sample concepts below.
Our family kit for “little ones” turned this vacation rental into a mama-magnet—instantly increasing bookings for our client by young families. When parents see this image in The Cozy Cactus listing photos, they’re surprised, delighted and hooked to book. (Photo credit: Third Wall Photography)
1) IN-HOME AMENITIES
Permanent, intentional design components that are experienced on your property. They should be layered, interactive, and aligned with your guest avatar’s core needs and desires. These features can be both practical and heartfelt too, the best of both worlds.
Sample Concepts:
“Little ones” family kit complete with a premium baby changing pad, travel essentials, gentle toiletries & more
A curated media library tied to your home’s distinct theme (90’s cassette tapes, Wes Anderson DVDs, ambient playlists)
Elevated board games—literally—like a wall mounted Tic-tac-toe in the kids room repurposed closet; see how we did it HERE.
These moments say:
This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to belong.
2) Guided Activities
Whether hosted in-person or self-guided, these are experiences that guide your guest into connection—with the space, with each other, and with themselves.
Sample Concepts:
A self-guided mindful chocolate tasting that doubles as a sensory meditation
A local-guided stargazing or sunrise hike provided with solar lanterns and blankets
A creative journaling prompt tied to the season or the soul of your location—have you seen our Sleep Guide Travel Journals?
These touch points say:
This stay made me feel something.
3) SERVICES
Hospitality services offered through local partnerships or customized concierge programs. These can be optional add-ons or complimentary enhancements to help guests feel cared for in deeper ways.
Sample Concepts:
“Stock the fridge” with a curated menu of DELIGHTful goods perfect for playing up the experience of communal spaces
Special occasion entertainment—think hired magician who can weave clever themes of travel into the act
In-home massage or movement session curated to align with your rental’s wellness focus (if that’s you)
These OFFERINGS say:
We thought of everything—because you deserve it.
AND, DID YOU KNOW
Our strongest memories are formed by multi-sensory experiences?
Which is why anything edible, plus this next category, can leave an especially strong impression…
4) Consumables
Thoughtfully chosen treats, goods or tactile materials that heighten the sensory experience while highlighting your brand’s personality.
Sample Concepts:
A wellness ELIXER mixology bar with handwritten recipes and complimentary garnishes, like dried edible flowers
An arts & crafting corner—the sky is the limit here, and Pinterest can prove it
A travel spa sampler set…think single use face masks from ESW Beauty—they’ve got the yummiest treatments
These TREATS say:
This stay tastes like nowhere else.
***
Let’s hit refresh on this one. What if you could market test an offering like this inside your rental—on someone else’s dime?
Our friends at UpClose Marketing make it possible. They partner with brands looking for fresh, meaningful ways to connect with consumers—and vacation rentals like yours are the perfect canvas.
It’s ZERO cost to showcase curated products of your choice inside your property for 3 months at a time.
It’s ZERO cost to sign up.
No gimmicks, no catch—just beautifully placed amenities that enhance your guest experience and help you stay ahead of the trends.
Want to get started? Find the UpClose Marketing link at the bottom of this article.
5) Take-Home Gifts
These aren’t your average giveaways. These are memory markers—tangible reminders of your vacation rental that the guest can carry with them long after check-out…and, maybe even pay it forward, passing it on to loved ones.
Sample Concepts:
Your own “Little Free Library,” where guests can leave a book and take a book—key for memory marking: guests stamp the inside cover with your custom logo
A luxury sleep mask customized with an original, catchy mantra tied to the heart of your brand
A branded single-use camera to inspire a DIY analog keepsake
These gifts say:
This stay changed me.
Our friends at Cozy Rock Cabin implemented their own “Little Free Library” in a big way. Check it out HERE. (Photo credit: John Segalla)
Experiential Marketing in Action
DESIGN CAN MAKE A SPACE BEAUTIFUL. EXPERIENCE MAKES IT UNFORGETTABLE.
Now that you’re ready to turn your amenities into traveler rewards, make sure every concept is:
Always target-traveler informed
Infused with brand storytelling
Made to be interactive and emotionally resonant
Share your notes with a host you love!
Want to market test your amenities? Explore UpClose Marketing.
Blue Skies Office Space + Ice Cream Party images by The Olive Jar & June Choi Photo
If you’re FEELING INSPIRED, BUT ALSO NEED A LITTLE HELP…
Get in touch with The Olive Jar. Book a Discovery Call, and we’ll chat through a menu of ways we can support you. It’s that easy (and complimentary).
When THE RIGHT amenities go beyond the “expected,” YOU’RE SURE TO STRIKE A CHORD WITH your TRAVELER.
Name one amenity from this article that strikes a chord with you—leave a comment about it below!