Creating a Five-Star Airbnb Bathroom: A Complete Setup Guide for London Landlords

When it comes to setting up your Airbnb, the bathroom is one area that often gets overlooked. Yet, it’s one of the most powerful spaces to influence guest satisfaction — and your reviews.

Guests may forgive a small kitchen or a noisy street, but a poorly stocked or uninviting bathroom? That can easily lead to a three-star stay.

For London landlords entering the short-term rental market, your bathroom can make the difference between “just okay” and “exceptional.” It’s also one of the easiest places to add value, boost your property’s appeal, and increase your rental income with minimal investment.

At 20Property Management, we help property owners and investors transform ordinary rentals into five-star stays. From full Airbnb management and HMO property management to interior staging and compliance, our goal is to help you earn more, with less stress.

Let’s explore how to design, stock, and maintain a bathroom that impresses guests — and keeps those five-star reviews rolling in.

1. Start with Quality Essentials — Don’t Skimp

Luxury hosting begins with the basics. While your bathroom tiles or vanity might impress visually, what truly matters to guests is comfort and convenience.

Towels

Every guest should have at least four plush bath towels, two washcloths, and two hand towels. A single towel per person simply isn’t enough — especially for longer stays.Provide extras in a visible basket or cabinet so guests never have to ask. For added sophistication, roll or fold towels neatly and stage one on the bed upon arrival.

Bath Mats

A soft, absorbent bath mat prevents slips and enhances safety. Keep one per bathroom, placed neatly to the side rather than directly on the floor — a detail that shows professionalism.

Makeup Towels

Offer black “makeup towels” so guests don’t stain your white linens. Even if some guests forget to use them, it signals care and attention to detail — hallmarks of great hospitality.

2. Upgrade Toiletries to Hotel-Level Standards

Miniature shampoo bottles might look cute, but they’re wasteful and inconvenient. Guests staying several nights will quickly run out. Instead, opt for full-size, refillable bottles for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hand soap.

Choose matching bottles and clear containers — they look elegant, professional, and make it easy to see when supplies are low. Always check for cleanliness and refill levels during turnover cleans.

If your guests care about product ingredients, include brand information in your digital or printed welcome guide. Transparency builds trust and shows that you value their comfort.

3. Stock Up on Paper Goods (And Then Some)

Few things damage a guest’s impression faster than running out of toilet paper. Always have:

One roll on the holder, and

At least three spare rolls neatly stored under the sink or vanity.

Don’t make guests search through cupboards or contact you mid-stay for essentials — it’s a small touch that saves frustration and improves satisfaction.

Tissues and Hygiene Products

A simple box of tissues and a discreet selection of hygiene items (like tampons or liners) can make a big impact, especially for longer stays. Present them neatly — small decorative covers can make tissue boxes look refined and intentional.

4. Provide Functional Must-Haves

Waste Bin

Every bathroom needs a small, clean waste bin. Whether you prefer covered bins or built-in liners, consistency and cleanliness are key. Guests appreciate subtle touches that show hygiene is a priority.

Toilet Brush and Plunger

It may not sound glamorous, but these tools are essential. A covered toilet brush and plunger allow guests to discreetly handle any minor mishaps — avoiding embarrassment and unnecessary messages to you or your management team.

At 20Property Management, we always recommend including these in every bathroom setup to prevent awkward situations and maintain guest privacy.

5. The “Forgot Something?” Basket – A Five-Star Secret

Every host should consider adding a small “Forgot Something?” basket. Stock it with thoughtful items like:

• Toothpaste and toothbrushes

• Disposable razors

• Cotton pads and Q-tips

• Hair ties and spray deodorant

• Feminine hygiene products

This simple addition transforms your Airbnb from basic to boutique. It’s the kind of thoughtful gesture that earns glowing reviews and repeat bookings.

Worried about guests taking items? In our experience managing short-term lettings across London, this is rarely an issue — and the goodwill it generates far outweighs the minimal cost.

6. Include a Quality Hair Dryer (and Other Comforts)

A good-quality hair dryer — neatly stored in a labeled bag or drawer — is non-negotiable. Avoid outdated or weak models; guests often notice the difference.

If your property caters to professionals or events (like weddings or business travellers), consider adding extra mirrors or vanity lighting to make getting ready easier. These small touches elevate the guest experience and set your property apart.

7. Add Mirrors and Lighting for a Spacious Feel

Mirrors do more than serve a function — they enhance light, create the illusion of space, and add a polished touch.

Include at least one full-length mirror elsewhere in the property, plus a lighted or magnifying mirror in the bathroom. Guests will appreciate the ability to get ready comfortably, especially when travelling in groups.

8. Hooks, Hooks, and More Hooks

You can’t have too many. Every guest should have somewhere to hang their towel, robe, or clothes. Install sturdy wall hooks — ideally with toggle bolts — to hold heavier items without damage.

Hooks also keep your space tidy and reduce laundry loads, helping you manage your property more efficiently.

9. Night Lights for Safety and Comfort

Consider adding motion-sensor or soft-glow night lights in the bathroom and hallway. They create a calm, safe atmosphere for nighttime use — particularly appreciated by families and older guests.

Small upgrades like these demonstrate a host’s attention to safety and care, which often translates to better reviews and more bookings.

10. The Finishing Touch: Freshness and Fragrance

One last luxury detail: include Poopourri or air freshener in each bathroom. It’s a discreet but powerful way to maintain freshness, especially in shared spaces or family stays.

Guests may never mention it directly — but they’ll remember how comfortable and confident they felt during their stay.

How 20Property Management Helps You Create Five-Star Airbnb Experiences

Designing the perfect bathroom is just one part of a successful short-term letting strategy. At 20Property Management, we go beyond setup — we handle everything for you, from listing creation and tenant sourcing to cleaning, guest communication, and 24/7 support.

Our expert team manages:

• Full-service Airbnb management — from bookings to checkouts.

• HMO property management — ensuring compliance and tenant satisfaction.

• Interior staging and design — turning ordinary rentals into desirable spaces.

• Maintenance and inspections — to keep every detail pristine.

Whether you own one flat or multiple properties across London, we help you maximise your rental income while making hosting completely hands-off.

Final Thoughts

Your bathroom might be small, but its impact is huge. A thoughtfully designed, fully equipped space sets the tone for the entire stay and defines how guests remember your property.

By investing a little time and care into this one room, you can elevate your entire Airbnb — and your reputation as a host.

Ready to Make Your Airbnb Stand Out?

Let us take the stress out of managing your short-term rental. Contact 20Property Management today to discover how our Airbnb management services can help you increase profits, improve guest satisfaction, and enjoy a truly hands-free hosting experience.