Poconos STR Amenities That Actually Boost Bookings and ROI

Updated September 2025

TLDR: The Poconos STR amenities that consistently improve bookings and ROI are reliable Wi-Fi, compliant hot tubs, fire pits, air conditioning, game rooms, well-stocked kitchens, king beds, and thoughtful guest touches. Owners who align amenities with local rules and guest expectations see stronger ROI and reviews.

Let’s clear something up: guests in the Poconos aren’t just looking for a place to sleep. They’re booking for an experience. Certain amenities consistently make or break whether your short-term rental gets clicked, booked, and reviewed well.

At Galvanized Management, we manage 30+ STRs across Monroe County and surrounding townships. We’ve seen firsthand which features drive occupancy, repeat stays, and five-star reviews and which ones cost owners more than they return.

Here’s what works in this region and what most investors miss.

Are Hot Tubs Worth It for Poconos STR Owners?

Hot tubs are one of the most searched-for amenities in the Poconos STR market, especially in winter. They show up in guest filters on Airbnb and Vrbo, and listings with hot tubs often see higher nightly rates.

But here’s what most owners don’t realize:

• In townships like Kidder and Coolbaugh, hot tubs must have locking covers for code compliance

• Weekly chemical treatment and winterization are essential to prevent freezing pipes or guest injury

• Guests will mention them in reviews, positively or negatively, so it has to be clean and hot every time

My Take: We only recommend hot tubs for owners with a reliable cleaning and maintenance plan. It works, but it adds risk if you’re not local or fully managed.

Fire Pits vs. Fireplaces in Poconos Short-Term Rentals

Fire pits are an easy win in this region. Guests love them year-round, and they give a cabin-style listing more atmosphere. Plus, they photograph well.

What to know:

• Many gated communities like Arrowhead or Indian Mountain Lakes require permits or specific fire pit types

• Portable propane fire pits are safer and often HOA-approved

• Include chairs, string lights, and clear instructions to reduce risk

My Take: We’ve seen guest reviews mention fire pits even when they weren’t highlighted in the listing. That’s how much people like them.

Game Rooms That Drive Occupancy and Better Reviews

STR guests in the Poconos often travel in groups: families with kids, birthday weekends, or couples’ trips. Game rooms give them a reason to book your property over someone else’s.

Best performers include:

• Pool table, ping pong, or air hockey

• Classic arcade games like Pac-Man or GoldenEye

• Smart TVs with gaming consoles like PS5 or Xbox

My Take: Think of game rooms as entertainment insurance. When it rains or the ski slopes close, your guests still have fun and leave better reviews.

Do Poconos STRs Need a Washer and Dryer?

Weekend guests might not care, but week-long bookings, especially families, do. Not having one is a negative surprise.

• Leave detergent and clear instructions

• Stackable units work fine, it’s about access, not luxury

My Take: Guests expect this. It doesn’t boost nightly rate much, but it boosts reviews. And that boosts your visibility.

Air Conditioning in Poconos Short-Term Rentals: Expectation vs. Reality

The Poconos is generally cool in the summer. But guests don’t know that, especially those coming from Philly, NYC, or Florida. If your listing says “no AC,” you’ll lose bookings.

• Install window units in spring before your peak guests arrive

• Even one unit in the main bedroom can make a difference

• Make sure photos or the listing clarify where AC is available

My Take: We’ve seen great listings completely stall because the owners didn’t install their AC units early enough. Guests expect it, even if the weather doesn’t demand it.

Why Reliable Wi-Fi Is Non-Negotiable for STR Owners in Monroe County

It sounds basic, but rural broadband in parts of Monroe County is still spotty. Remote workers, teens, and even TV streamers will leave harsh reviews if your Wi-Fi lags.

• Upgrade to mesh routers and business-class service if available

• Offer backup hotspots in fringe areas like Tunkhannock or Middle Smithfield

• Mention your upload and download speeds in the listing (test it, don’t list the rated speed)

My Take: We’ve had more guest issues over Wi-Fi than almost anything else, even in high-end homes. It’s not a maybe. It’s a must.

Kitchens That Actually Improve Poconos STR Reviews

Guests still cook in Poconos STRs, especially for group trips, holidays, or longer stays. The basics aren’t enough.

Standout upgrades include:

• Griddle or waffle maker

• Crockpot or Instant Pot

• Coffee station with pods, filters, and mugs

• Sharp knives (yes, really)

My Take: You don’t need to spend thousands, but don’t give them thrift store leftovers either. Guests notice when you care.

Bedding and Sleep Upgrades That Pay Off in STR ROI

We see higher satisfaction scores in listings with:

• King beds in primary bedrooms

• Blackout curtains, especially near resort areas

• Extra blankets, pillows, and pull-out options for groups

• Highly rated mattresses

My Take: A $35 comforter can make a $200 per night stay feel like a hotel. Invest here before you buy another LED sign.

Local Guides and Digital Touches That Help STR Owners Stand Out

This is where you turn a good listing into a great experience.

Ideas we use:

• Printed local map with ski resorts, restaurants, and trailheads

• HOA rules in plain language (not just PDFs)

• QR code with our digital house manual

My Take: STR guests in the Poconos don’t just want a place to stay. They want a trip that runs smoothly. Be the one who helps them pull it off.

Final Word: Align STR Amenities With ROI and Operations

Don’t chase every trend. Think about your guest profile, your township rules, and what you can maintain consistently.

We’ve helped owners turn underperforming STRs around just by aligning the amenities with guest needs and local reality.

Want help reviewing your setup? We’ll walk you through:

• What’s worth upgrading

• What’s worth removing

• And how to systemize operations so you don’t burn out

Contact us to start the conversation.

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Poconos Short-Term Rental Amenities FAQ

How important is air conditioning in a Poconos short-term rental?

Very. Even though local temperatures are mild, most guests expect AC. Listings without it often lose bookings, especially in May through August. Window units are fine, but they need to be installed before peak season and clearly listed in your photos.

Do guests expect a washer and dryer in a Poconos vacation rental?

Yes. Especially families and week-long stays. Not having laundry isn’t always a dealbreaker, but it’s a common source of lower reviews. Keep it simple with stackable units, detergent, and clear instructions.

Which short-term rental amenities actually improve ROI in the Poconos? 

The amenities that show up most often in positive reviews are reliable Wi-Fi, compliant hot tubs, fire pits, blackout curtains, king beds, game rooms, and AC. These consistently impact bookings more than themed décor or luxury extras.

Are hot tubs worth it for Poconos short-term rental owners? 

If you can manage them properly, yes. They boost rates and bookings. But they also come with compliance rules, liability, and ongoing maintenance. In townships like Kidder or Coolbaugh, locking covers and water testing are non-negotiable.

Should Poconos rental owners install central air, or are window units enough?

Window units are usually enough. They meet guest expectations if installed early and listed clearly. Central air can justify higher rates, but only if it’s reliable and doesn’t become a repair liability.

What amenities should Poconos short-term rental owners avoid?

Anything high-maintenance, non-compliant, or likely to break. Wood-burning fireplaces, saunas, overly complex electronics, or weak-signal internet setups cost owners more than they return. Stick to amenities that align with guest expectations and township rules.

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About the Author

Jeremiah Noll is the founder of Galvanized Management, a fully licensed property management brokerage based in the Poconos. A former math teacher turned real estate investor, he built his company from firsthand experience managing rentals, flips, and township compliance. Today, Galvanized Management oversees more than 175 short-term and long-term rentals with a trusted in-house team.

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Reviews & Testimonials

We manage short and long-term rentals across the Poconos and help owners protect ROI, stay compliant, and improve guest experience. Read more client testimonials.

“I highly recommend Galvanized Property Management. Jeremiah and his team are professionals and have earned my trust. They show up when they say they will, find solutions to problems, and communicate well. On several occasions, Jeremiah came through in a pinch and really saved the day. I would give 10 stars if I could.

-Gail Wainwright

Charmaine Newman and the team have been awesome to work with. They worked really hard to find us the perfect house in our budget. The entire process went so smoothly before we knew it we were in our new mountain house. 10/10.”

-John Corney