The perfect Coffee Station for your Airbnb
If there’s one thing that can instantly boost your Airbnb reviews, it’s a great coffee setup. For most guests, their first morning ritual is putting the kettle on or making a cup of coffee. As guest expectations become more refined, it’s important for hosts to keep up—offering more than just a jar of instant.
At our 5-bed property in South Woodham Ferrers, we’ve created a coffee station that suits every kind of guest. We provide a Nespresso machine with a selection of pods, as well as instant coffee, decaf options, a variety of teas, and even a syrup (pumpkin spice is a surprising favourite all year round!). We also include the traditional canisters of tea, coffee, and sugar for those who like things simple.
For larger groups—like our popular wedding parties—we’ve added a French press and a 12-cup drip coffee maker, perfect for prepping coffee for a crowd without waiting for one pod at a time. Clear instructions are essential too, especially with so many types of coffee machines out there now.
Equally important is maintenance. Be sure your cleaning team is restocking pods, tea bags, and other essentials between each stay. The machines also need attention—empty water tanks, remove used pods, and clean all removable parts. A dirty or under stocked coffee station can quickly turn a good stay into a frustrating one.
Ultimately, a clean, well-thought-out coffee station tells your guests you care about the little things—the ones that make a big difference. Whether it’s their first cup of the day or a quick brew before checkout, great coffee can set the tone for the entire experience.
It’s a simple addition that pays off in 5-star reviews and happy, caffeinated guests.
Coffee & Tea Essentials
Coffee Machine (e.g. Nespresso, Keurig, or similar pod machine)
Selection of Coffee Pods (include decaf options)
Instant Coffee (regular and decaf)
Ground Coffee (for French press or drip machine)
French Press / Cafetière
Drip Coffee Maker (ideal for large groups)
Electric Kettle
Tea Bags (black, green, herbal, and decaf)
Sugar (white, brown, sweeteners)
Milk Options (long-life milk, plant-based if possible)
Plenty of Mugs (always provide more than one per guest—dishwashers may not be run yet, or someone might have left theirs in a bedroom; mugs are inexpensive, so stock extras)
Espresso Cups (a thoughtful bonus for coffee lovers)
Audit Regularly – Check for chips and missing mugs between stays and top up as needed
Extras That Delight
Flavoured Syrups (e.g. vanilla, caramel, pumpkin spice)
Stirrers or Spoons
Disposable Cups with Lids (great for guests on the go)
Coffee Filters (if using a drip machine)
Napkins or Paper Towels
Tray or Organiser to keep items tidy and accessible
Instructions for each coffee machine type
Cleaning and Maintenance: Don't Skip It
A spotless, well-functioning coffee station is just as important as what you provide. Make sure your cleaners are trained to maintain it properly between each stay. That means emptying used pods, refreshing the water tank, cleaning or replacing drip trays, and washing all removable components of your machines. For French presses and drip brewers, ensure they’re rinsed thoroughly and free from old coffee grounds. Regular descaling (especially in hard water areas like we have here in Essex
By offering a variety of quality options, keeping everything clean and well-maintained, and making sure guests have more than just the basics, you create a sense of comfort and care that guests remember. Whether it’s their first morning brew or a late-night cuppa, a great coffee experience can shape their entire stay. Invest a little time and attention here, and you’ll see it pay off in glowing reviews and repeat bookings.) helps machines work better and last longer. A dirty or broken coffee maker can leave a bad impression—so staying on top of cleaning is key to happy, caffeinated guests!- happy caffeinating, Becky