A well-stocked coffee bar is one of the easiest ways to make guests feel welcome in a short-term rental. It’s also one of the most commented-on amenities in reviews. When guests can make coffee easily, the way they prefer, it sets a positive tone for the entire stay.
This STR coffee bar essentials checklist is designed for hosts who want a simple, reliable setup that works for most guests without overcomplicating restocking or taking up unnecessary counter space. Rather than offering novelty items or too many machines, the goal is to provide flexible options that guests recognize, use, and appreciate.
Based on real hosting experience, this guide focuses on what guests actually use, what reduces questions during a stay, and what makes a coffee bar feel intentional instead of thrown together. Use this checklist when setting up a new short-term rental or refining an existing one.
How to Use This STR Coffee Bar Essentials Checklist
This page is meant to function as a working checklist, not inspiration or décor guidance.
Use it when:
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Equipping a new short-term rental from scratch
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Upgrading an existing coffee bar that generates guest questions
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Standardizing supplies to simplify restocking
This checklist focuses on:
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Guest expectations
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Practical quantities
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Items that hold up to repeat use
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Setups that are intuitive without instructions
Core STR Coffee Bar Essentials (Must-Haves)
If you only focus on one section, make it this one. These are the items that cover the widest range of guest preferences with the least complexity.
Core essentials include:
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Coffee mugs in sufficient quantity
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Shelf-stable consumables guests expect
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A simple, uncluttered setup that’s easy to understand
Coffee Machines: What Works Best in a Short-Term Rental
Why a Combo Pod + Carafe Machine Is Ideal
Most guests expect a pod machine because it’s fast and familiar. At the same time, some guests strongly prefer traditional drip coffee. Trying to meet both needs with separate machines often leads to cluttered counters and unused equipment.
What works best in an STR is one machine that supports both pods and a carafe.
This setup:
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Covers single-serve and traditional coffee drinkers
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Reduces guest questions
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Prevents future “Do you have a regular coffee maker?” requests
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Uses counter space more efficiently
French Press: A Simple Backup Option
Including a French press is optional, but it’s a thoughtful addition when space allows.
A French press:
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Appeals to guests who don’t like pods
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Requires no electricity
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Is inexpensive and easy to replace if broken
This isn’t essential for every property, but it adds flexibility without adding complexity.
Coffee Bar Consumables Guests Actually Use
This is where coffee bars quietly win reviews.
We’ve found it works best to stock individual packets, not open containers. Packets are cleaner, easier to restock, and more consistent between stays.
Recommended consumables:
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Coffee pods
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Tea packets (a few varieties)
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Hot chocolate pods (especially appreciated by families)
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Sugar packets
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Artificial sweetener packets
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Non-dairy creamer packets
Why packets work best in STRs:
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Shelf-stable
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Easy to inventory and restock
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No spills or contamination concerns
Coffee Mugs & Quantity Guidance
Running out of mugs is one of the fastest ways to create friction in a stay.
A simple rule that works well:
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Stock coffee mugs for at least 2× your maximum occupancy
Example (8-guest property):
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Minimum of 16 coffee mugs
This allows guests to:
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Have multiple drinks throughout the day
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Avoid running the dishwasher constantly
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Use mugs for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
Neutral, durable mugs tend to age better than novelty designs and are easier to replace over time.
Electric or Stovetop Kettle
A kettle is a small addition that can make a big difference, especially for:
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Tea drinkers
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International guests
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Guests who don’t use coffee machines
Either an electric or stovetop kettle works well. Choose based on your kitchen setup and available outlets.
Tools Guests Expect to Find
Even though this is a coffee bar, guests still expect a few basic tools nearby or easily accessible.
At minimum, include:
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Wine opener
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Bottle opener
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Can opener
These items are often used alongside the coffee bar and help prevent “Where can I find…?” messages during a stay.
Disposable & Convenience Items
Disposable items aren’t required for every property, but they can be helpful in specific situations.
Consider including:
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Disposable cups (useful for early departures or outdoor use)
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Napkins
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Stir sticks
Keep these stored neatly so they don’t overwhelm the space or look cluttered.
Restocking & Maintenance Tips
For short-term rentals, coffee bar supplies should generally be kept fully stocked at all times.
Best practice:
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Restock consumables between every stay
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Store backup supplies in a labeled bin under the sink or in a nearby cabinet
If you rent for longer than a month, you may choose to limit consumables to a starter supply only. For typical STR stays, however, continuous stocking leads to better reviews and fewer questions.
Common Coffee Bar Mistakes to Avoid
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Offering too many machines
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Including novelty gadgets guests don’t understand
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Using loose sugar bowls or open containers
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Taking up too much counter space
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Making the setup feel complicated or crowded
Simple, familiar, and complete almost always performs better than elaborate.
STR Coffee Bar Essentials Checklist (Complete List)
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Continue Your Short-Term Rental Setup
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Use the links below to access the complete checklist for each space.
Short-Term Rental Essentials Hub
STR Kitchen Essentials Checklist
STR Bedroom Essentials Checklist
STR Outdoor Essentials Checklist
STR Game Room Essentials Checklist
STR Security Essentials Checklist
STR Furniture Essentials Checklist
STR Living Room Essentials Checklist
STR Household Essentials Checklist
Final Thoughts
A well-designed coffee bar is a small detail that consistently makes guests feel cared for. When it’s easy to use and thoughtfully stocked, it reduces questions, improves reviews, and creates a better overall stay.
Use this checklist as a foundation, adjust based on your property and guest feedback, and revisit it as your short-term rental evolves.
Last Updated 1/6/2026