Holiday Apartment Essentials: Room-by-Room List, Furnishing and Tips

By Daniel Schulz, residir GmbH · Last updated: 14 October 2026

Good holiday apartment essentials cover everyday life: a comfortable bed, a kitchen you can actually cook in, a bathroom that works, storage space, reliable Wi-Fi and safety in the form of smoke alarms. In Bavaria, smoke alarms are mandatory in bedrooms and hallways. Everything else depends on your target guests: families, long-stay guests and business travellers each need something different.

We are currently furnishing a building with 54 apartments in Lehel and going through every drawer as we do so. This guide sums up what belongs in a holiday apartment, from the point of view of the host who plans and buys everything, and from the point of view of the guest who wants to know what to expect before booking. Legal information is correct as of October 2026 and does not constitute legal advice.

In this article:

• What guests expect
• Kitchen
• Bathroom and bedroom
• Living area and workspace
• Setting up Wi-Fi
• Safety
• Inventory list as a table
• Families, long stays, business trips
• Furnishing a holiday apartment
• Costs and budget
• Furnishing mistakes
• Stars and DTV classification
• Our experience in Lehel
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Area	Basic equipment	Useful extras
Kitchen	Hob, fridge, saucepans, frying pans, crockery, cutlery	Dishwasher, oven, coffee machine
Bathroom	Shower or bath, mirror, shelves, towels	Hairdryer, tissues, clothes airer
Sleeping	Good bed, bed linen, wardrobe, blackout	Second pillow, spare duvet
Living	Table and chairs, seating, lighting	Sofa bed, workspace, television
Technology	Wi-Fi, sockets by the bed	Guest network, Bluetooth speaker, charging cables
Safety	Smoke alarms (mandatory in Bavaria)	Fire extinguisher, fire blanket, first aid kit

Holiday apartment essentials: what guests expect

Guests compare a holiday apartment both with a hotel room and with their own home. From a hotel they expect a made-up bed and fresh towels; from home, a kitchen, space and the feeling of not having to hunt for anything. If something basic is missing, it will appear in the first review at the latest.

For hosts this means the furnishings of a holiday apartment do not have to be expensive, but they do have to be complete. A missing tin opener annoys guests more than a plain dining table. If you are two plates short, you only notice when four people arrive.

For guests, it is worth checking the property’s list before booking. Whatever is listed there does not need to go in your suitcase; whatever is missing does. The things you should pack yourself anyway are covered in our holiday apartment packing list.

Holiday apartment kitchen essentials: appliances, crockery, basic supplies

The kitchen is the reason many people book a holiday apartment rather than a hotel. So it needs to do more than make coffee. Calculate crockery and cutlery for maximum occupancy plus two, so that guests do not have to wash up after every meal.

Appliances

• Hob with at least two, preferably four rings
• Fridge with a small freezer compartment
• Oven or combination microwave
• Kettle, coffee machine, toaster
• Dishwasher from around three guests or for longer stays

Pans, crockery and small items

A well-equipped holiday apartment kitchen includes two to three saucepans in different sizes, a non-stick frying pan, a colander, chopping board, a sharp knife, wooden spoons, a spatula, a ladle, a tin and bottle opener, a corkscrew, bowls and an ovenproof dish. Per guest, add one dinner plate and one soup plate, a side plate, a mug, a water glass, a wine glass and a set of cutlery.

Small things make the difference: tea towels, oven gloves, food storage containers, a measuring jug and a grater. If guests want to cook Bavarian dishes in the evening, a large pot for Weißwürste (Bavarian white sausages) and a good frying pan go a long way; for recipe ideas, see our guide to Bavarian food.

Basic supplies for arrival

A small stock of basics saves guests a shopping trip on the evening they arrive: salt, pepper, oil, sugar, coffee or tea, washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets, a sponge, kitchen roll and bin bags. Hosts should decide what gets topped up and what guests buy themselves, and state this in the listing.

Bathroom and bedroom: comfort that guests notice

Bedroom

The bed is the most important piece of furniture in the flat. Guests will forgive a simple kitchen, but not a sagging mattress. Medium-firm mattresses, a mattress protector, two pillows per person and duvets suited to the season are a sensible choice.

Add to that a wardrobe or open clothes rail with enough hangers, a luggage rack, bedside tables with a lamp and socket, and curtains or blinds that really block out the light. In the city this helps with street lighting, and in summer against the early sun.

Bathroom

In the bathroom, guests need shelf space, hooks for towels, a well-lit mirror and a hairdryer. Plan one hand towel and one bath towel per guest, plus a bath mat. Toilet paper, soap and a small pedal bin with a lid are part of the basic equipment.

For day-to-day operation, many hosts work with three sets of linen per bed: one in use, one in the wash and one in the cupboard. That leaves a reserve even on days with several changeovers.

Living area, workspace and storage

The living area needs a table at which all guests can eat at the same time, and seating for everyone. A sofa bed increases capacity, but should only be offered if it is genuinely fit to sleep on. A rug dampens footsteps, which the neighbours will appreciate too.

More and more guests work while travelling. A table at desk height, a chair you can sit on for two hours and a socket within reach are usually enough. Lighting is an underrated point: a single ceiling light makes any flat feel unwelcoming, while two or three light sources per room instantly make it feel more homely.

Many small flats lack storage. Space for suitcases, coat hooks in the hallway, a shoe rack and a cupboard for the hoover, iron and clothes airer keep the flat tidy even after a three-day stay.

Holiday apartment with Wi-Fi: setting up the internet properly

A holiday apartment with Wi-Fi is standard today; the only question is how well it works. Guests stream in the evening, make video calls and upload photos, often on several devices at once. A slow or dropping connection is one of the most common complaints in reviews.

If you want to set up Wi-Fi in a holiday apartment, pay attention to four points:

• Connection: enough bandwidth for several devices; with fibre or cable, no bottleneck.
• Coverage: a good signal in the bedroom and at the workspace; in older buildings with thick walls, a second access point.
• Guest network: a separate network for guests, kept apart from the host’s devices such as door cameras or thermostats.
• Access: network name and password on a card or as a QR code in the flat, not just in the booking confirmation.

Position the router so that guests can restart it without moving furniture. A short instruction sheet next to it saves an evening phone call.

Safety: smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and first aid

Smoke alarms: mandatory in Bavaria

Under Art. 46(4) of the Bavarian Building Code (Bayerische Bauordnung), bedrooms, children’s rooms and hallways leading to living spaces in residential units must each have at least one smoke alarm. Owners had to retrofit existing flats by 31 December 2017. By law, the direct occupants (unmittelbare Besitzer) are responsible for keeping the alarms in working order, unless the owner takes on this duty.

In a holiday apartment, guests change every few days. In practice, therefore, the host checks the alarms regularly, for example by pressing the test button at every final inspection. Devices with a built-in ten-year battery save you changing batteries. Other German federal states have their own, similar rules.

Fire extinguisher and fire blanket

There is no general requirement for individual flats to have a fire extinguisher. Even so, a small extinguisher suitable for fat fires, or at least a fire blanket, belongs in the kitchen. Both should hang in a clearly visible place, not sit at the back of a cupboard.

First aid and emergency information

A first aid kit with plasters, bandages, disinfectant and tweezers costs little. Add a sheet with emergency numbers (112 for the fire brigade and ambulance, 110 for the police), the address of the flat, the host’s phone number and directions to the nearest pharmacy. A torch and spare fuses, if applicable, should be kept in a fixed place.

Holiday apartment essentials list: inventory as a table

The following list is a template for a flat with two to four guests. Adjust the quantities to your occupancy. A holiday apartment essentials list serves both as a shopping list when furnishing and as an inventory for checks after each changeover.

Room	Item	Quantity (2 to 4 guests)
Kitchen	Saucepans, frying pan, colander, ovenproof dish	3 saucepans, 1 to 2 frying pans, 1 each
Kitchen	Dinner plates and soup plates, side plates	6 each
Kitchen	Mugs, water glasses, wine glasses	6 each
Kitchen	Cutlery (knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons)	6 each
Kitchen	Knife, chopping board, wooden spoons, opener	1 to 2 each
Kitchen	Tea towels, oven gloves, sponge	4, 2, 2
Bathroom	Hand towel and bath towel per guest	3 sets per guest in circulation
Bathroom	Hairdryer, bath mat, bin with lid	1 each
Sleeping	Pillows, duvets, mattress protectors	2 pillows per guest, 1 per bed
Sleeping	Bed linen per bed	3 sets
Sleeping	Clothes hangers	8 per guest
Living	Table, chairs, seating	for all guests
Household	Hoover, broom, mop, bucket	1 each
Household	Iron, ironing board, clothes airer	1 each
Technology	Router, extension leads, spare light bulbs	1 to 2 each
Safety	Smoke alarms	1 per bedroom and hallway
Safety	Fire extinguisher or fire blanket, first aid kit	1 each

If you need your holiday apartment inventory as a PDF, copy the table into a word processor or spreadsheet, add a column for “in stock” and save it. You can then hand the PDF inventory list to your cleaner or keep a printout in the cleaning cupboard.

For guests, the reverse applies: the more precisely the host publishes the list, the easier the decision. If you need something specific, such as a dishwasher or a cot, ask before booking.

Equipment for families, long-stay guests and business trips

The basic equipment is the same for everyone; the extras are not. Think about who mainly books your flat and tailor the extras accordingly.

Families

Families ask for a travel cot, high chair, children’s tableware and socket covers. These items do not have to be in the flat permanently; it is enough to have them ready on request. A stair gate and a night light round things off. For families, more space to play and a washing machine are often more important than any décor.

Long-stay guests

Anyone staying for several weeks lives in the flat and needs more storage, a washing machine, an iron, more fridge space and a kitchen that is up to daily cooking. A letterbox with a name plate and clear arrangements for mid-stay cleaning also matter.

Business travellers and teams

Business travellers look for reliable Wi-Fi, a proper workspace, good blackout and flexible check-in. For tradespeople and project teams, other things count: single beds instead of a double, space for work clothes, a washing machine and dryer, and a kitchen for dinner after work. What this looks like in the city is shown on our page about workers’ accommodation in Munich.

Furnishing a holiday apartment: style, materials and ideas

When furnishing a holiday apartment, two goals collide: the flat should look good in photos and at the same time survive hundreds of changeovers. Designing a holiday apartment is therefore mainly about combining hard-wearing items so that they feel homely.

Planning the interior: from floor plan to shopping list

A good holiday apartment interior starts with the floor plan, not in the furniture store. Decide how many guests will sleep there, where the dining table goes and where suitcases will fit. If you want to plan the furnishings properly, measure doors, alcoves and floor space before writing your shopping list.

Style: calm, light, with a connection to the place

A calm base with light walls, wood and a few accents of colour has proven effective. One or two items with a local connection, such as photos of the neighbourhood or a city map on the wall, make the flat memorable. Too much décor gathers dust and disappears into suitcases.

Hard-wearing materials

• Floors: vinyl, oiled wood or tiles instead of light-coloured carpet.
• Covers: removable and washable at 60 degrees, sofas in mid-tones.
• Walls: wipeable paint, wall protection behind chairs and the bed.
• Textiles: bed linen and towels in white, so they can be washed together and replaced easily.

If you allow dogs, also plan for scratch-resistant floors, a throw for the sofa and a bowl in the cupboard. Guests looking for dog-friendly apartments in Munich pay close attention to details like these.

Furnishing a small holiday apartment

If you are furnishing a small holiday apartment, choose furniture that does two jobs: a bed with drawers, an extendable dining table, stools that double as side tables. Mirrors and light curtains make 25 m² feel larger. Open shelving instead of tall cupboards keeps the room airy, but requires tidiness.

Furnishing a holiday apartment: ideas that cost little

If you are collecting ideas for furnishing a holiday apartment, start with small things that guests notice without costing much: a hook by the door for keys and bags, reading lamps on both sides of the bed, a bowl for odds and ends, an extension lead with USB by the bed, a small clothes airer and a folder with tips for the local area.

Cost of furnishing a holiday apartment: a budget example

What the furnishings cost depends heavily on size, condition and standard. The following table is an example for an apartment of 30 to 40 m² for two guests that already has a fitted kitchen. The ranges are rough guide values, not quotes.

Item	Basic standard	Upmarket standard
Bed, mattress, slatted base	€600 to €900	€1,200 to €2,000
Sofa or sofa bed	€400 to €700	€1,000 to €2,000
Table, chairs, wardrobe, shelving	€600 to €1,000	€1,500 to €3,000
Kitchen equipment and small appliances	€400 to €600	€800 to €1,200
Textiles (linen, towels, curtains)	€400 to €600	€800 to €1,200
Lighting, décor, rug	€300 to €500	€700 to €1,200
Technology and Wi-Fi	€300 to €500	€600 to €1,000
Safety and household	€200 to €300	€300 to €500
Total	approx. €3,200 to €5,100	approx. €6,900 to €12,100

Not included are the kitchen, flooring, decorating and delivery costs. If you are buying the essentials for your holiday apartment, you save most by keeping décor and small items inexpensive and putting the money into the bed, mattress and sofa. These three items decide your reviews and last the longest.

Furnish with IKEA or hire a professional?

Many hosts furnish their holiday apartment wholly or partly with IKEA. The advantage: it is available everywhere, spare parts and matching covers can be bought again, and guests know the furniture. The disadvantage: the flat quickly looks like many others. A mix of standard furniture and a few special pieces, such as a lamp or a table made by a local carpenter, feels more personal.

If you would rather have the holiday apartment furnished for you, hire an interior designer or home stager. That saves time and bad purchases, but costs a fee and possibly mark-ups on the furniture. For a single flat this is mainly worthwhile if the host lives far away or has little time. Get several quotes with a precise scope of services.

Mistakes when furnishing a holiday apartment

• Skimping on the bed: a cheap mattress comes back to haunt you in every other review.
• Too much décor: piles of cushions and vases make cleaning expensive and go missing.
• Light, delicate fabrics: after three months, a white sofa no longer looks like it does in the photo.
• No replacements available: if you cannot buy matching glasses, plates and covers again, you soon end up with a random assortment.
• Too little light and too few sockets: guests want to charge their phones by the bed and at the table.
• No space for luggage: suitcases on the floor make any flat feel cramped.
• Missing instructions: the hob, washing machine and heating need a short explanation, ideally with a photo.

A good test before the first guest: spend a night in the flat yourself, cook and shower. Anything missing or annoying will otherwise only be noticed by the guest.

Stars and DTV classification: what 3, 4 and 5 stars mean

In Germany, the German Tourism Association (Deutscher Tourismusverband, DTV) classifies holiday apartments and holiday homes with one to five stars. According to the DTV, around 130 criteria relating to furnishings, condition and service are assessed. Minimum criteria must be met first, then an inspector views all rooms on site. The stars are valid for three years, after which a new inspection is required.

Participation is voluntary and, according to the DTV, costs €214.20 including VAT for three years (as of June 2026). The association publishes the exact criteria in its criteria catalogue; hosts can obtain it from their local tourism organisation or the DTV.

Stars	Classification (paraphrased)
1 star	simple, functional furnishings
2 stars	functional furnishings with moderate comfort
3 stars	homely furnishings with good comfort
4 stars	high-quality furnishings with superior comfort
5 stars	first-class furnishings with exclusive comfort

Three stars roughly correspond to what this guide describes as complete basic equipment. If you are planning a holiday apartment for 4 stars, you place more emphasis on quality and condition: high-quality mattresses, a dishwasher, more space per guest, well-kept details. A 5-star holiday apartment goes further still, with design, extras such as a sauna or fireplace, and service. Whether a holiday apartment offers upmarket furnishings, however, guests can also tell from reviews and photos without any stars.

For guests, the DTV classification is a guide, not a must. Many good flats, especially in cities, are not classified. Here, reviews, accurate photos and a complete list of amenities help.

Our experience: furnishing 54 apartments in Lehel

At Ländstraße 6, residir GmbH is currently furnishing 54 apartments between 25 and 50 m², opening in autumn 2027. Each apartment has its own kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, bed linen and towels. Guests in the building share washing machines and dryers, luggage lockers and an outdoor sauna. For an overview of the location and apartments, see our page on holiday apartments in Munich.

In eight years with serviced apartments, Daniel Schulz has looked after more than 80,000 guest stays. His most important lesson for furnishing: identical items in every flat. The same glasses, the same covers and the same light bulbs make restocking and cleaning easier, and with 54 apartments that saves time every week.

In a building of this size, some things shift. Our washing machines and dryers are grouped together in the building instead of taking up space in each apartment. The outdoor sauna does not replace a spa day; if you want more, you will find thermal baths and pools in our guide to the best Munich spa options.

Our holiday apartment essentials tips in three sentences: buy the bed, mattress and kitchen first, then lighting and storage, and décor last. Check the smoke alarms at every final inspection. And state precisely in your listing what the flat contains.

Conclusion

Good holiday apartment essentials mean a comfortable bed, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom that works, storage, reliable Wi-Fi and, in Bavaria, smoke alarms; and if you expect long-stay guests, for example in furnished apartments in Munich, plan a washing machine, workspace and extra storage from the outset.

Frequently asked questions about holiday apartment essentials

What is part of the basic equipment of a holiday apartment?

The basic equipment includes a good bed with bed linen, towels, a kitchen with hob, fridge, saucepans, crockery and cutlery, a table with chairs, storage for clothes and luggage, Wi-Fi and smoke alarms in bedrooms and hallways. Add cleaning products for the stay and short instructions for the appliances and check-out.

Are smoke alarms mandatory in holiday apartments in Bavaria?

Yes. Under Art. 46(4) of the Bavarian Building Code (Bayerische Bauordnung), bedrooms, children’s rooms and hallways leading to living spaces must each have at least one smoke alarm. Existing flats had to be retrofitted by the end of 2017. This applies to every residential unit, including holiday apartments, as of October 2026.

Does a holiday apartment need a fire extinguisher?

There is no general requirement for individual flats. Many hosts nevertheless put a small fire extinguisher and a fire blanket in the kitchen, because fat fires while cooking are among the most common causes of kitchen fires. For buildings with many units, building regulations may require more in individual cases.

How much does it cost to furnish a holiday apartment?

That depends on size, condition and standard. For an apartment of 30 to 40 m² that already has a fitted kitchen, furniture, textiles, kitchen equipment and technology come to roughly €3,200 to €5,100 for a basic standard and roughly €6,900 to €12,100 for an upmarket standard. A new kitchen, flooring work or an interior designer cost extra.

How much Wi-Fi does a holiday apartment need?

For several guests streaming and making video calls at the same time, the connection should be noticeably faster than a single household needs. More important than the figure in the contract is a stable signal in every room, which is why a second access point is worthwhile in older buildings. The network name and password should be clearly displayed in the flat.

What do the stars for holiday apartments mean?

In Germany, the German Tourism Association (DTV) awards one to five stars to holiday apartments and holiday homes. Around 130 criteria relating to furnishings, condition and service are assessed, and an inspector views all the rooms. The stars are valid for three years, and participation is voluntary.

Can you furnish a holiday apartment with IKEA?

Yes, many hosts furnish their holiday apartment wholly or partly with furniture from large furniture stores. What matters is that beds, mattresses and sofas are made for frequent use and that spare parts and matching covers will still be available later. It is worth spending more on the bed and mattress.

Where can I get a holiday apartment inventory list as a PDF?

You can select the inventory list in this article, copy it into a word processor or spreadsheet, add the quantities for your flat and save it as a PDF. It then serves both as a shopping list and as an inventory for checks after each changeover.