Why Smart STR Investors Are Adding Game Rooms and Outdoor Amenities

You've found the property. You've run the numbers. The location checks out, the comps look good, and your property manager is lined up. But here's the question that separates a good vacation rental from one that earns premium rates year-round:

WHAT MAKES A GUEST CHOOSE YOUR PROPERTY OVER THE ONE NEXT DOOR? 

The answer isn't thread count or a welcome basket. It's amenities — specifically, the kind that turn a rental into a destination.

The Amenity Arms Race Is Real

The short-term rental market has become increasingly competitive. Guests today aren't just looking for a clean place to sleep. They're comparing listings side by side, and the properties that command $400-$800+ per night share something in common: they offer experiences, not just accommodations.

A pool table in the game room. A putting green in the backyard. A resort-quality outdoor kitchen. A pickleball court. Giant chess on the lawn. A fire pit where families gather after dinner.

These aren't extras. They're what gets you:

• Higher average daily rates (ADR) — Amenity-rich properties often command premium nightly pricing compared to similar listings without strong entertainment features.
• Higher occupancy rates — Unique amenities drive bookings even in shoulder seasons.
• 5-star reviews — "The kids didn't want to leave" is the review that books your next 50 stays.
• Repeat guests — Families come back to properties they love, not just locations.

The Amenities That Move the Needle

Not all amenities are created equal. Based on our experience running The Tournament House — a vacation rental in Scottsdale, Arizona that became the inspiration for this brand — here's what actually drives guest satisfaction and revenue:

Indoor Entertainment

• Pool tables — The undisputed king of game rooms. A quality slate pool table is the centerpiece that ties a game room together.
• Table tennis — Universal appeal, all ages. Indoor/outdoor convertible tables are ideal for STR properties.
• Shuffleboard — Upscale feel, social game. Great for adult-oriented properties.
• Poker and casino games — Perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate retreats.
• Air hockey and foosball — Family-friendly energy. Kids love them. Parents get a break.

Outdoor Living

• Outdoor kitchens and grills — Nothing says "luxury rental" like a built-in grill island. Guests remember the meals they cooked outside.
• Fire pits — Fire pits — One of the most photographed and talked-about amenities in guest reviews.
• Putting greens — Unique, memorable, and highly Instagrammable. Huge differentiator.
• Pool sports — Poolside basketball hoops, volleyball nets — these turn a pool from "nice" to "incredible."

Court Sports & Lawn Games

• Pickleball — Reported by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association as the fastest-growing sport in America. A backyard pickleball setup is a legitimate selling point in 2026.
• Basketball hoops — Adjustable, commercial-grade hoops work for all ages.
• Giant chess — Statement piece. Looks incredible in listing photos.
• Cornhole — Classic, durable, universally loved.
• Petanque / lawn bowling — Upscale, European feel.

The Tax Advantage Nobody Talks About

Here's where it gets really interesting for investors: amenities aren't just revenue drivers — they're tax-advantaged investments.

Under current tax law, many furnishings, equipment, and certain amenities in a short-term rental may qualify for accelerated depreciation and bonus depreciation. That means:

• A $10,000 outdoor kitchen or entertainment feature may qualify for accelerated depreciation depending on how it is installed and classified
• An $8,000 pool table doesn't just increase your ADR — it reduces your taxable income
• A full amenity package of $30,000-$50,000 can generate significant first-year tax savings through accelerated depreciation

When you combine the revenue increase (higher ADR + occupancy) with the tax benefits (bonus depreciation), the ROI on quality amenities is genuinely compelling.

Consult with your CPA or tax strategist about how bonus depreciation applies to your specific situation. Material participation requirements and average guest stay rules apply.

How to Choose Amenities for Your STR

When selecting amenities, consider:

1. Your target guest — Families need different amenities than couples or corporate groups
2. Your property's strengths — Large backyard? Go big on outdoor. Great indoor space? Build the ultimate game room
3. Your market — What are the top-earning properties in your area offering?
4. Durability — STR amenities need to withstand heavy use from rotating guests. Quality matters more than in a personal home
5. Photo appeal — If it doesn't look amazing in listing photos, it won't drive bookings

Ready to Build Your STR Amenity Package?

At The Tournament House, we specialize in curated amenity packages designed specifically for vacation rental properties. Our Concierge team can help you select the right products for your space, budget, and target guest profile.

Explore STR Packages → | Contact Our Concierge →

The Tournament House was born from an actual vacation rental in Scottsdale, AZ. We don't just sell amenities — we've seen firsthand how the right setup transforms a rental into a destination.