Hot Tubs vs. Saunas: Which Amenity Boosts Rental Revenue More?

If you manage (or own) a short-term rental in a four-season market like Stowe, Vermont, you’ve probably asked the same question: should we add a hot tub or a sauna to boost rental revenue? Both amenities can increase nightly rates and occupancy, but they don’t perform the same way across seasons, guest types, and property styles.

This guide breaks down hot tub vs. sauna ROI using a revenue-first lens—so you can choose the upgrade that fits your property and your guest demand.

Quick Answer: Hot Tubs Usually Win on Broad Demand

In most vacation rental markets—especially ski and winter destinations—hot tubs tend to drive the biggest, most consistent lift in rental revenue because they’re:

• Highly “bookable” in photos (strong click-through impact)

• Easy for guests to understand and value instantly

• A top filter/search preference on many booking platforms

• A natural fit for groups and families

That said, saunas can outperform hot tubs in specific scenarios (luxury design-forward homes, wellness-focused stays, or properties where hot tubs are difficult/expensive to maintain).

Why Amenities Matter for STR Revenue (Beyond “Nice to Have”)

When you add a premium amenity, you’re typically trying to improve one (or more) of these revenue levers:

• Increase ADR (Average Daily Rate): charge more per night

• Improve occupancy: convert more browsers into bookings

• Reduce seasonality: stay booked in shoulder seasons

• Boost review quality: earn higher ratings and more 5-star mentions

• Differentiate from comps: stand out in a crowded market

Hot tubs and saunas both help—but in different ways.

Hot Tub ROI for Short-Term Rentals

1) Hot tubs increase booking conversion

A hot tub is one of the clearest “yes/no” amenities guests shop for. In winter markets, it’s often perceived as part of the vacation experience.

2) Hot tubs support higher nightly rates

Owners often see the ability to price above similar homes without a hot tub, especially during:

• Ski season weekends

• Holiday weeks

• Cold-weather shoulder periods

3) Hot tubs appeal to groups

Hot tubs are social. They tend to perform best for:

• Families

• Two-couple trips

• Friend groups

• Bachelor/bachelorette weekends (where allowed)

4) Hot tubs create “review fuel”

Guests mention hot tubs frequently in reviews, which can improve listing performance over time.

Common hot tub downsides (plan for these):

• Higher maintenance and service needs

• Water chemistry issues (guest-caused or weather-related)

• Winter access/snow management

• Higher utility costs

Sauna ROI for Short-Term Rentals

1) Saunas can differentiate luxury and wellness stays

Saunas are trending with wellness travel. They can be a strong fit for:

• Design-forward luxury homes

• Couples’ retreats

• “Wellness weekend” positioning

• Higher-end properties where guests expect premium features

2) Saunas can be lower-touch than hot tubs

Depending on the sauna type (and how it’s installed), saunas can be:

• Easier to keep clean

• Less prone to “guest misuse” issues than hot tubs

• Less weather-sensitive

3) Saunas can extend shoulder-season appeal

In mud season or rainy fall weeks, a sauna can be a compelling “cozy” feature—especially if paired with:

• Cold plunge (even a simple stock tank setup)

• Outdoor shower

• Fire pit

• High-end bath experience

Common sauna downsides (plan for these):

• Some guests don’t know how to use them

• Lower “instant value” compared to hot tubs for many travelers

• Not always a platform filter (so it may not boost search visibility as directly)

Hot Tub vs. Sauna: Which Boosts Rental Revenue More?

Choose a hot tub if…

• You’re in a ski market or cold-weather destination

• Your guests are often groups or families

• Your property competes in a crowded mid-market category

• You want the most reliable “book more nights” amenity

Choose a sauna if…

• Your property is positioned as luxury, modern, or wellness-focused

• You’re targeting couples and shorter stays

• You want differentiation without hot tub maintenance complexity

• You can build a strong wellness story (sauna + plunge + fire + views)

Consider both if…

If you’re in the top tier of your market, hot tub + sauna can create a premium “spa at home” package that supports higher ADR and stronger brand positioning.

Cost, Maintenance, and Operational Reality (What Owners Miss)

Revenue is only half the equation. The “better” amenity is the one that increases net revenue after:

• Installation cost

• Ongoing service and supplies

• Repairs and downtime

• Guest communication and troubleshooting

In snowy climates, hot tubs can be a big win—but only if you have reliable maintenance systems (and fast response when something goes wrong).

FAQ: Hot Tubs vs. Saunas for Vacation Rentals

Do hot tubs increase Airbnb bookings?

Often, yes—especially in winter markets. They can improve click-through and conversion because guests actively shop for them.

Are saunas worth it in a short-term rental?

They can be, particularly for luxury and wellness positioning. Saunas tend to shine when the property’s brand is built around relaxation and design.

Which is better for winter rentals: hot tub or sauna?

In most ski markets, hot tubs are the more universally demanded winter amenity. Saunas can still perform very well when marketed correctly.

What amenity adds the most value to a vacation rental?

It depends on your comps and guest profile, but top contenders are:

• Hot tub

• Sauna

• Game/media room

• EV charger

• Strong outdoor living (fire pit, views, dining)

Bottom Line

If your goal is the most consistent, broad-based revenue lift, a hot tub is usually the stronger STR investment—especially in winter destinations.

If you’re building a premium, wellness-forward experience (and want differentiation with potentially lower operational friction), a sauna can be the smarter long-term play.

About the Author: Grant Wieler is a licensed Real Estate Broker and Realtor® specializing in Stowe and Northern Vermont properties. As both a real estate professional and property manager, he provides clients with unique insights into buying, selling, and maximizing rental income in Vermont's premier ski market. When he's not helping clients, you'll find him mountain biking Stowe's trail network or skiing Mount Mansfield.