Hot Tub vs. Sauna: Which Amenity Wins for Guest Bookings in the Hudson Valley?
- Kevin Murphy
- Oct 15
- 2 min read
Thinking about upgrading your Hudson Valley Airbnb? Two of the most popular guest-pleasing amenities are hot tubs and saunas. Both promise relaxation and wellness, but which one actually drives more bookings and higher revenue for Columbia County short-term rentals? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and ROI of hot tub vs. sauna.
Why Guests Love Hot Tubs
Relaxation with Broad Appeal – Guests see a hot tub and instantly picture themselves unwinding after a day in Hudson or skiing at Catamount.
Year-Round Value – A hot tub works in every season, from snowy winter nights to crisp fall evenings surrounded by foliage.
Revenue Impact – According to AirDNA, listings with hot tubs can command a 32% higher nightly rates and up to a 38% boost in revenue per property compared to similar homes without one. Occupancy can also increase by 10–13%, especially in rural and mountain markets like Columbia County.
Potential Challenges – Hot tubs do require regular upkeep: water treatment, filter changes, and higher energy costs. Many hosts report they “pay for themselves” within the first couple of years—but only with consistent maintenance.
Why Guests Love Saunas
Wellness Trend – With the rise of wellness travel, health-conscious guests are actively searching for sauna-equipped rentals.
Luxury Differentiator – Very few Hudson Valley Airbnbs offer this, so a sauna can help your listing stand out, especially in the high-end market.
Lower Ongoing Maintenance – Once installed, a sauna requires minimal daily upkeep compared to a hot tub.
Revenue Impact – While hard data is limited, some reports suggest a 25–30% increase in nightly rates and 10–15% occupancy gains in cold-weather or ski-adjacent markets. Guest reviews often highlight the sauna as a “unique and memorable” perk.
Potential Challenges – Saunas come with a higher upfront installation cost and appeal to a more niche guest segment. In Columbia County, demand may be seasonal unless positioned as part of a luxury or wellness experience.
Which Amenity Delivers the Best ROI?
Hot tubs: Broader guest appeal, stronger search traffic, and faster ROI make them the most profitable amenity overall in the Hudson Valley.
Saunas: While more niche, saunas deliver a unique luxury edge. For premium homes, they can help attract a higher-spending audience looking for a wellness retreat.
Verdict: If your goal is to maximize bookings and revenue quickly, a hot tub is your best bet. If you want to stand out in the luxury segment and offer something truly unique, a sauna may be the differentiator your property needs.
At Hudson Valley Hosting, we help property owners decide which upgrades are worth it — and manage the details (cleaning, guest rules, maintenance). Ready to maximize your Airbnb revenue?
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