Do you have a hot tub in your listing?

[Bhumika]

Hello everyone, 

We've often noticed hosts ask in our community, if it's a good idea to have a hot tub in the listing and whether having one attracts guests. While many hosts have said it's an additional amenity that's attractive to guests, some have debated the cleaning and maintenance aspect of it.

So I am curious to know—do you have a hot tub at your property? 🛁 If so, how has it impacted your bookings?

Do you find it a game-changer for attracting more reservations or just a nice extra?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences!

Regards,

Bhumika

[Lisa9274]

We maintain the tub ourselves.  Not hard, you do need to know how to maintain and the hot tub companies are good with helping.

[Bhumika]

That's great to hear @Lisa9274 ! Do you recommend any specific products or process that helps you with maintaining and cleaning the hot tubs?

[Lisa9274]

I don't....each tub can have different needs.  Best to talk to the tub's manufacturer's retail store.  

[Bhumika]

Fair enough! Thanks again @Lisa9274 for these wonderful insights 🌻

[Kurt303]

Sorry I don't have a Hot Tub unfortunately

[Bhumika]

Hi @Kurt303 , thanks for sharing! What amenities or features do you find guests appreciate most at your property? 

[Kim3309]

My rentals are in the Catskill Mountains with a four season rental market and guests interested in experiencing the outdoors. An outdoor hot tub is definitely a bonus amenity that encourages guests to book and also helps to increase the nightly rate.

- Hosts should check with the homeowners insurance policy to see if there are additional requirements for renting with a hot tub.

- Rules for use should be listed clearly in the guest book and also posted near the hot tub.

- Having a hot tub maintenance company service the tub weekly is critical for making sure the water is clean and the hot tub runs correctly. Typical deep clean of the tub, jets and filters is every 3 months but that depends on where the home is and the use. From experience, a hot tub on a lake or beach will get more debris tracked into it and will need to be cleaned more. If the water is unbalanced guests could develop rashes or infections and that is really bad for reviews. 

- If your home is in a rural area with limited hot tub service companies, a sauna would be better. 

[Bhumika]

Thanks for sharing these amazing tips @Kim3309 ! How are you prepping up your listing for the winters? Do you have any specific strategies in place to create a warm and cozy stay for guests?

[Kim3309]

Thanks Bhumika! Winter can be challenging in rural upstate NY. Coziness aside, there are safety factors to address. I add information in Other Things To Note, Neighborhood and Getting Around letting guests know this is a rural, mountainous area and directing them to research winter travel safety prior to coming. For some houses I also specially recommend AWD or 4WD vehicles. In my guest manual I include a seasonal section to let guests know what to expect for each season in regards to travel, weather, animals and so on. And of course, I include a detailed section on power outages and snow storm preparation. Before they even get to be cozy, I like to establish expectations at the start, before they even book. I think that the more prepared someone is for any situation, the more relaxed they can be. For cold weather coziness, I do let my client owners decide how to stock and appoint the house. Some stock coffee, tea and hot cocoa and provide layering or weighted blankets or  flannel sheets. Thermostats are turned up before arrival so they don't arrive to a cold home. All plow companies shovel to the door and a shovel is provided so guests can maintain a safe walkway during their stay. We do not provide salt, I find that it tends to get over used and wasted. But I do let guests know that they can bring salt if they like. I only have 2 homes that decorate for the winter season: one has solar candles in the windows, the other has solar candles, a secular tree, and a candle holder that may, or may not, be used as a menorah. I often have potential guests ask if we decorate for "the holidays" so I generally say the homes are not decorated as we welcome all backgrounds and beliefs. 

[Bhumika]

These are some brilliant tips and strategies @Kim3309 😍 I'm sure many hosts reading this will find it insightful.

During winter, many hosts are concerned about guests using thermostats and heating bills. Do you give thermostats access to guests? or prefer to manage the temperatures remotely? How do you cope up with the heating bills?

I think your ideas will help many hosts facing such issues!

[Lisa9893]

Yes, we do have a hot tub and it is definitely a factor when people book, they use it the entire time.  We have a weekly pool/ hot tub service that maintains it, cleans it and does the proper chemicals.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Lisa9893 , it's great to hear that your hot tub is so popular with guests! Since your hot tub is such a big draw for bookings, do you find that it enhances the overall guest experience? Have you noticed guests appreciating the hot tub in their reviews?

[Lindsey496]

Hi - NZ here 🤗

We find that our listing with the hot tub attracts roughly 70% of our bookings and most guests will mention it when requesting to book. However, we notice that only about 30% of guests actually use it. Usually: Couples on a romantic stay for example a birthday treat/anniversary ( they don't usually leave the property) or athletic people who have done a local run/Hill climb. We have a strict code for showering pre soak, not altering the temperature/touching the set up in general, no togs from the beach as this can clog filters. We make it clear we have to have these minor 'rules' as we cannot possibly change the water for every guest and not adhering to these rules may spoil the enjoyment for the next guest. We pop a bit of cleanser in between guests & let the spa pool 'air', but dependent on turnover of guests the water gets changed every 6 weeks. SELF TANNERS ARE THE NIGHTMARE - tanning lotion floats on the top, dirtys the water and leaves a hard to remove residue around the edges. We have discussed the spa pool as an asset to the Airbnb & we have decided that once it can no longer be used, we would not replace it.

[Katy-Rent-My-LA-Pad0]

Including a hot tub in your Airbnb listing is a game-changer for attracting guests and maximizing bookings. Here’s why:

1. Increased Appeal: A hot tub adds a touch of luxury and relaxation, making your property stand out. Guests often prioritize listings with unique amenities like a hot tub for their vacations.

2. Year-Round Use: Unlike a pool, which is seasonal in many areas, a hot tub is appealing year-round. Guests love soaking in warm water, whether on chilly winter nights or after a day of adventure.

3. Perfect for Groups: Families, couples, and groups of friends often look for ways to unwind together. A hot tub becomes a central feature for socializing and creating memorable experiences.

4. Higher Earnings: Listings with hot tubs typically command higher nightly rates and see increased demand. It’s a small investment that can significantly boost your income.

5. Enhanced Photos: A hot tub can elevate your listing photos, showcasing a luxurious and inviting space that appeals to potential guests.

Adding a hot tub transforms your property into a sought-after retreat, ensuring happy guests and a competitive edge in the market!

[Bhumika]

Hi @Katy-Rent-My-LA-Pad0 , thanks so much for sharing these wonderful insights! I'm sure these tips will help the hosts reading this thread. 

I had a quick look at your listing and noted that most of your listings have a pool area. Do you think availability of pool area is a major plus for your listings? Have you noticed if the guests are most attracted to this leisure amenity?