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

[Lee5775]

I do not know. If I thought it would bring in longer bookings, I would invest. Spotsylvania, VA, is not a resort area, so who knows?

[Julee15]

My properties are all in Arizona. Our summers can stay well over 110*-115* for more than 40+ days in a row here. So it's more critical that we have a pool! In my case, YES - there is a huge difference in the turnover on my 2 homes with a pool vs the 1 without a pool. The expense in maintaining chemicals, filters and heating is also 10 fold. But also worth it! 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Julee15 , it’s great to hear how the extreme Arizona heat makes having a pool such a game-changer for your listing!

As you said, pool maintenance can be expensive! How do you balance the added maintenance costs with pricing your listings competitively? 

[Julee15]

@Bhumika In our case, it's managed seasonly. For example during the hot summer months, the pool obviously doesn't need to be heated, so the expense is wrapped into the daily rate, just as any other amenity would be. During "winter" months the guest has the option to heat the pool at roughly $30. per day with a 3 day minimum as it can take 10-12 hours to reach temperature. If a guest chooses NOT to heat the pool, there is no additional expense to us or the renter.

Desert heat is just different... It could be a sunny 85 degree day, but jumping into a 65 degree pool is frigid. 

[Kayla327]

Hello! 
No hot tub in our vacation rentals. We do personally have a hottub though so know how much work it is to maintain and the expense. Not something I can add to my list at my properties 🙂 For hosts to have the time for maintenance, it’s likely a great addition. 

[Lisa5102]

Hi, I'm in Stockton, ca. Yes I have a 6 person above ground spa & inground pool.

I homeshare a cple rooms in my house. Nothing fancy, but my guests seem to enjoy it.

Good luck to you in hosting! Stay on your toes!

[Lisa5102]

OOps forgot to mention contrary to popular belief, It does not need to be drained after each guest. I mean if it's cloudy then yeah, I would. But if not, just top it off & balance the chemicles. If you don't know how to do it properly, hire someone. 

Make sure they are topping off, adding chemicles & rinsing the filters.

Don't rely on your housekeeper to do it correctly, you'll end up with skin irritation IE hot tub foliculittis & and angry guest. 

Hotels don't drain daily, FYI- If you can smell chlorine DO NOT get in, that's an indicator that the bacteria level are high. 

[Yolanda596]

Hello Bhumika,

We are by the beach and although some rentals have pools and hot tubs we don’t consider either a determinant for bookings. The beach is the main amenity but we do provide a few oversized hammocks and a nice view for relaxation. If you don’t have a hot tub or pool, how about you provide another means of relaxing like a reading corner, wine & cheese setup, or sundown viewing location. Find what works for your setup!

[Bhumika]

Hi @Yolanda596 , that's definitely a great insight for our hosts.

As our hosts mentioned on this topic, focusing on unique, cozy touches depending on your listing location makes sense!

Are there any popular sports activities or water sports rental shops near your listing? 

[Jutamas1]

No we don’t have a hot tub. 

[Bhumika]

Thanks for sharing @Jutamas1 ! Have you observed if the listings in your area offer one? 

[Laura6715]

We don't have one but are thinking of getting one. We are on the septic in the rural Siera Nevada Foothills area. I see that a lot of our competitive listings in the area have hot tubs and have more bookings than us.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Laura6715 , that's a wonderful insight! Aligning your listing with the market demand and competitor listings sounds like a great idea.

How did you analyze the competitor listing in your area? Do you follow any specific strategy for that?