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

[Lily21]

No hot tub or spa bath as we call them here in Canberra, Australia. I honestly don't think it makes a difference. Unless you're in the Aussie countryside with an incredible view, it's just another thing you have to maintain and clean. I'd say more like a rain shower than a bath or spa bath, unless they have kids and need to bathe them in a tub. Just my opinion though, might be different in other parts of Australia.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Lily21 , thank you for sharing your perspective! It’s definitely interesting to hear how a listing's location can influence the value of such amenities. 

I curiously noticed your host profile and saw that you also help with staging and styling listings. What are some of the popular amenities amongst guests? Have you noticed if guests prefer certain amenities over others in your region? 

Looking forward to hearing your insights! 🌻

[Lily21]

Best to style and stage properties with modern contemporary furniture that is hard wearing if in modern apartments and homes. Countryside properties or ocean homes should be modern farmhouse or coastal inspired unless you have an unusual, quirky home that has its own character. Never over clutter spaces for comfort and also safety.

[Bhumika]

Thanks for sharing these wonderful tips @Lily21 😊 Please feel free to continue sharing such amazing tips with the new hosts joining our community. I'm sure they'd appreciate your support and advice 😍

[Lee5775]

We do not have a hot tub, but I am open to adding one. Our appeal is more the country setting. We have wood, and you can make a fire. 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Lee5775 , thank you for sharing 🌻

Your listing sounds like a beautiful countryside retreat! I'm curious, if you were to add a hot tub, do you think it would complement your overall listing design and vibe? 

[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. 

[Bhumika]

Thanks for sharing these insights @Julee15 , your strategy sounds like a great solution for managing the pool in a hot climate!

How do you communicate the additional heating fees to guests during winters? Do you share this information after they've booked the listing? or prefer to add it in your listing description?

[Julee15]

Great question @Bhumika!

We make sure to clearly indicate the additional fee for heating the pool by highlighting it with asterisks wherever the pool is mentioned or shown in photos. That said, we understand it can still be overlooked at times. Our approach is to work closely with our guests to find a solution that ensures they can enjoy their stay. Our ultimate goal is to provide the most positive experience overall and avoid any misunderstandings that could affect their enjoyment of the amenities, their overall stay as well as our review! 

If $30 is all it takes to turn an unhappy guest into a happy one, we’re more than willing to absorb the cost!

[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. 

[Bhumika]

Thanks for sharing @Kayla327! Since you prefer not to add hot tubs to your properties, have you found other amenities or features that guests love and help make your listing stand out?

[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!