Sauna ROI in Short Term Rentals
🔍 Key Insights on Sauna ROI in Short-Term Rentals
1. Listing Premium and Occupancy Boost
Listing Premium: Listings with unique amenities like a sauna often command 10–30% higher nightly rates, depending on the market.
Increased Occupancy: Many hosts report higher occupancy rates due to increased appeal—especially in colder climates or wellness-focused destinations.
Example: In ski towns or nature-heavy markets, adding a sauna can shift a listing into a "luxury" category, unlocking a different guest segment.
2. Search Filters & Market Differentiation
Airbnb and VRBO both allow guests to filter by sauna. In saturated markets, this can significantly improve visibility and click-through.
A sauna can turn an ordinary home into a "destination property", especially when paired with hot tubs, cold plunges, or a nature-focused setting.
3. User Reviews & Rebooking
Guests often highlight saunas in 5-star reviews, increasing the overall rating and future booking rates.
Unique features like saunas improve social shareability, creating organic marketing.
4. Estimated ROI Figures
Cost of Installation: $6,000–$18,000 depending on type (barrel vs. custom indoor), electrical setup, and finish level.
Return Timeline: 12–24 months is a common payback period cited by hosts who see regular usage and good marketing.
Case Study Highlights:
A host in Oregon reported an ROI of 14 months on a $9,000 barrel sauna.
A cabin in Colorado saw a $40/night premium after installing a sauna, netting ~$4,000 extra in one winter season alone.
5. Best ROI Conditions
Cold-weather or nature destinations
Properties with already strong guest experiences (fire pits, views, decks)
Markets with limited luxury wellness offerings
When paired with professional photos and wellness branding
🛠️ Tips to Maximize ROI
Market it heavily – Call it out in your listing title, photos, and first paragraph.
Add complementary features – Cold plunge, outdoor shower, deck seating.
Optimize cost – Use prefab barrel saunas or DIY kits with professional install.
Consider liability – Post safety guidelines and ensure adequate insurance.
Seasonal pricing strategy – Adjust your rate more aggressively during cold months to leverage sauna appeal.
📊 Data Sources
1. Up to 301% Return in 7 Months
A report by Revedy (Aug 12, 2024) shows that investment-grade suburban STRs with saunas achieved up to 301% ROI in just 7 months. They analyzed data from 2021 to 2024, highlighting that mountain- and coastal-leisure properties saw the highest gains Reddit+5Revedy+5BiggerPockets+5.
2. 25–30% Higher Nightly Rates & 10–15% Occupancy Boost
Backcountry Recreation’s data (circa 1 year ago) states that outdoor saunas (and hot tubs) can increase Airbnb nightly rates by 25–30%, along with a 10–15% rise in occupancy—leading to much faster cost recovery Master Spas, LLC+2Backcountry Recreation+2Backcountry Recreation+2.
3. Airbnb Study: +$40/Night (Hot Tubs Proxy for Sauna)
While focused on hot tubs, Airbnb's internal study revealed that this wellness amenity (saunas exhibit similar wellness appeal) can add an average of $40 per night, translating to over $7,000 in extra annual revenue at just 50% occupancy Facebook+10Master Spas, LLC+10Master Spas, LLC+10.