Add a hot tub to your vacation rental and give guests a reason to book
Ali Lundeen and her husband Ryan wanted to create a space where their family could escape the chaos of everyday life. Six years ago, they took the chance on a serene property on Dunn Lake in Minnesota. Little did they know that that one decision would lead to a new passion: sharing their little slice of Minnesota paradise with others.
“We knew we’d found our happy place,” Ali reflects. “It was a sanctuary where we could unwind, recharge, and make cherished memories with our four kids.”
As the Lundeens renovated their cabins into Lundeen Lake Rentals, they poured their hearts into every detail, striving to make each guest’s stay unforgettable. But when it came to choosing the right amenities, Ali wondered: What do people truly want in a vacation rental?
So, she turned to her Instagram followers for answers.
“I asked my audience if they would rather have a hot tub or a sauna at a rental property,” Ali says. “The results were overwhelming — 80% hot tub, 20% sauna. A lot of them even said a hot tub is the No. 1 thing they look for when booking a rental property.”
Why hot tubs are the top amenity for vacation rentals
Minnesota’s seasons are beautiful but intense. The winters, especially, can feature stunning snowy landscapes and frosted trees but temperatures can quickly plunge well below zero. Still, it remains a destination for families, couples, and groups of friends looking to relax together.
“In Minnesota, when we’re trying to rent all winter long, a hot tub is a huge draw because it’s an activity you can do outside,” Ali says. “It’s something to look forward to, and there’s not a ton of things in the winter here that you can do as a family together — and stay warm!”
Being open for the winter allows the Lundeens to increase their available nights and optimize their occupancy rate. Many vacation rental operators aim for occupancy rates above 60% since unbooked nights translate directly into lost income. Nationally, average occupancy rates have been fluctuating, with the trailing 12 months from March 2023 to February 2024 showing a rate of 55.1%. In 2023, the average was slightly higher at 55.4%, while 2022 reached 58.6%.
As she planned to add short-term vacation rentals to her Dunn Lake property, Ali even consulted a friend with vacation rentals nearby. Her friend had removed a hot tub from one of their properties. The result?
“She said it didn’t rent in the winter,” Ali says. “That was all the encouragement we needed. We knew that adding a hot tub would help us level up against other properties in the area.”
How a hot tub can boost bookings and revenue
The Lundeens’ experience highlights a common trend — hot tubs consistently rank as one of the most sought-after amenities for vacation rentals. Adding a hot tub to your property can offer real advantages, helping you attract more guests and increase profitability.
Attract more bookings: Travelers often filter their searches specifically for properties with hot tubs, giving yours an edge in a crowded market. According to data from Airbtics, properties with hot tubs can see occupancy rates up to 10% higher than those without.
Increase nightly rates: Premium amenities like a hot tub allow you to justify higher nightly rates, as guests are willing to pay more for a relaxing, unique experience. For a three-bedroom short-term rental, adding a hot tub can allow you to increase your nightly rate by $30 to $200.
Boost winter bookings: In colder climates, a hot tub can transform your property into a cozy winter retreat, helping you stay booked even during the slower off-season months.
Choosing the right hot tub for your vacation property
Adding a hot tub to your vacation rental can be a smart investment, but choosing the right one is key to maximizing its value and ensuring a hassle-free experience for you and your guests. When shopping for a hot tub, focus on durability, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance to make sure it’s a long-term asset for your property.
Withstand the elements: Whether your rental property is lakeside, tucked in the woods, or exposed to snow, rain, and changing temperatures, a durable hot tub can handle the conditions without constant repairs or signs of wear. Choose a model with all-weather skirting to resist wear and tear from the elements and an energy-efficient cover to protect the water while keeping heat loss to a minimum. These features not only extend the lifespan of your hot tub but also help reduce operating costs year-round.
Be easy to clean and care for: Low-maintenance hot tubs save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on delivering a seamless experience for your guests rather than worrying about upkeep between bookings. Features such as ozone and pleated filters can help keep the water clean and clear with minimal effort, reducing the need for frequent water changes and chemical adjustments.
Offer a great experience for guests: A spacious, comfortable, and visually appealing hot tub enhances your property’s appeal. Features like ergonomic seating, a full lounge, powerful jets, and LED lighting can turn a stay into something truly memorable for families, couples, and groups of friends.
‘A game-changer for our rentals’
For the Lundeens, adding a hot tub wasn’t just a decision — it was an investment in their guests’ happiness and their business’s success.
“If you get a hot tub, people would more so look for your property over a property that does not have one,” Ali says. “It really is a game-changer.”
Instinct Spas offer the perfect combination of comfort, style, and performance, helping vacation rental owners create a standout experience for guests. Designed with hydrotherapy, relaxation, and ease of maintenance in mind, they can transform any space into the ultimate destination.
Hot tub hydrotherapy
Instinct Spas provide ergonomic support and hydrotherapy with features like targeted hydrotherapy jets that focus on tension-prone areas such as the neck and shoulders, offering a personalized and soothing massage. Guests can also enjoy a full-size lounge that allows them to stretch out and relieve stress from head to toe. The ergonomic seating contours naturally to the body, enhancing both comfort and relaxation during each soak.
Spa features
For those seeking relaxation in style, Instinct Spas come equipped with LED mood lighting that lets guests customize the ambiance to fit the mood — whether it’s a quiet evening or a lively social gathering. A soothing water feature adds both sound and visual appeal, creating the ultimate calming atmosphere.
Water care and maintenance
Keeping the water clean is simple with advanced features like a premium pleated filtration system that removes debris and impurities, paired with ozone technology that reduces the need for excess chemicals while ensuring consistently clean, clear water. This approach saves time and provides guests with peace of mind while using the hot tub.
Craftsmanship and quality
Instinct Spas are also built to last and save on costs. Crafted in the USA to exceed strict quality standards, every spa combines durability with energy-efficient design. Advanced foam insulation minimizes heat loss, ensuring that the spa stays warm and inviting while helping owners save on operational expenses. With local dealer delivery, the process of bringing a new spa to your property is seamless and stress-free. Plus, every spa comes with a comprehensive warranty, offering added assurance and confidence in your investment.
With Instinct Spas, vacation rental owners can deliver a premium spa experience that guests will love, all while keeping maintenance simple and costs low.
Ready to level up your property? With Instinct Spas, adding a hot tub is simple, stress-free, and guaranteed to make a difference — for your guests and your bottom line.