Sauna vs Hot Tub: Which Amenity Actually Makes You Money (and Keeps You Sane)?

You’ve got the perfect rental—cozy cabin, lakeside deck, fire pit that sees more marshmallows than a Boy Scout camp.
But now you’re asking the big question:
“Should I add a hot tub… or a sauna?”

It’s a fair question.
Both promise that golden five-star review.
Both make your photos pop on Airbnb.
But here’s the truth no one tells you—one of them quietly steals your time, money, and sanity, while the other pays you back, month after month, in profit and peace of mind.

The Real Cost of Bubbles

Hot tubs are like boats—fun to own for a week, work to maintain forever.

• You’ll spend hours balancing chemicals and cleaning filters.
• Insurance premiums climb because water accidents happen.
• When temperatures drop, you’re praying pipes don’t freeze or crack.
• And yes, they eat electricity like a teenager eats pizza.

Sure, guests love them… but guess what kind of guests they attract?
Let’s just say the champagne-in-the-tub crowd isn’t usually the “leave the place spotless” type.

Enter the Sauna – Quiet, Powerful, and Built for Winter

A sauna doesn’t need filters, chemicals, or constant babysitting.
Flip the switch (or light the stove), and it’s ready when you are.
No pipes. No pumps. No freezing. No party fouls.

But here’s what STR owners are really starting to notice:
A sauna brings in a different crowd. A better crowd.
Guests searching for “wellness retreat,” “cold plunge,” or “Scandinavian spa” are health-oriented travelers willing to pay more and respect your property.

And When You’re by the Water… Magic Happens

Something special happens when a family sweats together, laughs together, and jumps in the lake together.
That’s not just a booking feature—it’s a memory generator.
A sauna next to water isn’t just relaxing; it’s a ritual that connects people.
That’s why Scandinavian families have done it for centuries.

If you’re near a lake, river, or pool, adding a sauna instantly gives your property that “wow” factor you can’t fake in photos.

Why It’s an Asset, Not a Liability

The numbers don’t lie.
You can use our Sauna ROI Calculator to see exactly how long it takes to pay off your sauna.
Most STR owners find it pays for itself within a year—sometimes even faster.
That’s because guests are willing to spend extra per night for something that’s both luxurious and low-maintenance.

You’re not adding a headache—you’re adding an asset.

The Cedar Sense Difference

At Cedar Sense, we don’t just sell saunas—we live them.

Our barrel saunas are handcrafted in the USA with Western Red Cedar, built to handle brutal winters and look good doing it.
We also offer outdoor showers, cold plunges, and even wood-fired hot tubs (because not all hot tubs are created equal).

And if you want mobility, we’ve got drop-down trailers that let you haul your sauna anywhere—perfect for bringing it home during the off-season or even starting a rental business of your own.

Want to see one in action?