Anyone had sauna for their Airbnb?

Question

Hey guys! I am planning to add an outdoor sauna for this new property. I am thinking about a Costco wooden barrel sauna.

How was your experience with sauna? I know for sure people will love it but I am wondering if there is anything I should be aware of.

I have properties with swimming pool and playground so I am well aware of the risk management side but a winter item like this is a new for me! (I guess people still can take a sauna during 90 degree weather but well haha)

Also should I cover the top with gazebo structure? Or is it going to trap too much moisture? I am not sure how these saunas are good with snow and rain.

Thanks guys!

Michael Baum · Answer

What @Bruce Woodruff said. I see them as a high maintenance item that will not be as popular as you think they might.

I would do a hot tub first if that could work.

EDIT - So I just chatted with my neighbor and he spends about a 2 hours a month keeping his sauna in shape. That isn't bad, but you need to keep up on it or it will get rough inside he says.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

In my opinion, the sauna is not the best investment. They will get limited use, as many people don't even recognize the value of using one, and they will certainly be limited by the time of year. As you said nobody wants to get in one when it's 90° out. It will probably only get used during the winter.

and I can see some maintenance issues too with all that moisture inside it would be easy to get mildew or mold growth started if it is not maintained properly and often.

also it is traditional to follow up your time in the sauna with a dive into a nice cold lake (or pool), or at least you might want to have a cold outdoor shower nearby.

personally I would spend my money on something like a hot tub before I bought a sauna.

Alex F. · Answer

@Joel I'm not sure about the Costco saunas, but I did a lot of research on barrel saunas a couple years ago.  I don't think costco sold them when I was researching.

I ended up purchasing a ready to go 8 person barrel sauna from a local manufacturer.  It was delivered fully assembled.

Not all guests use it but many do and love it.  We have had it for almost 2 years now and so far so good.  It is one amenity that sets our place apart from the competition.

And it's awesome in the winter.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/47450032

Andrew Steffens · Answer

I like the out of the box type thinking, but I am not sure I would use it and how many people would versus the risk and maintenance aspect.  I go 1-2x a year to cold weather destinations and usually seek a hot tub.

John Mason · Answer

Does this help https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/530/topics/1142084-saun...

Anyone had sauna for their Airbnb?

Most Popular Reply