Adding a spa to your bed and breakfast or Airbnb: a good idea?

The vacation rental market is highly competitive, with several websites offering numerous accommodations at various prices, and Airbnb is one of the key players. With over 600,000 listings and approximately 5.4 million visitors each month, the company launched in 2008 and has established itself among the leaders in the rental industry. By allowing travelers worldwide to find unique and authentic accommodations, the platform has transcended traditional lodging models, offering a variety of options to its users and creating a global community. But how do you diversify in a platform with so much competition?

Integrating a spa into your bed and breakfast/Airbnb can provide a unique and relaxing experience for your guests. It allows you to stand out from other listings on the site and gain popularity. However, having a spa as an asset for your rental property may come with drawbacks. That’s why in this article, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of this type of enhancement.

 

What are the advantages of offering a spa in an Airbnb?

Increase the service fee and your income.

Having a spa adds value to your bed and breakfast/Airbnb, allowing you to justify raising your rental prices. It enables you to position your accommodation in the upper category at a lower cost.

By adding a spa to your property, the occupancy rate and the length of stay will also increase. Guests are more likely to be interested in your unique rental, and they will prefer a longer stay to fully enjoy the spa. The majority of Airbnb guests are generally tired and dream of relaxing upon their arrival.

The spa is a real asset, a true added value to your property that will encourage tenants to book more frequently and stay longer.

 

Highlighting your bed and breakfast/Airbnb:

Nowadays, online reviews are a crucial element in any industry, but in the hospitality sector, they are essential. 76% of internet users believe that the reviews and rating of accommodation impact their decision, trusting online reviews as much as personal recommendations. On platforms like Airbnb, high reviews and star ratings lead to more visibility and, consequently, more customers. When you have a remarkable feature, such as a spa, in your bed and breakfast/Airbnb, it becomes the centerpiece of your listing and boosts your accommodation rating. Indeed, a spa is not typically an option found in every bed and breakfast. A spa adds a luxurious and unique touch to your rental, providing you with a competitive advantage.

Your tenants are delighted, your accommodation becomes exceptional, positive reviews accumulate, and your business runs smoothly.

A touch of luxury in your bed and breakfast/Airbnb:

One of the best ways to attract guests to your Airbnb is by presenting a luxurious style. Indeed, a spa is an amenity that will add a lot of charm to your Airbnb and give it a more luxurious ambiance. It will help enhance your guests’ experience and satisfaction at the end of their stay; we guarantee that your guests will be delighted!

Anticipate Weather Surprises and Avoid Cancellations:

Extreme weather conditions are forecasted next week or, conversely, the weather turns unpleasant, and tenants can’t go outside? No need to worry; offer them access to the spa with or without an additional fee.

They will appreciate your gesture, and you will allow them to enjoy their stay despite unforeseen circumstances.

Disadvantages:

Cost of the Spa:

The installation of a spa is an additional cost to consider. Indeed, important hygiene rules must be followed, so you need to budget for the maintenance of your spa. This cost remains quite affordable, as shown in this article on the cost of a spa.

Also, consider the energy consumption and maintenance of your spa, which can represent a significant financial burden, not to mention its wear and tear. If you allow your guests free use of the spa, it will be used very regularly, leading to faster wear and tear.

Rules and Hygiene Safety:

Offering a spa to your guests requires strict adherence to safety and hygiene rules to prevent the spread of bacteria and diseases. You will need to educate your guests on the correct use of the spa, monitor the proper application of its rules, and avoid risks for your property and for them.

Noise and Neighborhood:

A spa can generate noise that may be disturbing for the neighborhood, especially if it is used late at night. Therefore, ensure not to disturb anyone to avoid conflicts with neighbors and preserve the tranquility of the area.

 

Floods/Water Damage

A problem that may seem obvious, setting up a basin of more than 1000 liters on your terrace can lead to water runoff, and you must think carefully about clearing your belongings that are sensitive to humidity (furniture, outlets, valuables, etc.).

Conclusion:

The integration of a spa into your bed and breakfast/Airbnb offers significant advantages such as attracting customers, improving the traveler’s experience with the proposal of a unique and luxurious stay, and differentiation from other available accommodations. It allows you to charge higher prices to your customers and presents a significant competitive advantage compared to similar listings. However, it is essential to weigh these advantages against the costs, legal responsibility, and potential management challenges. If you are considering the decision to add a spa to your bed and breakfast/Airbnb, it should be carefully studied, taking into account the changing expectations of travelers and your personal circumstances.