Every property owner active in the short-term rental market has wondered at some point: Is it worth investing in a jacuzzi? Will an EV charger pay off? Is allowing pets actually profitable? A new analysis by AirDNA, based on thousands of active Airbnb listings, offers clear answers on which amenities truly boost revenue—and which ones don’t.
The features that bring the highest revenue
According to the data, pools, saunas, outdoor fire pits (for heating, cooking, or social gatherings), EV chargers, and pet-friendly policies are among the top amenities driving the highest increases in average daily rate (ADR). However, their performance varies significantly depending on the type of market – urban, coastal, mountain, or rural.
The most profitable investments
Large outdoor hot tubs stand out as one of the most consistent and high-return amenities. On average, they increase ADR by 14.3%, while in small towns or rural markets the rise can reach 21.6%. In practice, the cost of installing a jacuzzi can often be recovered within just a few months.
Swimming pools remain the ultimate vacation symbol, lifting ADR by 9.5% on average—with even greater impact in urban settings where pools are rare. Conversely, in coastal markets where pools are already common, the premium effect drops to +5.9%.
Saunas, though less widespread, can deliver up to 9.4% higher revenue in small towns and rural areas, where they are linked to more “experiential” stays. Because they require limited space and maintenance, they’re considered an attractive upgrade for compact listings.
Small upgrades with big impact
Not all investments require a large budget. According to AirDNA, some low-cost amenities yield a strong return:
Pet-friendly stays: Listings that accept pets earn $17 more per night on average and enjoy higher occupancy. In cities like New York and Boston, the difference can reach up to $90.
Fire pits (e.g., indoor or outdoor fireplaces): Add around 5% to revenue by enhancing atmosphere and guest experience—one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades, especially in rural areas.
EV chargers: Though still relatively new, they drive a 6.8% higher ADR, especially in areas with limited charging infrastructure. Despite installation costs, demand is growing steadily, providing long-term value.
Washer and dryer: While the revenue increase is smaller (below 5%), these amenities boost bookings from families and long-stay guests.
Market-by-market differences
AirDNA identifies significant variations across market types:
Mountain/Lake regions: Hot tubs and proximity to ski slopes or lakes can raise ADR by up to 15%. Even a reliable internet connection—often not a given in remote areas—can increase earnings by a similar margin.
Coastal markets: Waterfront access is the “golden” amenity, adding +13% to ADR. Pools and jacuzzis remain popular, but their ubiquity limits the premium.
Rural and small towns: Jacuzzis dominate with a 21.6% ADR increase, followed by fire pits, saunas, and pools. Guests here seek comfort and relaxation in a natural setting.
Mid-sized cities: Hot tubs still stand out (+18.1%), while proximity to rivers or lakes adds another 16% boost.
Urban markets: Rare amenities like jacuzzis (+12.7%), pools (+9.1%), and saunas serve as luxury differentiators. In waterfront or riverside locations, the premium can exceed 9%.
Suburban areas: Beyond the obvious amenities, AirDNA highlights one interesting detail: a fully equipped kitchen increases earnings by 7.3%, as many visitors prefer cooking where dining options are limited.
The strategy behind amenities
The key takeaway from AirDNA’s analysis is that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. Hosts should choose amenities based on their market type, target audience, and available budget. In mature tourism destinations—where competition is fierce—differentiation increasingly depends on the experience offered.
From simple upgrades like pet-friendliness and EV chargers to bigger investments like pools and jacuzzis, decisions should be data-driven rather than instinctive. As AirDNA’s findings show, the right amenities can boost not only nightly rates but also occupancy—resulting in a true return on investment for hosts.
