Top Amenities That Maximize ROI in South Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

South Lake Tahoe is a high-demand, experience-driven market. The right amenities don’t just make guests happy—they measurably increase occupancy, average daily rate (ADR), and overall annual income. At Holland CoHost, we test what actually moves the needle. Below are the top upgrades we see impacting returns, with local context and practical notes on cost, maintenance, and marketing.

1. Hot Tub

   The Tahoe Classic featuring a Premium ADR lift: A hot tub is the one amenity that reliably increases bookings and rates in Tahoe. On average, homes with a hot tub average around $93,000 per year in income versus about $66,000 for homes without—a substantial lift tied to winter ski trips, shoulder-season getaways, and post-hike relaxation. Guests filter for “hot tub” first in many searches; you’ll rank in more queries, and your photos instantly convey that après-ski vibe.

   • What to consider: Proper installation, safety signage, water care, freeze protection, and consistent maintenance scheduling.

   • Marketing tip: Lead with twilight photos showing steam, snow, and ambient lighting. Mention capacity and views (forest, lake peek, starry nights).

     
     

     

     
     

2. Sauna

   Rising Star with Lower Ongoing Costs Saunas are growing fast in guest demand and are far less common than hot tubs, which helps listings stand out. In our data, sauna properties can achieve similar annual income to hot tub homes (around $93,000), but with lower maintenance and energy costs. It’s a strong ROI play, especially for owners who prefer fewer service calls and simpler winterization.

   • What to consider: Choose a durable electric or infrared unit, ensure proper ventilation, add clear usage instructions, and consider a small cold-rinse setup for the “contrast” experience.

   • Marketing tip: Emphasize wellness, recovery after skiing, and the rarity factor in South Lake Tahoe. Include a warm wood interior shot and a lifestyle photo (towels, eucalyptus, soft lighting).

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3. Outdoor Gas Fire Pit with Hanging Bistro Lights

   Instant Atmosphere, Photo Gold We’ve seen well-staged outdoor living areas push ADR and shoulder-season occupancy. Adding a gas fire pit with cozy seating and hanging lights transforms patios into social spaces guests remember. In one property we upgraded, before-and-after photos tell the story: higher click‑through on the listing, more saves, and faster booking decisions.

   • What to consider: Gas line or propane setup, wind screening, clear safety rules, durable outdoor furniture, and weather-resistant cushions.

   • Marketing tip: Show dusk shots with guests gathered, blankets out, and the bistro lights glowing. Mention s’mores kits or complimentary firewood if applicable (even for gas, guests love the idea).

   
   

   

   
   

4. Dedicated Workspace

   Capture Remote Workers and Weekday Stays Remote travel and “workcation” trends are here to stay. A dedicated desk with an ergonomic chair, task lighting, dual monitors or a large external monitor, a quality keyboard/mouse, and fast, reliable Wi‑Fi turns your home into a midweek booking magnet.

   • What to consider: Hardwired mesh Wi‑Fi, clearly stated speeds, multiple outlets/USB‑C, a printer/scanner for extended stays, and a quiet location away from main living areas.

   • Marketing tip: Include a clean, minimalist photo of the setup, note exact internet speed, and list the peripherals available. Use keywords like “work-friendly,” “remote work ready,” and “fast Wi‑Fi.”

     
     

5. Game Room or Game Tables

   Family-Friendly Revenue Engine South Lake Tahoe attracts families and groups. Dedicated entertainment spaces reduce complaints, increase 5‑star reviews, and drive repeat visits. Pool, foosball, ping pong, a retro arcade cabinet, board games, and a short‑throw projector with a streaming setup create rainy-day and post‑ski fun that keeps kids busy and adults relaxed.

   • What to consider: Sound management (rugs, curtains), durable surfaces, clear rules, and safe cord management. Consider multi‑use tables to save space (e.g., a dining table that converts to ping pong).

   • Marketing tip: Feature a wide shot of the room and a close-up of a marquee item (arcade or projector). Call out “family-friendly” and proximity to Heavenly, Sierra‑at‑Tahoe, or beaches.

(Bonus) Professional Photography: The Multiplier for Every Amenity The single most underappreciated amenity is world-class photos. Professionally shot, editorial‑quality images can increase both occupancy and ADR because they:

Rank better in search due to higher click‑through.

Help guests visualize experiences (hot tub steam, glowing fire pit, organized game room).

Reduce uncertainty and improve trust, which translates into more bookings at higher rates. Invest in golden hour exteriors, twilight amenity shots, well-lit interiors, and tight detail photos of premium features. Updating images seasonally (snow scenes, summer deck) keeps your listing fresh.

Additional High-ROI Amenities in South Lake Tahoe

• Keyless Entry + Smart Thermostat: Seamless guest arrival and energy savings. Smart thermostats protect pipes and reduce utility costs in cold snaps.

• EV Charger: Growing demand among Bay Area travelers. This can be a differentiator that wins bookings outright, especially for longer stays.

• Chef-Ready Kitchen: Induction cooktop or gas range, sharp knives, quality cookware, coffee station with grinder, and a backsplash‑worthy espresso machine. Guests cooking in Tahoe value the upgrade and will pay for it.

• Pet-Friendly Setup (If Allowed): Secure fencing, dog wash area, poop bag station, and pet rules. Opens a large demand segment and reduces damage risk when set up correctly.

How Holland CoHost Helps You Execute

We specialize in designing, installing, and operating high-ROI amenities that fit Tahoe’s climate and guest profile. From scoping a hot tub or sauna to building a fire‑lit patio, curating game rooms, and setting up workspaces and Wi‑Fi, we manage everything end-to-end. Then we capture it with professional photos and optimize your listing for higher search visibility and conversions. Transparent reporting shows the impact on ADR, occupancy, and annual income.

Ready to increase your rental’s ROI? Contact Holland CoHost for a free amenity audit and revenue estimate. We’ll review your property, recommend the highest-return upgrades, and handle the setup, marketing, and operations.