6 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Hotel with a Sauna

Looking for a hotel with a sauna can turn a regular stay into a relaxing escape. But not all saunas are the same, and some might not meet your expectations.

 Before booking, it helps to ask the right questions. This guide walks you through six key questions to ensure your sauna experience is perfect.

• Check Whether Sauna Access Is Included: Confirm if it’s part of the room rate or an extra fee.
  
  

• Know the Sauna Type: Make sure the hotel offers the style of sauna you prefer.
  
  

• Review Hours and Rules: Ensure the sauna’s schedule and accessibility match your plans.
  
  

• Understand Privacy Options: Find out if the sauna is private, shared, or requires reservations.
  
  

• Prioritize Cleanliness and Amenities: Look for well-maintained facilities and nearby services to elevate your stay.

Check if the sauna fee is included in the room price or charged extra. Some hotels restrict access to certain room types. 

Private sauna sessions may cost more, and some promotions include sauna use while standard bookings do not. Confirm whether fees apply per person or per room to avoid surprises.

Check what type of sauna the hotel offers dry or steam, and how it’s heated: wood-burning, infrared, or electric. 

Note if it’s private or shared, if there are separate facilities for men and women, or if outdoor or combined steam/infrared options are available. This helps you choose a sauna experience that suits your preferences.

Confirm sauna opening and closing times, including weekend, holiday, or seasonal changes. Check if reservations are required and whether the sauna is accessible for guests with disabilities. Knowing the hours and rules helps you plan your visit and enjoy the facility without issues.

Ask if the sauna can be reserved for private use and whether there’s an extra fee. Check the maximum number of guests for shared saunas. 

Some hotels offer separate facilities for men and women. Book private sessions in advance, especially during busy periods. Knowing these details helps plan for a social or quiet experience.

Cleanliness affects comfort and safety. Ask how often staff clean the sauna, whether benches are sanitized after each use, and if floors are cleaned daily. 

Check that walls and ceilings are free from mold or mildew. Ensure heaters are regularly inspected and maintained. A well-maintained sauna ensures hygiene, safety, and a better experience.

After your sauna session, check nearby restaurants, cafes, spas, parks, and local attractions. Access to public transportation makes it easy to reach these places, enhancing your hotel stay beyond the sauna.

Yes, many hotels offer saunas, ranging from traditional Finnish, steam, infrared, to aromatherapy or Japanese Onsen-style. 

Access may be included or require extra fees, with private or shared options. Hours, cleanliness, and amenities vary, so check details in descriptions, photos, and reviews. 

Spa hotels, wellness resorts, and boutique properties often provide the best sauna experiences for relaxation, health, and comfort.

• Use Hotel Booking Sites: Major platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or TripAdvisor let you filter by amenities such as “spa” or “wellness center,” which often indicate a sauna.
  
  

• Check Hotel Descriptions: Always read the facilities section to confirm a sauna is available.
  
  

• Look at Photos and Reviews: Photos show the sauna setup, while guest reviews can give insights into quality and accessibility.
  
  

• Contact Smaller Hotels Directly: Boutique hotels may not list every amenity online, so calling or emailing can save time.
  
  

• Consider Specialized Properties: Spa hotels, wellness resorts, villas, and some apartments may offer private saunas.
  
  

• Know the Details: Some saunas have restricted hours, extra charges, or different types (dry, steam, infrared).
  
  

• Combine Methods for Best Results: Using filters, reading reviews, and making direct inquiries ensures you find a hotel with the right sauna experience.

• Traditional Finnish Sauna: Dry heat, promotes sweating and relaxation, often paired with cold plunges
  
  

• Steam Sauna / Steam Room: Moist heat, hydrates skin, relieves respiratory congestion
  
  

• Infrared Sauna: Radiant heat at lower temperatures, gentle detoxification, relaxes muscles
  
  

• Bio / Herbal Sauna: Mild heat with aromatic herbs, soothing multisensory experience
  
  

• Smoke Sauna: Rustic, smoky ambiance, Nordic tradition
  
  

• Salt Sauna: Supports respiratory health
  
  

• Aromatherapy Sauna: Helps reduce stress
  
  

• Japanese Onsen-style Sauna: Integrated with bathing rituals

• Relaxation: Helps you unwind and reduce stress.
  
  

• Muscle Relief: Eases muscle tension after a long day.
  
  

• Improved Circulation: Boosts blood flow for overall health.
  
  

• Detoxification: Sweating removes toxins from the body.
  
  

• Better Sleep: Calms the body for a restful night.
  
  

• Social & Quiet Time: Enjoy moments alone or connect with others.
  
  

• Luxury & Comfort: Enhances your stay with a pampering experience.