A private sauna is yours for the whole stay: no timetable, no strangers, your own rules on swimwear. A shared hotel sauna costs nothing extra to maintain on your side and often comes with a pool and steam room, but it has opening times, can be busy and nearly always requires swimwear in the UK.
Side by side
| Private sauna | Shared hotel sauna | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you find it | Cottages, lodges, cabins, some suites | Hotel spas and leisure clubs |
| Access | Whenever you like | Opening times, sometimes booking slots |
| Swimwear | Up to you | Usually required |
| Heat control | You choose, if the controls allow | Set by the hotel |
| Extras | Sometimes a hot tub or plunge tub | Often a pool, steam room and showers |
| Cost | Built into the rental price | Included or charged per visit |
Which suits you
Choose private if the sauna is the reason for the trip, you want late evening sessions or you are travelling as a couple or a group. Choose a shared hotel sauna for a city break or a short stay where a pool and restaurant matter too.
Browse private sauna stays, spa hotels with a sauna or adults-only stays with a sauna.