The times, back in the 1970s when the first portable acrylic hot tubs were introduced to the market, are now long gone. With the new technologies, hot tubs have evolved over the last few decades.
Nowadays, you can find hotels with luxury hot tubs with built-in electronic controls, massaging water jets, adjustable LED lighting, and even Bluetooth technology. These hot tubs are tucked into resort suites, boutique hotel rooms, and cozy cabins deep in the woods.
In this blog post, I want to focus on different types of hot tubs available in hotel rooms. There are rooms with heart-shaped jetted tubs and wood-fired cedar Jacuzzis for couples on vacation, as well as suites fitted with deep soaking tubs and chromotherapy tubs.
This list of different types of hot tubs is organized by design and features, access and location, water type, materials and vibe, shape, and accommodation style. As a bonus, I’ve included a few cool hotels and other types of accommodations that fit these hot tub categories. Enjoy!
Types of Hot Tubs by Design & Features
Table of Contents
Water-Jet “Whirlpool” Tubs
First, we have the classic whirlpool. It’s basically a spa in a tub. A hot tub tornado, this bath is famed for its powerful jets. Instead of overpaying for a massage in the hotel spa center, jump into a whirlpool tub for the same vibes.
Take the boutique Roxbury Motel in New York’s Catskills, for instance. You can book one of the themed suites that come with a deep whirlpool tub for two.
Air-Jet “Air Bath” Tubs
The Air-Jet Tub is one of the most popular hot tubs, and for a reason. What’s the difference between a whirlpool and an air bath tub? Whirlpool tubs with hydrojets use water and air for a powerful massage, while air jets use only air for a spa-like experience.
A perfect example is the Claremont Resort & Club in Berkeley, California. In addition to 3 fabulous on-site restaurants and an award-winning spa, this 5-star historic resort offers rooms with air-bath tubs wrapped in marble and soft lighting.
Combo Air + Water Jets
Wish to get the best of both worlds? Consider booking your stay in a hotel room with a hot tub that blends air tub and whirlpool features. These tubs with adjustable jets simultaneously release pressurized water and air.
Deep Soaking Tubs
No jets, no bubbles. Shorter but deeper than conventional baths, a deep soaking tub allows water to rise to your shoulders. The original deep soaking tub was the Japanese Ofuro, a square-sided wooden bath.
On the other hand, Imersa is the first modern deep soaking tub in the world. It was developed back in the 1990s. In these hot tubs, travelers can sit upright and be submerged in the water up to their shoulders. It is an ideal tub if you are in the mood for a spa-like and relaxing experience.
Chromotherapy Tubs
These tubs are known for their color-changing LED lights. The thing is that Chromatherapy in tubs uses color’s effects for everything from toxin elimination to anxiety reduction and ultimate relaxation. I mean, certain types of these tubs offer treatment for your eyes.
A perfect example of a hotel with a chromotherapy tub is the Oasis Hotel & Conv. Center, Ascend Hotel Collection, located in Springfield, Missouri. Book your stay in one of their Paradise suites, which feature a two-person, infinity, chromotherapy soaking tub.
Types of Hot Tubs by Shape
Round or Circular Tubs
Circular tubs can be best described and well-balanced and cozy. Inside of a circular tub, heat circulates evenly, too, so no one ends up shaking from the cold.
Corner or Triangular Tubs
These space-saving tubs are quite common in hotels across the US. What I like most about a triangular tub is that it usually fits two people easily.
At NOPSI Hotel in New Orleans, the Corner Deluxe King Suite offers a lovely spa-style freestanding tub
Oval Tubs
To put it bluntly, oval tubs are elegant and graciously curved. They simply look great! You will often find them in open-style hotel suites. These tubs range from freestanding to built-in models.
Barrel Tubs
Barrel tubs are usually made from cedar or redwood. Where to find these tubs? Look for cottages and chalets in nature/rural areas, away from the bright city lights.
Heart-Shaped Tubs
Next on my list is probably one of the most beloved tubs by couples. There are a bunch of unique properties with heart-shaped baths in the US. See a full list here.
Types of Hot Tubs by Access & Location
In-Room Tubs
Nothing beats an in-room Jacuzzi when on vacation with your significant other. A perfect example of an in-room tub is the Best Western Plus Manvel Inn & Suites in Texas.
In-Bathroom Tubs
This is the most common place where travelers will find a private Jacuzzi. Hotel bathrooms are fitted with all types of tubs, from deep soaking tubs to luxury whirlpools.
Balcony or Terrace Hot Tubs
These tubs are all about the “wow” factor. In most cases, balcony/terrace tubs are all about the magnificent views.
I suggest booking the SeaVenture Beach Hotel located in Pismo Beach, California. This hidden gem is known for its spacious balconies fitted with extraordinary hot tubs. The sunset views from the private balcony hot tub are simply majestic
Outdoor Garden or Patio Tubs
Wish to listen to the sounds of birds and admire the beauty of pine trees around you? Book a room with a private courtyard where you will have access to your own outdoor Jacuzzi.
Types of Hot Tubs by Accommodation
Hotel Room with Jetted Tub
This is actually the most common version that you will find in hotels across the US. Book a hotel room with a stylish bathroom with mood lighting and a luxurious Jacuzzi, and have your own private mini spa adventure.
Cabin or Chalet with Outdoor Hot Tub
Fans of the great outdoors will tell you that there is nothing better than spending a few days in a cabin or a chalet in the US. Many of these cabins are located in the woods, and some even have fabulous outdoor hot tubs.
A perfect mountain getaway, Streamside on Fall River in Colorado, is a beautiful lodge with an enormous outdoor spa tub.
Villas and Resort Suites with Infinity Tubs
Feel like splashing out? If you don’t mind the hefty price tag, book your stay in luxurious villas and resorts across the US. Some of these villas/resorts have specialty-designed suites fitted with infinity tubs.
Glamping Units (Tents, Yurts, Tiny Homes)
For an off-grid travel experience with your partner, consider spending a few nights in tents, yurts, and other glamping accommodations. Expect to find outdoor wood-fired compact tubs miles away from civilization.
Types of Hot Tubs by Water Type & Source
- Tubs with Standard Chemically Treated Water – These tubs can be best described as simple and reliable. Hot tubs with standard chemically treated water are the most common baths by water type in the US.
- Saltwater Tubs – For a spa-like experience, I recommend saltwater tubs. Step inside one of these tubs and feel like you are swimming in the Mediterranean or the Black Sea.
- Geothermal or Natural Mineral Water Hot Tubs – These rich-in-mineral hot tubs are sometimes naturally heated. If you wish to have a therapeutic experience, a hotel room with a geothermal hot bath is the most obvious choice.
- Wood-Fired Heated Water – Ideal for romantic weekend getaways, tubs with wood-fired heated water are known for slow heat and cedar scent. Expect to find them in chalets/cabins in forests and close to lakes.
Types of Hot Tubs by Build & Material
Acrylic Shell Tubs
Quite common across hotels in the US, acrylic shell tubs are lightweight and versatile. If you are searching for comfy and stylish baths, choose a hotel with these types of hot tubs.
Stone, Copper, or Concrete Tubs
I would describe them as sculptural and luxurious. Concrete tubs typically look very modern, while copper baths keep the heat for a long time.
Tiled or Stainless-Steel Tubs
These tubs are custom-built. Tiled for warmth, stainless-steel tubs are popular among travelers who like modern-looking Jacuzzis.
Wood-Fired Cedar or Redwood Tubs
These tubs are often found in nature areas across the country. You will find them in outdoorsy states like Vermont, Colorado, Montana, and Oregon.
Different Types of Hot Tubs FAQ
What materials make the best hot tubs?
It really depends on what you are after. If you wish to bathe in a tub that retains heat for a long time, choose a hotel with stone and copper tubs. Travelers who are into outdoor/rustic vibes can stay in a chalet/lodge with a wood-fired cedar tub.
What’s the difference between water-jet and air-jet tubs?
Water-jet or whirlpool tubs use strong directional jets to massage sore muscles. On the other hand, air jet tubs push thousands of tiny bubbles. Some hotels even offer combo tubs, where you can enjoy both types of jets.
Can I book a hotel room with a heart-shaped tub?
Yes, you can. There are accommodations with heart-shaped tubs that are popular with couples. Some of them you can find here.
Can all hotel rooms with hot tubs fit two people comfortably?
It really depends on the property itself. Therefore, it is best to check the hotel’s photos and description of the hot tub to make sure it fits 2 people. Here is a useful tip that might come in handy when choosing your hotel room with a Jacuzzi: the most spacious tubs are usually round, oval, corner, and heart-shaped.
What is the most common hot tub in hotel rooms?
The whirlpool or jetted tub is probably the most common tub in hotel rooms and suites. You will usually find these tubs in the bathroom or inside the room, right next to the bed. The whirlpool bath is known for its gentle massage effect and is aimed at travelers looking for a spa-like experience.
What is the cheapest type of hot tub in hotel rooms?
Easy to maintain and install in hotel rooms, a standard soaking tub or air-jet tub is one of the most budget-friendly options. Unlike whirlpool tubs that require high water pressure, air-jet tubs are relatively affordable. You will find these tubs in mid-range motels and small boutique hotels.
Are outdoor hot tubs in hotels private?
Again, it all depends on the property itself. For example, some large resorts have shared Jacuzzis, which are usually located in the spa area. On the other hand, many cabins, villas, and hotels have outdoor tubs, which are designed to provide a private space for guests.
