Hotels use a handful of names for rooms with a tub, and they rarely mean the same thing from one property to the next. Here is how to read the room name before you book, and what to ask if the listing is vague.
Jacuzzi is a brand name, but hotels use it for almost any jetted tub. Usually it means an indoor whirlpool tub in the bedroom or bathroom that you fill from the tap and drain after use. Ask whether it is a two-person tub.
Often the same as a jacuzzi room, but sometimes a standard-size bathtub with jets. If the photos show a tub next to the shower, it is probably the smaller kind.
This usually means a tub that stays filled and heated, often on a balcony, deck or patio. These are common at mountain lodges, cabin-style resorts and boutique hotels. They are the closest thing to having your own spa at home.
The vaguest label of all. A spa suite might include a jetted tub, a steam shower, or simply access to the hotel spa. Always check the amenities list for the word tub, whirlpool or jacuzzi.
| Room name | Usual tub | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Jacuzzi suite | Indoor jetted tub, fill and drain | Is it a two-person tub? |
| Whirlpool room | Jetted bathtub, sometimes standard size | What are the tub dimensions? |
| Hot tub suite | Heated tub, often outdoors | Is it private or shared? |
| Spa suite | Varies widely | Is there a tub in the room? |
To skip the guesswork, Hotel Hot Tubs lists hotels with a jacuzzi in the room and private hot tub suites by city and state, with the tub type noted for each hotel.
Guide by Hotel Hot Tubs.