Q: What's the difference between Instant Book and Request to Book?

You can choose either mode for each of your listings. Instant Book confirms guest bookings automatically the moment they pay. Best for hosts who want hands-off hosting and higher booking conversion - guests can book a confirmed session without waiting. Request to Book holds the guest's card for up to 24 hours while you review and approve or decline each request. Best if you also manage bookings through other tools (Acuity, Google Calendar, etc.) and want to verify your availability before confirming. You can switch a listing between modes anytime from your dashboard.

Question 1

What should I bring to a sauna session?

Accepted Answer

Each experience is different, so check with your host before you go. Generally we recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, sandals, and a water bottle. Many hosts provide robes and refreshments - it'll say so in their space details.

Question 2

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

For weekends and popular listings, we recommend booking at least a week ahead. Weekday availability is usually more flexible. Many hosts offer same-day sessions - filter by availability to find what's open now.

Question 3

What's the difference between Instant Book and Request to Book?

Accepted Answer

Some hosts confirm bookings instantly, while others prefer to review requests first - usually within 24 hours. When you request a booking, we authorize your card but don't charge it until the host approves. If they decline or don't respond, the hold is released automatically.

Question 4

What's the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Our standard policy offers a full refund for cancellations made at least 48 hours before your session. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable. Each listing shows its cancellation terms clearly before you confirm - no fine print.

Question 5

Are saunas safe for everyone?

Accepted Answer

Sauna bathing is safe for most healthy adults. If you have a heart condition, are pregnant, or have other health concerns, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking. Every session includes a brief digital health screening waiver to keep everyone informed and prepared.

Question 6

Can I book for a group?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Most saunas accommodate groups of 2-8 people. Each listing shows maximum capacity upfront. Some hosts offer group rates - look for it in the listing details or message your host directly to ask.

Question 7

What if I need to contact my host?

Accepted Answer

Once your booking is confirmed, you can message your host directly through SaunaScout. Your booking confirmation also includes location details and any arrival instructions your host has shared. Most hosts respond quickly.

Question 8

How much does it cost to list?

Accepted Answer

It's completely free - 0% host commission and no monthly fees. You keep 100% of your listing price, and a 15% platform service fee is added at checkout.

Question 9

What's the difference between Instant Book and Request to Book?

Accepted Answer

You can choose either mode for each of your listings. Instant Book confirms guest bookings automatically the moment they pay. Best for hosts who want hands-off hosting and higher booking conversion - guests can book a confirmed session without waiting. Request to Book holds the guest's card for up to 24 hours while you review and approve or decline each request. Best if you also manage bookings through other tools (Acuity, Google Calendar, etc.) and want to verify your availability before confirming. You can switch a listing between modes anytime from your dashboard.

Question 10

Can I decline a booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your listing uses Request to Book mode. Request to Book gives you 24 hours to review each booking request before approving or declining, and the guest's card isn't charged until you approve. You can review guest profiles and decline any request that doesn't feel right - your space, your call. If your listing uses Instant Book, bookings are confirmed automatically, but you can still cancel a confirmed booking in exceptional circumstances (though frequent cancellations may affect your listing's visibility).

Question 11

Can I sync SaunaScout with my existing booking system?

Accepted Answer

Yes - SaunaScout supports iCal calendar sync. From your listing's availability page, open Sync your calendars and paste an iCal URL from Acuity, FareHarbor, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or any tool that exports an .ics feed. Calendly, Square Appointments, and Peek Pro can also sync through Google Calendar as a bridge. External calendars refresh every hour, and SaunaScout publishes its own iCal feed so your other tools can subscribe back. Full setup guide.

Question 12

When do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Automatically. Funds are deposited directly to your bank account via Wise, within 5 business days of each completed session. No invoicing, no follow-up required.

Question 13

How does SaunaScout make money?

Accepted Answer

Through a 15% platform service fee added at checkout. On a $100 session you receive the full $100, and the $15 fee covers payment processing, guest support, marketing, and platform operations. Hosts pay 0% commission.

Question 14

What if a guest damages something?

Accepted Answer

Guests agree to your house rules as part of every booking. If something goes wrong, our support team is available 7 days a week to help mediate and resolve the situation. We take host concerns seriously.

Question 15

Do I need any special permits?

Accepted Answer

It depends on where you are and how your sauna is set up. In British Columbia, the main things to confirm are your municipal zoning and business licence, and building and electrical permits for the structure itself. Most backyard and private saunas are very workable; it's usually a few phone calls and some paperwork rather than anything dramatic. We walk through all of it, step by step, in our guide: The legal landscape for sauna hosts.

How it works

Your booking journey

Browse and discover

Book or request a session

Get your details

Show up and enjoy

Rate and rebook

Tools that build trust

Verified accounts

Secure payments

Clear policies

Questions from guests

What should I bring to a sauna session?

How far in advance should I book?

What's the difference between Instant Book and Request to Book?

What's the cancellation policy?

Are saunas safe for everyone?

Can I book for a group?

What if I need to contact my host?

Ready to find your sauna?