ROI vs. Ego: Are Pickleball Courts Actually Worth the Hype?

I recently read a controversial Facebook group post asking: “What’s the most over-rated STR amenity?”

The comments were… spicy. 🌶️ Pickleball courts. Saunas. Big-ticket “wow” features that almost always land in the top five hero photos of a listing.

It got me thinking.

When hosts talk about “over-rated amenities,” we’re talking about major investments — the kind that impact design decisions, budgets, maintenance, and long-term strategy.

ROI vs. Ego: The Two Types of Over-Rated STR Amenities

1. Amenities That Don’t Move the Needle

They sound impressive, cost money to install and maintain, but don’t meaningfully impact bookings or guest satisfaction. Guests notice them but they’re not booking because of them.

2. Amenities That Stop the Scroll… but Deliver Poor ROI

These look amazing in photos and help your listing stand out, creating a “unicorn” effect. But the upfront cost, ongoing maintenance, and operational headaches outweigh the return. They drive attention, not profit.

The Question Rookie Hosts Always Ask

“If I add this amenity, will I get more bookings?”

The honest answer? No one can answer that for you.

Even if we ran a before-and-after study on adding something like a pickleball court, the results would still be misleading. Performance isn’t about the amenity alone. It’s about context, execution, and experience.

A Real-World Pickleball Court Example

We actually have a listing with a pickleball court. We didn’t buy the property because of the court. We bought it because of the size and potential of the outdoor space and the guest experiences we envisioned. The court just happened to already be there as a value-add.

It was non-regulation size, painted an ugly green, and completely forgettable.

We gave it a bold Barbie pink makeover (our brand accent color), styled it to pop in photos, and integrated it into a memorable outdoor experience for our ideal guests.

Maintenance cost? Very low. (We did but a court roller/dryer and leaf blower.)

Did guests enjoy the pickleball court? Absolutely. Many mentioned it in their reviews.

Did guests book our listing only because of the court? No — the court enhanced the stay. It elevated the overall experience.

Why Data Alone Can Be Misleading

Investing in a pickleball court because other listings have one is like buying a Red Camera because Spielberg uses one. The camera didn’t make Jaws; execution did.

Let’s say data shows listings with pickleball courts in a specific market earn more gross revenue.

That doesn’t mean:

• The court caused the performance
• You’ll see the same ROI from your investment

It could be because:

• Those properties have larger outdoor spaces
• Hosts invested in a full outdoor experience
• The listings are better designed, photographed, and marketed
• The operators are more experienced and effective

So is it the pickleball court? Or is it the operator, execution, and marketing?

Most of the time, it’s the latter.

Are Pickleball Courts or Saunas Actually Over-Rated?

Some hosts think so. I disagree, and here’s why.

Nothing in the STR world is absolute. An amenity can be:

• Over-rated in one market but brilliant in another
• Wrong for one property but perfect for the one next door

The real question isn’t “Is this amenity over-rated?” It’s “Does this amenity make sense for my property?”

The Questions You Should Be Asking

Before adding any major amenity, ask yourself:

• Does this work with the weather in my market most of the year?
• Is it aligned with my guest avatar? Would my ideal guests genuinely enjoy this?
• How does it integrate with the overall guest experience?
• Is it safely placed, properly spaced, and well maintained?
• Does it photograph well? Am I marketing the experience, or just the feature?
• What’s the true cost — install, maintenance, downtime, liability risks?
• Am I copying competitors, or designing intentionally?
• With the same budget, could I create a bigger wow elsewhere?

A Reality Check

Guests don’t travel just to play pickleball at your STR.

But if they enjoy pickleball, it can absolutely enhance their stay, when it’s part of a cohesive experience that includes comfort, design, location, and thoughtful amenities.

What doesn’t work? Adding an amenity:

• Because competitors have one
• Because bookings slowed down and you’re trying to “wake up the algorithm”

That’s not strategy. That’s reaction.

The Takeaway: ROI vs. Ego

If you’re debating a big amenity, remember:

It’s not about the amenity. It’s about your execution.

Execution is what turns an amenity into a differentiator, or an expensive regret. 

So, what’s your hot take — which STR amenity is totally over-rated?

Want Help Making the Right Amenity Decisions?

This is exactly what I help STR owners navigate through Savvy Breezy STR Consulting.

If you’re:

• Debating a high-cost amenity
• Trying to stand out in a saturated market
• Unsure where to invest for the best ROI
• Or tired of chasing trends instead of strategy

👉 Let’s talk through what actually makes sense for your rental, your market, and your goals.