Which glamping accommodation types attract the highest occupancy and reviews?
Pods vs Cabins vs Yurts: What’s the Most Popular Glamping Option for Bookings in 2025?
Picture this: it’s a warm summer evening, golden light dipping behind the trees, and your guests are pouring a glass of wine on their private deck, raving about how perfect their glamping stay has been. Five-star reviews rolling in. Return bookings. Happy guests = happy you.
Now rewind to today… you’re at square one. You know you want to launch or upgrade a glamping site—but which structure will actually bring in the best return?
Pods? Cabins? Yurts? Shepherd’s huts? Domes? The glamping world is full of beautiful, Insta-worthy options—but not all perform equally when it comes to occupancy, guest satisfaction, and longevity.
We’ve dug through data, guest reviews, and firsthand experience building premium cabins to help you make a smart, informed, long-term choice. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about how it looks on Pinterest.
So, which glamping unit gets the highest reviews and occupancy rates?
If we had to name a winner across platforms like Airbnb, Canopy & Stars, and CoolStays, it would be… 🥁 cabins. But let’s break that down.
Cabins consistently get 4.9–5 star reviews, particularly when they offer a proper bed, running water, and insulation (think winter sun from within a cosy cabin!). Guests LOVE the feeling of “nature, but make it comfy.”
Pods have always been popular, especially for couples or walkers after a lower price point—but many receive lower ratings during the spring, autumn and winter months due to their lack the basic comforts such as heating, privacy, or character.
Yurts? Beautiful for a short season. But just like the pods, reviews drop in colder months unless serious effort has been put into thicker insulation and styling.
🔗 See examples on Canopy & Stars or Airbnb’s top-rated UK stays.
How do average occupancy rates compare?
According to UK-based platforms like Pitchup, Cool Camping, and anecdotal industry data:
The real takeaway? Cabins keep working for you year-round—while yurts and basic pods often sit empty when the chill sets in.
Which glamping unit works best across all seasons?
If your site’s in the UK, let’s be honest: weather matters.
Cabins shine in all four seasons. Picture this, morning spring birdsong, warm tea in hand, and the scent of wildflowers drifting in through the open doors. A sun-filled cabin with the fresh breeze flowing in as you prepare your barbecue. A cosy blanket and a book whilst watching the autumn leaves fall. A peaceful winter night, stillness outside, mulled wine on the stove, and nowhere to be but right here.
Pods work okay in spring/summer, but can be drafty in off-seasons unless insulated properly. Should they not be insulated and or energy intensive to keep them warm. Furthermore, the elements outside can usually be heard in most pods as they are designed as a step up from camping. This was their intended use until today’s guests wanting more comfort and willing to pay a premium for it.
Yurts are wonderful for a few dreamy summer nights, but unless they’re extremely high-spec, they struggle in winter and can suffer from condensation or mould. Should they get mouldy, the challenge is to not only spend days trying to remove the mould so it doesn’t spread to manage the amount of lost nights revenue that could come from needing to shut down the lets.
Luxury Glamping Cabins With THC Homes
What do different guest types actually prefer?
Let’s break it down by the humans walking through your doors:
Couples love cosy, stylish spaces. Cabins with a good view and a fire pit win here. Bonus points for baths or outdoor hot tubs.
Families lean toward larger accomodation such as lodges with kitchens, separate sleeping areas, and proper toilets. Kids love an adventure, but parents want comfort.
Friendship groups go for bigger, more private setups. Three-bed lodges or multi-unit sites do really well here.
Eco-conscious travellers are drawn to cabins built with natural materials, sustainable insulation, and renewable energy. (That’s our jam, btw 👋)
What are the hidden costs (and surprises)?
Let’s be honest—yurts can seem cost-effective on day one. But fast-forward six months…
Cabins are more expensive and require more upfront costs, but, they need far less maintenance over time. No collapsing roofs, no soggy floors, no heating issues = fewer refund requests.
Pods are a great starter unit so if you’re unsure whether letting is for you and you fancy a summer seasonal practise model, then this is the way to go. They are cheaper, they’ll run for a good 6 months of the year but they’ll age fast and may need replacing within 5–7 years with maintaince beginning within 2-3 years.
Yurts look stunning on site and offer happy campers a true glamping experience in the traditional sense. They often need re-canvas every few years, with annual deep cleans, and off-season repairs. If you can take them down in the Autumn, store them dry and pull them back out in the spring, you may find you’ll gain a few extra years from them!
Bespoke Designs For Rural Glamping Sites
So, what’s the best option overall?
If you’re looking for long-term success, happy guests, and a business you don’t have to patch together every winter—cabins win on almost every metric:
✅ Higher occupancy
✅ Better reviews
✅ Works year-round
✅ Suits more guest types
✅ Less maintenance
✅ Adds real property value
Yes, they’re a bigger investment upfront—but they’re also the clearest path to reliable revenue and a glamping brand you’re proud to put your name on.
Curious about your potential ROI?
Share your location and preferred model, and our team will give you a tailored estimate of what you could earn from your site.
Reach out to Leanne directly at leanne@thchomes.co.uk – we’d love to help you run the numbers.
Takeaway Message
The most successful glamping sites aren’t necessarily the most creative. They’re the ones that meet guests where they are: craving comfort, nature, and a sprinkle of luxury.
Whether you’re launching your dream site or giving an old one a refresh, investing in high-quality cabins will almost always pay off—in bookings, in loyalty, and in peace of mind.
And hey, if you’re curious what goes into a truly great cabin—insulation, windows, materials, layout—we’d love to show you.
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🔗 Why Quality & Sleep is the Key to Guest Satification - New Blog Post!
