Glamping Pods Vs Bell Tents | Which is best For You?

Can we shoot straight with you for a minute? Glamping is awesome! However, knowing which glamping experience to add to your resort can feel a bit overwhelming. It can be hard to choose between adding more bell tents or a glamping pod. We’ve been there, and we want to help you figure out the next best step for your resort.

In this blog, we’ll give you no-nonsense answers on Glamping Pods vs. Bell Tents so you can make the best decision for your resort.

Which Is Better For A Glamping Resort: Glamping Pods Or Bell Tents?

Glamping pods are typically more desirable for glamping resorts. This is because they are self-contained units that last quite a bit longer (think decades instead of years). However, we think both of these structures make great accommodations for your resort if done correctly. The biggest drawback to a bell tent over a glamping pod is their limitations in snowy weather and colder climates.

Do Glamping Pods Or Bell Tents Require Electricity?

Glamping pods require 50 amps of electrical service, and then you’re off to the races. On the other hand, a bell tent does not require electricity. However, if you’re trying to create a true glamping experience, most guests will expect some form of basic electricity. Typically, this is solved by having a battery-powered generator on-site. However, this does add an extra expense for you as the owner, and if the unit were to lose power in the middle of the night, you might have some not-so-happy guests.

Do Glamping Pods or Bell Tents Have Better Climate Control?

Overall, glamping pods offer better climate control than bell tents. A glamping pod is fully enclosed and insulated and typically includes a mini-split system for heating and cooling. On the other hand, bell tents can be heated with a wood or propane stove in colder weather. However, when it comes to staying cool in the heat, you’re at the mercy of keeping the windows open and hoping for an effective cross breeze to cool the tent.

Are Glamping Pods or Bell Tents More Affordable?

At a basic level, bell tents are more affordable than glamping pods. However, this is because they are constructed entirely differently. A bell tent consists of canvas, stakes, and poles, while a glamping pod is a stick-built structure covered in metal panels and other high-end finishes.

Which last longer, Glamping Pods or Bell Tents?

Glamping pods will outlast bell tents. This comes down to construction as well as wear and tear. Typically, a bell tent lasts only 3 years, even when well maintained. However, a glamping pod can last 20 years or more if properly maintained.

Are Glamping Pods And Bell Tents Water Proof?

Yes, glamping pods are waterproof. Zook Cabins sells all the glamping pods with a metal roof that has a 40-year manufacturer warranty. On the other hand, bell tents can be waterproofed by either seasoning them or adding a protective layer that assists in repelling water. 

Can Glamping Pods Or Bell Tents Be Used Year Round? 

Glamping Pods can be used year-round with no issue. All the glamping pods that Zook Cabins sell are designed with a steep-pitched roof that works well no matter what your typical snowfall is. Bell tents on the other hand can not be used easily in all seasons. In fact, bell tents need a lot of monitoring to ensure that there isn’t too much snow as too much weight can cause the tent to collapse in on itself. Take a look at the video below to see what can happen if you try to leave your tent up year-round.

Want to make sure this doesn’t happen to you? Let us help you find the glamping pod !

Which Has a Better ROI: Glamping Pods Or Bell Tents?

Bell Tents will have a faster ROI, but it’s not necessarily better. In fact, glamping pods have a better ROI on the long run.  So, let’s explore this a bit.

A 16’ bell tent costs about $1,000, and on average, it rents for about $90 a night. This will allow you to recoup your cost by renting it out for only 11 nights. Let’s say you can rent it out for 122 days a calendar year (33% occupancy rate); you would gross about $10,950. Essentially allowing you to recoup your cost and profit in one year. However, after 3 years, you will have to buy a new tent because of the wear and tear. Additionally, you will have a fair amount of time in assembling and disassembling the tent due to inclement weather.

A Glamping Pod, on the other hand, has an initial price of $22,302 (prices are subject to change). However, these glamping pods can be rented out for $160 a night, and because they are climate-controlled and stick-built, you can rent them out year-round. Let’s say you rent this out for half of the year (50% occupancy rate); you would gross about $29,120 a year. Unlike with a bell tent, you will not need to replace the glamping pod in three years, allowing you to continue to reap the rewards of your investments. In fact, in 3 years’ time, you will have not only paid off your investment, you will also be able to enjoy a gross profit of nearly $60,000. 

Do Glamping Pods Or Bell Tents Require a Foundation?

Glamping pods will require a foundation; however, all that is needed for the foundation is a 4-inch gravel pad. Not sure how to do it? Our friends at Site Prep have a great resource on creating a gravel pad foundation. Take a look at the video above.

Bell Tents require more foundation work. Traditionally, a bell tent would be set directly on the ground. However, when you create a glamping setup, you will want to place it on a platform. This gives you an elevated look while keeping the tent floor in better shape as it is not in direct contact with the bare ground. The video below gives a general idea of how you can build a semi-permanent deck.

Are Glamping Pods Or Bell Tents Easier To Place?

It depends. What it comes down to is how much space you have to create a foundation for the structure and how accessible your site is. If you have an easily accessible site and want a self-contained unit that can be used year-round, a glamping pod will be your best option for creating a glamping space. On the other hand, if your site is difficult to get to, meaning it’s only accessible by walking, a bell tent will probably be a better option for you; however, crafting a platform foundation may be more difficult in a remote location. 

Conclusion…

So, which is better, a glamping pod or a bell tent? Given that glamping pods can be used for an extended season and require a lot less set-up work, we think glamping pods are the way to go. However, bell tents are a great way to offer a glamping stay if you have a climate that is mild or if you are willing to put in the extra work to maintain them. So, when you are ready to take your resort to the next level with a glamping pod, contact us! We are waiting and excited to help!