How to Access Resort Amenities Without Booking a Room

I travel a lot and I like to travel cheap. I’ll stay in an Airbnb outside of city limits if it means saving a few dollars (although Airbnb is definitely losing my trust). Of course, sometimes I like to indulge in a little luxury. For dreams of relaxing poolside or securing a spa treatment on a budget, I turned to ResortPass. The service allows you to book daytime access to resort amenities without the need for an overnight stay — reportedly for a fraction of the cost of a full resort stay. Here’s what you should know about ResortPass and how you can use it to savor a little luxury during the day.

What is ResortPass?

ResortPass claims to “unlock exclusive daily access to the world’s best hotels.” The promise is that, from expansive pools to exclusive spas, and from beachfront cabanas to high-end fitness centers, ResortPass will open the doors to a world of luxury experiences without an overnight stay.

I played around with ResortPass to see what the so-called “fraction of the cost” of a full resort stay actually looks like. The hotel or resort sets the price and you can search for price ranges within your budget. You can also search by amenities (beach access, hot tub, etc.) and “vibe” (family-friendly, serene, luxurious, etc.). Living in New York City, I knew day-cation prices would skyrocket. Many day passes to trendy hotels and spas cost around $100. But in places like Nashville or Chicago, rates were predictably cheaper, with day passes starting at $25 and a cabin for four at $300. .

Why Consider ResortPass

The main attraction of ResortPass is value-for-money luxury. Without a doubt, a day pass can offer significant savings. Why not enjoy a hotel’s hot tub and pool if you know you don’t need the high price of an overnight stay? At the very least, this could be a future hack for long layovers. Likewise, consider making the most of your last day of vacation by using ResortPass after checking out of your hotel but before your overnight flight. But with more planning, I can use this service for birthdays, anniversaries or simply treating myself to a luxurious day in my own city without breaking the bank.

Considerations before booking

While ResortPass offers several benefits, there are a few things you should keep in mind. After all, the key word here is “resort” – it won’t magically be accessible without lots of fine print. ResortPass adds its own fees to resort prices, which aren’t always transparent from the start. Be sure to check the total cost before confirming your reservation. Compare the price of the day pass with the cost of an overnight stay. In some cases, especially during low season, it may be more economical to reserve a room. Popular resorts may have limited availability, especially during peak season. Book in advance to secure your spot. Finally, some day passes may have restrictions on certain resort amenities or areas. Always read the details carefully before booking, so as not to show up with glasses and fins and without access to the pool.

The end result

ResortPass offers a unique opportunity to elevate your leisure time, whether you’re on vacation or just looking for a local getaway. By providing access to luxury amenities without the need for an overnight stay, it opens up a world of experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. While it’s important to consider potential limitations and additional fees, ResortPass can be an excellent value for those looking to indulge in luxury. Just be sure to look for good deals and try to go during off-peak times.