How to Access Resort Amenities Without Booking a Room
I travel a lot and love to travel cheap. I’ll stay in an Airbnb outside of town if it means saving a few bucks (although Airbnb is definitely losing my trust) . Of course, sometimes I like to allow myself a little luxury. To dream about a poolside getaway or a budget spa treatment, I looked into ResortPass . The service allows you to book day access to resort amenities without the need for an overnight stay—presumably for a fraction of the cost of a full resort stay. Here’s what you need to know about ResortPass and how it can add a little luxury to your day.
What is ResortPass?
ResortPass claims to “give you exclusive day access to the world’s best hotels.” The promise is that ResortPass opens the door to a world of luxury experiences without an overnight stay, from huge pools to exclusive spas, from beach cabanas to upscale fitness centers.
I played around with ResortPass to see what the so-called “fraction of the cost” of a full resort stay actually looks like. The price is set by the hotel or resort, and you can search by price range within your budget. You can also search by amenities (beach access, hot tub, etc.) and “ambience” (family-friendly, serene, luxury, etc.). Living in New York City, I knew that the price of daily supplements would rise quickly. Many day passes to fancy hotels and spas start at around $100. But in places like Nashville and Chicago, prices were predictably cheaper, with day tickets starting at $25 and a cabin for four starting at $300.
Why Consider ResortPass
The main benefit of ResortPass is cost-effective luxury. Without a doubt, a day pass can offer significant savings. Why not enjoy the 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 solution for long layovers. Likewise, consider making the most of your last day of vacation by using your ResortPass after checking out of your hotel but before your evening flight. But with more careful planning, I could use this service for birthdays, anniversaries, or just treating myself to a luxurious day out in my city without breaking the bank.
Considerations before booking
While ResortPass offers many benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind. After all, the key word here is “resort”—it won’t be magically accessible without a lot of fine print. ResortPass adds its own fees to resort prices, which aren’t always transparent up front. Be sure to check the total price before confirming your booking. Compare the cost of a day pass with the cost of an overnight stay. In some cases, especially during off-peak seasons, it may be more economical to book a room. Availability of popular resorts may be limited, especially during peak season. Book early to reserve your spot. Finally, some day passes may have restrictions on access to certain amenities or areas of the resort. Always read the information carefully before booking to avoid showing up wearing goggles, fins and without access to the pool.
Bottom line
ResortPass offers a unique opportunity to enrich your leisure time, whether you’re on vacation or just looking for some privacy. By providing access to luxury amenities without the need for an overnight stay, it opens up a world of experiences that would otherwise be inaccessible. While it’s important to consider potential restrictions and additional fees, ResortPass can be a great choice for those who want a taste of luxury. Just be sure to look for really good deals and try to go during off-peak times.