Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels?
Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - What is Resort Pass?
ResortPass gives you access to luxury hotel amenities like pools, spas, and gyms without having to book an overnight stay. Think of it like a day pass to an upscale resort. I stumbled upon ResortPass a few years ago when looking to swim at nice hotel pools in Miami and Los Angeles. Back then, the options were pretty limited but I was hooked on the concept.
Since launching in 2017, ResortPass has expanded to offer day passes at over 1,000 luxury hotels and resorts across the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. You can now find deals in major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco as well as popular vacation destinations like Maui, Cancun, and Las Vegas.
When you purchase a day pass on ResortPass, you’ll receive an electronic voucher to present when you arrive at the hotel. Day passes provide access to the amenities listed in the deal details, usually from 9am to 5pm. Passes are non-refundable so make sure to choose a date that works for your schedule.
I’ve used ResortPass to hang out at posh hotel pools in Miami and also book spa treatments at nice resorts in Hawaii. It was awesome to feel like a hotel guest for the day without the huge price tag of an overnight stay. The ResortPass app made it easy to find deals and book quickly.
Other ResortPass users enjoy amenities like state-of-the-art fitness centers, day-locker rentals, beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas. Some deals even include food and beverage credits to use at on-site restaurants and bars.
It’s a great way to sample luxury hotels before committing to an expensive stay. You may discover your new favorite hangout spot. One woman shared that the gorgeous rooftop pool at The William Vale hotel in Brooklyn became her urban oasis while visiting New York City.
Of course, keep in mind that these are public amenities, so hotels reserve the right to limit access during extremely busy times. Most limit each deal to a maximum of 2 guests per day pass. You can read recent guest reviews on the ResortPass site to get a feel for the vibe at each hotel before purchasing your pass.
What else is in this post?
- Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - What is Resort Pass?
- Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - How Resort Pass Works
- Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - Types of Day Passes Offered
- Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - Amenities Included in Resort Pass
- Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - Where You Can Use Resort Pass
- Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - Resort Pass Pricing and Value
- Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - Is Resort Pass Right for You?
Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - How Resort Pass Works
Understanding how ResortPass works is key to getting the most out of this innovative day pass program. At its core, ResortPass partners with high-end hotels and resorts to sell their unused inventory as day passes. Hotels want to generate ancillary revenue when occupancy rates are low. Meanwhile, travelers like you and me want to enjoy luxury amenities without paying for an overnight stay. It’s a win-win for both sides.
The process is quite simple from the user’s perspective. Browse the ResortPass site or app and view available day passes in your desired location. You’ll see details on the specific amenities included, like pool access, fitness center use, spa treatments, food and beverage credits, and more. Some hotels limit access to just the pool and gym, while others provide an all-inclusive experience. Pay attention to the fine print so you know exactly what’s covered in your pass.
Once you purchase your pass, you’ll receive a mobile voucher that acts as your ticket for the day. Present this voucher when you arrive at the hotel and they’ll grant you access to the designated amenities. Day passes are valid from 9am to 5pm in most cases. You can only access the hotel during these hours with your ResortPass. Arrive early to maximize your time!
I’ve found the check-in process to be quick and easy, as long as you follow the instructions provided. Some hotels require you to present ID and sign a waiver. Others just scan your voucher and hand you a wristband. If you run into any issues at check-in, contact ResortPass customer support via the app. They can get in touch with the hotel to sort out any confusion.
While ResortPass handles the booking transaction, keep in mind that the hotels themselves handle access on the day-of. ResortPass doesn’t actually own or operate any of these resorts and amenities. Think of them more as a broker between you and the hotels. This means that quality, service, and policies can vary between properties.
Once checked in, feel free to enjoy the amenities as you please within the allotted time. Order food and drinks just like any other hotel guest. Take advantage of classes and activities offered. Relax by the pool or schedule treatments at the spa. Changing areas, day lockers, and showers are available to store your things and freshen up after swimming.
When 5pm rolls around, a hotel staff member may come around to remind you that your pass time has ended. Feel free to ask for late check-out if you want to enjoy the amenities a bit longer. Just keep in mind they reserve the right to say no during busy periods when actual hotel guests need access.
Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - Types of Day Passes Offered
ResortPass offers an array of day pass options to match your interests and budget. Passes range from basic pool-only access to ultra-premium deals covering amenities like spa treatments, fitness classes, and dining credits. The specific inclusions will vary between hotels and resorts.
At the value end, you’ll find Pool Pass packages priced around $25-50 per person. These provide access to the hotel pool and lounging areas. Upgrading to a Pool Pass+ also includes use of the gym, changing facilities, and day lockers for $10-20 more. The Pool Pass options are ideal for families or groups simply wanting to swim on a hot day.
Spa Passes offer a taste of resort-style pampering, albeit on a truncated schedule. Priced around $50-100 per person, these passes include a one-hour massage, facial, or other spa treatment. You’ll also have access to the spa amenities like steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools. Some hotels provide discounts on additional services purchased the day of your pass visit. Spa Passes deliver luxury at an approachable price point.
For the ultimate resort experience, Premium Passes include amenities like pool access, spa treatments, and dining or beverage credits starting around $100-200 per person. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Arizona offers a $100 pass covering a 50-minute spa service, pool and fitness center access, plus a $50 dining credit. A luxe Premium Pass at Hotel Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica, California provides access to all amenities plus a complimentary beverage or food item for $150.
Private cabana rentals have become a popular ResortPass offering, allowing you to reserve a shaded, secluded space by the pool for the day. Cabana passes which include food and beverage service range from $150-300 depending on location and amenities. It’s a splurge but ideal for celebrations or when traveling with a group.
Many hotels now provide Dining Passes for $25-75 per person including food/drink credits at on-site restaurants and bars. The credits range in value from $25-50 to use towards your meal. Dining Passes offer insider access to coveted hotel restaurants, some of which are only open to the public during limited hours when purchased via ResortPass.
Fitness Passes grant access to upscale gym facilities, classes, and trainers letting you maintain your routine while traveling. These passes around $25-75 are perfect for the workout warrior. Classes like yoga, spinning, HIIT training, and bootcamps are covered at select locations.
For night owls, Evening Swim Passes provide after-hours pool access from 5pm to midnight or later at many hotels. Priced $25-50, these passes include pool time under the stars or city lights without the daytime crowds. Most hotels include food/beverage credits on Evening Swim Passes so you can sustain the fun into the night.
Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - Amenities Included in Resort Pass
One of the best parts of booking a day pass through ResortPass is getting access to the top-tier amenities at luxury hotels and resorts. These five-star facilities go far beyond what you would expect from your typical neighborhood pool or gym. ResortPass curates high-end experiences that let you vacation like an A-list celebrity for a day.
At the core, most ResortPass offerings feature the big three amenity highlights – pools, spas, and fitness centers. These lavish facilities will make you feel like you’re at a tropical island resort instead of in the middle of a bustling city.
For example, the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort has a 300-foot waterslide, kids splash pad, and five heated pools spread across the sprawling tropical grounds. Talk about family fun! Prefer more peace and quiet? The rooftop infinity pool at the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort in Huntington Beach offers panoramic ocean views from a secluded oasis.
When it comes to spa amenities, we’re talking indulgent facilities that rival dedicated wellness resorts. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas brings exotic treatments like the 90-minute Jade Stone Massage and luxe amenities like VIP Spa Suites. The iconic spa at Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego has served celebrities and presidents since the late 1800s – a true historic oasis.
ResortPass also grants you access to state-of-the-art fitness centers stocked with the latest equipment and gear. Peloton bikes, TRX suspension training, Les Mills group fitness classes – these luxurious gyms boast every amenity you could want. A standout is the mega fitness center at The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch offering daily classes in yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, and indoor cycling.
Now, ResortPass has expanded beyond the core trio of pools, spas, and gyms to curate a full resort-style experience. You’ll now find deals including credits for food & beverages, cabana rentals, watersports equipment, and more. It’s a concierge-style program giving you a taste of vacation without an overnight stay.
At hotels like The Confidante Miami Beach, your day pass includes beach chairs, umbrellas, paddleboards, and kayaks to play in the ocean. Evening swim deals at hotels like the Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach cover poolside games like cornhole and Giants chess into the night. ResortPass also now provides exclusive access to clubs and lounges typically reserved for overnight guests only.
When it comes to dining, ResortPass offers credits at on-site restaurants, bars, and cafes so you can treat yourself while enjoying amenities. We’re talking golf resorts, oceanfront eateries, rooftop lounges – not your average hotel restaurant. Savor breakfast at The Beverly Hilton’s al fresco Cafe Med or handcrafted cocktails at the swanky King Cole Bar at The St. Regis Monarch Beach.
Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - Where You Can Use Resort Pass
One of the best parts of ResortPass is the sheer variety of locations and hotels available. Since launching in 2017, ResortPass has expanded to over 1,000 hotel partners across 53 destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.
Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, San Francisco, and Miami offer ample ResortPass options. You’ll also find day passes in popular beach vacation spots including Hawaii, Florida, California, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mexico hot spots like Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, and Playa del Carmen provide easy access to all-inclusive amenities without an overnight stay.
I’ve used ResortPass at luxury hotels across the U.S. and Caribbean, including the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, the Grand Wailea Maui, and Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It was awesome lounging poolside at these iconic resorts for an afternoon without paying nightly rates over $500.
Other savvy travelers have leveraged ResortPass for daycations in cities like New York and Chicago. One woman treated herself to a spa day between business meetings at the Langham Chicago. A Millenial couple relaxed poolside at the chic William Vale hotel in Brooklyn. With so many tourists and crowds in big cities, having a luxe hotel oasis to escape to makes perfect sense.
ResortPass has also expanded internationally to London, Paris, and Toronto. That means you can now plan a spa day at the posh Corinthia London Hotel or take a dip in the rooftop saltwater pool at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto. As the company continues to grow, unique ResortPass opportunities in destinations across the globe will become available.
Keep in mind that inventory varies between locations and dates. A hotel may only release a certain number of day passes each day, while blacking out public access during booked-up periods. If you don’t see your desired hotel, check back often as new deals are frequently added. Or consider nearby resorts which offer similar amenities.
For example, if the pool pass you wanted at 1 Hotel South Beach is sold out, check The Confidante Miami Beach or the Delano South Beach. With so many luxury hotels in Miami, finding a comparable backup option is easy. You have more resort options in premier destinations versus smaller cities. The key is staying flexible if your first choice is unavailable.
Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - Resort Pass Pricing and Value
When it comes to ResortPass, there’s no doubt you are paying a premium to access luxury hotel amenities for the day. However, savvy travelers have discovered this splurge delivers serious value compared to the cost of booking an overnight stay. As they say, you get what you pay for – and a ResortPass grants you first-class facilities without the astronomical price tag.
Most ResortPass deals range from $25 for basic pool access up to $250 for a fully loaded cabana rental or spa package. While not exactly budget-friendly rates, these prices offer access to amenities that would normally cost upwards of $500 a night at high-end hotels.
Let’s break it down with an example. The iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach commands nightly rates starting around $550 for a standard room during peak seasons. Booking their Poolside Cabana package on ResortPass costs $250 per cabana with beverage credit included. By splitting the cost with friends, you are still coming out way ahead compared to paying for a room.
Miami local Dina says she uses ResortPass to access luxury hotel pools around South Beach for around $50 per person. An equivalent stay at one of these five-star oceanfront resorts would run $700-1000 per night minimum in the height of spring or winter. For less than the cost of a nice dinner out, she and her girlfriends can spend the afternoon lounging beachside like VIPs.
Over in Oahu, ResortPass reviewer Kimberly used the Spa Pass to indulge in a massage at the Kahala Hotel & Resort near Honolulu. She considered staying a night at this iconic property but even the cheapest room was around $700 not including the required daily resort fee. Instead, she booked a day pass for $100 that included a 60-minute massage and access to the spa amenities like steam rooms, saunas, and plunge pools. For the price of the resort fee alone at the Kahala, she enjoyed a blissful spa getaway.
Another way ResortPass provides value is giving you access to amenities not available to the general public. At The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, their fitness pass grants exclusive access to the massive, state-of-the-art gym and fitness studios typically reserved for hotel guests only. Daycationers can take advantage of Peloton bikes, yoga and HIIT classes, luxury locker rooms, and more for just $45 per person. Considering high-end gyms like Equinox charge $200+ per month for membership, this is an absolute steal for travelers.
Users in major cities like New York and Chicago love ResortPass for providing a luxe oasis from the hustle and crowds. Traveler Ollie used it to book a Pool & Spa pass at The Peninsula Chicago, noting it was the perfect staycation without leaving downtown. At just $95 per person, he and his wife enjoyed a fancy pampering day that would’ve cost $700+ to experience as overnight guests.
Resort Pass: Is This Day Pass Program Worth the Price to Visit Luxury Hotels? - Is Resort Pass Right for You?
With its tempting promise of luxury hotel access through day passes, ResortPass has captivated travelers seeking high-end amenities without elite price tags. However, this innovative platform may not be suited for everyone. Determining if ResortPass makes sense for your trip involves weighing factors like budget, activities, and design sensibilities.
For the experience-driven traveler, ResortPass unlocks doors to coveted pools, spas, and restaurants typically reserved for overnight guests. It serves up coveted tastes of the good life across 50+ destinations. Miami-based fashion blogger Camila Lopez praises ResortPass for providing insider access to premier hotels’ posh amenities for a fraction of the cost of a room. She’s lounged poolside at the iconic Delano South Beach and Fontainebleau thanks to this game-changing platform.
ResortPass also caters to folks seeking luxury escapism from hectic city life. Seattle tech consultant Greg tracked down an evening swim pass at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington during a stressful work trip. He relished swimming laps under the stars in the peaceful pool, a far cry from chaotic downtown Seattle. For just $35, this urban oasis offered the reset he desperately needed.
For travelers simply wanting basic access on a budget, however, ResortPass may not deliver value. Pool passes around $50 per person provide upscale amenities but aren’t exactly cheap. Budget-focused travelers have reported finding more affordable deals through Groupon at comparable hotels. ResortPass bills itself as an affordable luxury platform, so keep in mind some deals still require splurging.
Limited amenities may also disappoint some Daycationers. Resortpass’s pool-only deals grant basics like lounge chairs and towels but exclude dining or spa credits. If you’re expecting a cabana with full food & beverage service, carefully read the details before purchasing. Travel blogger Ellen M was disappointed when her Pool Pass didn’t include towels as expected at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun, leaving her group scrambling.
Remember that ResortPass doesn’t own or manage the hotels themselves. Quality and service can vary between properties. While negative experiences are rare, reviews paint a complete picture of each hotel’s execution. Costa Mesa mom Jennifer M. discovered through reviews that the kid area at the Waterstone Resort & Marina Pool Pass was lackluster. This intel allowed her to pivot to a better option for her family.
Speaking of families, ResortPass may not be the most seamless fit for those with kids in tow. Some hotels discourage children during busy seasons, restricting families. Be sure to contact properties ahead of time if traveling with little ones.