How to Access Resort Amenities Without Booking a Room

I travel a lot, and I like to travel for cheap. I'll stay in an Airbnb outside the city limits if it means saving a few bucks (although, Airbnb sure is losing my trust). Of course, sometimes I like to indulge in a little luxury. In order to dream of lounging by a pool or securing a spa treatment on a budget, I looked into ResortPass. The service allows you to book daytime access to resort amenities without the need for an overnight stay-allegedly at a fraction of the cost of a full resort stay. Here's what to know about ResortPass, and how you can use it to taste a little luxury for the day.

What is ResortPass?

ResortPass claims to "unlock exclusive day access to the world's best hotels." The promise is that from sprawling pools to exclusive spas, and from beachside cabanas to high-end fitness centers, ResortPass opens the doors to a world of luxury experiences without an overnight stay.

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

Why consider ResortPass

The main draw of ResortPass is cost-effective luxury. No doubt, a day pass can offer significant savings. Why not enjoy a hotel's hot tub and a pool if you know you don't need the hefty price tag of an overnight stay? If nothing else, this might be a future hack for long layovers. Similarly, consider making the most of your last day of vacation by using ResortPass after hotel checkout but before an evening flight. But with more planning, I might use this service for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply treating myself to a day of luxury in my own city without breaking the bank.

Considerations before booking

While ResortPass offers numerous benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind. After all, the key word here is "resort"-it's not going to be magically affordable without plenty of fine print. ResortPass adds its own fees to the resort's prices, which aren't always transparent upfront. Be sure to check the total cost before confirming your reservation. Compare the day pass price with the cost of an overnight stay. In some cases, especially during off-peak seasons, it might be more economical to book a room. Popular resorts may have limited availability, especially during peak seasons. Book in advance to secure your spot. Finally, some day passes may have restrictions on certain amenities or areas of the resort. Always read the details carefully before booking, so you don't show up in goggles and flippers and no pool access.

The bottom line

ResortPass offers a unique opportunity to elevate your leisure time, whether you're on vacation or just looking for a local escape. 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 the potential limitations and additional fees, ResortPass can be an excellent value for those looking to indulge in a taste of luxury. Just make sure to shop around for actually good deals and try to go at off-peak times.