In Austin, Texas, independent business consultant Jen Ford has mastered the art of managing her own schedule. Twice a month, she reserves “me” time, often choosing to unwind poolside at one of her city’s many luxurious hotels and resorts.
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Jen Ford
Instead of booking a full stay, Ford opts for day passes—a growing trend among locals and travelers in popular destinations across the U.S., the Caribbean, and beyond.
“I enjoy it so much that I now plan ‘daycations’ with my two teenage daughters, visiting friends, and out-of-town guests,” says the 46-year-old Ford. “It’s like being a tourist in my own city.”
The day pass industry saw significant growth during the pandemic as people sought ways to escape isolation while maintaining social distance. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels, day passes offer a flexible way to enjoy amenities without the commitment of an overnight stay.
These passes benefit everyone involved: locals enjoy a relaxing day at a lower cost, travelers get to experience luxury without a full booking, and properties maximize their space utilization, knowing day pass holders often spend money at on-site restaurants and bars.
Day passes are also a hit with flyers facing long layovers or late flights, providing a comfortable space for families and individuals to relax.
ResortPass, one of the leading third-party booking platforms, features around 1,600 properties in 27 countries, from the upscale Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego to the chic French Leave Resort in the Bahamas. CEO Michael Wolf notes that the company has facilitated about 3 million day passes since its 2016 launch, with a significant portion sold in recent years.
“The hotel industry is looking at how the airline industry has monetized various aspects of travel,” Wolf explains. “Hotel amenities are often underutilized.”
An Affordable Escape
Approximately 70% of day passes offered through ResortPass are priced under $65. Besides locals, the service attracts cruise ship passengers and crew members seeking downtime while in port. Cole Stanbra, a 39-year-old ice skater with Disney on Ice, prefers day passes for their low-key relaxation, and he’s recommended them to many colleagues.
Day passes typically include access to pools, spas, and sometimes fitness centers. Optional extras might include a poolside day bed, a cabana, or a day room, and some passes offer food and drink credits. Availability of beach chairs and parking can vary.
Travel experts advise checking cancellation policies before booking. ResortPass, for instance, allows cancellations with a full refund up to midnight the day before. Other companies offering day passes include DayPass, Daycation, Resort for a Day, and Swimply, which allows bookings for private pools by the hour.
For those interested, calling a property directly can also be an option for securing a day pass.
