As an independent business consultant in Austin, Texas, Jen Ford enjoys scheduling “me” time twice a month, often spent poolside at local hotels using day passes instead of booking overnight stays. Day passes have become a popular option for locals and travelers in various destinations around the U.S., the Caribbean, and beyond. Ford now even books daycations for herself, her teenage daughters, out-of-town guests, and groups of friends, finding it a refreshing way to explore her own city like a tourist. The trend of day passes saw a significant boost during the pandemic as more people sought ways to break isolation monotony while maintaining social distance by indulging in spa amenities and resort experiences without the commitment of an overnight stay.
The day pass industry surged at resorts, spas, water parks, and hotels of all price ranges, offering an appealing option for locals looking for affordable relaxation, travelers seeking flexibility without staying overnight, and properties utilizing available spaces while day pass holders contribute to onsite spending at restaurants and bars. Third-party platforms like ResortPass have made it convenient for users to access day passes at about 1,600 properties in 27 countries, with a majority of users being locals. CEO Michael Wolf highlighted the underutilization of hotel amenities and the opportunity to monetize various aspects of traveling through day passes, which have attracted around 3 million users in the past two years.
Day passes typically cost under $65 and cater to a diverse range of users, including cruise ship guests, cruise ship workers, and individuals like Cole Stanbra, an ice skater who values relaxing on his days off. Passes usually include pool and spa access, with options for additional amenities like day beds, cabanas, or dining credits, although specifics may vary, and checking cancellation policies is recommended. Apart from ResortPass, other platforms such as DayPass, Daycation, Resort for a Day, and Swimply offer day pass services, while direct bookings with properties are also an option.
Day passes are not only sought for leisure purposes but have also become popular among business travelers looking to work remotely in luxurious settings without the higher costs of an overnight stay. The ability to book day passes well in advance, even during peak periods like holidays, has further increased their appeal. For properties, day passes serve as a means to fill occupancy gaps or cater to individuals not participating in certain events or conferences being held on-site. It’s advisable for users to verify amenities with properties before heading out to avoid any unexpected closures or events that may affect their day pass experience.
