Hotel stays offer all of the creature comforts and amenities that vacationers could ever dream of, from shimmering blue pools to cool you off in the summer heat to relaxing spa areas. However, many travelers might find that multiple overnights can rack up a big tab.
This is where ResortPass steps in, granting daytime access to resort pool areas, spa facilities and sometimes rooms available just for the day — all at a fraction of the cost of what an overnight would cost. The company was founded in 2016 and has experienced rapid growth, tripling its bookings in the last three years.
“People are looking for more experiences in general. They’re also looking for more opportunities for rest and relaxation,” said Liam Larkin, head of sales at ResortPass. “They’re also worried about the cost of travel being much higher than it has been in the past. They see ResortPass as a way to have these experiences more frequently rather than waiting for one long vacation per year.”
The platform already tallies more than 400 hotels in Florida, with Miami coming in as the company’s number one market and Orlando at number four with around 80 hotels. While more Sunshine State tourists use the platform during the winter and spring months, the summertime finds more locals turning to hotel pools to cool down.
“We have the hotel hopper, the Airbnb guest and the cruise ship passenger,” Larkin said. “We also get guests who have long flight layovers and they have nothing to do during that day, so they choose to use ResortPass. Our airport hotel partners really benefit from that.”
In addition to pool access, ResortPass also offers reserved cabanas and daybeds, spa treatments, day rooms, golf courses, pickleball courts and more amenities being added all the time. A new Family Pass gives access to up to four people at select properties. Individual day passes start at $20 and 70 percent of hotels have passes available for $65 or less. Buyer beware: sometimes hotel parking costs extra and passes can fluctuate in price based on demand and availability.
“When we think about how we develop ResortPass, it is the intersection of, ‘What are our customers looking for?’ and, ‘What are our hotel partners looking for?’ How do those two things overlap?” Larkin said. “If we can help people to take time off to recharge and come back to work invigorated, that’s been part of the mission of ResortPass since the start.”
Hilton Orlando
Step outside into the Florida sunshine and enjoy the amenities of this centrally-located Orlando resort in the shadow of the Orange County Convention Center. The main swimming area features a zero-entry pool that people can enter like walking into the ocean. Young visitors will enjoy the splash pad and water slide, while guests ages 18 and older are welcome to relax in the quiet adults-only pool and hot tub. Guests of all ages can take advantage of a nearly 900-foot-long lazy river. Cabanas are available for parties wishing to enjoy their own private space.
Spa treatments can also be reserved through ResortPass with packages that include access to steam rooms or massages. The Topgolf Swing Suite is a separate option for groups looking to practice their driving and chipping indoors.
Location: 6001 Destination Parkway in Orlando
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Take a trip down I-4 to experience the secluded, blissful paradise found at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. Passes are available for reserved cabanas and all of the pool amenities. A day pass includes a family pool with a 125-foot corkscrew waterslide, an 850-foot lazy river and a secluded adults-only pool. Guests can explore a wave pool and hot tubs while sipping or tasting from a menu of poolside food and drinks. A day pass also includes mini golf.
Stay after a day in the sun to enjoy one of the resort’s restaurant offerings including David’s Club bar and grill, Trevi’s Italian and Zen Chinese. Although golf amenities aren’t bookable through ResortPass, golfers can book tee times online or visit the Eagles Edge driving range with Toptracer technology.
Location: 1500 Masters Blvd. in ChampionsGate
JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
This luxurious resort is a crown jewel among Orlando-area hotels with ResortPass offerings, and visitors will pay for it too. Day passes typically range from $89-$120. For this, daytime visitors are granted access to a sprawling heated lagoon pool and connected lazy river, waterslides, splash pads and hot tubs. An available dual access pass grants access to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.
Cabanas and swim-up daybeds are also available through ResortPass, providing a private area to relax and enjoy the day. While this property doesn’t offer a dedicated adult pool, visitors of drinking age can explore cocktails at the Knife Burger outdoor restaurant, which also offers appetizers and sandwiches.
Location: 4040 Central Florida Parkway in Orlando
Tidal Cove at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa: This colorful and cool new waterpark offers visitors of all ages an adrenaline-pumping experience with the option of poolside relaxation. Glide down raft and body slides with near vertical drops or go at a leisurely pace on the lazy river. A total of seven slides are available to day pass visitors, in addition to two outdoor pools and the FlowRider Triple wave machine for bodyboarding (extra fees may apply).
Location: 19999 W. Country Club Drive in Aventura
Eden Roc Miami Beach: This oceanfront oasis advertises its “nostalgic glamor and timeless style,” offering ResortPass visitors three pools, spa access, day rooms and beach lounge chairs. Day passes also offer discounts on food and beverages. Spa treatments can also be reserved through the online platform. This retreat seems more geared toward adults.
Location: 4525 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach
PGA National Resort & Spa: A full day of relaxation awaits visitors to this Palm Beach retreat, which displays myriad spa packages and treatments on ResortPass. A spa pass includes access to three adults-only mineral pools, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation lounges. Treatments include facials, massages and body wraps. A PGA spa monthly pass can also be purchased through the online platform.
Location: 400 Avenue of Champions in Palm Beach Gardens
Margaritaville Fort Myers: Visit this new beachfront resort to take in stunning views of the Gulf and Matanzas Bay. ResortPass grants access to the Fins Up! Beach Club, featuring a lagoon-style pool with an ocean view. It’s also possible to book cabanas and spa treatments through the online platform. Poolside food and drinks are available to purchase to further enhance “island time.”
Location: 251 Crescent St. in Fort Myers Beach
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point: Advertised as the “largest resort poolscape south of Orlando,” this hotel offers three acres of pools, a lazy river and waterslides. Visitors older than 18 can enjoy the adults-only pool and hot tub. The outdoor complex is complete with games such as corn hole, giant Jenga and Connect Four. Plenty of cabana options are available online as well. A spa pass grants access to a dry sauna, steam room, relaxation pool and more.
Location: 5001 Coconut Road in Bonita Springs
Naples Grande Beach Resort: Slip into the lap of luxury for a day by booking a visit to Naples Grand Beach Resort, which offers 23 oceanfront acres on Florida’s southwest coast. The property features a family swimming pool, an adults-only pool and hot tub, a lap pool and a 100-foot waterslide. Day pass guests can also access the fitness center and poolside refreshments. A spa pass gets visitors into the sauna, steam room, meditation lounge and spa whirlpool.
Location: 475 Seagate Drive in Naples
Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine: This hotel sits just “steps from the sand” and is only 10 minutes from downtown St. Augustine attractions such as Castillo de San Marcos. Day pass access provides access to the outdoor pool and hot tub, plus beach access and a fitness center. Water sports are available for an additional fee.
Location: 300 A1A Beach Blvd. in St. Augustine
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa: Just south of Jacksonville, this property sits right next to the TPC Sawgrass golf course. ResortPass visitors can enjoy sparkling pools and facilities at the Sawgrass spa.
Location: 1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd. in Ponte Verda Beach
One Ocean Resort: This Jacksonville Beach-area property sits right on the beach, providing oceanfront tranquility for daytime visitors. The beach pass provides beach access and lounge chairs, plus towel service and menu offerings for purchase from the Azurea restaurant. A day room pass provides a guest room from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., pool privileges and beach access.
Location: 1 Ocean Blvd. in Atlantic Beach
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach: Escape to sugar sand beaches and enjoy a day of waterfront relaxation on Florida’s Gulf Coast with this blissful retreat. In addition to the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, the hotel’s Grotto Pool features the only swim-up bar on the Emerald Coast. Visit at the right time to enjoy events and live music. A day pass even includes beach access.
Location: 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Fort Walton Beach
Springhill Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach: This Florida Panhandle retreat promotes itself as an “ideal getaway for sunbathers and water lovers alike.” With an outdoor heated pool and lazy river, the resort offers freshwater for relaxing and beach access for additional fun in the sun. Top off the experience with poolside cocktails and bites.
Location: 12513 Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach
Hilton Pensacola Beach: Relax near the shimmering waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast during a day at this beachfront oasis. Located on Santa Rosa Island near Gulf Islands National Seashore, the hotel sits among pristine beaches and offers visitors two outdoor pools, a hot tub and poolside food and drink service. Paradise awaits those who seek it.
Location: 12 Via De Luna Drive in Pensacola Beach
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