Sometimes all you need is a little taste of something. Just like you don’t always need a five-course meal, and appetizers can satisfy you, so it goes with day passes to hotels and resorts. You get to live the dream for a while, and it won’t cost you a fortune to do so.
Maybe you get a day pass for a hotel in your city or not too far away, or it could be that there’s a hotel that you wanted to book for your 7-day vacation, but it was too expensive for your budget, enjoy it for a day. The option of day passes can be overlooked. Even if a hotel doesn’t advertise it, inquire because you never know until you do.
Though you will want to have as much time as possible to enjoy your day pass, you can stay at a hotel for less than that if you want. The HotelsByDay app can help you find a hotel that has rooms and amenities available in blocks of three to 12+ hours to fit your needs instead of having to pay for the whole day. Daytime bedrooms, pool, cabanas, gym and parking passes are some of the options that are available to purchase through the app. This works for a daycation, a much-needed rest during a road trip or a long layover.
Here are a few places offering day passes to the ultimate destination, pleasure.
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Oranjestad, Aruba
Live large on the only private island in Aruba, Renaissance Island. You’ll find the flamingos friendly. Relax in a private oceanfront cabana and enjoy your private concierge. If you so desire, dive right from your cabana to the island’s exclusive plane wreck diving site. You get this, as well as a complimentary taxi service to Renaissance Island, lunch and a cocktail from Papagayo Bar & Grill or Mangrove Beach Bar for $125.
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa, Phoenix, Arizona
As the region’s only AAA Four Diamond all-suite resort, the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa is more than 160 acres of lush oasis nestled beside a mountain preserve. Starting at $40 for adults and $30 for children, a day pass includes access to the 8-story slide canyon tower, wave pool, activity pool, hot tub, children’s Wild Cat splash pad, complimentary Wi-Fi and parking and to-go food and drink service from the Oasis Bar & Grill.
Santarena Hotel, Las Catalinas, Costa Rica
Spend the day in town, at Santarena Hotel. The day pass includes a room at Santarena with access to its rooftop pool and terrace, valet parking, and everything else Las Catalinas has to offer, the trails, beaches, shops, restaurants and more. The price is $123 for two people from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bimini, The Bahamas
Resorts World Bimini, a beachfront complex that’s home to the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini and a 10,000-square-foot casino just debuted Resorts World Bimini Beach. It’s said to rival the backdrops of to-die-for places from the Greek islands to Tulum. The 4.5-acre destination is a combination of easy luxury yet a see-and-be-seen atmosphere. You can get a day pass for $40.
Plunge Beach Resort, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Florida
This is for beach lovers, bohemians and those looking for waters less traveled. Take a dip in the tranquil outdoor pool, have a rum cocktail and fish tacos. A day pass is $35 for adults and $25 for kids. This includes the pool, poolside food and drink service from Backflip Beach Bar, beach access with complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas, 20% discount at Backflip Beach Bar, complimentary Wi-Fi and complimentary self-parking.
Marriott Marquis, Houston
Make your way to the sixth floor to Parkview Terrace with its elevated pool deck featuring the world’s largest rooftop Texas-shaped lazy river, infinity pool, firepits and the High Dive Bar & Restaurant and SkyBar for Instagram-worthy cocktails and sweeping views of downtown Houston. Enjoy private poolside cabanas and deluxe resort-style amenities Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until close for $65 per day.
Kimpton Hotel Wilshire, Los Angeles
The ResortPass starts at $30 and includes heated rooftop pool, pool seating, first-come, first-serve, food and service from The Pop Up restaurant and bar, communal workspace area with tables, chairs and couches, complimentary morning coffee, Nespresso and Nitro cold brew, free Wi-Fi, valet parking available for $8 for first three hours, $2 per additional hour.