As the cost of living continues to rise, many travelers are looking for ways to cut back on expenses without sacrificing luxury in their vacation plans. One trend that is gaining popularity is the use of hotel day passes, which offer guests access to amenities without the high cost of reserving a room. This option allows individuals to experience the lavish amenities of a five-star hotel without the hefty price tag of a night’s stay.
Avid traveler Lora Bowler shared that she has used travel hacks and benefits to reduce the overall cost of her vacations. By utilizing day passes at hotels and resorts, she has been able to book daybeds, poolside services, and even a room where her husband could work from his laptop. This trend of utilizing day passes is becoming increasingly popular as more people are seeking affordable ways to enjoy luxury accommodations.
According to a survey conducted by Booking.com, over 60% of respondents stated that their cost of living will influence their travel planning in the upcoming year. With luxury hotel room rates expected to rise significantly, day passes offer a budget-friendly alternative for travelers who want to indulge in the amenities of a five-star hotel without the expense of an overnight stay. This shift in consumer behavior is driven by a desire to prioritize experiences over material goods.
In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, many consumers engaged in “revenge travel” by splurging on luxurious accommodations. However, as travel restrictions have eased and budget constraints have tightened, the trend towards day passes has emerged as a popular choice among travelers. Day passes provide a unique opportunity for hotels to generate additional revenue by catering to a broader audience of day guests.
Hotels like the Virgin Hotels New York City have embraced the day pass trend by offering access to their rooftop pool for day guests. Customers can reserve pool lounge chairs or upgrade to a cabana, which includes complimentary services and refreshments. The day-pass option at the pool club starts at $130, making it an attractive choice for those looking to enjoy a luxurious experience without the high cost of an overnight stay.
To make day passes more accessible to travelers, hotels have partnered with platforms like ResortPass, which offers discounted day-pass access to luxury hotels, resorts, and spas. ResortPass has successfully captured a significant share of the day-guest market and has partnered with over 1,300 luxury properties, including well-known brands like Waldorf-Astoria and JW Marriott. By providing day-pass access at prices as low as $25, ResortPass aims to offer travelers a more affordable way to enjoy upscale amenities.
ResortPass CEO Michael Wolf shared that the average customer spends approximately $165 on all-day access, often splurging on additional amenities on the hotel premises. With plans to launch a membership-like program for frequent day pass users, ResortPass aims to provide a more localized getaway experience for travelers who want to enjoy luxury amenities without the commitment of an overnight stay. As the travel industry continues to evolve, day passes offer a flexible and cost-effective option for travelers seeking a taste of luxury without breaking the bank.