Summer in New York City is brutal. With temperatures soaring past 90 degrees and humidity just as high, there are few places to escape the heat. Public swimming pools in the city are few and far between, and unless you’re an Equinox member, accessible outdoor pools are hard to come by — or so I thought.
That’s where ResortPass comes in. The app allows you to experience the world’s best hotels and spas for the day without the exorbitant price tag that comes with staying overnight. I’ve always wanted to stay at the Four Seasons, but the chances of that happening are slim to none. With ResortPass, I can experience the next best thing — a day lounging at the Four Seasons pool.
No pool? No problem! ResortPass is perfect for a daycation in your own city or if you're exploring a new one. It allows you to experience some of the best hotels and spas without staying overnight. You can even book remote working spaces, water parks and gyms, so there really is something for everyone.
What is ResortPass?
ResortPass is currently available in more than 400 cities across 35 states and some locations outside the US, like the Bahamas and Mexico, and provides access to over 1,600 hotels and resorts. Prices and offerings vary depending on where you go and what kind of service you seek, but overall, you can book everything from work spaces (I found one as low as $10 for the full day in Chelsea, New York), spa access complete with massage and beauty options, hotel pool access and even day passes to a hotel room, which I imagine would come in handy if you had time before a connecting flight or if you just needed some rest or a freshen up.
The website allows you to choose your own adventure “vibes” that range from family-friendly to serene, luxe and party. You can also filter by amenities such as spa access, gym, lazy river, waterslide and beach access. There really is something for everyone.
What I liked about it
When I travel, I usually stay in Airbnbs, so this is a great option if you want to lounge by a pool for a day or have a fun outing with the family. It’s also a great way to see different cities’ attractions. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the Collective Retreat on Governor’s Island in New York. For $65, I could spend the day there and use amenities like yoga, coffee, a working space, lawn games, 50% off drinks at the bar, live music and a ferry ticket. On top of that, if you opted to spend the night, the rate for a room was $299, which was more than $200 less than the regular price.
On another occasion, I booked a day bed at Brooklyn’s William Vale hotel for three people from 12 to 8pm for $500. Other places in Williamsburg showed $600 for a six-person cabana — not cheap by anyone’s standards. But this is New York City, where it feels like you’ve spent $50 before getting out of bed. In places like Nashville, Chicago and Florida, rates were much cheaper, with day passes starting from $25 and a four-person cabana at a much more reasonable $300. The hotel or resort sets the price, and there is a something suitable for most price ranges depending on your preferences. Add-ons include complimentary Wi-Fi and bottled water to free parking (self and valet), s’more kits and healthy snacks.
What I didn’t like about it
ResortPass is not cheap, and I was shocked at how high some of the prices were. But as previously mentioned, shop around and be flexible about times and days and you’ll be sure to find something that fits your budget. I would also suggest doing your homework before you book anything: A day pass at the William Vale Hotel costs $300 on a Sunday but $150 on a Monday. A day bed at William Vale for two people on Monday, August 12, cost $550. Booking into the hotel for the same night in a king room with a balcony costs $299 ($401 including tax), so it’s actually more cost-effective to stay the night. When I checked on Booking.com and Expedia, it was even less at around $370.
The bottom line
ResortPass is perfect for a daycation, spa day, discovering hidden gems in a city of your choice, or a day at the waterpark with the family. But shop around for actually good deals and try to go at “off-peak” times. Otherwise, it’s an excellent way to experience 5-star hotels like the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton without staying there, and a refreshing way to beat the summer heat or relax after work.