The holidays are a time of coming together with family and friends, embracing traditions … and spending more than usual on travel. But what if you’re staying home?
An online marketplace called ResortPass allows hotels and resorts to lay out their day-pass offerings so that locals (and travelers staying elsewhere) can enjoy pools, hot tubs, spas and other amenities during certain hours instead of booking a room for the night. To use it, search for the city you’re interested in and add the date to see available options.
Not all amenities are available year-round, such as outdoor pools in winter. However, during the holidays, there might be additional features to explore while visiting a property such as a gingerbread house display, temporary ice skating rinks or holiday light displays.
I used ResortPass once when I was traveling and needed Wi-Fi. Once I paid for a day pass at the hotel, I sat by the pool and worked in style — or at least in a way I don’t when I’m at home.
Here are some examples of what’s available locally.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd. in Aurora, has three options: a day pass, a spa and pool day pass, and a cabana pass. The day pass, $55, includes access to the steam room, fireside lounge and fitness center; a $100 spa and pool pass adds access to the outdoor pool, lazy river and waterslide; and a $400 cabana pass for up to six people has full waterpark access with a dedicated server for any food and drink orders. This resort has holiday activities as well.
At the Ritz-Carlton, 1881 Curtis St. in Denver, a $75 spa pass gives you access to a steam room, fitness center and hot tub, as well as 15% off on any food and beverage purchases. Of course, you can add on any spa treatments too.
For travelers stuck at the airport, the Westin Denver International Airport sells $25 adult and $15 child day passes. They include access to the indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center and complimentary Wi-Fi. There is also a $230 day pass for up to four people to share a room between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. for those who need a comfortable snooze between flights.
A rooftop pool at the Halcyon in Cherry Creek. (Provided by Visit Denver)
Elsewhere, there are a surprising number of rooftop pools in Denver that are open year-round, and offer passes for what could be a fun getaway on a gray winter day: Sonesta Denver Downtown for $20, Halcyon in Cherry Creek for $39 and the Westin Denver Downtown for $35.
There are occasionally boutique hotels on ResortPass too, such as the Catbird Hotel in the River North Art District. For $35, you can soak in its rooftop hot tub, use the fitness center and make yourself comfortable in the coworking space. The Oxford Club & Spa has a $25 fitness pass to use its facilities.
The Exhale Spa at the Hyatt at Beaver Creek has a $55 spa pass that includes use of the whirlpool, steam room and a variety of exercise classes.
A $50 day pass at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Vail Valley will get you access to three infinity hot tubs, a heated saline lap pool and a complimentary fitness class. Its $90 spa pass includes all of that plus use of its Himalayan salt sauna and steam room.
A day pass at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Vail Valley includes a complimentary fitness class. (Provided by the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa)
The W Aspen has a $30 pass for use of its rooftop pool and hot tub — and it throws in complimentary sunscreen.
There are a limited number of day passes available for each date and property so there likely is not overcrowding, but this also means they can sell out.
While hotel restaurants and bars are not part of the passes, you can still include them as part of your staycation with a ResortPass.
Good to know
Double-check if the property allows day guests under age 18, as some do not.
For all of the properties where you have pool access, this includes locker room use too, so you will have a place to change before and after a swim.
If you don’t see your dates available, check back as the calendars are not completely open. Spontaneity could work in your favor!