8 hotel pool day passes for safely soaking up the sun again
Pre-pandemic, many hotels hopped on the trend of offering non-guest passes, offering access to their pools, fitness centers and amenities like free Wi-Fi — making them a smart option for travelers and locals alike looking to squeeze in a few hours of R&R (or find a more scenic office space). While this option disappeared for most of 2020, the offering is slowly starting to make its way back to hotels.
“Day passes allow guests to experience the property’s amenities without requiring the normal time commitment of an overnight stay,” says Brad Mills, hotel manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. “As locals and travelers strive to maximize their personal time, but still enjoy luxurious and relaxing experiences, the ‘daycation’ is a perfect alternative.”
Offering day passes can also have benefits for the hotel that go beyond the price of a pass, like free publicity through social media posts — and the chance to earn your business down the road. “(Hotels) hope that business travelers taking advantage of their facilities will consider staying with them on a future visit, versus a property with no pool or less impressive offerings,” says AJ Perry, founder of Think Travel.
If you have travel plans coming up, from Miami to Chicago to L.A., here’s where you can grab a day pass and relax for a few hours.
Related: 9 beautiful hotel pools across the US
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile (Chicago)
Escape winter’s grasp on the Windy City by temporarily checking in to this historic Michigan Avenue hotel, where a day pass ($27.50) grants you access to one of Chicago’s oldest pools as well as a trilevel fitness center with Pelotons, Finnish saunas and weights. Built in 1929, the heated, junior Olympic indoor pool on the 14th floor features a terra cotta fountain of Neptune and elegant stained-glass windows, rendering an afternoon spent reading, working (thanks to free Wi-Fi) or relaxing here a Gatsby-like experience. Poolside cocktail service will resume soon; try the Hemingway daiquiri from the “Adult Swim” menu.
Related: 5 drives from Chicago every traveler will love
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel (Dana Point, California)
Take advantage of this oceanside hotel’s coveted beachfront, two heated pools and hot tub with a new day pass ($150 per adult) that lets even non-guests soak up the California sunshine. As a meetings-focused property, it caters to business travelers with free Wi-Fi, poolside dining, discounts on food and beverages and complimentary valet parking for those looking to WFP (work from pool). During winter and spring, the poolside vibe is laid-back, the sound of waves punctuated only by acoustic melodies. Pick your perch, from day beds to loungers, and order the pulled Jidori chicken salad from the poolside cafe — or take advantage of beach butler service (included in the day pass), with beach chair and umbrella set-up, to catch a wave before catching your flight.
Related: Review: A seaside room at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
La Cantera Resort & Spa (San Antonio)
Spending time in nature may be just what you need after 2020 — and there’s no better way to reap the benefits (without losing Wi-Fi) than spending a few hours at this hotel’s Topaz pool, overlooking the glorious landscape that is Texas Hill Country. A day pass ($65) scores you a spot at the adults-only, infinity-edge pool (plus access to three others on the property), hot tubs, a tennis court, poolside food and beverage service and an upgraded fitness center with daily classes — as well as free Wi-Fi and parking. Enjoy a Painkiller cocktail served in a whole pineapple from one of the partially submerged lounge chairs.
Related: Want to work from a hotel? Make sure it has these 7 things
The Gates Hotel South Beach (Miami Beach, Florida)
You can use your Hilton Honors points to enjoy the pool life at this DoubleTree by Hilton property. But even if you’re not a guest, you can buy a day pass ($30) for access to its outdoor pool, hot tub and poolside food and beverage service. Inspired by the hotel’s original iteration as Motel Ankara in the '50s, the pool has a Miami art deco vibe and is the only one in town with a view of Collins Canal. With a vibe that’s mostly relaxing (day passes include free yoga classes Thursday, Friday and Sunday), the pool is a bit more energetic on weekends thanks to DJs, salsa dancing lessons and killer mojitos from the Banana Bungalow bar. Passes are available at resortpass.com.
Related: Yes, you can pull off a laid-back Miami vacation — here’s how to do it
Andaz West Hollywood (West Hollywood, California)
The price of a day pass varies by the day and the season (starting at $35), but no matter when you pop in for some R&R — and a little poolside working if you must — you’re guaranteed top-notch views of the Sunset Strip, Downtown L.A. and the Hollywood Hills from the highest rooftop pool in L.A. This hotel grants day-pass holders access to its pool, food and beverage service and free Wi-Fi, with the option to add on a couch, cabana, drinks and more for an additional fee. Thanks to its central location, it’s easy for those staying around Beverly Hills and Santa Monica to slip in for the afternoon.
Related: Rock of Ages: A review of the Andaz West Hollywood
Marriott Marquis Houston (Houston)
Nothing says vacation, or staycation, like jumping into the one-of-a-kind, Texas-shaped lazy river atop this hotel connected to the city’s convention center. With a day pass ($65, available Monday through Thursday), you get access to the entire sixth-floor terrace, which has a heated infinity pool, hot tub and poolside service in addition to the river, and can sneak in a workout at the fitness center overlooking downtown. Cool off with a minty Terrace tea from the High Dive bar, served in a whole pineapple.
Related: How I’m earning Marriott Platinum status in 2021 in as little as 5 nights
The Don CeSar (St. Pete Beach, Florida)
At the iconic Pink Palace, as this 1920s hotel is known, two large outdoor heated pools steps from St. Pete Beach are the centerpiece — and the non-guest day pass (from $75 for adults) grants you the chance to bask in all of their glory. You’ll also get access to the fitness center and complimentary classes, a steam room, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, private beach access with loungers and umbrella rentals, poolside lunch and classic frozen drinks from the new Beacon Pool Bar & Lookout. Spread out the property’s signature pink-striped towels and settle in early for a good spot; you can grab a coffee at Uncle Andy’s Market before taking advantage of poolside free Wi-Fi, starting at 8 a.m.
Related: 7 Florida hotels that feel like the Caribbean
Mountain Shadows Resort (Paradise Valley, Arizona)
Two sparkling 75-foot pools offer dramatic (and completely Instagrammable) views of Camelback Mountain at this quiet Paradise Valley resort, with midcentury-inspired architecture and a relaxed vibe. Rent a cabana for a day (from $196, excluding Saturdays) and get your sweat on in the tricked-out fitness studio, which offers daily classes like boot camp and reformer Pilates, before heading out to lounge poolside. Your cabana also includes bottle service, drinks, light bites and a flat-screen TV — in case you need to keep an eye on the stock market or catch a big game as you lounge.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.