Avid traveler Lora Bowler, a New York resident, recently made the decision to cut back on her vacation spending after realizing she had overspent in the past year. Despite reducing her expenses, Bowler still wanted to enjoy the luxury of five-star hotels without breaking the bank. This shift in mindset reflects a growing trend among travelers who are turning to hotel day passes as a more affordable option for relaxation.
Day passes at hotels and resorts provide guests with access to premium amenities without the hefty cost of reserving a room. Bowler shared her experience of booking daybeds, poolside services, and even finding a pass that allowed her husband to work remotely from a hotel room. Hotels, along with third-party partners, are increasingly making day passes available to cater to the needs of budget-conscious travelers seeking a taste of luxury without the high price tag.
According to a Booking.com survey conducted in July 2023, over 60% of respondents stated that their cost of living would influence their travel plans in 2024. Additionally, more than half of the participants expressed a willingness to pay for accommodation upgrades during their trips. With travelers prioritizing experiences over material goods, the appeal of day passes as an affordable luxury becomes evident.
The phenomenon of “revenge travel,” where consumers splurged on luxury travel experiences post-pandemic, has now given way to a more budget-conscious approach. Hayley Berg, a lead economist at travel site Hopper, noted that the demand for lavish accommodations has decreased, prompting travelers to seek more cost-effective alternatives like day passes. Berg emphasized that day passes offer guests exactly what they desire while providing hotels with an additional revenue stream.
Luxury hotels like the Virgin Hotels New York City have embraced the day pass trend by opening up their amenities to day guests. The hotel’s rooftop pool, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline, allows customers to reserve lounge chairs or upgrade to cabanas with exclusive services and refreshments. Partnering with ResortPass, a platform dedicated to offering day-pass access to luxury hotels, Virgin Hotels provides guests with a local escape that rivals traditional overnight stays.
ResortPass, launched in 2016, has become a dominant player in the day-guest market by partnering with over 1,300 luxury hotels worldwide. The platform has served millions of users and expanded its day-pass offerings to numerous cities at competitive prices. ResortPass CEO Michael Wolf highlighted the platform’s ability to cater to customers seeking a more accessible form of luxury travel, with an upcoming membership program aimed at frequent day-pass users.
As travelers continue to seek affordable yet indulgent experiences, day passes at luxury hotels are expected to remain a popular choice. With the convenience of accessing premium amenities without the commitment of an overnight stay, day passes offer a flexible and cost-effective way to enjoy the luxuries of a five-star hotel. As the travel industry evolves, the trend of day passes presents a new avenue for hotels to generate revenue and satisfy the growing demand for accessible luxury experiences.
Leave a Reply