Luxurious resorts become more accessible with ResortPass

Travel can sometimes mean big bucks. From getting to the destination, booking a place to stay, paying for food, drinks and activities, it all adds up. Not everyone can afford to shell out the cash to stay at a luxurious four- or five-star resort, but, whether on vacation or staycation, ResortPass can help make lounging by the their pool a little more accessible.

The online booking platform, launched in 2016, offers travelers and locals the opportunity to take advantage of resort amenities through various packages at a rate lower than booking an overnight stay.

How is this possible? Founder and CEO of ResortPass, Amanda Szabo, found an untapped market for hotels and resorts to provide amenity-only reservations after noticing hotel pools were empty most days. Hotels can get additional revenue while travelers can experience luxury at a reasonable price.

ResortPass currently partners with more than 70 luxury hotels and resorts, nine of which are located in San Diego (hello, staycation). Some of the other major cities where ResortPass is available include Los Angeles, Santa Fe, Miami, Phoenix and Dallas.

Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, The Westgate Hotel, and Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina are some of the San Diego locations that offer a variety of packages such as day passes, as low as $20, and cabana packages as much as $325.

Packages and amenities vary between locations, but most day passes provide access to the pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, restaurants and bars, Wi-Fi and discounts on other amenities. Upgraded packages, such as cabanas, often include day-pass amenities as well as food, beverages, private seating and lounging.

Reservations for passes and packages can be made online through the ResortPass website. Guests select the number of people and an available date on the calendar to book. Packages are redeemed at the resort and guests must present a valid photo ID. Cancellations or reschedules can be made at any time, but some packages may request a 24-hour notice for such changes.

Various locations, resortpass.com