Have you ever found yourself envious of another hotel? In need a break in your own backyard or want a change of scenery while on vacation? The innovative startup ResortPass is here to help. ResortPass partners with hotels around the world to offer access to resort amenities for people who are not staying there through a hotel day pass.
How ResortPass Works
ResortPass is essentially a virtual marketplace that connects hotels with people who want amenity access. First, users can search for that perfect pool or spa from a portfolio of over 900 hotels and resorts. Once they decide on a location, users purchase a day pass through the ResortPass website. Finally, they head to reception and check in at the desk, just like any hotel guest would.
Pricing varies by hotel and by date, but some hotels offer an adult day pass for as little as $25. Prices can soar to over $500 for some of the more exclusive amenities. For example, Club Med in Cancun sells an adult all-inclusive day pass for $90. The pass gives users access from 10 am – 6 pm and includes:
- Access to 3 outdoor pools
- Unlimited food and drinks from 3 of the resort’s restaurants
- Beach access
- Unlimited activities including paddle-boarding, sailing, fitness classes, and more
- Access to the kid’s club
- Free Wi-Fi
At the Casa de Campo Resort in the Dominican Republic, ResortPass users can purchase access to the spa for $199. The Spa Day Pass includes:
- Choice of a 50-minute treatment
- Use of the spa sanctuary and facilities
- Pool and fitness center access
- Complementary lunch
Types of passes don’t stop at pools and spas. Some properties offer passes for private poolside cabanas. These can be the costliest options but include access for a group of people. Other types of passes include access to a hotel room during daytime hours, bottomless brunch, golf passes, or even a catamaran and snorkel pass.
Impressive Growth And Funding
New York-based ResortPass has been in operation for six years and has seen impressive growth and funding recently. According to a report from TechCrunch, the business has doubled its users in the past year. Since 2016 ResortPass has sold 1.6 million day passes to guests.
But the growth does not stop with an increase in users. The company has also just announced a new investment haul. Its Series B funding round brought in $26 million. It had previously raised $11 million in 2019, and its valuation has since increased more than 2.5 times its 2019 value. ResortPass also boasts some big-name supporters – Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba have reportedly invested in the company.
The new funding will, in the short term, help the company reach its goal of expanding further in the U.S. and the Caribbean. To do this they will begin hiring for roles across all departments. Long-term plans include partnering with hotels in Europe and Asia. ResortPass is free for hotels to join, but the company takes a cut from every booking. They also offer hotels an optional paid software service to help manage day pass access.
“Daycation” Anyone?
The largest segment of ResortPass users is locals, according to the TechCrunch report. Day passes give locals the chance to experience hotels in their own communities in a new way, giving rise to the “daycation.”
Another user group is tourists who are staying at an Airbnb or other rentals that lack the amenities found at larger resorts. It has also become popular with cruise ship passengers looking for something to do when the boat is docked, as well as people in transit who are looking for a place to pass the time while waiting for a flight.
Locations Around The World
ResortPass is currently available at 900 hotels in 250 cities. In the U.S., there are participating hotels in 35 states, including Florida, New York, Hawaii, and California. Other locations include Canada, Columbia, Jamaica, and Grenada. ResortPass is also available in 21 Mexican cities including Cancún, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Cozumel.
