Looking to enjoy the most luxurious staycation spots without the need to book a pricey hotel room? That’s where ResortPass comes in. This new online booking platform allows you to book day passes to the pools, spas, fitness centers and cabanas at most premium resorts at a rate lower than booking an overnight stay.
At a Glance
Startup – ResortPass
Founder – Amanda Szabo
Launch – 2016
What it does – Provides affordable luxury daycation
Travel entrepreneur Amanda Szabo launched ResortPass in May of 2016 while living in San Diego near several upscale resorts and hotels. One afternoon she found herself pining for the ability to just enjoy the pool, have a drink, and relax at the spa. After an unforgettable and uncomfortable experience sneaking into a hotel pool once, Szabo felt incredibly guilty but quickly realized that hotels were empty most days. She quickly realized that the unused inventory was an untapped opportunity, which ultimately sparked the idea for ResortPass.
ResortPass currently partners with more than 90 hotels in most US cities including Arizona, California, Florida, Texas, Hawaii, Tennessee, Maryland and New Mexico. Partner resorts in San Diego include Harrah’s Resort Southern California, Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, Viejas Casino & Resort, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina, The Westgate Hotel, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, Rancho Bernardo Inn, and the Andaz San Diego. The San Diego based startup has also tied up with Carlsbad properties including Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa and Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort.
How it works
Once booked, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details including the check-in location. The reservation appears in your ResortPass account. The hotel concierge desk will then verify your reservation in their system and check you in.
So, how is it priced?
Pricing is based on availability so for days when there is less available space for day guests at the hotel, prices are higher. Weekends and peak season tend to have higher prices whereas weekdays and the off-peak travel season will typically be lower.
Szabo says a day pass starts at $25. Our carefully curated selection of hotels and resorts offer unique amenities, including cabanas and/or spa passes,” says Szabo. Each hotel and resort featured offers different amenities, but typically, each day pass includes access to sparkling pools, hot tubs, poolside food and drink service, fitness centers, wifi, and parking.
The online booking platform allows individuals to purchase passes to hotels and resorts to access their amenities. It’s a great money-saving hack for travelers who are staying in Airbnbs, but still want to enjoy some resort luxury, or even for travelers who book a hotel without amenities who want a day at the pool! In addition to offering access to pools, spas, fitness centers and more for those on a mindful budget, the platform benefits hotels and resorts by providing them with an additional revenue stream.
Future Outlook
Since its launch in 2016, over 100,000 people have people have used the booking platform to plan daycations. he platform is growing and expanding throughout the country and internationally so everyone can take full advantage of the amenities in their community.
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Don’t wait until you have everything figured out before taking action. Just start doing. Don’t spend too much time researching, preparing, and planning. If you have an idea for a business that you think people might want, get it out to market as fast as possible so you can start learning. Even if you only have an idea, or prototype, or landing page. The sooner you can get out there, the faster you can start learning and build upon the momentum.
How to connect
Website – https://www.resortpass.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/resortpass/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/resortpass/
If you would like to have your startup featured please send an email to Tanya@ClairemontTimes.com
