My business mentor and close friend Rob Minton introduced me to an absolute game-changer that I need to share with you: Resort Pass. This clever service lets you enjoy luxurious hotel amenities without the hefty price tag of an overnight stay, with day passes starting at just $25.
Since Rob shared this gem with me over a year ago, it’s revolutionized how my family experiences luxury. My wife and I have enjoyed spa days in Carlsbad, relaxed at the Azure mineral spa in Palm Springs, and as I write this, my wife and daughter are soaking up the sun at the Renaissance Hotel in Palm Springs for spring break. I’ll be joining them later today!
What Makes Resort Pass Brilliant
Rob recently wrote about using Resort Pass during his snowbird trip to Hilton Head Island. While staying at a villa with an unheated pool (a polar plunge experience!), they purchased day passes to a nearby resort with heated pools and hot tubs. The best part? They practically had the entire resort to themselves at a fraction of what an overnight stay would have cost.
This service gives you access to over 1,900 hotels across 400+ cities in 30+ countries. You can enjoy exclusive amenities like:
- Premium swimming pools
- Luxury spas
- Day rooms
- Beach access
Southern California Case Study: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let me share a recent experience that perfectly illustrates the value proposition. Last month, my family wanted to experience the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad—a five-star luxury destination known for its stunning pools and impeccable service.
Option 1: Overnight Stay
- Standard room: $679/night
- Resort fee: $42/day
- Parking: $40/day
- Total for one night: $761
Option 2: Resort Pass
- Day passes for two adults: $75 each = $150
- Child pass (ages 5-12): $35
- Parking: Included with pass
- Total for full day access: $185
Savings: $576
We arrived at 10am and stayed until 6pm, enjoying the same pools, hot tubs, and amenities as overnight guests. We had access to changing rooms and showers, so we left feeling refreshed rather than sandy and chlorine-soaked. For less than 25% of the overnight cost, we enjoyed 80% of the experience.
The Entrepreneur’s Perspective
As entrepreneurs, we’re always looking for efficiency and value. This approach embodies the work-smart-not-hard philosophy that drives successful business thinking. You’re essentially unbundling the hotel experience and paying only for the amenities you’ll actually use.
How It Works
- Search by location (city, state, or specific hotel)
- Select your date
- Book your pass
- Receive check-in instructions and parking details
- Show up and enjoy!
Beyond Just Pools
Resort Pass isn’t limited to pool access. Many locations offer:
- Cabana rentals for a more exclusive experience
- Spa passes that include treatment rooms and relaxation areas
- Fitness center access at high-end hotels
- Daytime use of private rooms for business meetings or family gatherings
Popular Southern California destinations include The Pendry in San Diego, Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, and the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point—places where overnight stays can easily exceed $800 per night.
Maximum Value Strategies
To get the most from your Resort Pass experience:
- Book mid-week when prices are typically lower
- Look for properties with multiple amenities included in one pass
- Check for off-season specials (even luxury resorts have shoulder seasons)
- Arrive early to maximize your time (most passes allow all-day access)
I’m grateful Rob shared this entrepreneur’s hack with me. It’s exactly the kind of smart approach to luxury that makes sense for business-minded people who appreciate value but don’t want to waste resources. Next time you want a taste of the good life without the premium price, remember ResortPass.com!