Turning Amenities into Revenue: The ResortPass Model

Hotels and vacation rentals are always looking for new ways to generate revenue. One fast-growing option is ResortPass, a platform that allows guests to purchase day passes for hotel amenities such as pools, spas, gyms, and dining without booking an overnight stay.

About a year ago, when I was renting an Airbnb in the Caribbean, I wanted the comfort of a home but also the amenities of a resort. ResortPass provided the solution. We tried different resorts and packages.

Every time, the process was smooth. Once we picked a day-pass package, received an email confirmation, and on arrival simply showed it at the hotel reception. Staff welcomed us and handed out branded wristbands, which gave us access to the pool, loungers, and dining options. For the hotel, the wristbands acted as a simple way to make sure only paying guests enjoyed the amenities, while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and exclusive.

Some hotels also limit the number of passes available. That creates urgency for buyers and ensures the pool area never feels overcrowded. As a guest, it makes the experience feel curated and enjoyable. For the property, it strikes a balance between extra revenue and maintaining a high-quality environment for overnight guests.

Why ResortPass Works

ResortPass partners with hotels worldwide to monetize what often goes unused: amenities. Just as Uber unlocked the value of idle cars and Airbnb tapped into underutilized homes, ResortPass generates income from pool chairs, spas, and dining areas. Hotels gain incremental revenue, while travelers access luxury experiences without committing to overnight stays.

The results are significant. At Rosewood Sand Hill in California, ResortPass sales brought in over $100,000 in a year, much of it from locals who came for pool access and then spent more on food and drinks. A 2024 market reportestimated North American revenues from hotel day-pass platforms at $420 million, with growth projected at 13 to 14 percent annually through 2033. Another industry analysis estimated a $6 billion global opportunity for hotels to monetize unused daytime rooms and facilities.

Research supports this approach. A study by Chekitan Dev and Prateek Kumar (2019) revealed that many amenities are underused, and focusing on those guests value most such as pools, spas, fitness centers, and dining yields better profitability.

What Hotels Offer Through ResortPass

Day passes often include pool access, towel service, drinks, and sometimes lunch. Some properties design evening passes with dinner, lounge access, or entertainment.

Others focus on spa packages, pairing massages or treatments with access to wellness areas. These models attract locals celebrating a special occasion, couples looking for a unique outing, or travelers seeking a taste of luxury without committing to an overnight stay.

Lessons for Unique Stays

For boutique hotels, micro-resorts, and even vacation rentals, ResortPass shows how to:

• Generate new revenue streams from existing spaces

• Attract locals and day visitors who may later become overnight guests

• Strengthen brand visibility by creating easy access points

• Drive additional spending through bundled food, drink, or spa offers

How Micro-Resorts Could Adapt the Model

Unlike big hotels, many micro-resorts do not have a staffed reception. But the principle of “only paying guests get access” still applies. Here are some approaches that could work:

• Digital Access Codes: After booking a pass online, visitors receive a one-time door or gate code valid only for their visit window. Tools like RemoteLock or Operto already integrate with property management systems.

• Branded Day Pass Items: Instead of wristbands, a micro-resort could use branded towels, lanyards, or keycards as identifiers. Guests receive these on arrival from a lockbox or host station.

• On-site Host or Concierge Partner: A part-time staff member or contracted partner could welcome day guests at peak times, hand out identifiers, and ensure the experience feels elevated.

• Reservation Caps: Limiting the number of passes per day keeps the space uncrowded and protects the experience for overnight guests.

• Integration With Experiences: Because micro-resorts are often experience-driven, access could be paired with a scheduled activity such as a yoga session, cooking class, or guided swim. This creates natural flow and oversight without requiring constant staff presence.

Have you tried it as a guest or as a hospitality operator?