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DAYCATION: Check out the Resort Pass, and enjoy the resort fun and pool without paying for a room!

Posted at 1:46 PM, Jun 04, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-05 10:18:31-04

Instead of a staycation deal, this one is a daycation deal! You can enjoy some amenities at resorts and spas by just paying a flat rate instead of paying for a traditional stay! Don't miss the Resort Pass!

The Resort Pass works like any other hotel booking website, where you can choose the resort, the date, and it shows you what is available. Some resorts let you purchase a general Day Pass, giving you access to the pool, water slides and more, while others let you rent cabanas, or book a Spa Pass to use toward services, fitness centers and classes.

Since the temperatures are getting hotter, let's focus on cooling off with the Day Pass, gaining you access to resort pools, along with other perks!

I found 10 resorts participating in Phoenix and two in Tucson. The Day Passes have a calendar end date of August 13, but vary by resort. Many end in July. I'm breaking down six of the options to give you an idea of the pricing.

THE MOST AFFORDABLE:

The Camby

The Camby Day Pass is "starting at" $20 for adults, $15 for kids and infants are free. On Saturdays and Sundays, the prices change to $25 for adults, $20 for kids and infants are still free. Those are the same prices during the weekend following July 4 as well. July 19 is the last day to get the Day Pass, which includes a rooftop pool, food and drink service, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary valet parking and more! The pool hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix North

The DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix North Day Pass is "starting at" $15 for adults, $5 for kids and infants are free. On Saturdays and Sundays, the price goes up to $20 for adults, $10 for kids and infants are free. Those prices are the same during the weekend following July 4. The Day Pass ends July 19, and includes a large pool, hot tub, poolside beverage service, a complimentary cookie, the fitness center, 25 percent off food, complimentary self-parking, and free Wi-Fi. The pool hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

OUR FAVORITE DEALS:

The Wigwam Arizona

The Wigwam Day Pass Is a great deal! Depending on the day, the Day Pass is priced at $30 for adults ($35 for adults on Saturday and Sunday), $14 for kids and infants are free! It's available through July 2, and you can enjoy two pools, two waterslides, hot tubs, games, towels, free parking and more! The pool hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. In case you're curious, the Spa Pass is $25. Learn more about the Day Pass for The Wigwam.

Let's compare pricing! If you wanted to book a stay at The Wigwam, checking in on June 5 and checking out June 6, the cheapest rate I could find is $157.44. If you do the Day Pass with a family of four, paying $30 per adult and $14 per child, your total would be close to $88. So, if all you want is a fun day at the resort pool, and to enjoy the amenities, you'll save around $70 by just getting the Day Pass.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa

The Royal Palms Resort and Spa Day Pass is $25 for adults ($45 for adults Friday through Sunday), $15 for kids and infants are free. I clicked through the calendar, and found that when there was limited availability, the price jumped to $65 per adult, $20 for kids, and infants are free. So, don't hesitate to book! This includes the large outdoor pool, jacuzzi, poolside food and drink service, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary valet parking. This deal ends July 19. The pool is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Spa Pass starts at $60.

ARE YOU SAVING WITH THIS DAY PASS?

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa

The Arizona Grand Resort & Spa Day Pass has "starting at" prices of $50 for each adult, $40 for each child, and infants are free. The Day Pass gets you access to Oasis Water Park, including the eight-story slide, 950-foot lazy river, wave pool, activity pool, hot tub, outdoor showers, poolside food and drink, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more! There's also an option for up to eight people that gives you way more perks, including reserved lounge chairs, bottled waters, etc.

The only other way to get into the Oasis Water Park at Arizona Grand Resort & Spa would be to stay in a suite overnight, getting you four wristbands. So, should you book a room or book a Day Pass? Let's do a quick comparison. On June 5, if you bought two adult passes at $50 each, and two child passes at $40 each, your total would be around $180. That sounds pretty pricey! However, if you were to book a room that comes with four wristbands, checking in on June 5 and checking out June 6, the cheapest room I found was $228.52. So, using Day Passes could save you around $50. TAKEAWAY: You need to decide if you're wanting more than one day of fun at the water park. If you are, then you'll potentially save more booking a room! This Day Pass is available through August 13. The prices change on the following dates:

  • June 15-16, 23-24, July 4, 6 and 7: it's $55 for adults, $40 for kids and infants are free
  • July 5: it's $55 for adults, $35 for kids and infants are free
  • July 26, it's $69 for adults, $30 for kids and infants are free
  • July 27-28, it's $55 for adults, $40 for kids and infants are free

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch Day Passranges from $30 to $60 for adults, $30 to $40 for kids and infants are free. The dates of July 4 through 8 are unavailable for the Day Pass, and the last day it is available is July 19. This Day Pass gives you access to 10 swimming pools with fountains and waterfalls, an adults-only pool, a 30-foot waterslide, jacuzzi, sand beach area, complimentary parking and more. The pool hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. A Spa Pass is $55.

To compare pricing, a check-in date of June 5 and check-out date of June 6, room rates start at $174 without counting resort fees. A Day Pass with two adults and two children would cost around $120. So, you're saving at least $54. Here's a breakdown of how the Day Pass prices change:

  • June 5-6, 10-13: it's $30 for adults, $30 for kids and free for infants
  • June 7, it's $40 for adults, $40 for kids and infants are free
  • June 8-9, 14, 16, 21-23, 28-30 it's $45 for adults, $40 for kids, and infants are free
  • June 17-20, 24-27, July 1-3, 9-11, 15-18 : it's $45 for adults, $30 for kids and infants are free
  • July 12-14, 19 it's $60 for adults, $40 for kids and infants are free

If you end up booking, enjoy your daycation!