Affordable Luxury: How to spend the perfect daycation with Resort Pass
Want a luxury hotel experience but don’t feel like blowing your budget? Book A Day Pass or Cabana and enjoy the pool, spa, and amenities at a luxury hotel.
That’s what I chose to do on my last trip to Florida. We had 4 days in Orlando but didn’t want to spend our entire time visiting the parks so we opted for a relaxing day at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
What is resort pass?
Resortpass is a service that allows you to experience the amenities of a luxury hotel or resort for a day, without having to book a full overnight stay. This can be a great way to relax and enjoy some pampering on a budget, or to break up a long trip with a refreshing daycation. With ResortPass, you get access to the following services:- Day access to resorts: You can enjoy amenities like pools, hot tubs, saunas, fitness centres, and sometimes access to the private beach (depending on the resort).
- Variety of passes: They offer different types of passes, such as standard day passes, spa passes for treatments, or cabana rentals for a more exclusive poolside experience.
- Discounted rates: Compared to the cost of a full night’s stay, resort passes are a much more affordable way to experience a luxurious resort.
Overview of Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is a newly renovated resort that offers a premium experience in Orlando. It’s an official Walt Disney World® Hotel, so perfect if you are planning a Disney holiday. Shopping malls, arts and entertainment venues, and the best of Orlando’s attractions are all within a short drive of the hotel.
Our day pass allowed us to spend the day at the resort between 10 am and 8 pm. Upon arriving, we headed to the front desk and showed our confirmation email to the receptionist. We were welcomed with big smiles and shown where to go and what our pass entitled us to.
The hotel is huge and includes several amenities such as shops and coffee shops. We walked around the shops and had some coffee in the lobby before heading to the pool area.
Some of the resort’s main highlights include
- A massive 3-acre lazy river with a water slide, perfect for a relaxing float or a thrilling ride.
- 3 epic pools, including a heated one
- A luxury spa at their sister hotel Waldorf Astoria Spa, for a day of pampering (treatments are not included in the resort pass).
- Championship golf course
- Onsite restaurants offering a variety of dining options, from casual bites to fine signature dining.
We stayed until 4 pm and spent the majority of the day by the pool. It was a cloudy day with few sunny spells but the pools were warm so we didn’t mind. The lazy river was the highlight of the day and a lot of fun. There’s plenty of space to float around comfortably without feeling crowded.
It’s a fun and relaxing experience as you sit on pool tubes and floats provided by the hotel and let the gentle current carry you along a winding path, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes.
The river connects to a small lagoon style pool that caters to young children and those who prefer to wade in gently.
There is also a larger pool by the bar area but it’s only 3 feet deep and more suitable for relaxing than swimming.
Thrill-seeking kids (and adults) can take advantage of the fun Waterslide which connects to the main pool.
Our day pass included loungers and a parasol but you can also rent a cabana if you want a more exclusive poolside experience. Cabanas typically come with comfortable seating and towels so you can even have a snooze after lunch if you want.
Dining Choices: Casual to Gourmet Lunch Options
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes. You can savour prime steaks and fresh seafood at their award-winning restaurant Bull & Bear, enjoy contemporary Italian cuisine at La Luce, or opt for casual American fare at Harvest Bistro.
As most of our time was spent by the pool, we opted for a light meal from their poolside restaurant Beech. We tried the tacos, burger and seafood salad which were all delicious.
How to book a daycation with Resort pass
booking process:
Booking a daycation with ResortPass is a fairly straightforward process.
You can either visit their website website or download the app on your phone.
Choose Your Destination: you can pick a city and browse through the options offered or enter the name of a specific resort if you have one in mind.
Pick Your Date: Select the date you’d like to visit the resort. Prices and availability will vary depending on the day of the week and season.
Find Your Perfect Pass: ResortPass offers different types of passes for each resort. You’ll see options like standard day passes, spa passes, or cabana rentals. Carefully review the details of each pass to see what’s included (pool access, towels, food and drinks etc.) to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Number of Guests: Select the number of people in your party.
I find it useful to read the reviews as they offer insight on the experience and some things that may not be mentioned in the description (ie. parking charges, food and drink quality, customer service etc.
Booking and Payment:
Once you’ve chosen your pass, proceed to checkout and finalise the booking with a secure payment method.
Confirmation and Check-In:
You’ll receive a confirmation email with a booking ID number. On the day of your visit, you just need to show the email and a valid ID to the resort’s front desk. They’ll verify your reservation and provide access to the resort amenities as per your chosen pass.
I particularly like that you can cancel or change your booking at no extra cost which can be useful sometimes.
Day Passes can be cancelled or changed up until 11:59pm the night before your booking date.
Cabanas can be self-cancelled or changed up until 10am on the day before your booked date.
How much does a daycation with resort pass cost?
You can book a day pass, spa pass, or cabana at a resort starting at only $25.. A day pass at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek costs £43 or $55 for an adult and £23 or $30 for a child. These prices do not include food, spa services and parking.
top tips for booking a daycation with ResortPass
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak seasons or weekends, day passes can sell out quickly.
- Read the Fine Print: Make sure you understand what’s included (and not included) in your chosen pass. This will avoid any surprises on the day of your visit.
- Cancellation Policy: Review the cancellation policy before booking. Some passes might have restrictions or use the hotel’s cancellation policy
- Resort Fees: Some resorts charge a separate daily resort fee that may or may not be included in your ResortPass price. Check the details on both the ResortPass website and the resort’s website for clarity.
A daycation with ResortPass is an ideal choice if you want a quick yet indulgent escape. Remember that quality time is more important than ticking a bucket list so treat yourself to a relaxing and rejuvenating experience at a top-tier resort where you can enjoy all the amenities for a fraction of the price of an overnight stay.
