With temperatures on the rise, it's no wonder people are ready to leave town and hit the beach or book a "staycation" and soak up the sun.
What about booking a "daycation"?
There are a dozen resorts in the Phoenix area that allow people to purchase day passes to use amenities like the pool, spa, water slide and lazy river without having to book a tradition room.
It's part of "Resort Pass," a booking website. The site works like any other hotel booking website. You choose the resort, the date and it shows you what is available.
Some resorts let you purchase a general day pass while others let you rent a cabana, which is best for a group. Some include complimentary Wi-Fi and access to the resort's gym.
As demand goes up so will the costs.
BUT, WILL IT SAVE YOU MONEY?
Smart Shopper Chelsey Davis ventured through the site and compared pricing against our local water parks to see where the savings really are.
These are our favorites.
The Royal Palms Resort and Spa
The resort is nestled at the base of the gorgeous Camelback Mountain.
During the week, a day pass is $30 for adults and $15 for kids. Infants are free. Over the weekend, prices go up to $45 for adults and $25 for kids.
It includes access to the outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, complimentary Wi-Fi and valet parking. You'll also be able to order food and drinks. So far, there are no dates blocked out for the 4th of July holiday.
The Scott Resort and Spa
Located in downtown Scottsdale, The Scott has a modern chic design.
The day pass lets you enjoy the main resort pool, children's pool, and beach, the hot tub, fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi and valet parking. You, too, can order food and drink poolside.
The cost is $30 for adults and $10 for kids. Infants are free. Day passes can only be bought Sunday - Friday. Saturdays are excluded. We checked and Fourth of July weekend is still available.
The Wigwam
The historic Wigwam has two pools, two water slides, a hot tub, ping pong, bocce ball, volleyball and complimentary valet parking.
A day pass is $30 for adults and $14 for kids. Infants are free.
Passes are not available between June 30 and July 5.
So, how does that compare to Arizona's water parks?
Big Surf: General admission is $23 - $33. There are discounts for seniors (55+), military members and first responders. A season pass is $50.
Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix: General admission is $32 - $44 depending on whether you go during the week, on a weekend or buy tickets online or at the gate. It is more expensive to go on the weekend and to purchase tickets at the park. A season pass is $65 when bought online and $75 at the door. Parking is $8.
Golfland Sunsplash: General admission ranges from $26 - $32. Toddlers (12 to 35 months) are $5.99 and infants are free. They also have an evening pass Wednesday - Sunday for $18.
Depending on what type of activity you're looking for, and for how long, it may make sense to buy a day pass, or it may make sense to book a weekend staycation. If you plan on going to the water parks more than one, a season pass may be an option as well.
CHECK OUT DEALS TO SAVE MONEY AT VALLEY WATERPARKS
These are the 12 Arizona resorts available on Resort Pass:
- The Scott Resort and Spa, 4925 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Royal Palms Resort and Spa, 5200 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
- Arizona Grand Resort and Spa, 8000 Arizona Grand Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85044
- Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, 6902 E Greenway Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
- Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Spa, 6114 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
- The Wigwam, 300 East Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
- Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa, 7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
- Mountain Shadows Resort, 5445 E Lincoln Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
- Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia, 4949 E Lincoln Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
- Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas, 6333 N Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85250
- DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Paradise Valley, 5401 N Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85250
We reached out to a handful of popular Arizona resorts not on Resort Pass to see if they had similar programs, but none offered day passes.
COMMUNITY POOLS
Another option to cool off at the pool (if you do not have one) is to visit a community pool. Whether you live in Avondale, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale or Tempe, there is a pool in your community.
The City of Phoenix offers free admission for kids as part of its "Kool Kids" program. Adult admission is $3.
You'll want to visit your city's website to see pool hours, open swim hours and admission. It's also a great opportunity to sign-up for swim lessons.
