Is that splash calling your name? Do you envision yourself lounging by a sparkling Marriott pool, even if you're not an overnight guest? You're not alone! Many people dream of a relaxing "daycation" at a luxurious hotel pool without the commitment of a full stay. But the big question that often comes up is: "How much does it cost to use a Marriott pool if I'm not staying there?"
The answer, like a perfectly mixed cocktail, has a few ingredients. It's rarely a one-size-fits-all fee, and understanding the nuances will save you time and potentially money. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Are You Even Allowed In? The Initial Check
Before we talk about cost, the very first thing you need to determine is if the Marriott property you have in mind even offers pool access to non-guests. This is crucial. Not all Marriott hotels do, and policies vary significantly by location, brand, and even time of year.
Your Mission: Don't assume. Call the specific Marriott hotel directly or visit their individual website. Look for sections like "Day Passes," "Local Offers," "Spa & Fitness," or "Amenities."
Pro Tip: Be polite and clear. Something like, "Hello, I'm interested in using your pool facilities for the day, but I won't be an overnight guest. Do you offer day passes or any other form of access for non-hotel guests?" will usually get you the information you need.
Step 2: Understanding the Avenues for Non-Guest Pool Access
If the answer to Step 1 is "yes," congratulations! Now let's explore how you can gain access and what factors influence the price. There are generally a few common ways:
Sub-heading: Day Passes & ResortPass.com
What it is: Many hotels, including various Marriott properties, partner with platforms like ResortPass.com. This website allows you to book day passes to hotels, granting you access to their amenities, including pools, spas, and sometimes even day rooms, without an overnight stay.
Cost Expectation: Prices on ResortPass can start from around $25 and go much higher, depending on the hotel's luxury level, location, and the specific amenities included. A resort with multiple pools, water slides, or a prime beachfront location will naturally command a higher price.
Benefits:
Convenience: Easy online booking and instant confirmation.
Variety: Access to a wide range of hotels and amenities.
Clear Pricing: You see the exact cost upfront.
Cabana/Daybed Rentals: Often offers options to book private cabanas or daybeds, which come with their own additional costs but provide a more exclusive experience.
Sub-heading: Direct Hotel Day Use / Leisure Passes
What it is: Some Marriott hotels directly offer "day use" or "leisure passes" for their pools and other facilities. This is less common across the entire Marriott portfolio compared to third-party platforms, but it does exist. These might be bundled with other services like gym access or specific time slots.
Cost Expectation: This varies wildly. I've seen prices from as low as $10-20 for basic pool access at a more budget-friendly Marriott brand, up to $50-100+ for a full day at a luxury resort, especially if it includes towels, changing facilities, and perhaps even a food and beverage credit.
How to Find: As mentioned in Step 1, direct inquiry with the hotel is key. They might have a dedicated "Day Pass" or "Local Experiences" section on their website.
Sub-heading: Spa Day Access
What it is: If a Marriott hotel has a full-service spa, often the purchase of a spa treatment (e.g., massage, facial) will grant you complimentary access to the spa's facilities for the day, which frequently include a pool, hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas.
Cost Expectation: This isn't a direct "pool fee" but rather the cost of a spa treatment. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars for a treatment, but consider the pool access a valuable bonus.
Benefits: You get a full day of pampering in addition to pool time.
Sub-heading: Hotel Memberships (e.g., Club Marriott)
What it is: For frequent local users, some Marriott properties, particularly in Asia Pacific (like through the "Club Marriott" program), offer annual or multi-month memberships. These memberships often include unlimited access to the fitness center, pool, and sometimes discounts on dining and rooms.
Cost Expectation: This is a significant upfront investment, potentially ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars annually, but it offers the lowest per-use cost if you plan on visiting frequently.
Consideration: This is only cost-effective if you'll use it regularly throughout the year.
Step 3: Factors Influencing the Cost
The price you'll pay for Marriott pool access isn't fixed. Several factors come into play:
Hotel Brand and Luxury Level: A Ritz-Carlton or JW Marriott will almost always charge significantly more than a Courtyard by Marriott or Fairfield Inn & Suites. Luxury amenities come at a premium.
Location: Hotels in prime tourist destinations (e.g., Orlando, Las Vegas, Hawaii, major city centers) with high demand for amenities will have higher day pass rates.
Time of Year/Seasonality: Peak season (summer, holidays, school breaks) will see higher prices and less availability for day passes. Off-season or weekdays might offer lower rates.
Day of the Week: Weekends and public holidays are typically more expensive than weekdays.
Included Amenities: Does the pass just cover pool access, or does it also include towels, locker rooms, gym access, complimentary water, or a food and beverage credit? The more inclusions, the higher the price.
Number of Guests: Some passes are per person, while others might offer a "family pass" for a set number of adults and children.
Cabana/Daybed Rentals: These are separate and often substantial costs on top of the basic day pass. They offer privacy, shade, and dedicated service. Prices can range from $100 to $500+ for a full day, depending on the hotel and amenities.
Step 4: Making Your Reservation & Enjoying Your Day!
Once you've identified a hotel and understood the potential cost, here's how to proceed:
Book in Advance (Recommended): Especially for popular hotels or during peak times, day passes can sell out. Booking online through ResortPass or directly with the hotel is usually the best approach.
Confirm Inclusions: Double-check what's included with your pass: towels, locker access, showering facilities, F&B credits, etc.
Dress Code & Rules: While generally casual for pools, some upscale Marriott properties might have specific pool area rules or dress codes. It's always good to be aware.
Be Prepared: Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and any personal toiletries you might need.
Arrive Early: To maximize your day and get a good spot, especially if loungers are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enjoy your Marriott pool day! Whether it's a quick dip or a full day of relaxation, experiencing a hotel pool without an overnight stay can be a fantastic mini-getaway.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find Marriott hotels offering day passes?
The best way is to visit ResortPass.com and search for Marriott hotels in your desired location. You can also call individual Marriott hotels directly.
How to book a day pass for a Marriott pool?
If available through ResortPass, you can book directly on their website. Otherwise, inquire with the hotel directly about their day pass or leisure access options and booking procedures.
How to get free Marriott pool access?
Generally, non-guests cannot get free pool access. The only way to typically get "free" access as a non-guest is by purchasing a spa treatment at a Marriott hotel with a spa, where pool access is a complimentary perk of the treatment.
How to know if a specific Marriott hotel has a pool?
Check the hotel's official Marriott website page under their "Amenities" or "Facilities" section. This will clearly list if a pool is available.
How to check the pool hours at a Marriott hotel?
Pool hours are usually listed on the hotel's individual website page, often in the "Amenities" or "Pool" section. If not, a quick call to the front desk will confirm.
How to use Marriott Bonvoy points for pool access?
Marriott Bonvoy points are primarily for hotel stays and other specific redemptions. It is highly unlikely you can directly use Bonvoy points for a standalone day pass to a Marriott pool. Points are usually tied to eligible hotel purchases that are charged to a room during an overnight stay.
How to rent a cabana at a Marriott pool?
Cabana rentals are typically booked directly through the hotel's recreation or pool desk, or sometimes as an add-on when purchasing a day pass through platforms like ResortPass. It's advisable to reserve them in advance, especially during peak seasons.
How to find out the rules and regulations for a Marriott pool?
Most Marriott hotels will have pool rules posted clearly in the pool area. For specific inquiries, you can ask the hotel staff upon arrival or inquire when calling about day pass options.
How to bring guests to a Marriott pool if I am a hotel guest?
As a registered hotel guest, the number of additional people you can bring to the pool typically aligns with the room's maximum occupancy. Overcrowding the pool area with a large number of non-registered guests for a "party" is generally not permitted and will likely be addressed by hotel staff. Always check with the front desk regarding their guest policy for amenities.
How to know if a Marriott hotel pool is heated?
This information is usually available on the hotel's official website under the pool description in the "Amenities" section. If not, a direct call to the hotel can confirm if their pool is heated.
