The holidays are a time of coming together with family and friends, embracing traditions … and spending more than usual on travel? Now there might be a way to enjoy local hotel and resort amenities without the overhead of being a guest when prices are at a premium.

ResortPass is a way to pay less than you will for staying overnight at a hotel while soaking up their vibe — literally, as the passes typically include pool and hot tub access.

ResortPass is available anywhere there are participating properties, but let’s just focus on Colorado options for that proverbial vacation in your own backyard. To use ResortPass, just go to its website and either search for the destination you desire or see what comes up for the dates you are available.

I had previously encountered this mix of overnight guests and day-use guests at a hot springs in New Mexico. The overnight guests had unlimited pool and soaking access, whereas the day-pass users weren’t allowed in until midmorning and then had to leave in the early evening. It’s the same concept with ResortPass, where there will be a set time frame for use.

One thing to keep in mind is that not all amenities are available year-round, such as outdoor pools in winter. However, during the holidays, there might be additional features to explore while visiting a property such as a gingerbread house display, temporary ice skating rinks and holiday light displays.

Personally, I used ResortPass when I was traveling away from home and needed Wi-Fi. Once I paid for the pass, I could sit by the pool and work in style, or at least in a way I don’t when I’m at home.The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center has three different pass options: a day pass, a spa and pool day pass, and a cabana pass. A $55 day pass includes access to its steam room, fireside lounge and fitness center; a $100 spa and pool pass adds access to the outdoor pool, lazy river and waterslide; and a $400 cabana pass for up to six people has full waterpark access with a dedicated server for any food and drink orders. This resort will have a lot of other holiday activities on display or to buy a ticket for too.

At the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Denver, a $75 spa pass gives you access to a steam room, fitness center, hot tub and 15% off on any food and beverage purchases. Of course, you can add on any spa treatments too.

Perfect for travelers stuck at the airport are the $25 adult and $15 child day passes at the Westin Denver International Airport. This pass includes access to the indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center and complimentary Wi-Fi. There is also a $230 day pass for up to four people to share a room between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those who need a comfortable snooze between flights.

There are a surprising number of rooftop pools open year-round that can be a fun getaway on a gray winter day: Sonesta Denver Downtown for $20, Halcyon in Cherry Creek for $39 and the Westin Denver Downtown for $35.

There are occasionally boutique hotels on ResortPass too, such as the Catbird Hotel in the RiNo neighborhood. For $35 you can soak in its rooftop hot tub, use the fitness center and make yourself comfortable in the coworking space. The Oxford Club & Spa has a $25 fitness pass to use its facilities.

The ResortPass is available at areas outside of Denver too.

The Exhale Spa at the Hyatt at Beaver Creek has a $55 spa pass that includes use of the whirlpool, steam room and a variety of exercise classes.

A $50 day pass at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Vail Valley will get you access to three infinity hot tubs, a heated saline lap pool and a complimentary fitness class. Its $90 spa pass includes all of that plus use of its Himalayan salt sauna and steam room.

The W Aspen has a $30 pass for use of its rooftop pool and hot tub — and it throws in complimentary sunscreen.

There are a limited number of day passes available for each date and property so there likely is not overcrowding, but this also means they can sell out.

While hotel restaurants and bars are not part of the passes, you can still include them as part of your staycation with a ResortPass.

Good to know

Double-check if the property allows day guests under age 18, as some do not.

For all of the properties where you have pool access, this includes locker room use too, so you will have a place to change before and after a swim.

If you don’t see your dates available, check back as the calendars are not completely open. Spontaneity could work in your favor!