Day Passes at Grand Hyatt and other hotels?

Question

Read where they sell day passes. Have been considering booking but for what it costs don't want to be fighting for chairs with people on day pass. Any observation how this impacts the guest experience?

Is this a common practice at other hotels there?

Answer

Many luxury resorts in Kauai, including the Grand Hyatt Kauai, offer day passes for non-guests to access pools, beach areas, and sometimes other resort amenities. These passes typically come at a premium price, reflecting the resort’s standard for amenities and service.

Observations from travelers indicate that the presence of day pass holders can have both pros and cons for guests:

Pros: Day passes allow non-staying visitors to enjoy the beautiful pool and beach areas without committing to a full stay. They can also add a lively atmosphere and create opportunities to socialize.
Cons: During peak times, especially holidays or weekends, day pass holders can occupy lounge chairs and poolside seating, which may reduce availability for actual resort guests. Some guests feel the pool areas are more crowded than expected, particularly around lunchtime.
Management: Most resorts try to maintain balance by limiting the number of day passes sold per day. However, availability of chairs is often first-come, first-served, so early arrival is recommended.

Regarding other hotels on Kauai, the practice of selling day passes is fairly common among large resorts, though policies vary:

Some hotels offer limited day passes with restrictions on pool or beach access.
Others include meal or drink credits with the day pass to make it a more comprehensive experience.
Smaller boutique hotels or vacation rentals rarely offer day passes, keeping amenities exclusive to staying guests.

In summary, while day passes provide access to luxury resort amenities without staying overnight, they can impact chair and lounge availability, particularly during busy periods. If your priority is a relaxed and less crowded experience, planning an early arrival or visiting mid-week can help minimize conflicts with day pass visitors.