I'm making a summer at home feel extra special for my family. Paying for access at fancy hotel pools has been a game changer.

• I've started booking day passes for local pools at luxury hotels through ResortPass.
• My kids and I both enjoy having new and exciting places to relax and splash around in.
• I've booked solo passes for myself and enjoy working by the pools and having access to good food.

This summer, the small pool at our apartment complex began to look dull and boring. My kids, who are 11 and 13, didn't seem impressed when I mentioned taking a dip.

As a divorced mom, the weeks of summer can feel so rushed, so I want to make our memories worthwhile, even if we stay local. That's when I remembered the ads I saw for the ResortPass app on social media. I decided to give it a try.

On the app, I was able to book pool day passes at luxurious hotels in Houston, where we live. I realized that by doing this, I could create exciting dayscapes for us.

The app had many options for our area

While swiping through the ResortPass app, I started clicking hearts to favorite many pools near us. Each one had a day rate and details on amenities like complimentary towels, WiFi, food options, and more.

I showed my kids a few pools and asked them if they wanted to spend an afternoon at one. My son immediately wanted to book the Marriott Marquis and try out the Texas-shaped lazy river. My daughter was intrigued, too, and actually put down her Roblox game. We immediately started planning our pool day.

My fiancé joined us, so we went with the Family Pass option for four people. It was $165, plus a small booking fee. In just a few clicks, our pool day was booked.

Booking a day pass turned a basic pool day into a remarkable experience

I'll admit, I felt glamorous walking into the ritzy hotel lobby and getting our wristbands. We went up to the rooftop pool feeling excited.

I grabbed some towels when we entered. It was scorching hot out, and we appreciated the complimentary bottles of water set out for guests, too. There were so many lounge chairs, umbrellas, and palm trees. I felt like we were at a fancy tropical resort, not in a city full of highways. We secured lounge chairs and set up our base for the afternoon. My kids wasted no time and dashed off to the lazy river.

There was also a hot tub, a pool, a large green space with games like a giant chess set, cornhole, Jenga, and huge TVs playing recaps of World Cup games. When the kids got hungry, we ordered them festive blue drinks with gummy sharks floating in the cup from the kids' menu, and we snacked on nachos and tacos. We were all impressed with every detail of the afternoon.

When we go to a waterpark, my kids mainly want to hang out in the lazy river anyway, so this experience fit their interests perfectly. It was the ultimate daycation, and the kids want to go back.

Some things should be considered before booking

The only con I came across was how extra costs can quickly add up. For our first pool day, we parked at a nearby garage that set us back $40. On top of that, you have the food and any extra amenities you might want to enjoy, such as a spa treatment.

Another pool my kids liked this summer was the Hyatt Regency in West Houston. A day pass was $78 for the three of us, and parking was included. When we checked in, my kids were mesmerized by the coy fish pond in the lobby. We basically had the huge pool to ourselves that afternoon. My kids played pool games, we ordered lunch and beverages from the restaurant, and I enjoyed the comfortable lounge chairs and the relaxing vibe. That was, until a sudden downpour started.

I've learned it's a good idea to take note of the weather, parking costs, whether bringing your own snacks and water is permitted, and whether the pool area offers food and beverages for purchase. I've learned that some pools offer add-on experiences, like access to the spa and fitness center, and that some are more kid-friendly than others.

I've booked a pass just for me, too

I've also booked a pass just for me. One afternoon this summer, I booked a day pass for the Omni for $60, which included complimentary self-parking.

It looked so luxurious on the app, and I indulged in the view of the gorgeous two swimming pools and soothing sounds of waterfalls while devouring a delicious quesadilla. It was the perfect oasis for me to enjoy on my own. I brought my laptop, worked on my memoir, read, and sunbathed. Mostly, I just sat still, letting my shoulders and mind relax. It might sound corny, but I truly felt calm and at peace creating my own little retreat, staring at the pristine pool and letting the sun rays embrace me.

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