Sunday is supposed to be a day to recharge. But when you’re at home, it’s hard to ignore the laundry piling up, the dishes in the sink, or the dozen little things you’ve been meaning to get done. Before you know it, your relaxing afternoon has turned into another round of chores.
What if you could spend Sunday somewhere none of those things exist?
With a day use hotel room or spa pass, you can trade your to-do list for a few uninterrupted hours of doing exactly what you want. Think long baths, afternoon naps, soothing saunas, and the luxury of having nowhere to be. With ResortPass, you can enjoy all this and more without booking an overnight stay.
Here’s how to plan your own self-care Sunday, why a little time to yourself can make such a difference, and some of our favorite hotels for a well-deserved reset.
Access hotel pools, spas, and resort amenities by the day. No overnight stay required.
Browse ResortPassWhat is a self-care Sunday?
A self-care Sunday is exactly what it sounds like: setting aside some time on Sunday to take care of yourself before another busy week begins.
That might mean sleeping in, spending an afternoon by the pool, finally finishing that book on your nightstand, or treating yourself to a massage. There’s no right way to do it, and you certainly don’t need a perfectly curated wellness routine.
The goal is simply to spend a little time doing what makes you feel good, without worrying about what else you should be doing.
If unwinding doesn’t come naturally, our guide to how to relax on a day off is a good place to start.
Day rooms vs. spa passes: Which is right for your self-care Sunday?
One of the best things about planning a self-care Sunday with ResortPass is that you can make the experience entirely your own.
Craving a few hours of uninterrupted peace and quiet? A day room might be exactly what you need. Prefer to spend your afternoon moving between a sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounge? A spa pass could be the better fit.
Here’s how the two experiences compare.
Day use hotel rooms: Your own private retreat
A day use hotel room is a regular hotel room you can book for a few hours during the day, rather than for an overnight stay.
On ResortPass, these are called Day Rooms, and they’re an easy way to enjoy some of the best parts of a hotel stay without packing a suitcase or spending the night.
Depending on the property, you might have access to a plush bed, a deep soaking tub, a private balcony, or hotel amenities like the pool and fitness center. Some day rooms include additional amenity access, while others offer exactly what you need: a comfortable, private space where nobody will bother you.
Most reservations run from late morning through the afternoon, although exact hours and inclusions vary by hotel.
Curious about how it all works? Learn how to book a day-use room at a hotel or explore our guide to what a daycation is.
Spa passes: A few hours of pure relaxation
If your idea of self-care involves a warm robe, a eucalyptus-scented steam room, and a little indulgence, a hotel spa pass might be more your speed.
Spa passes on ResortPass let you enjoy select hotel spa facilities without staying overnight. Depending on the property, that could mean access to saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, relaxation lounges, or other wellness amenities.
Some hotels also offer spa treatments, including massages and facials, which may be available to book separately.
It’s a great way to enjoy a luxury spa experience without planning a full weekend getaway. And because different properties offer different amenities and services, you can choose an experience that fits your mood, schedule, and budget.
Not sure where to start? Explore spa day passes near you to find your next little escape.
Why taking time for yourself feels so good
Ever find yourself feeling guilty for relaxing, even when you’ve got nothing urgent to do? You’re not alone.
According to the 2026 ResortPass Reset Report, 40% of Americans say they feel guilty about relaxing. It’s a pretty telling statistic, especially when you consider how often we treat rest as something we have to earn.
That’s part of what makes booking a day room or spa pass so appealing. You’ve deliberately made time for yourself, and for those few hours, there’s nothing else you’re supposed to be doing.
And there’s some interesting research behind the benefits of slowing down, too.
A little solitude can help you unwind
Spending time alone isn’t just about getting away from other people. It can also give your mind a chance to settle.
A series of four studies published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that solitude can reduce the intensity of our emotions, helping us shift into a calmer, lower-energy state.
The researchers also found that when people actively chose to spend time alone, they experienced greater relaxation and less stress.
In other words, an afternoon with nothing but your own company might be exactly what you need. Whether you spend that time curled up in a hotel room or unwinding in a spa’s relaxation lounge is entirely up to you.
And if you’re not used to treating yourself to a solo outing, our guide to booking a spa day solo can help you get started.
A long bath might even help you sleep better
Few things feel more indulgent than a long, hot bath in a beautiful hotel bathroom. As it turns out, that soak might have benefits beyond feeling wonderful in the moment.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology examined how bathing before bed affects sleep. Among the 23 adults studied, bathing for longer periods helped participants fall asleep faster than showering, and they reported better sleep quality.
The researchers linked these benefits to the way body temperature rises during a bath and then drops afterward, a process that can help prepare the body for sleep.
The study looked at bathing roughly 90 minutes to two hours before bedtime, so timing matters. But it’s another good reason to make room for a leisurely soak in your Sunday routine, whether that’s in a hotel bathtub or the comfort of your own home after a spa day.
How to plan the perfect self-care Sunday with ResortPass
The beauty of a self-care Sunday is that you don’t have to plan much at all. Still, a few thoughtful choices can make your afternoon feel that much more relaxing.
1. Choose your ideal way to unwind
Not everyone’s dream Sunday looks the same.
If you’re craving privacy and quiet, look for a day room with a comfortable bed or soaking tub. If you love a good sauna session, browse spa passes with access to thermal facilities, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. Or, if you’re happiest lounging by the water, find a hotel with a heated pool or hot tub.
Start with the experience you want, then find the hotel to match. Be sure to check what’s included with each ResortPass booking, since amenity access varies by property and pass type.
2. Give yourself plenty of time
Day room hours vary by property, and some reservations end as early as 4 p.m. Spa passes may have their own access windows, so check your booking details ahead of time.
Arriving early means you’ll have more time to settle in and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
If it’s your first time booking, our guide to checking in with ResortPass has everything you need to know.
3. Give yourself permission to unplug
You don’t have to disappear off the grid, but a few hours away from notifications can feel surprisingly refreshing.
Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, resist the temptation to check your email, and leave the endless scrolling for another day.
If you’d like to take things a step further, try a mini digital detox.
4. Bring a few of your favorite things
A good book, your favorite skincare products, a cozy change of clothes, and a swimsuit are all excellent additions to your day bag.
If you’re heading to the spa, check whether robes, towels, slippers, and lockers are provided. If you’ve booked a day room, bring whatever will make your afternoon feel like a proper treat.
You don’t need to pack for every possible activity. Just bring what you’ll actually enjoy. For a few more ideas, check out our pool day packing list, including tips for a solo outing.
5. Keep the relaxation going when you get home
Nothing brings you back to reality quite like walking through the door and immediately having to figure out dinner.
Make your evening easy by planning a takeout order, prepping something simple, or picking up a favorite meal on your way home.
That way, your self-care Sunday doesn’t have to end the moment you leave the hotel.
Our favorite ResortPass hotels for a self-care Sunday
Ready to put your out-of-office energy to good use? From waterfront hotels to urban retreats with spa amenities, these six properties have plenty to offer when you’re craving a little time to yourself.
Whether you’re booking a private day room or looking for a spa experience, check each property’s ResortPass listing for available options and what’s included.
Kimpton EPIC Miami | Miami, Florida
Best for: A little luxury and a long soak
There’s something about a beautiful hotel bathroom that makes a long bath feel like an occasion. At Kimpton EPIC Miami, you can spend the afternoon in a private balcony room with a soaking tub, with day room reservations available until 4 p.m.
If you’re in the mood for more spa time, the property also features a spa with a salt room, sauna, and red light therapy. Check which spa experiences are available to book or access during your visit, and brush up on the benefits of salt rooms before you go.
The hotel also appears in our guide to pool parties in Miami, but for a self-care Sunday, a peaceful afternoon away from the crowds sounds pretty appealing.
Explore more Miami day rooms and spa day passes in Miami.
InterContinental Boston | Boston, Massachusetts
Best for: Waterfront relaxation in any season
A peaceful afternoon overlooking Boston’s waterfront? Yes, please.
InterContinental Boston offers day rooms where you can curl up with a book, enjoy an afternoon nap, or unwind after a swim in the hotel’s heated indoor lap pool.
For an extra dose of relaxation, the property also features a spa with a steam room and relaxation lounge. Browse the available spa options if you’d like to add a treatment to your afternoon.
It’s one of our picks for how to stay cool in the heat, but the indoor pool and cozy hotel setting make it equally appealing when Boston’s weather is less than inviting.
Explore more Boston day rooms and Boston spa passes.
Level Los Angeles – Downtown South Olive | Los Angeles, California
Best for: Making yourself right at home
If your ideal Sunday involves a little more space to spread out, Level Los Angeles offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional hotel room.
With a full kitchen and living area, your day room feels more like a private apartment. You can make yourself a leisurely lunch, lounge on the couch, or simply enjoy having a beautiful space all to yourself.
When you’re ready for a change of scenery, the property also features an outdoor pool, cabanas, and a sauna.
Looking for something a little more spa-focused? Check out our best spa day passes in Los Angeles, or explore Los Angeles day rooms for more ways to spend your Sunday.
Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center | Oak Brook, Illinois
Best for: A cozy escape from the cold
When the weather outside makes staying indoors especially appealing, a warm pool and a sauna sound pretty irresistible.
Located west of Chicago, Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center offers a relaxing change of pace with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub.
The indoor pool is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., giving you plenty of opportunities to take a dip during your visit. Check the property’s available booking options to see which amenities you can enjoy.
It’s also featured in our guide to hotels with indoor pools in Chicago. And if you’re curious about what a good sweat session can do for you, take a look at our guide to sauna benefits.
Explore more Chicago day rooms and spa day passes in Chicago.
Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center | Galveston, Texas
Best for: An afternoon of poolside relaxation
If you’re looking to turn your self-care Sunday into a mini getaway, Moody Gardens Hotel makes the drive pay off.
Located about an hour from Houston in Galveston, the hotel offers day rooms where you can relax in private between visits to the property’s indoor and outdoor pools.
There’s also a sauna, hot tub, and relaxation lounge, plus a spa that’s open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check treatment availability and spa access options if you’re interested in making them part of your visit.
Spend some time in the water, book a treatment, and retreat to your room whenever you feel like putting your feet up. It’s all the pleasure of a resort getaway, without the overnight bag.
Discover more of the best pools in Houston or browse Houston-area day rooms and spa passes.
Kimpton Theta New York – Times Square | New York, New York
Best for: Finding a little peace in the middle of Manhattan
In a city that rarely slows down, a quiet room to yourself can feel like the ultimate indulgence.
Kimpton Theta puts you right in the middle of Midtown Manhattan, but your day room gives you a private place to retreat from the busy streets below.
Settle in for an afternoon nap, spend a few uninterrupted hours reading, or enjoy lunch at one of the hotel’s on-site dining spots, Cafe Otto and Sprezzatura.
Want to make the day even more special? Pair your visit with a spa experience elsewhere in the city. From massages to tranquil wellness spaces, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our guide to the best spas in NYC.
Explore more New York day rooms and NYC spa passes.
Don’t see your city? Browse day rooms and spa passes near you to find your own perfect Sunday retreat.
Self-care Sunday, day rooms, and spa passes: FAQs
What is a day use hotel room?
A day use hotel room is a hotel room you reserve for a set number of hours during the day rather than overnight. You can use it to nap, relax, shower, or enjoy some privacy before checking out the same day. On ResortPass, these reservations are called Day Rooms.
What’s included with a ResortPass spa pass?
It depends on the hotel and the type of pass. Spa passes may include access to saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, relaxation lounges, and other wellness facilities. Massages, facials, and other treatments may require separate reservations or additional fees. Check the listing to see exactly what’s included.
How long can you stay in a day use hotel room?
It depends on the hotel. Many day room reservations run from late morning through the afternoon, with some ending around 4 p.m. You’ll find the exact check-in and checkout times on each ResortPass listing.
How much does a day use hotel room or spa pass cost?
Prices vary depending on the hotel, location, and what’s included. Some suburban properties offer day rooms for under $100, while rooms at luxury hotels and popular downtown properties may cost $200 or more. Spa pass pricing also varies by property and the facilities or services included.
Can I book a day room or spa pass just for myself?
Absolutely! Both are great options for a solo self-care day. Many day room reservations accommodate up to two guests, and some allow four, but you don’t need to bring anyone along. Spa passes are also available for individual guests.
Is a day room the same as a spa pass or day pass?
Not quite. A day room includes a private hotel room for daytime use. A spa pass typically offers access to spa and wellness facilities, while a general hotel day pass may cover amenities like the pool or fitness center. Some bookings include more than one type of amenity, so check the details to see what’s included.
Sources cited
Maeda, T., Koga, H., Nonaka, T., & Higuchi, S. (2023). Effects of bathing-induced changes in body temperature on sleep. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 42, 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40101-023-00337-0
Nguyen, T. T., Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2018). Solitude as an approach to affective self-regulation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 44(1), 92–106. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167217733073
