Long Island hotels redefine staycations with day-use amenities
You don't need to check in to check out what nearby hotels have to offer. Many hotels open their doors to locals looking for a mini getaway without the overnight stay.
From heated outdoor pools and cedar saunas to luxe spas, yoga classes and destination-worthy dining, these properties are redefining the staycation with day-use amenities that turn an ordinary afternoon into a full-fledged retreat.
Some hotels offer straightforward day passes, while others invite nonguests in by spa treatments, wellness classes or seasonal experiences that unlock access to pools, saunas, lounges or dining. Here’s how each one works.
Rockaway Hotel + Spa
108-10 Rockaway Beach Dr., Queens
How to access: Flat-rate day pass
The Rockaway Hotel + Spa (therockawayhotel.com) opened its Winter Pool House in October and it's one of the most relaxing, all-inclusive cold-weather day experiences for locals. While the space operates as a classic pool deck in summer, winter transforms it into a cozy, covered escape with heaters, plush fur blankets and pillows and a seasonal food and drink menu through April 30.
Day pass guests can pay between $50 to $75 for access to the outdoor heated pool, cedar saunas, fitness classes and a tented heated lounge, along with food, drinks and express spa services available throughout the day. Menu highlights include a Caesar wrap ($15), hummus and quinoa bowl ($21), tuna poke bowl ($25), grilled chicken sandwich ($23) and veggie burger ($20). Beverage options range from a pear and rosemary sparkling lemonade mocktail ($10) to a warm-me-up toddy ($17), plus specialty cocktails ($17), beer ($5 to $12) and wine by the glass ($12 to $16) or bottle ($48 to $210).
Visitors can spend time in the sauna or swim laps in the outdoor pool at the Rockaway Hotel in Queens. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
Express spa services are offered directly in the lounge and include a chair massage ($70), scalp drizzle with infrared mask ($65), and winter skin revival facial ($70).
Fitness classes are included for no additional charge.
Long Islanders looking to make a quick connection to nearby boroughs, or New York City residents seeking a getaway, can reach the hotel via the NYC Ferry. The Rockaway — Soundview route includes stops in Sunset Park (Brooklyn), the Bronx, and Lower and upper Manhattan, with fares at $4 each way.
- Price $50 weekdays; $75 weekends; Book online.
- What’s included Four hours of lounge, pool, sauna and fitness class access
- Why it’s worth it You can swim outdoors in winter, warm up in a sauna and sip a cocktail under a heated tent, all in one afternoon.
The Garden City Hotel
45 Seventh St., Garden City
How to access: A la carte spa, salon, fitness and dining
For classic luxury without the overnight stay, Red Hots Spa at The Garden City Hotel (gardencityhotel.com) offers a luxury experience open to non-hotel guests. The full-service hair salon offers blowouts starting at $40 Tuesdays through Thursdays or $55 Fridays through Mondays. Spa treatments include a scrubbage ($275), JetPro facial ($395) and HydraFacial deluxe ($295 to $325).
The Garden City Hotel Spa menu features facials, scrubs and more. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
Day guests receive access to the spa lounge, complete with complimentary coffee, tea, snacks and infused water, along with use of the hotel gym and pool.
Beyond the spa, nonguests can enjoy dining and nightlife throughout the property. King Bar by David Burke features weekly specials including Tapas Mondays and Tuesdays, Wine Down Wednesdays with discounted glasses, and Surf and Turf Thursdays. The Rose Room, an underground cocktail lounge and speakeasy, opens Fridays and Saturdays after 8 p.m.
- Why it’s worth it You can turn a single spa or salon appointment into an all-day escape with pool time, dining and cocktails.
Danfords Hotel & Marina
25 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson
How to access: Drop-in wellness and yoga programming
Wellness seekers don’t need to book a room to tap into the programming at Danfords Hotel & Marina (danfords.com) where the Yoga For Life In8 Spa and In8 Yoga offer classes open to the public.
Danfords Hotel and Marina on Port Jefferson’s waterfront. Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas
In8 Yoga hosts a rotating schedule of offerings for nonguests, including a 90-minute workout and group reiki session for $45. A two-night wellness journey includes two two-hour classes on Jan. 8 and Jan. 15 for $157. Registration is available online or via phone 631-469-0130.
- Why it’s worth it It’s one of the most affordable ways to experience hotel-level wellness programming that feels closer to a retreat than a typical studio class.
The Inn & Spa at East Wind
5720 NY-25A, Wading River
How to access: Spa bookings and day-use wellness experiences
The Inn & Spa at East Wind (eastwindlongisland.com) welcomes day guests to enjoy a wide range of wellness amenities, including the spa, pool, sauna, wellness suite, full gym, on-site dining and shopping.
Inside the couples suite at the spa boutique at The Inn and Spa at East Wind in Wading River. Credit: Randee Daddona
Spa offerings include a 45-minute back acne treatment ($140), a Vitamin Hydration Wrap ($200), and discounted facials starting at $100 Monday through Thursday. Groups can book the Spa Soiree for the Day package ($219 per person), which includes a spa treatment of choice, lunch and a glass of wine.
Visitors can also explore The Shoppes at East Wind, a village-style shopping area featuring boutiques, food shops and a carousel.
- Why it’s worth it It’s a true one-stop retreat where you can work out, unwind at the spa, shop and linger over lunch without leaving the property.
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
290 Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk
How to access: Spa treatment unlocks BathHouse pool
Gurney’s Montauk (gurneysresorts.com) is home to the iconic Seawater Spa & BathHouse, a thalassotherapy-focused wellness experience overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The BathHouse features seawater pools and thermal bathing experiences designed for relaxation and recovery.
Carissa Kellman takes a dip at the Seawater Spa at Gurney's in Montauk. Credit: Randee Daddona
Day guests can access the BathHouse on weekdays by booking a 60-minute or longer spa treatment, with sessions reserved in 50-minute increments. Winter specials include a Bespoke Soothe Massage ($190) and a High Performance Customizable Facial ($190), both of which qualify guests for BathHouse access.
- Price $190; Book online.
- What's included A massage or facial and BathHouse access for 50 minutes.
- Why it’s worth it It’s one of the most scenic spa experiences on Long Island, pairing restorative seawater pools with sweeping ocean views for a true escape, even in winter.
Canoe Place Inn & Cottages
239 E. Montauk Hwy., Hampton Bays
How to access: Spa booking or seasonal pool reservation
Canoe Place Inn & Cottages (canoeplace.com) invites locals to experience the property through seasonal pool and spa offerings designed specifically for day guests.
"We think it’s a good idea not to just enjoy the atmosphere but to enjoy the culinary offerings by the pool for an immersive experience," said Matthew Kristan, general manager. "We treat them not as a revenue generator but as a way to introduce people to the property so they can enjoy the amenities like a guest."
Exterior of the Canoe Place Inn & Cottages in Hampton Bays. Credit: Gordon M. Grant
In winter, Canoe Place offers a day pass spa special featuring a signature massage or facial for $225, which includes a $50 food and beverage credit at the hotel’s restaurant, Good Ground Tavern.
The pool is open seasonally from May through mid-October, with summer daybed rentals priced at $125 for a solo guest on off-peak weekdays like Tuesdays or Wednesdays and up to $175 on weekends. Each rental includes a $50 food and beverage credit, encouraging guests to enjoy the hotel’s poolside culinary offerings.
- Price $225 spa package; summer pool pricing varies
- What’s included Signature massage or facial plus $50 food and beverage credit, or seasonal pool access with dining credit
- Why it’s worth it It’s a low-commitment way to sample a storied Hamptons property, whether through a spa day in winter or a poolside afternoon in summer.
