Day pass hotels near Long Island for quick getaways

A getaway doesn't always require booking a room. Several hotels and resorts within driving distance of Long Island offer day passes that let visitors enjoy the property's amenities, from hiking trails and spa facilities to pools and outdoor adventures, without paying for an overnight stay.

For Long Islanders looking to spend a day on the trails, a few hours at a spa or a poolside escape, these four properties offer a change of scenery without requiring a full weekend away.

TWA Hotel

1 Idlewild Dr., John F. Kennedy International Airport, Queens

DRIVING DISTANCE FROM MELVILLE: 1 hour 

For a getaway close to home, TWA Hotel at Kennedy Airport offers a chance to spend time at a hotel without leaving the New York City area. Through ResortPass, visitors can reserve a timed pool pass for access to the rooftop infinity edge pool overlooking the airport’s runways and the Runway Chalet, as well as to The Pool Bar. Reservations are required through Nov. 1, after which walk-ins are welcome. Open year-round, the pool transforms into a “pool-cuzzi” in winter, heated to 95 degrees.

The Pool Bar serves signature cocktails ($19), including a cucumber-mint Jet Fuel and a Red Eye espresso martini. Food options range from buffalo chicken flatbread ($18) and flash-fried potstickers ($14) to shrimp tacos ($17) and a teriyaki salmon bowl ($25).

Pool passes start at $50 for adults and $20 for children ages 5 to 12. Visitors can add shower access at TWA Fitness for a $25 gym day pass. Book via ResortPass, with reservations required through Nov. 1.

MORE INFO 212-806-9000, twahotel.com

New Jersey: Crystal Springs Resort

1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg

DRIVING DISTANCE FROM MELVILLE:1½ hours

For a day devoted to relaxation, the resort offers two "Spa & Pool Daycation" packages, each with a different mix of treatments, dining credits and amenities. The Elements Daycation ($175) includes a $150 credit toward a spa treatment, $40 toward food and drinks at Kites Restaurant, a $10 aromatherapy merchandise credit, tea and granola service, and all-day access to the Minerals Pool Complex, with its hot tubs, steam rooms and a sauna.

The "Reflections Daycation" ($190) includes a $175 spa treatment credit, a $30 dining credit for Crystal Tavern or the Biosphere, or a $30 credit toward a purchase at the resort's Reflections boutique. Guests also receive a $10 credit toward a personal aromatherapy wand, Champagne and truffles, and a self-guided tour of the resort’s wine cellar. Pool access includes the tropical Biosphere Pool Complex, with its heated indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, steam room and sauna.

Both packages are valid Mondays through Thursdays, excluding holidays, through May 27. Spa treatments must be reserved in advance, and availability is not guaranteed with purchase. Book online.

MORE INFO 855-977-6473, crystalgolfresort.com

Mohonk Mountain House

1000 Mountain Rest Rd., New Paltz

DRIVING DISTANCE FROM MELVILLE: 2½ hours

Set in the Shawangunk Mountains, the resort offers a chance to spend a day surrounded by wooded trails, mountain views and the resort’s expansive Hudson Valley grounds. Day visitors can purchase a variety of passes to access the property’s 85 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, golfing, spa treatments, dining reservations and seasonal sports passes.

Hiking passes cost $35 and $30 ages 4 to 12. Sold online up to 72 hours in advance, the passes allow access to the hiking trails, including the challenging Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze routes, from 7 a.m. until dusk. Horseback rides cost $117 per person and visitors can play a round of golf starting at $25 for nine holes or $37 for 18 holes.

For broader access, booking a spa treatment provides access to the spa facilities, outdoor mineral pool, hiking trails, Mountain House, afternoon tea and evening entertainment. Dining passes ($150) allow visitors to access the Mountain House and its public areas. Seasonal sports passes ($125) offer additional activities such as tennis, ice skating and snowshoeing, depending on the season.

MORE INFO 855-883-3798, mohonk.com

Pennsylvania: Skytop Lodge

1 Skytop Dr., Skytop

DRIVING DISTANCE FROM MELVILLE: 2½ hours

The lodge in the Pocono Mountains offers day visitors a range of outdoor activities, from high ropes courses and zip lining to axe throwing, clay shooting and paintball. The Treetop Adventure Course stretches more than 3,000 feet through the trees, with elevated bridges, cargo nets, tight ropes and 17 zip lines. The full course takes about four hours and costs $65 per person for nonguests. A half-course, with seven zip lines, takes about two hours and costs $55. Visitors can also book a 7-line zip-line course for $40 per person, or try axe throwing for $30 per person for an hour.

Other activities include introductory clay shooting, which costs $60 per person and is open to participants ages 12 and older, and rifle shooting for $47 per person for adults 18 and older with valid identification. Paintball costs $60 per person for ages 10 and older and includes 500 paintballs and equipment.

Golfers can play Skytop’s public 18-hole course, which winds through rolling mountain terrain. Non-resort guests must book tee times in advance. After 2 p.m., rates start at $35 for nine holes Monday through Thursday and $45 on weekends; 18 holes start at $50 midweek and $75 on weekends. 

MORE INFO 855-345-7759, skytop.com