Pooling one's resources takes on a new meaning in some swanky hotels. The Miami Herald reports "thanks to a sluggish economy, locals can pretend they're staying at
swanky places this summer because half the pools out there are open to
non-guests on certain days to make the places look occupied". The paper notes that the "stunning swimming hole" at the Four Seasons in Brickell, Miami will starting
this Saturday "be open to
non-guests on weekends, featuring stellar views of downtown, cool
towels, Evian spritzes and cocktails that are never far away. It's not
completely free, however, with day passes going for $25 per person and
cabana packages at $150". Other hotels cited in the article for opening their facilities heretofore reserved solely for hotel guests include the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach whose pool "may not be open to nonguests on weekends, but every Tuesday and Thursday between noon and 5 p.m".
Some other major cities such as New York's hotels have always allowed non-guests for a fee. These include the Le Parker Meridien where non-guests may purchase a $50 all-day pass, good for access to its state-of-the-art workout facility and classes and the Brooklyn Marriott in Brooklyn, NY.