A Comprehensive Guide to Day Stay Accommodations
Ever needed a place to rest during a long layover? Or perhaps you’ve wished for a quiet space to freshen up between business meetings? Day use hotels might be the solution you never knew existed. These flexible accommodations allow you to book a hotel room for just a few hours during daytime hours—without paying for an overnight stay.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about day use hotels, from how they work to the benefits they offer for today’s flexible travelers.
Quick Summary: What Is a Day Use Hotel?
A day use hotel offers rooms for shorter time blocks during daylight hours, typically ranging from 3 to 8 hours. Unlike traditional overnight stays, these accommodations cater to travelers who need temporary space without committing to a full night’s booking, providing all the comfort and amenities of a standard hotel room at a fraction of the overnight cost.
How to Book a Day Use Hotel
Booking a day use hotel is straightforward with HotelsByDay. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to secure your perfect daytime retreat:
Step-by-Step Booking Process
1. Search Your Location
Enter your desired location and date to see available hotels offering day use rooms.
2. Browse Available Hotels
Compare amenities, locations, and prices to find your perfect match.
3. Select Your Time Slot
Choose from available time blocks that best fit your schedule (morning, afternoon, or evening).
4. Complete Your Reservation
Enter your details to secure your booking—most reservations don’t require upfront payment.
5. Enjoy Your Stay
Arrive at your selected check-in time, show your confirmation, and make the most of your day use room!
Book On The Go
When Day Use Hotels Make Sense
Day use hotels serve a variety of practical purposes. Here are some common scenarios where booking a day room makes perfect sense:
Airport Layovers
During a long layover between flights, a day use hotel offers the perfect sanctuary. Instead of trying to sleep in uncomfortable airport chairs or hanging out in crowded terminals for hours, you can book a nearby hotel room to rest, shower, and refresh. When it’s time for your next flight, you’ll be rejuvenated and ready to continue your journey.
“After a 6-hour layover with access to a comfortable day room, I felt like a new person boarding my connecting flight.”
Business Needs
Business travelers often need a professional environment between meetings or before heading to the airport. A day use hotel provides a quiet, private workspace with reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and coffee service—all essentials for productive work. Many business travelers use day rooms to prepare for important presentations, conduct virtual meetings without interruptions, or simply catch up on emails in a peaceful setting.
“Having a private hotel room to prepare for my presentation was a game-changer—no distractions, reliable internet, and a professional setting.”
City Exploration
When exploring a new city for the day, having a home base can enhance your experience significantly. A day use hotel gives you a place to store luggage safely, freshen up after morning activities, and recharge before evening plans. This is especially valuable if you’re visiting a city during a long layover or before checking into your final accommodations later in the day.
“Having a day room while exploring downtown meant I could refresh mid-day and continue sightseeing without carrying all my luggage.”
Refresh & Relax
Sometimes you simply need a few hours of “me-time” to recharge. Day use hotels provide access to amenities like pools, spas, and fitness centers that can turn an ordinary day into a mini-vacation. Whether you’re looking to swim, enjoy a spa treatment, or just relax in a peaceful environment away from home, a day use hotel offers the perfect retreat for self-care and relaxation.
“Booking a day room for access to the hotel’s spa and pool made for the perfect self-care day without the cost of an overnight stay.”
Medical Visits
If you’re traveling for medical treatment or have a loved one in the hospital, a day use hotel provides a convenient place to rest between appointments or hospital visits. This setup is especially beneficial when you’re not feeling well enough to make the journey home immediately after a procedure but don’t need to stay overnight.
“After my outpatient procedure, having a day room to rest before the drive home was exactly what I needed.”
Benefits of Day Use Hotels
Cost Savings
Save up to 75% compared to overnight rates, only paying for the hours you actually need.
Amenity Access
Enjoy hotel pools, gyms, spas, Wi-Fi, and business centers just like overnight guests.
Flexible Timing
Choose from various time slots that work with your schedule, from morning to evening hours.
Convenient Locations
Find options near airports, business districts, and tourist areas when you need them most.
Privacy & Comfort
Enjoy a private space to rest, work, or refresh away from public areas and crowds.
Flexible Cancellation
Many bookings offer free cancellation policies, providing peace of mind if plans change.
The HotelsByDay Experience
Launched in 2015, HotelsByDay revolutionized the hotel industry by specializing in daytime room bookings. This innovative service provides travelers with flexible accommodations tailored to their specific timeframes and needs.

Day Rooms
Book a private hotel room for a few hours to relax, recharge, or work.

Pool Passes
Enjoy access to hotel pools and related amenities without booking a room.

Work Spaces
Find quiet, professional environments with reliable Wi-Fi and business amenities.
Loyalty Program: Earn While You Stay

Join #MasterKey to earn Coins with every booking
It’s free to join #MasterKey and earn up to 5.5% back in loyalty Coins with every booking you make when signed in. Use those Coins toward free day stays, or gift them to friends or family!
How It Works:
- Fill out your profile to earn your first 5 Coins
- Book day stays to earn more Coins
- Redeem your Coins at checkout for free day stays!
How to Book a Day Use Hotel
Booking a day use hotel is straightforward with HotelsByDay. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to secure your perfect daytime retreat:
Step-by-Step Booking Process
1. Search Your Location
Enter your desired location and date to see available hotels offering day use rooms.
2. Browse Available Hotels
Compare amenities, locations, and prices to find your perfect match.
3. Select Your Time Slot
Choose from available time blocks that best fit your schedule (morning, afternoon, or evening).
4. Complete Your Reservation
Enter your details to secure your booking—most reservations don’t require upfront payment.
5. Enjoy Your Stay
Arrive at your selected check-in time, show your confirmation, and make the most of your day use room!
Book On The Go
What Our Customers Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking a day use room with HotelsByDay is simple! Visit our website or mobile app, enter your desired location and date, then browse available hotels and time slots. Select the option that works best for you, complete your reservation details, and you’re all set. No upfront payment is required for many bookings, and you’ll receive immediate confirmation.
Day use guests receive the same quality rooms as overnight guests. These are standard hotel rooms that include all typical amenities such as private bathrooms, workspace, Wi-Fi, and television. The specific room type (king, queen, etc.) will be indicated during the booking process, allowing you to select the option that best suits your needs.
Yes, your reserved room will be held for your arrival during the booked timeframe. However, it’s important to note that day use bookings have specific time blocks, and late arrival will reduce the amount of time you have to use the room. We recommend arriving at your scheduled check-in time to maximize your day use experience.
Cancellation policies vary by hotel, but many HotelsByDay bookings offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in. The specific cancellation terms for your booking will be clearly displayed before you confirm your reservation. If you need to cancel, you can easily do so through your HotelsByDay account or by contacting customer service.
Most HotelsByDay bookings don’t require upfront payment at the time of reservation. Payment is typically processed at the hotel during check-in or check-out, allowing for maximum flexibility. This pay-at-hotel model gives you peace of mind knowing you won’t be charged until you actually use the service.
While it’s not necessary, you can certainly call the hotel to confirm your day use reservation if it gives you additional peace of mind. HotelsByDay automatically communicates all booking details to the hotel, so they should have your reservation in their system. Simply bring your confirmation email or booking reference number when you arrive for check-in.
Ready to Experience a Day Use Hotel?
Day use hotels offer a practical, affordable solution for travelers seeking short-term accommodations. Whether you need a space to work, relax, refresh, or simply enjoy some hotel amenities, HotelsByDay provides the perfect flexible option. With thousands of hotels across the country and easy booking through our website or mobile app, your ideal day stay is just a few clicks away.
Find Your Perfect Day Room