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The Ona Hotel at Hacienda del Álamo Golf Resort has announced that it is considering introducing a paid day-pass system to allow local residents access to the hotel’s swimming pool facilities. The proposal comes after a number of complaints from residents who feel excluded from amenities they have long supported through year-round custom.

 

In a recent social media post, the hotel confirmed that its pool would remain closed until July 1 for seasonal maintenance. It also reiterated that the pool is currently “for the exclusive use of hotel guests, as it is private property and not open for public access”.

 

However, the statement went on to say that management is “currently considering offering a paid day pass for local residents” and promised to share updates when available.

 

The post has sparked a lively debate among residents of Hacienda del Álamo, many of whom argue that they contribute most to the hotel’s income throughout the year and should not be barred from using the pool. Some labelled the current policy as “mean” and said it risked “alienating” the local community.

 

In response, the hotel defended its position, citing the need to preserve the experience for paying overnight guests. “Let’s imagine this,” read their reply. “You book a hotel stay, pay full price for your vacation, and when you go down to the pool… there’s not a single sunbed free—because they’re all taken by people who aren’t staying at the hotel. Would that feel fair?”

 

The hotel added that their goal is not to be “mean” but to “respect the value of what guests pay for”. They noted that in many hotels worldwide, non-guests pay a fee for access, and said a day pass could offer a fair compromise for locals.

 

Despite the hotel’s attempts to clarify its reasoning, many residents remained unconvinced. One commenter said, “Well I’m afraid I think that’s mean. Whenever I visit the pool I pay for food and drink all day, and some of your guests don’t even eat at your hotel.”

 

Another suggested the hotel is missing an opportunity to boost revenue. “Surely the pool should be open from mid-May until the end of September. It would create a lot of revenue for the hotel especially with the bar and restaurant open, as Hacienda del Álamo is starting to get busy.”

 

Some even questioned the logic of introducing a paid pass, arguing it might backfire. “If I’m buying drinks at the bar, I’m using the pool. If I’m buying some pass, I’ll bring my own drinks.”

 

Others pointed out a potential flaw in the plan, noting that selling day passes wouldn’t solve the issue of overcrowding. “If many of our residents buy the passes they will still be using up the sunbeds, which will annoy your guests, so it’s just a way to make money with no thought for your hotel guests.”

 

As the high season approaches, the hotel’s management appears to be walking a fine line between protecting the guest experience and maintaining goodwill with the local community.

 

For now, residents await further updates on whether the day pass scheme will eventually go ahead or not.

 

 

Image: Ayuntamiento de Fuente Álamo