Get yourself a place in the nation’s capital with the perfect outdoor spot.
There are so many great things to see in Washington, D.C., from the majesty of the monuments to the unique architecture of the everyday buildings, D.C. is filled with opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the great outdoors.
To ensure your search for a Washington, D.C. apartment delivers the best results, make sure you check out any and all outdoor spaces before signing your lease. A quality on-site garden or courtyard can take your time in D.C. to the next level and truly make your apartment feel like home.
To help you feel inspired, the 10 amazing apartments featured below have been hand-selected as having some of the best courtyards and gardens in the D.C. area. Find your favorite and fill out an application today.
Source: Rent. / Gables Dupont Circle
While the full outdoor space at Gables Dupont Circle is big and beautiful, this little garden-esque spot is a real hidden treasure. Fresh herbs creep up the stone flower bed, while other greenery surrounds the space. Nearby seating, under stringed lighting, gives this space a special ambiance as well.
Set in the quieter Northwest Washington neighborhood, this area boasts spectacular views while also being super walkable. It’s just steps away from great galleries and museums as well as some of the city’s best restaurants, delis, cafes and coffee shops. To keep that outdoor vibe going, there’s no shortage of parks nearby either.
Source: Rent. / The Lansburgh
An absolutely stunning courtyard awaits at The Lansburgh. This space has everything, including an eagle statue. Vibrant greenery rings the multi-tiered space with a combination of trees and bushes. At the far end, a decorative pergola also offers some shade. You’ll find a lovely fountain and plenty of seating throughout this amazing area as well.
Living within walking distance of four Metro stations makes it easy to access all D.C. has to offer from this central location. Within the Downtown – Penn Quarter – Chinatown neighborhood itself, you’re also close to just about everything, from entertainment to restaurants to historic monuments.
Source: Rent. / AVA NoMa
The courtyard is a busy place at AVA NoMa, but each section has its own special flair. For those who love outdoor games, this area features two ping-pong tables. For those who want to chill, there’s also a nice outdoor lounge with a fire pit. There’s even a small dog park for you and your furry friend to check out. Modern, metallic touches mix with hardscaping and slender trees to create a nice look and good vibes.
Providing you with easy access to downtown, finding a home in H Street-NoMa must mean food is on your mind. This is thanks to the neighborhood’s Union Market, which is within walking distance from AVA NoMA. Here, over 40 local vendors show off their culinary creativity to satisfy any palate.
Source: Rent. / Capitol View on 14th
Even if it’s not huge, most people can use a Zen garden in their lives, especially one with a trickling fountain. At Capitol View on 14th, this little pocket of relaxation comes with shaped greenery, nice seating and a multi-tiered fountain trickling down into a tranquil pool. The sound will instantly relax you and let you transition from your busy day to a chill evening.
The rest of the amenities in this Northwest Washington community don’t disappoint either. First, there are the views. You can see the Capitol building as well as other monuments from the rooftop, which is also where you’ll find the pool. There’s a great open-air kitchen up there as well and a year-round fireplace. Between these two areas, it may be hard to find a reason to come inside when the weather is nice.
Source: Rent. / Camden South Capitol
Bright yellow umbrellas add a happy pop of color to the courtyard at Camden South Capitol. They also ensure you’ll always have a shady spot to hang out in if you need it. Underneath one umbrella is a great lounge space with ample seating. The other shades the outdoor dining area, should you want to dine al fresco. This partially grassy area is also nicely landscaped.
For sports fans, living in Southwest – Waterfront has the added benefit of keeping you close to the action. You can easily head to Nationals Park for some baseball and Audi Field for some soccer. If you’re already out and exploring, make sure you head down to the waterfront for some excellent views of the Potomac River as well.
Source: Rent. / Camden Noma
Looking down onto the courtyard at Camden Noma is the best way to see just how impressive it really is. Altogether, this is a huge space, with sectioned-off areas for chilling, playing, food prepping and relaxing. A close-clipped lawn meets bushy patches of robust trees to create an inviting space whether you’re playing table tennis or grabbing a lounge chair to curl up with a good book.
You’ll find Camden Noma in the H Street – NoMa neighborhood. It’s a stress-free, luxurious community that uses modern elements to help residents feel right at home. Living here puts you near the highway, a number of parks, shops and so much more, making it an ideal spot for young professionals.
Source: Rent. / The Flats at Dupont Circle
With green space and a brick walkway both contained in the courtyard, The Flats at Dupont Circle has ideal hangout areas for everyone. For those who want to grab a lounge chair or slide into a hammock, stick to the manicured green space. For friends who want to gather and socialize, grab a cushy seat on the fringes. This is also where you’ll find the grill and outdoor eating space.
Another Northwest Washington community, living here means the luxury extends far beyond the courtyard to include an outdoor pool with sundeck and a state-of-the-art fitness center. There are even personal TV’s at each exercise machine and a separate pilates/yoga studio. The clubroom takes the fun from the courtyard indoors with its TV and kitchen to keep things popping.
Source: Rent. / Waterside Towers
For the perfect garden to walk through, make a date to explore Waterside Towers. The winding green space is full of grassy spots and excellent landscaping. Trees, bushes and small plants come together to make this whole space pop, giving you an outlet for a relaxing stroll whenever you need it. Benches throughout give you the opportunity to sit and absorb the natural beauty all around as well.
This Southwest-Waterfront community also has an impressive pond right nearby, complete with sprouting fountains, mature, bushy trees and an easy path to walk on. Living here also puts you close to all the waterfront fun beside the Potomac River where there are great restaurants and shopping right at The Wharf.
Source: Rent. / AVA H Street
A roaring fire draws the eye into the courtyard at AVA H Street. Covered to keep the flames contained, this funky and modern fire pit will keep anyone warm on a cold D.C. night. Part of the area’s lounge space, the courtyard is also where you’ll find a dual grilling station with a built-in bar and eating space. Additional groupings of seats enable a variety of large groups to gather here and enjoy themselves simultaneously.
A busy area, full of great bars and cool places to eat, Near Northeast is a neighborhood that combines culture and history with lots of shopping and fun. Living here, you’re close to the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum, the Atlas Performing Arts Center and plenty of shopping. It’s also worthwhile to swing by the famous fountain in Columbus Circle for a photo op.
Source: Rent. / Alban Towers
A classic building with access to a wonderful green space, living at Alban Towers mixes old and new together in just the right way. The park-like garden features a rectangular strip of grass surrounded by a pebbled hardscape. Mature and lush trees line up around the edges to create a calming and isolated space for a little meditation. Additional landscaping keeps the area green and happy.
Keeping with the green theme of moving out into the Northwest Washington neighborhood, this community is close to Rock Creek Park. Another great outdoor space to explore, this 1,7540-acre city park provides a peaceful refuge as well with more beautiful trees, recreational activities and even a little wildlife. You’ll also find varying historical remnants from Civil War fortifications to colonial houses.
Grab an apartment with one of the best gardens in D.C.
There are so many special facts locals know to be true about Washington, D.C., one of which is knowing how to pick the right place to live. You need the right combination of amenities and location, and that should always include a usable outdoor space. No matter where you live in Washington, D.C., you can count on a sweet courtyard or garden if you pick an apartment from this list.
Featured Image Source: Rent. / The Flats at Dupont Circle
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I’m not really sure about this whole expensive holiday gift thing. I know it’s supposed to be a way of showing love and appreciation, but I think it is too much pressure. Why not give a cheap holiday gift that they will actually use?
Plus a lot of people struggle with finding a Christmas gift for their loved ones, regardless of price.
Some people say that the best gifts are homemade, but not always. I am going to show you 101+ of my favorite cheap but thoughtful Christmas gifts ideas for someone who is on a budget or does not want to spend too much money.
These cheap Christmas gift ideas are for everyone on your list, from the family member you don’t know what to get them to the coworkers who always complain about not getting anything.
You will find the best advice on how to find the perfect present without breaking your budget.
The holidays are right around the corner, and it is time to start thinking about those gift lists! The holidays are about spending time with those closest to you, for many Americans it can be exceedingly difficult to find a decent gift for those from your close circle.
Why Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas
I know that you’re looking for some great gift ideas this year and we have you covered: adults, teens, kids, fashionistas, athletes, teachers, plus so much more!
There are so many inexpensive Christmas gift ideas that it can be hard to know where to start. This article will help you find the perfect present for everyone this holiday season.
The price range will be cheap Christmas gifts under $10 or nice cheap gifts for Christmas under $20. Some items maybe a little bit more expensive, but well worth the extra cost based on the idea!
Find over 250 cheap last-minute Christmas gifts (delivered by Amazon) on this list that I know the recipient will love!
Cheap Christmas Gifts for Adults
Easy cheap Christmas gifts for adults are those that can be afforded by the budget-conscious and the best part is still are awesome gifts.
These gifts usually have a handmade flair or personal touch to them to reflect the recipient’s personality.
To find cheap Christmas gifts for coworkers, you can pick any present on this list.
DIY Jewelry: This is one of the best ways to make multiple gifts for cheap. You can make many types of homemade jewelry.
Mug with their name on it: Make them smile with a customized mug just for them!
Coloring Books: Coloring isn’t just for kids. Adult coloring books are extremely popular and inexpensive to pick up an adult coloring book and colored pencils.
Magazines Subscriptions: Some ideas include National Geographic or Smithsonian. Great way to find new inspiration and ideas.
A Photo Album of your Memories: This can be a physical or digital photo album. A simple way to portray your friendship and experiences together.
Journal: Write down thoughts, ideas, or quotes that they love in the journal. Pick up a plain journal at Target for $5-$10.
Stickers: Add a few stickers from your collection, some ribbon, and scrapbook papers to decorate it!
Movie Night: A movie night with popcorn and some of their favorite movies is a thoughtful, inexpensive gift that everyone will enjoy. Buy a streaming movie or pass to the local cinema.
Handmade Gifts: If you have a knack for the arts and crafts, making a handmade gift is not only thoughtful but also can be very inexpensive!
Coffee or tea from their favorite coffee shop: There’s nothing better than a cup of joe or tea to start the day off right.
A Bouquet of Flowers: Get a bag of those colorful hair ties, and tie them to the stems for an extra special touch!
Collage Frame: A collage frame can be used as a picture frame, or it can be used as a decoration on the wall.
Holiday Decor: This is an affordable and practical gift for someone who loves to decorate their home for the holidays.
DIY-ed Ornaments: Get creative with this craft and let their imagination run wild!
Homemade Treats: Who doesn’t love cookies, chocolates, or homemade baked goods? Even canned salsa or jelly make great gifts!
Stockings: With any number of crafts available to make-you can’t go wrong with a stocking full of goodies for the holidays.
Cookies: Bake up some of your favorite holiday cookies and package them in a festive container for a sweet treat. Perfect to host a cookie exchange as a fun experience!
Comic Books: It can be no surprise to some adults when they think of all the hard work that goes into creating a comic book and see the end product. What’s even more surprising is that more adults don’t try them.
Handmade Gifts from Kids: If your child loves to paint, draw, or make things with their hands-this is the perfect opportunity for them.
Cheap Christmas Gifts for Teens
Coming up with Christmas gift ideas for teens can be tough. Teens are often too old to play childish games like Monopoly or Jenga, yet they’re not quite ready for more grown-up games like Trivial Pursuit.
There are a lot of inexpensive gift ideas for teens from the mall, but teens often want something more personal and unique to show they are maturing.
If you are looking for cheap gifts for teens, you can try any of these present ideas.
Gift cards are always a huge hit with this age group! Double bonus if you can make it a fun way to spend some time together. Make sure that your teen is comfortable with this idea.
iPod Touch / iPhone / iPad Accessories: A new case, screen protector, and a few apps are always great. Whether it’s to show off or just something fun, this is a great idea.
Journal: This gift will help your teens reflect on the year and all of the good things that happened!
Fun Colors to Write With: The festive design on these pens will make teens want to use them all year round. Fun gel pens are wonderful gifts for all ages; they are inexpensive and come in a variety of colors.
Fashion Designer Scarf: This gift will help your teen express his or her individuality while also staying warm during the winter months.
Room Decorations: Checking out new colors and themes for the room is a fun way to spend some time together. Plus they may be ready for a change from their younger decor.
Makeup: Teens love makeup and skincare items, so make it their job to pick out a few new things they want.
Candles: Having a nice scent can help relax and soothe your teen before bedtime. These versatile gifts come in many shapes. It is also how teens feel more grown-up.
Hand-Painted Mug: Handpainted mugs are perfect for all the coffee and tea lovers in your house, and they are so easy to make! This can be an experience gift, too!
Handmade Jewelry: this is an affordable yet creative holiday present
Trendy Socks: These are always a great gift for anyone. Not only does it keep your feet warm, but it can be fashionable too!
iTunes Gift Card: Let them download a favorite song or album.
Movies: Movies are a great gift to give especially if it’s one of their favorites or they’ve been wanting to see it!
Clothing: The recipient will love getting some new clothes-especially if they’re trendy and stylish, or their favorite store has a sale going on that you know about.
Special Treat: A special treat is a great way to show someone that you care about them and appreciate all they do.
Cheap Christmas Gifts for Kids
Kids are the most precious gift of all. They’re also notoriously hard to buy inexpensive presents for – they normally want gifts that are outside your price range! Fortunately, these Christmas gifts will have your child smiling from ear-to-ear.
Cheap easy Christmas gifts for kids are especially not difficult to find and you have plenty of inexpensive gift ideas, – plus your bank account will thank you for it.
At the end of the day, kids don’t really care what it costs as long as they like it.
Stuffed Animals: Give them the gift of a new favorite toy that they can hug and take with them everywhere-just make sure to tuck in an extra battery for their new favorite toy.
Paper & Stickers: A package of paper and stickers is perfect for kids who love to create their own projects or write notes, letters, or holiday cards. This pack is also perfect for young ones who are just learning how to write.
Colored Pencils & Crayons: Colored pencils and crayons are a fun way to keep kids focused on their art. These pens will help them create original masterpieces.
Customized Shirts: A new shirt is a great way for kids to express their personality, and it can also be an easy outfit of the day solution when they’re running out the door.
Puzzles: Puzzles are a great way for kids to learn new skills and stay entertained on rainy days. They also make excellent stocking stuffers!
Ice Cream Variety Pack: A yummy variety pack of ice cream will make their day.
Play Doh: Kids love play doh, and it’s a great way to keep them entertained for hours! It also makes a great stocking stuffer.
Colorful Pens: Kids love to color, so give them the opportunity with some bright new pens! They’ll have fun for hours doodling on all their things.
Slime: Slime is all the rage right now, and kids can make their own with this kit.
Sippy Cups: Kids love sippy cups because they’re fun and easy to drink from! They also come in a variety of designs and colors.
Kitten: They will love this sweet little creature that they can cuddle up with in winter.
Fidget Toys: Fidget toys are a great way to keep kids entertained and focused with some fun. They come in a variety of colors and shapes, making them perfect for all ages!
Star Night Light: This was one of my daughter’s favorite gifts (even her older teen brother was jealous). Huge hit to light up the wall at nighttime.
Remote Controlled Car: A remote-controlled car is a great gift idea because it can be played indoors or outdoors. It also makes for hours of fun!
Make Your Own Soap Kit: This kit will allow your child to make their own soaps at home with some fun ingredients. They have a variety of colors and scents available which they can use to customize the soap for their own preference.
Board Games for Kids: Board games are a great way to keep entertained while bonding with their friends and family. They come in different levels of difficulty, making them perfect for all ages.
Nature Exploration Set: A nature exploration set will help to inspire your child’s curiosity and creativity. The kit includes a journal, binoculars, magnifying glass, and more!
NERF: NERF toys are classics for kids of all ages. They’re great to take on family vacations or just to play with friends.
Dolls: Dolls are a classic toy for girls and they come in all shapes and sizes. From Barbie to Baby Alive, there’s plenty of options available!
Spirograph: A Spirograph can keep kids entertained for hours. They design pictures with the help of an included pen and paper.
Rock Painting Kit: A rock painting kit will allow kids to express their creativity by decorating rocks.
Bead Kit: A beading kit is a great way to teach kids about colors and patterns. It also teaches patience as they work with the small beads
Sewing Kit: Sewing kits allow kids to create their own stuffed animals and clothes for themselves.
Drawstring Backpacks: Helpful to keep their stuff organized on outings, vacations, or events when the kids need to be entertained.
Kids love getting gifts, and these cheap Christmas gifts ideas are perfect for any child!
Best Cheap Gifts for the Foodie Cook
One of the most difficult parts about shopping for a gift is coming up with creative ideas.
This list is full of affordable gifts is perfect for that friend or family member who loves to cook and bake!
Here are some of the best cheap gifts for the foodie cook.
Charcuterie Board Set: This is the perfect gift for the foodie that loves to cook with meat. It provides an assortment of meats, cheeses, fruits, and bread in a beautiful wooden tray.
Mason Jar Set: This gift is perfect for a friend or family member who loves to cook. The set includes six pint-sized jars with lids and can be personalized with the recipient’s name.
Salt and Pepper Grinder: This set comes with salt and pepper grinders for the foodie who loves to cook.
Gourmet Spices: Spice up a friend’s cooking experience with this assortment of spices from around the world.
Frother: Perfect for milk frothing for coffee, lattle, milk shares, hot chocolates, and matcha powder. You need one of these and everyone else around you does too!
Mini Stand Mixer: This is a perfect gift for a friend who loves to cook and bake! The mixer comes with attachments such as a whisk, dough hook, and flat beater.
Fondue Pot: This pot is perfect for families that enjoy eating together! The set includes a fondue pot, forks, skewers, dippers, and dipping sauces.
Cookie Press: This press is perfect for a friend who loves to bake! The set includes a cookie press, dough sheet mold, rolling pin, and recipes.
Oven Mitts: You don’t want your foodie gift receipeint to burn their hands. Replace their worn-out oven mitts with one of these stylish oven mitts.
Hot Sauce Set: Every foodie needs some hot sauce in their fridge. This set includes 3 bottles of the hottest sauces around, plus a recipe book for beginners.
Spice Rub Set: Give your foodie friend the gift of spices especially if they love to grill or have a Traeger! This set includes salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder.
Teapot Set: This is for all those tea drinkers out there. This set includes a teapot and infuser ball.
Tea Bags: Add on to the teapot set and deliver a set of tea bags with a bunch of different flavors.
French Press: French press brewing prevents an over-extraction of flavors; the grounds only add flavor regardless of how little or how much coffee is steeped. Expand their coffee experience!
Coffee Grinder: This is for all those coffee drinkers out there who like to make their own custom blends.
Bamboo Cutting Board: Over time, we all have to replace our words cutting boards at some point. So, this makes a chop-worthy gift.
Tea Towels: These are great for drying dishes, wiping counters and so much more. Find a catchy saying they will love to display!
Sourdough Banneton Proofing Basket: If they are hooked on the sourdough trend, then they need one of these to elevate their breadmaking skills.
Bread Lame Scouring Tool: A must for anyone who makes sourdough breads!
Batter Bowl: This is a great kitchen tool for mixing batters, making pancakes, and more. It will be a welcome addition to the kitchen!
Flour Sifter: This is another one of those necessary tools in the kitchen.
Coffee Mug: For coffee lovers, this is a great gift idea!
Salt Cellar: This is a nice addition to the kitchen and it will hold those hard-to-reach salt and pepper.
Cheese Plane: This tool makes cutting cheese into perfect, uniform slices – making cooking and serving a breeze.
Saute Pan: This pan is great for frying, sautéing, and more! It’s perfect for the average home cook or budding chef.
Zester: This handy tool is perfect for adding flavor to dishes with just the slightest touch.
Meat Thermometer: This is a tool that can’t be beaten especially for the grill master. This one is by far the best on the market!.
Pizza Cutter: This is an essential kitchen tool for any pizza lover!
Ice cream scoop: This ice cream scoop is perfect for any ice-cream lover. It comes in 2 different sizes of scoops and they come in a variety of colors.
Cooking Class: Give them the gift of cooking skills-it’ll be something they can use for years to come!
Best Cheap Gifts for the Homebody
Holiday shopping can be a stressful time, but not to worry. Here are some great gifts for the person who has everything and doesn’t want anything.
Consider these cheap, homey gifts that will please any loved one or host.
Weighted Blanket: For those who love to cozy up with a blanket, this one might be the perfect weight and size for them.
Hot Cocoa Mix: This is an easy way to ensure that your loved ones have a delicious treat from their kitchen.
Wool Socks: This is a great item to have on hand for the winter months.
Tea Infuser: This one will help your loved ones in their journey of self-discovery.
Homemade Snow Globe: Grab a this snow globe kit and make your loved ones their own little winter wonderland.
House Shoes: A pair of these comfortable shoes will be something your loved ones can wear around the house.
Cozy Blanket: These blankets are made to keep you warm and cozy during those cold winter nights.
Popcorn Popper: This is a fun gift that they will all enjoy especially on movie night.
Jigsaw Puzzle: Give them a puzzle that will keep their mind sharp and occupied.
Board Games: More than likely they prefer to have people over to enjoy good old-fashion board games and a night of laughter with friends!
Comfy Pajamas: A new set of cozy pajamas is sure to be a hit with the kids.
Robe: A new robe is a great gift for those who love to lounge around in their comfiest clothes.
These are some Cheap Christmas Gift ideas for those who are on a budget!
Best Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Spa Lovers
The perfect gift for anyone who loves to pamper themselves is a spa gift card. Spa gift cards are the perfect present because it gives the recipient freedom over what they would like to do during their stay.
There are many different spa gift cards available on the market, so it is easy to find one that suits the recipient’s personality and budget.
If you can’t find a group of people to go in on this idea, then turn their home into a spa experience.
Bath Salts: These are perfect for the person who loves to relax and take baths. All they will need is a nice scented candle or bath bomb, their favorite book, and these salts to make themselves feel like royalty.
Candles: These are perfect for the person who loves to relax and read, or just has a nice smelling home. There are many different scents available so it is easy to find one that suits the recipient’s personality.
Aromatherapy: This gift idea is perfect for those who want an inexpensive yet thoughtful gift. There are many aromatherapy oils to choose from, but the two most popular would be lavender and peppermint
Diffuser: These are perfect for someone who enjoys a deep and restful sleep, as well as those who enjoy shut-eye at night to take away any stresses or worries. A few drops of these oils in a diffuser or humidifier will soothe the recipient and ease them into relaxation before bedtime.
Tea: This is perfect for the person who enjoys a good cup of tea. A nice box of loose leaf teas is sure to be appreciated and used for many, many years to come!
Cookies: This may seem like a typical and uninspired gift that most people would choose, but it is thoughtful and they will appreciate the thoughtfulness.
Scalp Massager: This is great for those with a sensitive scalp. It helps to soothe the skin and will leave them feeling relaxed
Shower Speaker: This is a great gift for someone whose favorite song isn’t Top 40. They will be able to listen to their music while they shower.
Manicure Dip Starter Kit: This is a great gift for those who love to paint their nails
Hyaluronic Acid: Help maintain the hydration of the outer layers of skin, which helps to improve its appearance.
Hair Mask: This is a great gift for someone who loves to pamper themselves, especially if they are in need of moisture.
Lip Sleeping Mask: A gentle overnight moisturizer for dry, sore lips.
Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap: This is a great gift for someone who spends a lot of time in the pool or at the beach. It is quick and easy to help dry your hair faster.
Handheld Massager: Seriously, this is the best gift ever. Plus the cost has been coming down each year.
Cheap Gift Ideas for the Fashionista
If you are looking for an affordable, fashionable gift idea that is also fun and creative then this list has something to offer you.
Here are some ideas for the fashionista on a budget.
Scarf: Scarves are always in style and can be found anywhere. You can get a nice one for only about $25, depending on the brand.
Tote bag: A tote bag is a necessity for school, the mall, and even just running errands around town. You can find them anywhere from $5-25 depending on what type you want.
Pandora Bracelet: The Pandora bracelet is a beautiful piece of jewelry that can be bought with any budget in mind, and it’s a great option for people who want to give something that will last. Great gift to add charms each year.
Earrings: Earrings can be a great gift for someone you know who is really into fashion. You can find them at the drugstore or even in some clothing stores, and they cost anywhere from $5-20.
Belt: A belt is great for someone who doesn’t have too many accessories, or if you just want to spice up an outfit with a new piece of jewelry.
Hair Clips: Hair clips are a great gift for someone who spends most of their time at home because you can clip them in your hair to keep it out of the way while you do chores. Also, great for those trendy messy up-dos!
Felt Hat: A felt hat can be a great gift for someone who goes to the beach a lot, or just likes wearing hats because it’s cold outside. They last longer than other types of material and they can be a really inexpensive gift.
Jewelry Dish: Find a small dish at the dollar store and decorate with paint or fabric to make it look pretty!
Re-gift Jewelry: Add jewelry from your old collection that you don’t wear anymore (maybe some old costume jewelry?).
Sunglasses: Sunglasses are one of the most popular Christmas gifts, and they can be found cheaply at many stores. I bought a pair for under $15!
Watch: Watches can be found at many stores for a cheap price. Watchmakers are competing to lower their prices as they try and go against the trend of cell phone watches, which is why you can find a nice watch for under $10.
Sweatshirt: A good sweatshirt is a woman’s best friend. It will keep you warm during the winter and can easily be dressed up or down depending on what you’re wearing-It doesn’t have to be too expensive either, with most stores having sales or clearance racks that are perfect for picking up gifts.
Nail Polish: The best thing about nail polish is that you can buy it in a lot of sizes, from the little bottles that are perfect for stocking stuffers to larger ones that come in packages of 5 or more. Great stocking stuffers!
Yoga Pants: We all know yoga pants are a girl’s best friend. But, y’all the prices of these yoga pants are amazing, and did I mention how many I have given as cheap gifts?!?!
Winter Gloves: Some people might think winter gloves are odd to put on a Christmas list, but they make such great stocking stuffers!
Shopping Bag: This is a great present for someone who likes to shop! I know what you’re thinking, “how do they not have one?”
A New Outfit: Even if the person you are buying for is not a fashionista, clothes still make great gifts. And if you know what their favorite style of clothing is then nows the time to indulge them in some new clothes!
Some suggestions are old and some are new, but all of them will be perfect for the person you want to give a gift to.
Cheap Gift Ideas for the Makeup Artist
Check out these cheap beauty Christmas gifts for the makeup artist on your list. These are great for anyone that has a budget of $10 or less.
Makeup: Find out what brands your friends, family members, or classmates like and buy them the makeup in that brand. You can find this information at their favorite retailers or by asking around to see which brands they wear.
Nail Polish: Buying nail polish as a gift is a great idea because you can buy them the exact color they want to wear and it’s usually not too expensive.
Perfume: If your budget is $10 or less, you can buy a nice perfume that smells great and it will be something they use often.
Bath Bomb: If you’re shopping for someone who needs to relax, then a bath bomb is the perfect gift.
Specialty Coffee Mug: You can find these for fairly cheap and they’re something that people will use every day so it’s great. Find a fun coffee mug with an artsy flair!
Lip Stain: Lip stains are a really popular product because they’re long-lasting and come in so many colors. This is perfect for someone who loves makeup!
Makeup Brushes: Any good makeup artist knows the quality of the brush makes a difference. You can find a decent brush at an affordable price!
Silicone Makeup Sponges: These are perfect for applying makeup evenly and providing coverage.
Reusable Beauty Products: For the eco-conscious, find plenty of reusable beauty products. You will be surprised at this list.
Gather all of these makeup supplies and put them together for a creative gift basket!
Cheap Gift Ideas for the Athlete
Sweating is gross, so this guide has come to help! It’s tough when you have an athlete in the family because they are always on the move.
Athletes will have to replace their equipment and clothing because of use.
Here are some nice, thoughtful gift ideas for the athlete on your list!
Water Bottle: Sometimes I feel like I can never have enough water bottles!
A pack of compression pants: I wear them for my sport because they help with the swelling and protect against injury.
New backpack: I use mine all of the time!
Headphones: These allow people to listen to their favorite music or podcast while getting the sweat on.
Full-zip fleece jacket: I love being able to bundle up when it gets cold! This is a thoughtful guide for the athlete on your list for before and after workouts.
Polarized Sunglasses: These help protect eyes from glare and add style to any outfit.
Music Subscription (ad free): This is a great gift for the athlete who loves music!
Yoga Mat: Yoga mats are great because they’re environmentally friendly and also come in a bunch of different colors. Sometimes it’s nice to be able to stretch out and do some poses on your own. Plus the experts say we should stretch every day.
Sports Watch: Preferably with stopwatch and alarm clock. THey need to time those tabata crossfit workouts.
Running Gloves: These are thoughtful gifts for someone who loves the outdoors and running.
Foam Roller: A great gift for the athlete who is looking for a little bit of extra relief.
Folding Bike: This is a thoughtful gift idea for someone who loves to bike ride but doesn’t have space for a bike. This one is more expensive, but a great idea to go in with others on!
Sports Massage Oil: This is a thoughtful gift for the runner, cyclist, or anyone who gets sore muscles. Pick a hand massager to go with it!
Camouflage Pillow: This is a great present for an outdoorsy person who has their head in the clouds.
Good Socks: Have you ever smelled the stinky socks?!?! Enough said.
Sports Tape: The runner in your life will need this present to keep them on the go.
Sports Bra: This is a great present for someone who participates in any activity that requires it! One that fits well and is made of quality materials. Plus an affordable price!
Fleece Headband: This is a great present for the runner in your life who also likes to wear their hair up when they’re not running.
Yoga Pants: This is a great present for someone who likes to keep their activities active. Or just wears yoga pants every single day to be trendy. No one needs to know why! These are my favorite brand.
Athletic Shorts: This is a great present for the person in your life who likes to wear their athletic shorts outside of working out. Plus, come on it’s not like they’re going to be wearing them over clothes so people would notice.
Resistance Bands: These are great for the person who likes to keep their workouts active, but doesn’t have a ton of space.
Light Set of Weights: Everyone needs to have some weight training as part of their workouts. Pick up three or five pound weights to help them reach their workout goals.
Armband for Phone: When you workout, you may want to keep your phone with you to track the steps or distance you worked out. This is an armband to keep your phone and simple enough to change your workout music.
Latest Fad Cookbook: In need of a great gift idea for the person in your life who likes to cook but always seems to have not-so-perfect dishes? This is perfect! Gift them this latest fad cookbook and they’ll be able to make all the popular, Instagram-worthy dishes that you see on TV.
Sneakers: Maybe you are lucky enough to score a pair of comfortable, breathable athletic sneakers on clearance!
I’m sure they’ll be appreciative of any one of these gifts!
Cheap Gift Ideas For Teachers
This list of cheap teach gifts for Christmas will help you choose a thoughtful and useful present that won’t break your budget.
Essential Oil Set: A true favorite for teachers who like to use aromatherapy in their classrooms or at home. This is our favorite essential oil set.
Stress-relief Hand Sanitizer: Teachers are always on the go, so they can use a little help to keep them stress-free. Plus, germs are no fun for anyone!
Personalized Mask Lanyard: Personalize your teacher’s mask with their name, school mascot or work logo.
Tiger Balm: This is a classic product for teachers and athletes alike! Tiger balm will help soothe your aches and pains.
Lounge Pants: Nothing reminds a teacher of home like their favorite TV show! A few years ago my mom gave me a really cute pair of lounge pants and I still wear them. The cut is oversized with pockets for my phone and remote which make it perfect for relaxing on the couch.
Smart Plugs: These plugs can be controlled on an app from anywhere. That means the teacher doesn’t have to worry about forgetting to turn their lights off before they left for work.
Personalized Stamp: A teacher’s stamp of approval is the best kind. This personalized stamp will help teachers quickly get through their paperwork.
Amazon Gift Card: Teachers deserve to take a breather and use some of their hard-earned cash on themselves. A gift card is the perfect way for friends or family members to say “thank you.”
Wireless Headphones: Music is a great way to get the energy going and keep kids psyched up, but it can be tough when they’re working on group tasks. Wireless headphones like these ones from Sony
Day-by-day Calendar: The last thing teachers need is to scramble for a blank piece of paper whenever they want to jot down notes. The day-by-day calendar is perfect because it’s got enough space for writing, but it’s compact enough to tuck into a drawer.
Magnetic Dry Erase Whiteboard: After all the long hours spent at school, who wouldn’t want their own personal whiteboard where they can write, draw, and erase?
Lunch Boxes: There is nothing better than a home-packed lunch. These stainless steel containers are compact enough to carry with you, but they’re also roomy enough to hold a sandwich, fruit, and veggies.
Educational Activity Books: If you’re looking for something that’s not only fun, but chock full of learning activities and information, these books are perfect for further learning.
Cheap Christmas Gifts for Mom or Her in your life
All of these are great inexpensive ideas for buying on a budget
Shopping for a great gift for women or moms can be hard, but not too much with these affordable options.
Little Succulents: This is a cute DIY gift. All you need are succulents, a pot with dirt, and some other accessories if desired.
Bath Bombs: These are great for anyone, including people who enjoy a good bath every now and again. They come in various scents so you can find something that is sure to please.
Chapstick: This is perfect for the person in your life who always has chapped lips or complains about dry skin on their hands when they are outside too long during winter months.
A Book: It may seem like the most unimaginative gift, but it’s perfect for someone who enjoys reading and is looking for something they haven’t read yet. Books are also a great way to get someone hooked on a series so you can recommend their next read.
Slippers: These are perfect for the person in your life who is constantly complaining about how cold their feet are.
Candles: This is a perfect gift for someone who enjoys relaxing or reading after dinner and the scent fills up the whole house with aromatherapy benefits.
A Scratch Off Map: This is a great gift for someone who enjoys traveling or seeing the world. It’s very personalized and they can see how many countries they have visited.
A Coffee Mug: This is a great gift for the coffee lover in your life. You can put anything on it such as their favorite book, television show or artist and they will be reminded of you every time they drink their coffee.
A Memory Blanket: This is a great gift for people who are always cold and it can go with them anywhere in the world because it folds up easily.
A Personalized T-shirt: This is a great gift because it’s very personal and you can put anything on the shirt that has meaning to them such as their favorite sports team, favorite food, or where they have traveled.
A Personalized Finger Drum: This is a great gift for anyone who loves to play drums because it has their name engraved right on the drumhead.
Cheap Christmas Gifts for Men
The following items are inexpensive and will make any man, dad, or boyfriend insanely happy! The cheapest gifts can be the best!
Here are some budget-friendly, manly, fun, and creative ideas for Christmas presents.
A New Shirt: You can find many options for cheap shirts. Grab one with a funny saying he would enjoy for an out-of-the-park win!
Belt: Belt prices vary by brand, but can be found for as low as $10.
Wallet: Wallets can also vary by brand and cost, but often end up being around $15.
New Socks:: Many men enjoy their sock collection. You can always add on to replace their worn-out socks.
A Tie: Ties can be found for as low as $5.
Watch: The watch market is a tough one to navigate, but if you know your partner’s style and budget beforehand it can be easier to find what you’re looking for.
A Tie Clip: You can usually pick one up for $5 or less, and it’s something that he’ll wear every day!
Old-school Vinyl Record Player: Old school vinyl is making a comeback and can be found in all sorts of different styles.
Latest Board Game: Board games are always a fun gift idea. You can pick up the latest hot game for less than $20
A Good Book: A good book is always a great gift idea. You can find them for as low as $5 and books are something that never goes out of style!
Cash: Let’s be honest… most men like to have the cash to spend as they please with no questions asked.
Cheap Christmas Gifts for Friends
You may not have a lot of money for this Christmas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give your friends something thoughtful.
These inexpensive items may not be the most lavish of presents to give a friend this year, but they are sure to be appreciated and useful!
Whimsy Kit: A Whimsy Kit is a small package that includes activities such as drawing, coloring, and collaging. It can be used in classrooms or at home to relax and have fun.
Poster Board & Markers: A poster board and markers are perfect for making holiday cards to send out or decorating with a festive design.
Fun Scrapbook Pens: Fun pens are a wonderful gift for any age to bring color to their writing, coloring, or journaling.
Scented Candles Kit: Scented candles can be used for the holidays, but they also make a great gift for any time of the year. The smell will bring a warm and cozy feeling into your home.
Gold Foil Blanket: A gold foil blanket is perfect for snuggling up in the car when you are stuck in the car!
Cute Pillow Case: A new pillowcase is a fun way to change things up in your bedroom or living room. The best part about these gifts are that they can be given with other items, like the gold foil blanket or a fun pillow.
Comfy Socks: When it’s cold outside, there is nothing more comforting than a good pair of socks. These make a great gift for someone who spends most of their time at home or just loves to relax.
Bracelets: Jewelry is a great way to show someone you care. Bracelets are not only cute but they go with any outfit!
Christmas Ornament: A Christmas ornament makes for the perfect stocking stuffer. They are usually inexpensive and they can be used year round to decorate your home for the holidays.
Christmas Fun Pack: It is always fun when Santa sends a surprise in the mail, so why not surprise your friends with a Christmas Fun Pack!
Shower Steamers: These will make a great gift for someone who is your best friend, especially if they like to take long showers.
Flashlights: These are fun and practical gifts that will come in handy during the dark days of winter.
Tissue Box Covers: A unique and inexpensive gift for the person who has everything, these tissue box covers will make any house seem a little more homey during cold winter months.
Chocolate: For the person that has everything, you can’t go wrong with some chocolate.
Cheap Christmas Gifts for Coworkers:
A quick, easy, and affordable way to get the perfect gift for your coworkers this Christmas is by giving them a coworker appreciation gift basket.
These inexpensive gifts are great for bosses or employees. They can be personalized so it’s a gift that will really stick with your coworkers.
Planner: This is a great way to give your coworkers something they will really use. They can write down their goals, schedule, and use it as a to-do list.
Personalized Stationery: This is such an adorable idea and can be so much fun for everyone involved. These are the perfect gifts that will make your coworkers feel special this holiday
Putting Green: This is a great gift that they can use to practice their putting skills in the comfort of their own office.
Desk Organizer: A desk organizer is a great way to start your day off with a clean and organized workspace.
Timeless Candle: This candle helps you enjoy the holidays or winter season while relaxing in the office.
Coffee Mug: Every office needs a good coffee mug to stay energized and motivated throughout the day.
Personalized Mouse Pad: You could get them their favorite movie, sport or hobby as a personalized mouse pad and they’ll enjoy using it every day at their office.
Luxury Pen: This is the perfect gift for that person who has everything and needs something to help them write down their thoughts and ideas.
Desk Lamp: A desk lamp can help you read in your office when it’s dark outside so all the daylight hours are available for working on projects or catching up on paperwork.
Ink Pen: This is a great gift idea for anyone who likes to write or doodle. You could get them this as a refillable pen and they can use it to write down their thoughts or ideas.
Laptop Tote Bag: This is the perfect gift for anyone who likes to travel and needs something stylish but functional to carry everything in one place.
Plant pot & planter: This is a great gift for someone who likes to spend time in their garden or on the porch. You could give them this as an opportunity to grow something new and have something beautiful in their office that is all their own.
Journal: This is a classic gift that people like to get for themselves or others. You can find many different styles and sizes of journals, making it easy for you to find the perfect one for your recipient.
Watercolor set: This is a great gift if you know someone who loves to paint or draw. It is an opportunity for them to tap into their creative side while also having the materials that they need to create something beautiful or special for someone else.
Keychain: This is a great gift for anyone because everyone needs keys! You can get them a keychain that has their name on it, or you can get them a cute one for someone they love.
Laptop sleeve: This is a great gift for anyone who has to have their laptop with them at all times. They come in so many different colors and designs, so you can find one that fits your friend or family member perfectly!
Monitor riser: If you know someone who has a desk job, they’re probably struggling to stay focused on their screen. This is the perfect gift for anyone who spends time at work looking down all day!
Best Cheap Christmas Gift of them All – Gift Card:
A gift card is a prepaid credit or debit card that can be spent in any number of stores, restaurants, and other venues as desired by the purchaser.
This option is great for people who are the “hard to buy for” type.
Even a $10 or $20 gift card to somewhere they like is better than a gift to sit on the shelf unused.
Giving a gift card is always an easy way out, but it can be more useful than materialistic gifts they may not use.
You can never go wrong with a gift card to their favorite store!
You can Buy Cheap Christmas Presents that Look Expensive
I know that this time of year can be so busy and stressful. It’s hard to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, especially when you have a tight budget. But there are so many fun and creative ideas that won’t break the bank.
You’ll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!
Hopefully, you can find cheap Christmas gifts under $20 or less. Most of these power ideas you can pick up on Amazon or Etsy.
Christmas is often a time where people try to get the best gifts for their loved ones. In order to make these gifts more affordable, it’s smart to think about ways that can lower expenses.
One way to do this is by choosing gifts that can be combined with other items. Or even choosing a no gift Christmas.
It is always fun to give a gift to someone special on Christmas. However, sometimes you feel uncertain about what the perfect present is for somebody else.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our cheap but thoughtful Christmas gift ideas!
With these items, your loved one will have a great Christmas! Be sure to check our blog for more money saving tips!
Need More Inexpensive Christmas Gift ideas?
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
If you want more financial discipline you are probably looking to curb impulsive spending, save money, or maybe just achieve financial stability.
Building self discipline your financial decisions is an important part of building wealth over the long run.
What’s Ahead:
Why is self discipline the key to becoming a good saver
Being a good saver requires self discipline since there is so much fun stuff to do and buy. You are exposed to more advertising than anyone in the history of the world, and the marketing companies know a lot about psychology and exactly how to get you to part with your money.
So it takes a lot of self discipline in order to fight those tactics and stay on course to meet your goals. You have to have a clear goal and know that meeting that goal is more important than anything you can buy.
It requires a lot of self discipline to overcome the temptation to delay gratification of spending money and to save it instead.
Steps to develop self discipline
Step 1: Set a goal – then break it down into regularly recurring actions
What exactly do you want to achieve? It could be to build a fully funded emergency fund, start investing, pay off your debt, or even achieve financial independence – or anything in between.
Write down exactly what your goal is and the date by which you want to achieve it. For example, you may want to pay off your credit card debt within one year.
Then break down exactly what actions you need to take on a regular basis. Make these actions as small and as regular as possible. A small daily action is better than a larger monthly action.
For example, if you owe $10,000 on your credit card you’ll need to pay $833.33 off each month. Is that doable? If your budget allows for that, great. If not, you’ll need to figure out what exactly you need to do make up the difference.
If your regular payment is $150 and you can pull an extra $200 per month from your monthly budget that means you’ll need to come up with an additional $484 per month. If you have time to walk dogs after work you may decide to pick up a dog walking client for a few walks per week. At $25 per walk you’d have to walk the dog 20 times per month to make up the $484 you need. If you picked up a client that needed the dog walked everyday after work, you’d have the full amount.
You now have a goal and an action plan to make that goal happen.
Here are a few examples of short, mid, and long-term goals, but feel free to fill in the blanks with your own personal financial goals.
Short-term goals
Saving money each month towards your emergency fund
Going out to dinner with friends twice a month
Small household projects (planting a small indoor garden, painting a room, etc.)
Mid-term goals
Saving for a weekend getaway
Paying cash for your next car
Paying off your credit card debt
Long-term goals
Down payment on a house
Paying off your student loans
Putting money away for retirement
Read more: How to prioritize and save for multiple goals at once
Step 2: Track your progress
You’ll want some way to visualize and track your progress. A lot of people find this extremely motivating.
Using the example of paying off your car above, you could make a thermostat and color in a section each time you make a payment, representing the amount of money you’ve paid off (or is left on the loan). Or cover a piece of paper with stars (or anything else) and color in a star every time you send in your payment, each star representing one payment or a set amount of money.
Hang your tracker on the fridge so you can see it every day to remind you of what you are working towards. Make it a little celebration each time you get to fill in more of your tracker.
You can also go digital with your goal tracking. Apps like Empower offer a few different services for investing and checking up on your financial health. But, in this instance, I’m referring to the free tools they offer to keep track of your net worth.
You can create an account with them without opening an investment account. The wealth management and planning tools are the ones that you will probably be most interested in to help determine where you are at currently.
You can connect all of your financial accounts within the tool. These will be things, such as:
Checking account
Savings account(s)
Investment account(s)
Student loan account(s)
Auto loan account
Mortgage account
Credit card(s)
Medical debt account(s)
Sometimes, it can be pretty scary to see what your actual net worth is vs. where you want to be.
But, I use this as a driving force to work harder every month to increase my overall net worth. Because the faster I can get my net worth up, the faster I can get to my long-term goals.
Step 3: Find your tribe
Find people in your life who are working towards similar goals. This will help build self discipline because you’ll have a community that is embodying the new behaviors you want to build.
If you meet regularly with others who are paying off debt, you’ll have more discipline to follow that same path. You’ll have someone to share your successes with and a friend who can help when you are struggling.
Contrast that to when your friends regularly encourage overspending. Just going out to have a meal or a drink with friends can end up costing $100 or more in some instances. Something that sounded so innocuous, has now completely derailed your goal.
This isn’t to say you need to replace your entire friend group – not at all. But it will be up to you set a budget for having fun and then stick to it.
For example, instead of having two-three drinks, only have one. Go out for lunch instead of dinner, or a matinee instead of a night movie.
All of these options still give you the freedom to hang out with your friends and enjoy your life, but it won’t cost you nearly as much. And when you stick to your budget, your future self will thank you for your discipline.
Read More: The Cost Of Friendship – How Your Friends Affect The Way
Tips to meet your financial goals
Determine your needs vs. your wants
Setting up your financial goals and a way to track them are the first steps. But staying on track can get tricky when life happens. This is where needs vs. wants come into play. There are things that all of us want to have. But these are the things that can throw us off track so fast it will make your head spin.
So keeping in mind if the item/service is a need or a want can help you have more financial disciplined. Just remember to think long and hard about any purchases before you pull the trigger. If it is a need, then go ahead and do it. But if the item is actually something you want instead, it’s usually best to hold off even for a bit to make sure you still really want it as much as you think you do.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
When it comes to purchasing wants, you have a few other options that can save you a ton of money. If there is an item that you are wanting to purchase, but it simply isn’t in the budget, what might be some other ways to achieve the same goal?
Reduce, reuse or recycle may just be the best option here. If you have things in your house that you can get rid of (and maybe even make some money off of their sale), then that is one way to get the potential want. Sell your old stuff and then use the proceeds to purchase the new want item.
Or, if you can reuse an item you have in your house already, paired with something else, in order to create a similar item, then why not do that? Sometimes, all a table or chair needs is a fresh coat of paint in order to feel like a completely new item. So get creative and think outside the box about things you already have at your disposal.
And if all else fails, recycle your old items. You may not make any money off of them, but you could potentially get a tax write-off. Plus, it declutters your space, which can make it feel like a completely new room. Sometimes, that is really all you need.
Make it automatic
No matter what you goal is you can probably automate at least some of it.
If you want to save more, schedule automatic transfers from your checking to your savings. If you want to pay off a certain amount of debt each month, set automatic payments to your accounts.
Having these transactions happen automatically will remove the friction that can be caused when you have to manually make that extra payment, or save that extra money. You can always go in and stop or change the automatic payment if you can’t swing it one month, but making it the default will cause it to happen more often than not.
Of course, don’t set yourself up for failure. Setting an automatic payment without a plan to make sure the money is available will cause more harm than good. Create a feasible plan and realistic goal, then set it up to run without any extra effort from you.
Read more: Put your money on autopilot
Put your emergency fund in a high yield savings account
If you are working on building your emergency fund – or already have a solid savings account – you’ll want to make sure you are getting the most interest possible. This will help grow your savings rate since you’ll be earning a little extra interest each month.
Interest rates on high-yield savings accounts are higher than they’ve been in years, and the difference between online accounts and those at your local bank are huge. So, while these high yield savings account rates may not be anywhere close to the average return you will get on investing your money, it’s still nice to make some interest on your savings.
The best high yield savings account, in my opinion, is the CIT Savings Builder.
Read more: How Much Should You Save Every Month?
CIT Bank Savings Builder
CIT Bank Savings Builder has a very competitive APY – compared to the pennies you get from a credit union account.
You only need $100 to open an account and they charge no maintenance fees. To earn the highest APY, you need to get your account up to $25,000, or you need to deposit at least $100 monthly. See details here.
The CIT Savings Builder has a completely online platform, so everything can be done directly from your smartphone, just to make life simpler. They are also FDIC insured up to $250,000 per account type.
CIT Bank. Member FDIC.
Summary
Overall, it is extremely easy for our money to flow through our fingers like water. This is why you have to be cognizant of what you have and where you want to be with your finances.
If you want to avoid debt, save more money, or invest for your future then it’s important to develop self discipline in your finances.
Forget living the high life – go for the spa life! The newest things to look for in apartment community amenities are convenient spa services, on-site and off.
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If this kind of lifestyle is important to your well-being, here are some luxurious options you should be booking for.
On-site aaaaah-ptions A developing trend in apartment living is the addition of on-site spa and wellness services, including massage, facial and custom treatments. Upscale residences may feature a wellness spa, especially when the building shares patronage with a hotel where guests can use the facility as well.
But you don’t have to be high-brow to make the most of spa life. Smaller apartment communities often offer basics like a pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room. Some even feature a spa treatment room where massage therapists and aestheticians can make house calls.
Nurturing nearby On-site spa treatment might not be a necessity if you have a spa center located near your apartment. Self-proclaimed spa junkies might look for apartment communities adjacent to med spas, wellness facilities and beauty salons. If your aren’t sure what neighborhood conveniences are in the area, sites like Bliss and SpaFinder can help you scout out a soothing solution.
6 Cheap and Easy Ways to Relax at Home
Off-site services may give you a wider range of options, like laser hair removal, mud baths, specialty peels, collagen treatments and craniosacral (head) massage. To get the best deal on these delights, sign up online to receive updates from SpaWeek, a site devoted to discounts which encourage you to try new services. You can also find great deals on sites like Groupon and LivingSocial for the latest trends in treatments.
Spoil Your Senses at Home in Your Apartment
Outdoor ohms Remember, not all pampering has to take place indoors. Relaxation is an essential part of the spa experience, and it might be easy to find soothing outdoor spaces in your apartment community.
Does your apartment have a Zen garden, nature trail or dog park? Those are all great places to escape to nature, relax and have a little fun. Venture outside and see what kind of spa-like experience you can create for free. An afternoon on a blanket in a grassy spot might just do the trick!
Creating a spa life means being open to unexpected moments of comfort and relaxation in or near your apartment community. When you need to chill out, why not get out there and explore your options!
I asked, as I sometimes do, what personal finance question my friends and Twitter followers had for me. It was a slow day on the internet and the responses flooded in.
My friend Neil asked, “what do you think about real estate?” A broad question, indeed, and I got him to clarify. “You know… should I buy a house? Why not just rent?”
Why not indeed.
The Dream of Home Ownership I too bit off and gulped down the dream of home ownership when just a small lass. When I graduated from college, I moved to a Southern U.S. city — Charlotte, North Carolina — and like any young professional often in the company of older, established professionals — saw immediately that they all owned houses. And that this was very good.
What they had, I wanted: the houses with the staircases and the pretty backyard decks and the grand old trees in the back and the guest bathrooms with bowls of little colored soaps. I wanted a kitchen, with wide countertops and an arching clamp-hose faucet over the deep sinks and big drawers for flour and pot lids and recycling bins. And art on the walls, and a king-sized bed, and a walk-in closet, and a master bath.
My dream was only made more intense while shopping for condos in New York City, then in Reston, Virginia, with my 20s-era boyfriend. When he went to sign his first title, I went too, and we went out to lunch afterward at a restaurant on 54th street; we spent $112 and when I ate the tiny plate of tiny after-lunch sweets (a little cheesecake, a little truffle, a little gelee), I felt I’d arrived.
Years later, after the boyfriend, I became pregnant and my now-husband and I shopped for homes. My stories of those searches are intense and full of longing and stress; but by my fourth month of pregnancy I was living in house all my own. I vowed to never move.
Tip: Compare mortgage rates from multiple lenders for new home loans and mortgage refinance loans.
Other People’s Dreams I am — I was — the classic case for home ownership. I live in a small city and, when I bought the house, prices were reasonable; my mortgage payment is now less than many pay for renting an apartment. I love working on the yard and painting walls and I even tiled my bathroom myself (with lots of structural help from my father and husband). My husband is handy, and can run wiring and solder plumbing and he built a whole room in the basement. We’re the home ownership success story (though admittedly we have a lot more work to do, and no walk-in closet, no master bath).
But for many people, home ownership should remain the stuff of other people’s dreams.
I think my friend Neil is a good example. His ex-wife longed to buy a home in Los Angeles, where they had made a home after Neil’s upbringing in New York City. The situation was probably even more intense for her than for me in Charlotte; their friends and colleagues owned expansive ranch-style show-homes and sweet artsy bungalows, in neighborhoods where the price-per-square foot probably neared four digits at the peak of the market. The mortgage on those homes would require all of one middle-class salary.
Even for the more economic choices, prices were high and there was no clear benefit to buying over renting; in fact, most mortgages would be more than the cost to rent a nice (and low-maintenance) apartment.
Neil wasn’t good with a hammer or a chop saw, nor did his wife have any desire to keep a fine vegetable garden. There was no dad around to rip out old bathroom floors or teach Neil to solder copper pipes. Neil had no dreams of living in his home forever with his growing family; to date, he has no children and he’s now divorced; he’s not sure if he’ll stay in LA for the rest of the year, let alone the decade. For him, home ownership is someone else’s dream.
Should I Buy a Home? For me, Neil’s question was easy. “No,” I said finally. “I don’t think you should buy a home.”
“But isn’t that the goal?” he asked me. “Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do?”
Well, maybe. But I’ve found my own definition of “getting rich slowly” is often made up of doing few things that one is “supposed” to do; for me, living a double income, office job lifestyle is one such “supposed to” I’ve discarded. For Neil, I prescribed letting go of that “supposed to” of buying a home.
How to Know When You’re Neil Are you Neil? That is to say, should you too avoid adopting the dream of home ownership? Here are a few signs you may be Neil:
You are still a transient. Of course, we know I don’t mean “homeless person.” I believe many of us today graduate college (or high school, if college wasn’t the path for you) as transients, expecting to live in one place for a few years before trying out another, and another, and another, until one feels like home (or until you fall in love with someone who’s rooted to a place, giving you a graft and rooting you, too). If you’re not sure yet if this place is going to be your home for more than the next few years, home ownership is not for you. With closing costs and the uncertainties of the real estate market, it’s very difficult to come out of a two-year home ownership transaction without losing money as compared to renting.
You have no desire to engage in home and garden upkeep. While some such people might hire gardeners and contractors to fill in the holes in their handy skills and passions, most of those who don’t care to pick weeds or fix fences or mow lawns or plant apple trees are better off with an apartment. Purchasing a condo might be an option, if you don’t say “yes” to any of the other items in the “are you Neil” list.
The market in your favorite neighborhood doesn’t make sense. If the cost of a monthly payment on a mortgage would be greatly higher than the price of a two-bedroom apartment or other rental suitable for your family’s needs — say, more than 25 or 30% higher — it’s probably not a good time to buy. While indeed mortgage interest deductions and home buyer credits and the time value of money might be squished around to make the comparative cost similar, do remember that life is uncertain and markets fluctuate and maybe you should wait a bit — or look around for a more sensible neighborhood — before buying something.
You’re not sure about your career or your job. Maybe you’re considering going back to school to become a sommelier. Maybe you’re pretty sure your boss wants to retire and sell the company. Maybe you just don’t love your job and you’re looking around for something new. If you’re not fairly confident your next few years won’t include a significant change in income, it’s probably not a good time to engage with the home ownership dream.
Your relationship with your partner is rocky. I’ve been watching several of my friends deal with the tough decision over what to do with the family home when a relationship is over. In one case that worked out for the best — the family made a nice profit from the sale. But that was a rarity. If you’re married, you might end up having to sell and take a significant loss, even if you’d rather stay in the house solo; if you’re not married, things could be even more wonky. One woman I know lost her grandmother’s home after a pre-marriage breakup (with someone who obviously turned out to be enough of a jerk to keep her grandmother’s home, though that analysis is one-sided and second-hand, so take it with salt). Be honest with yourself, and know that, much like puppies and babies, houses do not fix broken relationships.
You would have to cash in retirement or emergency savings to buy the house. A home buying fund should be separate from those savings for emergencies and retirement. You’ll have more emergencies, in all likelihood, with a home than without. And you know how we feel about retirement savings. If your dream is that intense, then you can use your intensity to fuel your frugality while you save up for the down payment.
It also makes sense to run the numbers through a rent vs. buy calculator to see if the results would influence your decision one way or another. Have you struggled with the decision to rent or buy? Where did you come out on the Neil/not Neil spectrum?
Georgia offers an affordable cost of living, top-notch schools and universities, and ample attractions, like the World of Coca-Cola, Forsyth Park, and Atlanta Botanical Garden. It’s also home to a diverse selection of reputable, member FDIC banks for individuals and small business owners.
No matter what your financial needs may be, you’re sure to find a good fit in the Peach State.
14 Best Banks in Georgia
We’ve made finding the best banks in Georgia effortless with our comprehensive list, so let’s dive straight into the options.
1. First Citizens Bank
Owned by First Citizens BancShares, First Citizens Bank has 56 branches across Georgia. As long as you sign up for paperless statements and make an initial opening deposit of at least $50, you won’t be on the hook for monthly maintenance fees.
With the First Citizens standard savings account, you’ll be able to earn interest without paying a monthly service fee or meeting a minimum balance requirement. The bank offers additional banking products, like credit cards, loans, retirement accounts, investment services, and insurance.
As a First Citizens customer, you can bank in-person at a local branch or perform account management online or via the robust mobile app.
2. Ally Bank
Ally Bank is a digital bank with a reputation for industry leading interest rates and low fees. While it doesn’t have a physical presence in Georgia, you can open and manage your accounts through Ally’s intuitive online and mobile banking tools. The Ally Interest Checking account online is a solid pick if you’d like to earn interest and don’t want to worry about annual fees or minimum balance requirements.
You can use the online portal or mobile app to pay bills online, deposit checks, and transfer funds. If you’d like to withdraw some cash, you’ll be able to do so at an Allpoint ATM for free with your Ally debit card.
Ally will also reimburse you if you make any out-of-network ATM reimbursements. In addition to the Ally interest bearing checking account, you might want to open the Ally Online Savings account, which comes with an impressive interest rate and savings bucket tools to help you meet your financial goals.
3. Axos Bank
Axos Bank is a digital bank that serves Georgians. If you’re in the market for checking accounts, you’ll have several options available to you. These include the Essential Checking, Rewards Checking, CashBack Checking, Golden Checking, and First Checking. Many of these accounts earn cash rewards or pay interest.
In addition to an Axos checking account, you might want to consider a high-yield savings account, high-yield money market, or a CD. You can also invest through Axos Invest, which is the bank’s free robo advisor. In addition, the bank offers 24/7 support for personal banking customers.
4. CIT Bank
CIT Bank is an online bank serving customers in all states, including Georgia. You can earn a competitive annual percentage yield or APY on various accounts without paying an arm and a leg for maintenance fees.
The CIT checking account requires a $100 minimum deposit but comes with interest and a free debit card. There’s also the Savings Builder account, which is a two-tiered savings account that requires a $25,000 balance or at least one monthly deposit of $100 or more.
Other options include the CIT Bank Money Market Account, certificates of deposit or CDs, home loans, and business accounts. You may download the CIT Bank app on your Android or IOS device to make mobile check deposits, pay bills, and use services like Zelle, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.
5. Renasant Bank
Headquartered in Mississippi, Renasant Bank has physical locations throughout Georgia. It’s a community bank with several checking account options. Each free checking account comes with perks like online bill pay, mobile banking, a debit card, and a switch kit so you can switch accounts without the hassle.
Renasant’s savings account lineup includes an interest bearing savings account, a savings account for children, a health savings account (HSA), and money market accounts.
If you’re interested in a loan, you can choose from personal loans, auto loans, and home equity lines of credit. In addition to personal banking services, Renasant provides mortgages and a plethora of business banking products. There’s also Renasant Rewards Extra, which gives you access to thousands of deals, cell phone insurance, identity theft protection, roadside assistance, and a health savings card.
6. United Community Bank
Based in Blairsville, United Community Bank is a regional bank with branch locations throughout Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It’s insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or FDIC and has been around since 1950. As a United customer, you can take advantage of more than 206 United ATMs and 1,260 Publix Presto! ATMs for free.
Its plethora of offerings include checking accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, credit cards, CDs, investing products, and business banking products. You can bank on the go via the convenient mobile app or use the online appointment scheduling tool to schedule an in-person appointment with a banker. If you have any questions or concerns, you can fill out a support form online and state whether you prefer an email or phone response.
7. Ameris Bank
Ameris Bank is a regional full-service bank with brick-and-mortar locations throughout Georgia in cities like Atlanta, Tucker, Woodstock, Marietta, and Oakwood. It offers three checking accounts with benefits such as a free Visa debit card, online banking access, e-statements, online bill pay, mobile banking, and Zelle transfers. In addition to checking accounts,
Ameris offers a plethora of savings accounts, including a personal savings account, personal money market account, minor savings account, health savings account, educational savings account, IRA, and CDs. You can also turn to Ameris for numerous mortgage options and down payment assistance. The bank provides personalized business banking solutions as well.
8. Bank of America
Bank of America is a well-known leader in the banking industry. Its financial centers and ATMs are present in various Georgia cities. From checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards to home loans, auto loans, and investing products, Bank of America offers it all.
The bank is also a great resource if you’re looking for small business banking products. Its Business Advantage Banking product is a business checking account with two settings to meet varying business needs.
While the Fundamentals setting has all the basic tools you need to manage your business, the Relationship setting is more robust and won’t charge you fees for wire transfers and electronic deposits. You can switch settings to accommodate your business needs at any time.
In addition to checking accounts, Bank of America offers small business loans, like SBA loans, commercial real estate loans, auto loans, and secured lines of credit.
9. Community Bank of Georgia
Based in Baxley, Community Bank of Georgia is a locally owned and operated bank with 24/7 ATM access. It aims to develop long-term relationships with account holders while offering a full suite of products and services.
The bank’s personal savings accounts include the regular savings account, Treasuresaver Club account for children ages zero to 13, a holiday savings account for holiday expenses, and a personal money market account for high interest savings opportunities.
Other personal banking products offered by Community Bank of Georgia include checking accounts and credit cards. The bank serves local business owners as well.
10. Chase Bank
The consumer banking arm of JPMorgan Chase, Chase is one of the largest national banks with a widespread presence in Atlanta. If you decide to open a deposit account at Chase with eligible Chase checking accounts, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify for a generous sign-up bonus.
You’ll also have access to a wide selection of products, including numerous checking accounts, two savings accounts, CDs with terms ranging from one month to 10 years, home mortgage loans, auto loans, home refinancing, and more. We can’t forget to mention that Chase offers Chase overdraft assist to help you avoid overdraft fees and inconveniences.
Thanks to Chase’s highly rated mobile banking app, you’ll be able to manage your account, make electronic transfers, deposit mobile checks, pill bays online, transfer money with Zelle, automate your savings, and set up account alerts. If you need assistance, you may reach out to Chase directly via phone or social media.
11. Morris Bank
Morris Bank is a local bank with branches in Georgia cities like Dublin, Gray, and Warner Robins. Regardless of which checking account you choose, you’ll enjoy access to free online banking, remote deposit services, online bill pay, and mobile banking.
When it comes to savings accounts, Morris offers the Savings Builder account, which will round up your purchases so you can save more money. In addition, the Blue Savings account allows for three free withdrawals per quarter.
The bank also serves small businesses in Georgia through checking accounts, savings accounts, business loans, treasury services, and merchant services. Even though it’s smaller than other banks on this list, Morris is technologically savvy and allows for online and mobile banking. Many residents believe Morris Bank is the best local bank.
12. Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third Bank primarily serves the Midwest and has more than 33 banking centers and 80 ATMs at RaceTrac convenience stores. If you don’t want to visit a local branch, you can use the Fifth Third mobile app to transfer money, check balances and direct deposit transactions, and more.
While the bank’s most popular services are for individuals and small businesses, it also provides personalized wealth management solutions. These personalized wealth management solutions include private banking, wealth planning, trusts and estates, insurance, and investments.
As a wealth management customer, you can enjoy access to the Life360 site, which makes it easy to organize your finances and track your progress.
13. Truist Bank
Truist has physical locations in Georgia cities like Atlanta, Brunswick, Cartersville, and Pooler. Formerly known as BB&T, it offers a variety of personal and business banking products. You can select from five checking accounts, two savings accounts, one money market account, and CDs.
In addition to deposit accounts, Truist provides HSAs, prepaid cards, prepaid money account products, mortgages and home equity lines, personal loans, auto loans, investment products, retirement accounts, and personal insurance. Truist Mobile is the bank’s mobile app, which you may use to manage your account, deposit mobile checks, transfer money, locate branches, and pay bills.
14. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is a large national bank with more than 200 branches and over 600 ATMs in the Peach State. Just like most traditional banks, it offers a wide variety of banking products and services, such as savings and checking accounts, credit cards, home loans, personal loans, auto loan accounts, and investment accounts.
If you’re a small business owner in Georgia, you might want to consider Wells for business checking accounts, business savings accounts, business credit cards, small business loans, and merchant services.
The bank also offers a mobile app with LifeSync, a unique tool to monitor your spending habits and make smarter financial decisions. Additionally, Wells Fargo, which is considered the best national bank by many people, lets you automate your investing or work with a dedicated financial advisor.
Types of Banks in Georgia
There are several types of banks in the Peach State. Here’s an overview of the most common financial institutions you’ll find.
National Banks
National banks are banks with a presence across the country. Most of them have branches and ATMs in Georgia and other parts of the U.S.
These types of banks typically offer a diverse lineup of products and may be a solid choice if you have varying financial needs as an individual or small business owner.
Community Banks
Community banks serve specific geographic areas. They’re similar to credit unions in that they prioritize personalized customer attention. In Georgia, you may choose from numerous community banks like Ameris Bank, United Community Bank, and Morris Bank.
Online Banks
Also known as virtual banks or neobanks, online banks are tech forward and make it easy to perform various banking needs online or via mobile devices. While they don’t have physical locations in Georgia, they do offer many perks that you might not be able elsewhere.
Some examples of online banks that serve Georgia residents are Ally Bank, CIT Bank, and Axos Bank. With these financial institutions, you may be able to avoid a monthly fee and secure a competitive annual percentage yield or APY.
Common Banking Products
It’s wise to figure out what types of banking products meet your particular banking needs. Several of these products include:
Checking Accounts
Checking accounts are ideal for everyday purchases. You can also use them to make deposits, pay bills, and more. Some checking accounts might charge monthly service fees or impose minimum opening deposits. However, they might waive them if you take certain actions, like enroll in autopay or sign up for paperless statements. To access your checking account funds, you can visit a local branch or ATM. Depending on the bank, you may even find a checking account that pays interest.
Savings Accounts
Savings accounts are places to store your cash for various personal finance goals, like a house down payment, new car, or even a dream vacation. It’s also a great place for an emergency fund, which features three to six months worth of expenses. In general, online savings accounts pay out higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts. You’ll likely be able to make six free withdrawals per month.
High-Yield Savings Accounts
Compared to traditional savings accounts, high-yield savings accounts offer much higher interest rates. Typically, they don’t charge monthly or annual fees. If you’d like to open a high-yield savings account, consider an online bank as they’re not always available at traditional banks.
Certificates of Deposit
Certificates of deposit (CD) allow you to store your money for a certain amount of time while you earn interest. With a CD, you’ll usually be required to make a minimum initial deposit and choose a term. Typically, the longer the CD term, the higher interest rate you earn. If you’re looking for guaranteed returns, a CD is a solid choice.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are a suitable option if you’d like to earn rewards, like cash back, travel points, gift cards, and merchandise. While some are free, others come with annual fees. Do the math and make sure an annual fee is worth the benefits before you go ahead and move forward with it.
Loans
These days, many financial institutions offer loans. Some loans are for personal use, such as personal loans, mortgages, and car loans. Other loan options are designed for businesses, like SBA loans, commercial real estate loans, and business lines of credit. Before you commit to a loan, review the interest rates and terms to ensure you can pay it back on time.
How to Choose a Bank in Georgia
As you can see, not all Georgia banks are created equal. In fact, there are many options at your disposal. To help you hone in on the right bank for your unique needs, we encourage you to consider these factors.
Accessibility
Most traditional banks have local branches throughout the Peach State. If you prefer an in-person banking experience, this is great news. However, you’ll likely be able to lock in better interest rates and lower fees if you opt for an online bank with less overhead costs. Fortunately, traditional and online banks usually both have mobile apps so you can bank from just about anywhere.
Fees
Some examples of common banking fees you might come across include monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees, overdraft fees, wire transfer fees, account closing fees, and dormancy fees. When you shop around for the perfect bank in Georgia, you’ll notice that larger banks with physical branches tend to charge more fees and higher fees than online banks.
Minimum Balance Requirements
Depending on the bank and accounts you choose, you might have to maintain a minimum balance. If you don’t, you’ll likely be on the hook for fees. Before you pursue a certain account, make sure you can comfortably afford the minimum balance requirement. The minimum balance may be thousands of dollars, so this is an important factor to consider.
Product Options
Before you look for a Georgia bank, ask yourself what products and services you need. Maybe you’re seeking a personal checking account and savings account. Or perhaps you’re a Georgia business owner and in the market for business credit cards or business loans. Typically, national banks offer a greater selection of products and services than regional banks and credit unions.
Customer Service
There’s a good chance you’ll have questions or concerns once you decide on a bank. For this reason, it’s important to choose a financial institution with high customer service ratings and easy access to customer support. While some banks offer 24/7 customer service via phone, email, and live chat, others will only help you during select business hours.
Reviews
Be sure to read reviews from real customers on reputable review sites. If you notice many negative reviews about the same topics, you may want to be cautious and look to other banking institutions. It’s also a good idea to check out ratings on websites, like Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Consumer Affairs. In addition, don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for their recommendations on banks.
FDIC Insurance
FDIC insurance will keep your money safe in the event your bank fails. The FDIC usually insures up to $250,000 per depositor. In addition to deposit accounts, it covers money orders, cashier’s checks, and other official products. Before you open an account at a bank, make sure it’s FDIC insured. Most banks have the FDIC insurance logo on their websites.
Extras
Some banks go above and beyond and offer more than traditional banking products and services, like checking accounts and savings accounts. You may want to look for extra perks like overdraft protection or assist credit monitoring services, introductory offers, foreign currency exchange accounts, robo advising, and credit cards with impressive rewards.
Values
If you visit a bank’s website, you’ll know what it values. One bank might prioritize long standing customer relationships while another one is a socially responsible bank. If you’re debating between two banks, consider each institution’s values to help you make a decision.
Bottom Line
The Peach State has no shortage of banks. However, the right one for you depends on numerous factors, like your preferred products and services, the types of fees you can afford and are willing to pay, and whether you’d like to bank online or in-person.
If you’re unsure of which bank makes the most sense for your situation, don’t hesitate to open accounts in a few of them. From there, you can hone in on the best option. Good luck with your search for the ideal bank in Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the largest banks in Georgia?
The largest banks in Georgia have the most branches throughout the state. These include Bank of America, Truist Bank, Ameris Bank, Fifth Third Bank, and Wells Fargo. All of these institutions are known for their extensive ATM networks and diverse product lineup.
How do I open a bank account in Georgia?
In most cases, you can open a bank account on the bank’s website or mobile app. You’ll likely need to submit a government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport, as well as personal information, such as your Social Security number.
What are some community banks in Georgia?
The Peach State has many community banks. The most popular options are Community Bank of Georgia, United Community Bank, Mountain Valley Community Bank, and Gwinnett Community Bank. Community banks are a solid choice if in-person service is important to you.
How can I avoid bank fees in Georgia?
If you don’t mind online or mobile banking, you’ll likely find fewer fees at an online bank. Also, some traditional banks may allow you to waive their fees. Since fees can eat into your savings and financial goals, you should do your best to avoid or reduce them.
Should I open an account at different banks in Georgia?
If you have large amounts of cash, you might want to open accounts at different banks. This is because the FDIC usually insures up to $250,000 per depositor and bank. This holds true even if you have several accounts with the same bank. You may also want to open different accounts if you want to take advantage of different benefits.
Is it better to choose a small bank or a large bank in Georgia?
Big banks offer a greater selection of products and services than small banks. But you might have to pay a monthly maintenance fee or make a minimum opening deposit. Small banks, on the other hand, take the time to get to know their customers and provide more personalized service. The ideal banking size depends on your particular priorities.
How can I easily switch bank accounts in Georgia?
First, gather basic information like your Social Security number or Tax Identification Number. Then, start the application process, fund your new accounts, and transfer funds from older accounts. Don’t forget to set up direct deposits and automate recurring payments. Some banks offer switch kits to simplify this process.
Nestled amidst the picturesque Sierra Nevada Mountains, Reno, Nevada, is a city brimming with natural beauty, vibrant culture, and captivating attractions. From stunning landscapes to cultural landmarks, Reno offers a plethora of sights to explore. So whether you’re a recent transplant renting an apartment in Reno or you’re looking on Redfin for homes for sale in the area, there are many beautiful places to see. Here are the eight of the most exquisite places to visit in Reno.
“When it comes to world-class outdoor recreation, Reno is a tough city to beat,” states photographer Ryan Cleek of Ryan Cleek Studios. “It has an international airport, plus incredible terrain for mountain biking, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, snow sports, and off-roading all nearby, and beautiful Lake Tahoe is around one hour, or less, away.”
1. Lake Tahoe: Pristine blue waters, just a short drive away
Just a short drive from Reno lies the magnificent Lake Tahoe, a sparkling jewel renowned for its crystalline waters and breathtaking mountain backdrop, and one of the top places to visit in Reno. Surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped peaks, Lake Tahoe is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can indulge in a variety of activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and skiing, depending on the season. The azure waters against the vibrant greens and blues of the surrounding landscape create an awe-inspiring view that is truly unforgettable.
2. Callahan Park: A tranquil oasis in Reno
Callahan Park in Reno, Nevada, is a tranquil oasis that offers a peaceful retreat from city life. Spanning 62 acres, this picturesque park boasts lush green spaces and scenic trails. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks or invigorating jogs while taking in the park’s natural beauty. Sports enthusiasts can make use of the soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and tennis courts for friendly matches or organized games. With its picnic areas and shelters, Callahan Park provides an ideal setting for outdoor gatherings and relaxation.
“Nestled at the base of Galena Forest and home to countless beautiful features, Callahan Park has wonders for everyone to enjoy, including Galena Creek, two playgrounds, and the Galena Creek Trailhead for hikers of all ages to explore,” says photographer Jerrine Plunket of i Deux Photography
According to photographer Regina Diaz of Captured Moments By Regina, “Reno’s trails and walking paths are one of the many wonderful things Reno has to offer. At Caughlin Ranch Trails, you can find so much beauty from the ponds, ducks, wild flowers and the sound of water streaming in the background.”
3. Fort Churchill: A historic landmark in Nevada
Fort Churchill in Nevada stands as a historic landmark with a rich past. Established in 1861, it played a crucial role in protecting settlers along the Pony Express route. The remains of the adobe fortifications and restored buildings offer a glimpse into frontier life. The park surrounding the fort features diverse ecosystems and scenic trails. With the picturesque Carson River flowing nearby, visitors can enjoy fishing and paddling activities.
“Reno has many stunning desertscapes that are worth exploring, and among my personal favorites are the captivating outlying historical sites,” says photographer Sara Weir of Sara Weir Photography. “One site that holds a special place in my heart is Fort Churchill. It’s a small walking path winding through what remains of the fort. I recommend visiting it during sunset. The views are spectacular.”
4. Galena Creek Park: A natural wonderland in Reno
Galena Creek Park in Reno, Nevada, is a nature lover’s paradise. Spanning over 1,900 acres, this pristine park offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and a tranquil creek. Hikers and bikers can explore the park’s extensive trail network, immersing themselves in its unspoiled wilderness. The park’s panoramic vistas and rich biodiversity make it a haven for nature enthusiasts. With its breathtaking beauty and serene atmosphere, Galena Creek Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.
“One of my favorite places in Reno is Galena Creek Park,” says photographer Kendall Price. “It offers fishing at Marilyn’s Pond, but it is a great hiking spot as well. I go there often to take pictures of families in a beautiful mountain setting that is only 25 minutes from downtown Reno.”
5. Reno Riverwalk: A vibrant urban escape
Situated along the banks of the Truckee River, Wingfield Park is a verdant oasis in the heart of Reno. This idyllic spot is a haven for relaxation, offering lush green spaces, peaceful river views, and charming bridges. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, take a leisurely walk along the riverfront, or even catch a live performance at the outdoor amphitheater. With its tranquil ambiance and scenic beauty, Wingfield Park provides an ideal escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
According to photographer Breanna Elise of Breanna Elise photography, “The Reno Riverwalk is a beautiful walking trail filled with river scenery, flower gardens, and local art. Located in the heart of downtown Reno alongside the Truckee River, the Riverwalk is dotted with a variety of local restaurants, bars, and boutiques that bring enjoyment to natives and visitors alike.”
6. Rancho San Rafael Park
Rancho San Rafael Park is a picturesque urban oasis. Sprawling across 600 acres, this expansive park boasts scenic walking trails, lush green spaces, and a serene pond that attracts various wildlife. Nature lovers can marvel at the park’s diverse flora and fauna, while outdoor enthusiasts can engage in a wide range of activities, including picnicking, hiking, and biking. Rancho San Rafael Park also features the stunning Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden, where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of meticulously curated plant collections.
According to Blanca and Brandon,“Although the Reno area is surrounded with a ton of varying landscapes including mountains, lakes and deserts, one of our favorite places for a summer evening stroll with our 1-year-old and doggo is Rancho San Rafael Park. So much greenery and a beautiful property to walk around and just a few minutes drive from the river. Truly one of Reno’s gems.”
7. Animal Ark: Experience wildlife up close
Animal Ark is a unique wildlife sanctuary located just outside Reno, providing a home to a variety of exotic and endangered animals. Take a guided tour through the sprawling grounds to observe magnificent creatures such as cheetahs, wolves, and bears in a natural and safe environment. Animal Ark’s mission of conservation and education makes it a truly inspiring place to visit, allowing visitors to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the animal kingdom.
8. Historic Virginia City: A step back in time
Venture back in time to the 19th century by visiting the historic town of Virginia City, a captivating remnant of Nevada’s mining boom. Stroll along the wooden boardwalks and explore the well-preserved buildings, including the Old Washoe Club and Piper’s Opera House. Delve into the town’s rich history through guided tours and immersive experiences, such as the mine tours that take you deep underground. Virginia City’s authentic Wild West charm and panoramic views of the surrounding desert make it a must-visit destination.
A final note on beautiful places in Reno
Reno, Nevada, is a captivating destination that never fails to enchant both locals and visitors alike. Its remarkable array of stunning attractions caters to every interest and leaves a lasting impression on all who explore its wonders. So, get out there are enjoy these beautiful places to visit in Reno.
No matter what kind of apartment building you live in, units that come with their own private balcony are among the most coveted. Having a small outdoor space like a balcony for your apartment opens up a world of entertaining possibilities, from dinner parties to simply enjoying the view with your morning coffee. Our apartment balcony ideas take you through all four seasons of festivities and relaxation.
But there’s a catch: Unless you live in an area where the weather and climate are mostly the same throughout the year, you’ll need to decorate your balcony in accordance with the seasons. That doesn’t just mean fun seasonal decorations for different holidays like the Fourth of July or Christmas, but weatherizing it so the space is actually usable from installing rain protection during the rainy season to adding a safe outdoor heater during winter. Apartments that come with balconies typically fetch higher rents than other units without, so you don’t want to let it go to waste for half the year. Reclaim and fully enjoy your balcony space with these year-round apartment balcony decorating ideas.
How to decorate your apartment balcony space for all seasons
Unsure how to decorate your tiny balcony for winter so it’s both cute and cozy? Don’t have a ton of floor space but still want to add plants to your small balcony? We’ve got you covered.
For each of the four seasons, we’ve got balcony ideas for how to decorate and best use the space. That way, you can enjoy your balcony as a living space and lounge space throughout the year instead of just for a few months.
Winter
Winterize your outdoor balcony — but keep it cute at the same time — with these winter balcony decorating ideas.
Add a space heater
Set up a cozy space heater in one corner to keep things warm and toasty. If you only have a small space to work with, be careful to keep the heater far from flammable objects like curtains or outdoor rugs. For an extra charming touch, choose one of the models that feature fake logs.
If you have enough space, an outdoor heating lamp works as well.
Enclose the outdoor space to keep it warm
Use zippable plastic walls, curtains or privacy screens to keep heat in and keep the cold out by creating a contained indoor space.
This is also for safety reasons. If your balcony is open-air or snow and ice can still get into the balcony through curtains or tarp coverings, you’ll need to prevent them from building up and turning your balcony into a slippery, potentially dangerous ice zone. Keep a shovel or broom on hand as well.
Add winter plants
Instead of summertime flowers or fall cornucopias, pick out some seasonal or hardy, cold-weather-withstanding plants like miniature conifers. Around the holidays, poinsettias are another nice touch!
Add lots of cozy rugs, blankets and pillows
Gotta stay cozy while enjoying your balcony outdoor space in the winter! Cover your table and chairs, as well as couches and other patio furniture, with plenty of plush, warm throws, blankets, seat cushions and pillows. On the ground, a fuzzy outdoor rug also completes the snug, “cabin in the winter woods” aesthetic.
Light things up with candles
Add candles with seasonal scents like pine to tables and shelves, bringing a warm glow to your outdoor area. But be sure to monitor them and don’t leave them burning unattended. If you don’t feel comfortable with real candles, battery-powered ones also work great.
Make s’mores with a portable mini-firepit
Go all out on the winter season with a mini-firepit to make s’mores, fondue and other cozy foods from the comfort of your own balcony.
Celebrate the season with holiday decor
Tis the season! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah or another seasonal festivity, deck the halls (or more accurately, balcony and balcony walls), with colorful lights, wreaths, miniature trees and more. Add garlands to your balcony railings, set up a nativity scene on an outdoor table…the options go on and on!
Use a terrarium or small greenhouse to protect plants
If you want to protect plants that don’t do as well in the cold, try adding a small greenhouse or terrarium to shelter them from the elements.
Spring
Spring has sprung, and apartment balconies everywhere should be bursting with life and color! Get your outdoor space ready for the warm season and create your own outdoor oasis with these tips.
Outfit the space with plenty of plant life
Have a green thumb but live in an apartment building that only has tiny balconies? Celebrate the return of greenery by turning your balcony into your own private garden! Potted plants, hanging plants, flowers and more are all great ways to bring greenery and life to your outdoor space. Plus, they’ll all flourish in the fresh air. Just be sure to choose plants that will do well in the apartment environment.
Add hanging planters if you only have a small outdoor space
Don’t have enough square footage or floor space for tons of plants? Install plant hangers from the ceiling instead. You can also hang planters from your balcony railings.
Install a rail planter or vertical garden
Another great option for plant lovers with small balconies is to install planters that hang off your balcony railing. A railing planter won’t take up space on the floor and makes for easy watering (just make sure you’re not dripping on your neighbor down below!)
The exterior wall of your balcony is an often overlooked space when it comes to decoration and utility. Put that vertical space to use with vertical planters. Vertical planters are another easy way to have potted plants in small spaces. Vertical gardening maximizes space, holding lots of small potted plants so you can have everything from flowers to fresh herbs.
Set up furniture
Store away the cold-weather coverings in favor of colorful, warm-weather comfortable furniture like tables and chairs. If you have enough space and love spending time outside, you can even try to install a day bed in one corner so you can lounge.
At the same time, though, you don’t want to overfill the whole space. Give yourself more space to move around by choosing stylish but space-appropriate furniture like a small table or
Choose furniture that’s easily storable
With summer right around the corner, you know what that means? Parties and having friends over! Because of this, you’ll want to make sure your balcony isn’t too crowded or has too much stuff. During spring and summer parties, people can hang out on the balcony to drink, smoke or just chat. You want to have as much access to the entire space as possible so your guests aren’t crowded.
An easy way to seamlessly change the space for parties is by choosing folding furniture and stackable chairs that easily disassemble and can be stored away. Nesting tables are another great option. If you have hanging chairs or hammocks, they should be easy enough to take down for parties.
Choose weather-resistant fabrics
If you plan on leaving your balcony open to the elements during spring and summer, you want to protect your furniture and decor from rain. Choose weather-resistant fabrics or have them treated to be more water-resistant so they won’t grow mold or get discolored.
Jazz up the floor with tiles or rugs
Does the balcony have ugly or uncomfortable flooring that draws the eye, becoming a sad focal point amid all the other thoughtful interior design you’ve done? Hide flooring with colorful, patterned rugs or interlocking deck tiles for a more sophisticated, upscale look.
Summer
It’s summertime, so spend all your time outdoors on your balcony in the perfect space you created for the season.
Get your grill on
A great idea for how to enjoy your balcony in summer is by adding a grill! If space permits, stick a grill into a corner to host summertime barbecues and dinner parties. Just be sure to make sure your apartment complex allows grills on balconies, as some only permit them on a small patio area.
Add fans to beat the summer heat
Install ceiling or small table fans to keep airflow going on hot days.
Add a hanging chair to maximize room on your small balcony
Only have a small balcony space with not enough room for lots of balcony furniture? Install a hanging chair, swing or hammock to maximize floor space.
Elevate the space with tall plants
One of the best small balcony ideas for making the space seem bigger is adding the illusion of height. Lengthy palms and tall plants help the space open up, as well as make you feel like you’ve entered a literal urban jungle.
Add a festive feel with string lights
Swap out the colorful holiday lights for chic string lights to illuminate your balcony at night. Just make sure they’re intended for outdoor use. Even better: a great alternative to regular lights is eco-friendly solar string lights. That way, you don’t need to plug them in or swap out batteries.
Add new summertime decor
Break out the Independence Day decorations, watermelon-themed decor and more to help your balcony match the summertime vibe. That calls for new throw pillows, light-colored cushions and fabrics, wafting flags and banners. Have fun and get creative!
Fall
Make your balcony feel like fall in all its color-changing foliage glory with these tips.
Add a cozy rocking chair
Sit back, relax and watch the leaves change while snuggled up with a good book and hot drink in a rocking chair.
Keep things spooky with Halloween or autumnal decor
From pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns to putting a cornucopia on your balcony table, there is no end of ways you can decorate the space for fall. Wind garlands around railings, hang fake spider webs (just make sure birds won’t get caught in them), carve jack-o-lanterns and set up tons of candles for an extra spooky atmosphere.
Keep it clean
Keep a broom on hand to sweep fallen leaves and other debris
Start adding the cold weather cozies
It’s time to start breaking out the blankets, throws and snug rugs again as the days get colder.
Use our apartment balcony ideas to stay practical and stylish
Make your balcony the place to hang out and be no matter the season. And as you can see, you don’t have to be a professional interior designer to turn an open balcony into an all-season space for socializing, alone time, gardening or whatever you want to do.
Still looking for a place with an outdoor getaway built right in? Find your next home here.
One highlight of the World of Hyatt award program is that it still uses award charts to determine the points you’ll need to redeem for a free night. The World of Hyatt award chart for Hyatt hotels and resorts, as well as participating Small Luxury Hotels of the World and MGM Rewards destinations, has eight categories. Award prices range from 3,500 points for an off-peak Category 1 night to 45,000 points for a peak Category 8 night.
For this article, we selected some of the best Hyatt Category 4 hotels. We’ve chosen properties from various Hyatt hotel brands, ranging from a Hyatt Place to a Park Hyatt. A standard room at these hotels costs 12,000 points on off-peak nights, 15,000 points on standard nights and 18,000 points on peak nights. These hotels are also some of the best Hyatt free night hotels since you can use Category 1-4 promotional awards earned through the World of Hyatt Credit Card as Milestone Rewards and as Brand Explorer awards to book these hotels.
Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront
Panama City Beach, Florida, USA
HYATT
Best for: Staying beachfront in Panama City Beach.
Why stay here: With a beachfront pool, beach access and family-friendly rooms, this Hyatt Place is a strong choice for a low-key beach vacation.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
The oceanfront Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront is just a short walk from Panama City Beach’s Pier Park. Ample shopping, activities and restaurants within walking distance make this a compelling location for a family beach vacation.
You can book a 333-square-foot room with a king bed and a sofa bed or a 367-square-foot room with two queen beds and a sofa bed using points or free night certificates. If you want to book a paid rate, the property also offers gulf-view rooms, rooms with kitchenettes and even family-friendly rooms with a king bed, bunk beds and a sofa bed. All rooms include at least a minifridge, but some rooms with kitchenettes have a full-size refrigerator.
The Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront charges a daily resort fee of $45.20 from March 1 to Oct. 31 and a daily resort fee of $28.25 during the rest of the year. The resort fee includes parking for up to one vehicle. Plus, this Hyatt Place offers some amenities you wouldn’t typically expect at this brand, including a resort-style pool, lazy river, outdoor games, weekend entertainment and seasonal beach chair service. If you book a free night award — which includes redeeming Hyatt points or using Category 1-4 promotional awards — or you have Hyatt Globalist status and book an eligible rate, you can enjoy waived resort fees.
Daily breakfast at the Breakfast Bar is included in your stay. The Breakfast Bar offers hot and cold items, coffee, milk, juice and tea. You can purchase drinks and snacks poolside from Coconut Charlie’s Pool Bar or beachside from the Beach Bar. If you don’t feel like leaving the hotel for dinner, visit Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar & Grill for waterfront views, food, drinks and occasional live entertainment. Finally, an on-site market offers a selection of packaged grab-and-go items.
Rates at the Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront start at 12,000 points or $198.93 per night, including the $28.25 resort fee.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
Orlando, Florida, USA
MICHAEL STAVARIDIS/HYATT
Best for: A family-friendly golf trip to Orlando.
Why stay here: With a lagoon-style pool with a slide, an award-winning golf course and complimentary shuttle service to Disney and Universal, this resort is a particularly good choice for families.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando several times almost 20 years ago. What I remember most about the resort is its Grand Cypress Golf Club, with holes designed by Jack Nicklaus. I also remember relaxing at its 800,000-gallon pool as well as its waterfalls, caves and waterslide.
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort has 779 rooms, including 46 suites. Rooms are 360 square feet and offer one king bed or two double beds with views toward Orlando, the pool or a lake. Meanwhile, suites start at 702 square feet. You can book standard rooms starting at 12,000 points per night, standard suites starting at 21,000 points per night and premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night.
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Unfortunately, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort charges a nightly resort fee of $45 plus taxes and fees per room. However, you can avoid this fee if you book a free night award. Plus, Hyatt Globalist members can avoid the fee when booking any eligible rate. You’ll get transportation to and from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and Disney Springs as part of the daily resort fee. You’ll also get access to a seven-hole pitch and putt course, a miniature golf course, bike rentals, a rock climbing wall and more.
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort offers various dining options. Guests looking for a quick, casual experience will enjoy the grab-and-go market and the On the Rocks poolside restaurant. Meanwhile, guests looking for an upscale experience can book dinner at Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen. Lakehouse Restaurant & Bar offers all-day dining, and its sub-restaurant, Lakehouse Sushi Bar, is open for dinner. Finally, you can enjoy afternoon or evening drinks and snacks at The Lobby Bar.
Rates at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort start at 12,000 points or $229.51 per night, including the $50.63 resort fee.
Related: Splash into fun: The 14 best hotel pools in Orlando
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Downtown, San Diego, California, USA
MANCHESTER GRAND HYATT SAN DIEGO/ZACH BENSON/FACEBOOK
Best for: Hyatt loyalists wanting a downtown stay right on the water.
Why stay here: Whether you’re in town for a convention or simply want to explore downtown San Diego, this luxurious Hyatt property is a great use of points.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn and redeem points, or via Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection for elitelike perks and on-property credits.
The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego hosts plenty of conference and convention guests, but it’s also well located for tourists near Seaport Village. Many guests applaud this waterfront hotel for its views, including those from its 40th-floor bar and rooftop pool decks.
Most Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego rooms are 340 square feet with city or bay views and one king bed, two double beds or two queen beds. However, the property also offers several different suite types, starting with a 700-square-foot Signature Suite. You can book standard rooms starting at 12,000 points per night, club rooms starting at 18,000 points per night, standard suites starting at 21,000 points per night and premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night.
The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego has two outdoor pools: a fourth-floor family pool and a third-floor adults-only pool (that, at the time of writing, was closed). There’s also a 24-hour fitness center.
The hotel charges a destination fee of $39 plus tax per night. Unfortunately, this fee doesn’t offer enough value for most guests. However, you can avoid paying the destination fee if you’re a Hyatt Globalist staying on an eligible rate or if you book a free night award.
You’ll have seven dining options at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. One highlight is Sally’s Fish House & Bar, which lets you enjoy sustainable seafood, craft cocktails and California wines at lunch and dinner next to the boardwalk and the San Diego Bay. Another highlight is Top of the Hyatt, a 40th-floor lounge offering cocktails and small plates alongside city and bay views. There’s also a seasonal pool bar and grill. Or you can order something from GrandEats if you want food delivered to your room.
Rates at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego start at 12,000 points or $262.82 per night, including the $43.88 destination fee.
Related: The best hotels in San Diego
Thompson Chicago
Gold Coast, Chicago, Illinois, USA
THOMPSON CHICAGO/FACEBOOK
Best for: Luxury travelers looking for homey touches and easy access to Lake Michigan running trails and other local venues.
Why stay here: You’re looking for a neighborhood feel to your stay and want easy access to the Loop — without actually staying in the Loop.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt or the hotel website to earn and redeem World of Hyatt points, or through the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection to enjoy elitelike benefits.
The Thompson Chicago is a boutique hotel located a short walk from the start of the Magnificent Mile. The surrounding neighborhood is great for food and shopping.
You can redeem Hyatt points for a 320-square-foot standard room at the Thompson Chicago with one king or two double beds. If you want to book a paid rate, there are also high-floor rooms, lake-view rooms and various suites. Dogs are welcome at the Thompson Chicago for no additional charge, although you should contact the hotel before your stay for more details.
The Thompson Chicago has a popular lobby bar, Salone Nico, that serves rustic Italian cuisine and drinks. Meanwhile, Nico Osteria offers all-day dining with a focus on Italian seafood. You can also order room service or venture out to sample the many restaurants in the neighborhood.
This property charges a $17 destination fee that provides premium internet, local newspapers and 24-hour fitness club access. There aren’t many other amenities to note at this hotel. You can avoid paying the destination fee if you’re a Hyatt Globalist staying on an eligible rate or if you book a free night award.
Rates at the Thompson Chicago start at 12,000 points or $216.69 per night, including the $17 destination fee.
Related: The 17 best Chicago hotels
Hyatt Regency Seattle
Seattle, Washington, USA
TAGGART COJAN SORENSEN/HYATT
Best for: Tidy, clean rooms in a quiet part of downtown Seattle.
Why stay here: This beautiful hotel with modern rooms is in an excellent location just a block away from the Paramount Theatre and within walking distance of many major attractions.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
The Hyatt Regency Seattle is in the heart of downtown Seattle. It’s within walking distance of both convention centers and just a short walk from tourist attractions such as Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum. Moreover, the hotel participates in various sustainability initiatives, including donating leftover, untouched food to a local nonprofit.
You can book 320-square-foot standard rooms starting at 12,000 points per night, 500-to-725-square-foot standard suites with a separate living area starting at 21,000 points per night and 735-square-foot (or more) premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night. One of the premium suite types even offers a private fitness space with a Peloton bike, yoga mat and arm weights. All rooms have either one king bed or two queen beds.
The Hyatt Regency Seattle offers the largest hotel meeting venue in the Pacific Northwest, so it understandably caters to conference, wedding and convention travelers. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center with Technogym equipment and Peloton bikes (although the bikes were temporarily unavailable at the time of writing). You can bring one dog weighing 50 pounds or less if you pay the $50-per-stay pet fee.
Andare Kitchen & Bar on the lobby level offers all-day, Italian-inspired dining. The venue offers a vegan menu, a weekday happy hour and a bar that’s open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. You can also enjoy downtown views alongside steakhouse favorites and wine if you opt for dinner at Daniel’s Broiler on the hotel’s second floor. Check out the Market on the second floor if you want something quick. You can also order room service or check out the neighborhood’s many restaurants outside the hotel.
Rates at the Hyatt Regency Seattle start at 12,000 points or $195.62 per night.
Related: A Hyatt hop through Seattle: Which Hyatt should you choose on your next trip to the Emerald City?
MGM Grand
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
MGM GRAND/MGM
Best for: Travelers looking for a mix of relaxation and action in one place.
Why stay here: There’s an epic lazy river you can float around on all day.
Best way to book: Book directly on the MGM Grand’s website.
The MGM Grand in Las Vegas is well known for its 6 1/2-acre Grand Pool Complex, which features four pools, three whirlpools and a lazy river. There are always great shows at the MGM Grand, which currently hosts Ka by Cirque du Soleil, Jabbawockeez and David Copperfield; of course, there are also slots, table games and poker in the casino. You can also get a spa treatment at the MGM Grand Spa & Salon or hit some balls at the on-site Topgolf.
The MGM Grand has many different accommodation types and categories across its 5,000 rooms and suites. However, you can only book a 350-square-foot studio king room with Hyatt points or free night certificates. Unlike other stays where resort fees are waived if you book a free night award, this policy doesn’t apply at MGM Rewards destinations like the MGM Grand.
Hyatt members can match their status to MGM Rewards. By doing so, Hyatt Explorists and above can get waived resort fees at MGM properties with their matched MGM Rewards Gold status — but only when booking through MGM Rewards (not World of Hyatt). The MGM Grand charges resort fee of $39 plus tax, so you may want to forgo redeeming Hyatt points for your stay and instead book a paid rate through MGM Rewards if you have Gold status or higher. Best of all, you can still earn Hyatt elite-qualifying nights when you book through MGM Rewards.
You’ll find plenty of dining options at the MGM Grand. On the upscale end, MGM Grand offers L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon for French dishes prepared in front of you, Hakkasan Restaurant for Cantonese dishes, Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak for high-quality cuts from small family farms, and Joël Robuchon for fine French dining. If your dining budget is more modest, there’s also Grand Wok Noodle Bar, Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, Greek Sneek and Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House. Or, you can enjoy the MGM Grand Buffet, Tap Sports Bar or various options in the food court.
Rates at the MGM Grand start at 12,000 points or $114.63 per night, including the $44.22 resort fee.
Related: Why Hyatt elite members should book through MGM when visiting Las Vegas
Andaz Mexico City Condesa
Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, Mexico
HYATT
Best for: An eclectic stay in the artsy Condesa neighborhood near Parque Mexico.
Why stay here: This chic hotel offers great service, an appealing location, compelling views from the pool and a dog-friendly Wooftop Beer Garden.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
The Andaz Mexico City Condesa opened in January 2023 with 213 rooms and is already getting good reviews. However, guests note you can sometimes hear music in the rooms at night, so this may not be the best property for you if you’re a light sleeper. The hotel’s neighborhood provides ample dining options and a central location for tourists — just a short walk from Parque Mexico and various art galleries.
Booking a free night award will get you a 344-square-foot standard room with one king bed or two double beds overlooking Insurgentes Avenue or the hotel’s internal patio. If you book a paid rate, you can reserve a city-view room or several suite types, including a 667-square-foot terrace suite with a large private outdoor terrace.
The 17th floor of the hotel offers a rooftop pool with great city views, and the Cabuya Rooftop restaurant and bar. The hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness center, a spa and a beauty salon. You can get teas and coffees at the Derba Matcha Cafe and enjoy a drink in the dog-friendly Wooftop Beer Garden & Canine Club. If you bring your dog for your stay, you’ll need to pay a fee of $100 per pet per room.
Rates at the Andaz Mexico City Condesa start at 12,000 points or $259.02 per night.
Related: Here’s how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation
Alila Fort Bishangarh
Bishangarh Village, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
HYATT
Best for: A luxurious stay in a converted 233-year-old fort.
Why stay here: With a thoughtful design, farm-to-table dining and activities native only to Bishangarh, you won’t regret adding this unique Alila to your India trip.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.
Alila Fort Bishangarh, located between Delhi and Jaipur in India’s Rajasthan, has 59 rooms and suites and is housed in a 233-year-old fort. I used two Category 1-4 promotional awards to stay at this amazing property and can wholeheartedly recommend a stay if you visit Rajasthan.
You can book a 562-square-foot Heritage Room with one king bed or two twin beds starting at 12,000 points per night or an 800-square-foot Grand Suite with one king bed starting at 24,000 points per night. You can also use points plus cash to book a 700-square-foot Royal Suite with one king bed or two twin beds. If you want to book a paid rate, you have all these options plus a 912-square-foot Regal Suite and a 1,054-square-foot Presidential Suite on offer.
There’s plenty to keep you busy at Alila Fort Bishangarh. You’ll find Spa Alila, an infinity pool with compelling views of the fort, a 24-hour fitness center and Play Alila for children. The hotel also offers numerous excursions and experiences, including cooking classes, a guided visit to the Bishangarh Village Market and the opportunity to visit a milk factory.
And you’ll find some impressive dining options on-site — which is good since most guests will eat most, if not all, of their meals on-site. Amarsar is open all day with Indian and international dishes on offer. On select nights, Nazaara is open with local cuisine prepared in traditional Rajput hunter style; it’s a memorable terrace-dining experience that you’ll enjoy if you can handle some Indian spices and aren’t a picky eater. Meanwhile, Haveli is open for poolside meals and drinks throughout the day, and Madhuveni offers cocktails, cigars and tapas in a beautiful, intimate space.
Rates at the Alila Fort Bishangarh start at 12,000 points or $206 per night.
Related: The best ways to fly to India with points and miles
Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
Paris, France
HYATT REGENCY
Best for: Travelers looking to stay just a short walk from historic sights, such as the Arc de Triomphe.
Why stay here: Located between La Defense and the Champs-Elysees, this well-located hotel offers excellent views over Paris (from the city’s highest bar), a Regency Club and small but functional rooms.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
The Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile in France offers amazing views from its 34-story skyscraper, especially if you snag a room with Eiffel Tower views. Although it’s northwest of the Paris core between La Defense and the Champs-Elysees, it’s just a 20-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe and a 20-minute journey by metro and foot to the Louvre.
Despite having 995 rooms and suites, finding standard room award availability at this hotel can be difficult. The rooms are small — even for Paris — but 237-square-foot rooms with Regency Club access start at 18,000 points per night. Standard 474-square-foot suites start at 21,000 points per night, and premium 753-square-foot suites start at 24,000 points per night. Award availability is often limited at this hotel, so you may need to book a paid rate to get the room type you want. If you want to ensure your group gets connecting rooms, consider booking a family room.
The Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile doesn’t have too many amenities. Still, it has a 24-hour fitness center and a Regency Club on the 34th floor (for Hyatt Globalist members and those in eligible rooms). You’ll likely want to eat outside the hotel for many of your meals, but you may want to visit the 34th-floor Windo Skybar for views, cocktails and tapas. If you do want to eat on-site, Mayo Restaurant offers daily breakfast and weekday lunch buffets, and the grab-and-go Mayo Market offers quick bites daily from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m.
Rates at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile start at 12,000 points or $253.85 per night.
Related: The best hotels in Paris
Park Hyatt Jakarta
Jakarta, Indonesia
HYATT
Best for: City views and that new-hotel vibe in the heart of Jakarta.
Why stay here: Spacious rooms with modern, yet dark, design and a friendly, professional staff make this one of the best luxury hotels in Jakarta.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
The Park Hyatt Jakarta in Indonesia opened in July 2022 with 220 rooms, including 36 suites. This Park Hyatt is a nine-minute walk from the Stasiun Gondangdia train station and within walking distance of various shopping malls and restaurants.
You can book 613-square-foot standard rooms with a king bed or two twin beds starting at 12,000 points per night. Meanwhile, you can book three standard suite types ranging from 936 to 1,367 square feet starting at 21,000 points per night. You can book premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night. The rooms and suites have Indonesian touches and excellent views, as the rooms start on the 25th floor.
While staying at the Park Hyatt Jakarta, you can enjoy the outdoor pool, a sun deck with city views and a 24-hour fitness center on the 35th floor. The hotel also offers a spa.
The Park Hyatt Jakarta offers several dining outlets. Dining Room serves Indonesian and Italian cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the 22nd floor, while Kita Restaurant offers Japanese cuisine for lunch and dinner on the 37th floor. On the 23rd floor, Conservatory offers several multiuse spaces where you can work, relax or socialize while enjoying European cafe-style comfort food and light meals.
If you’re looking for a drink or live music, check out The Bar on the 23rd floor or Kita Bar on the 36th floor.
Rates at the Park Hyatt Jakarta start at 12,000 points or $308.04 per night.
Related: The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world
Hyatt Regency Tokyo
Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
HYATT
Best for: This old yet stunning hotel is well connected to Tokyo’s JR trains and metro.
Why stay here: Clean and spacious (albeit slightly dated) rooms and a Regency Club let you rest while the hotel’s location in the middle of Shinjuku lets you explore Tokyo.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
The Hyatt Regency Tokyo is an older property, but it’s in a solid location, just a five-minute walk from Tokyo’s Shinjuku station. This hotel offers 746 rooms, including 18 suites, across 17 room types. Although it doesn’t offer a pool or onsen, it does have a spa and fitness center with Technogym equipment.
If you want to redeem a Hyatt free night award, you can book a 301-square-foot standard room with one king bed or two twin beds starting at 12,000 points per night. Meanwhile, 376-square-foot Regency Club rooms start at 18,000 points per night, and standard suites start at 21,000 points per night. The Regency Club, available to Hyatt Globalist members and guests staying in club rooms and suites, offers views over Shinjuku Central Park for breakfast, tea service and evening cocktails.
You may want to eat outside the hotel for many meals while visiting Tokyo. If you prefer to eat on-site, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo offers Beijing and Shanghai cuisine for lunch and dinner at Jade Garden, Italian-inspired fares at Caffe and Japanese dishes at three different venues. You can also try fine wines and whiskeys at Eau de Vie or order room service if you want to dine in your room.
Rates at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo start at 12,000 points or $266.07 per night.
Related: The best ways to travel to Japan with points and miles
Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui
Kowloon, Hong Kong
HYATT
Best for: A prime location in the heart of Hong Kong, just a short walk from the harbor and two metro stops.
Why stay here: Offering spacious (for Hong Kong) rooms and a Regency Club, this well-located property provides compelling city and harbor views from most rooms.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
The Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui is in the heart of Kowloon next to the Tsim Sha Tsui station. It’s an easy walk from the Star Ferry and Avenue of Stars. Tourists will enjoy its excellent location, as many attractions are easily accessible by foot or public transit.
This Hyatt Regency has 381 guest rooms and suites, each offering views of Victoria Harbour or the city. The least expensive room type — and the one you can book starting at 12,000 points per night — is a 301-square-foot standard room with one king bed or two twin beds. You can also book club rooms starting at 18,000 points per night, standard suites starting at 21,000 points per night and premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night. If you’re looking to book a paid rate, it may be worth shelling out a little more to guarantee a corner room or a view of Victoria Harbour.
You’ll find an 82-foot outdoor heated swimming pool with views over the surrounding neighborhood at the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui. The outdoor pool deck includes a children’s pool, a whirlpool and lounge chairs. Plus, you’ll find a 24-hour fitness center with Technogym equipment on the 10th floor.
There’s plenty of excellent dining in Hong Kong, regardless of your budget. But, if you want to eat at the Hyatt Regency, you’ll find dim sum and barbecued pork at The Chinese Restaurant, an international buffet at Cafe, fine dining cooked tableside at Hugo’s and drinks with nightly live entertainment at Chin Chin Bar. Additionally, eligible guests can enjoy continental breakfast, all-day coffee and tea service, and evening canapes and cocktails at the Regency Club.
Rates at the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui start at 12,000 points or $219.44 per night.
Related: What is World of Hyatt elite status worth?
Andaz Bali
Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
HYATT
Best for: A relaxing holiday that feels authentically Balinese.
Why stay here: Built around mature landscaping in the style of a modern Balinese village, this beachfront resort lets guests relax with an attentive staff and a thoughtful design.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
Andaz Bali is an attractive beach resort next to the Hyatt Regency Bali on the eastern coast of Bali, Indonesia. Guests love the resort’s landscaping, modern rooms and large pool.
There are 149 rooms, including 20 suites and 22 villas. The standard rooms are 710 square feet and include a living area, floor-to-ceiling windows, garden views and one king bed or two twin beds. But you can also reserve pool-view or ocean-view rooms and private pool villas if you book a paid rate.
There are various types of suites you can book with points or cash. Standard rooms start at 12,000 points per night, standard suites start at 21,000 points per night and premium suites start at 24,000 points per night.
The Andaz Bali is designed to feel like a modern interpretation of a Balinese village. The resort has three swimming pools: ocean-facing Liang for fun, secluded Santhi for relaxation and kid-friendly Alit for families. Andaz Bali also offers a spa with a 24-hour fitness center, sauna, steam room, yoga studio and hydrotherapy pools.
There are ample dining options at the Andaz Bali. The Fisherman’s Club offers light bites, meat and seafood for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Wok Wok is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner with Indonesian comfort food. Blue Oven is open daily for dinner with Mediterranean favorites, while Fire Fox is open Thursday through Saturday in the evening for Asian steakhouse delights. Deli & Bakery is open daily from noon to 10 p.m. with drinks, cakes, desserts and homemade ice creams.
Rates at the Andaz Bali start at 12,000 points or $256.52 per night.
Related: 5 easy ways to maximize Hyatt award redemptions
Regardless of how you like to work out, there’s a gym on this list that’s perfectly designed to help you meet your fitness goals.
Known for its proximity to the legendary Garden of the Gods and beloved by locals for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Colorado Springs is home to an active population of nature lovers that prioritize health and physical fortitude in their daily lives.
With such an active population, apartment complexes have felt the pressure to provide residents with ample options to work out the way they want. These are 10 of the best apartment gyms in Colorado Springs.
Source: Rent. / FalconView
FalconView is a Northgate apartment complex that features an indoor-outdoor workout area that will put your local CrossFit gym to shame. Garage-style doors, a killer sound system and lofty ceilings with large fans to help keep you cool — this fitness center is for the workout freaks and resentful treadmill runners alike.
Whether you’re looking for a full-body workout courtesy of a half hour on the rowing machine or some outdoor turf to tone your legs while you take care of your tan, the FalconView gym sets the standard in Colorado Springs and earns the top spot on this list.
Source: Rent. / The Residences at Falcon North
The first thing you notice when you walk into the fitness center at The Residences at Falcon North is the humongous square skylight smack dab in the middle of the gym. This unique feature supplies the fitness center with a ton of natural light and almost makes you feel like you’re actually outside.
As far as equipment goes, this gym features top-of-the-line resources including a multi-purpose structure at the center with everything from heavy ropes to chin-up bars and even a punching bag. Bottom line, this Northeast Colorado Springs gym has what you need and then some.
Source: Rent. / University Village
Boasting an undeniably cool cabin vibe, the fitness center at University Village makes the most of its unique semi-circle footprint to create a space that is welcoming, visually appealing and the ideal spot to get your sweat on.
Set up so the cardio area has a view of the professionally manicured outdoors and designed so the machines have enough space between them to support a relaxing workout environment, this Northeast Colorado Springs fitness center is on par with some of the more expensive monthly membership gyms.
Source: Rent. / Crowne at Briargate
With multiple hydro rowing machines, top-quality stationary bikes and plenty of space for plyometrics, the Crowne at Briargate fitness center is designed to make everyone feel comfortable and motivated to accomplish their goals. Along with lots of natural light, there is also mirrored wall so lifters can check their form and, opposite that, is a mural portraying active individuals in a sea of calming colors.
Beyond that, this Briargate-based fitness oasis also boasts a dedicated yoga studio. This relaxing space is perfect for practicing yogis and anyone looking to improve flexibility and work on mindfulness without leaving the comfort of home.
Source: Rent. / Springs at Foothill Farm
As the second apartment fitness center featured on this list with garage-style doors, the Springs at Foothill Farm fitness center does an excellent job facilitating a seamless indoor-outdoor workout space. Also featuring a kettlebell station and flatscreen TVs in addition to soaring ceilings, this is a great place to get a workout in.
Located in Colorado Springs’ scenic Northgate neighborhood, this thoughtfully designed fitness center also features SmartMats to help make sure you’re stretching the essentials, a stability ball station and plenty of resistance bands for those that like to lift but want to avoid the weights.
Source: Rent. / Union Heights
The Union Heights apartment complex features a light-filled fitness center with distinct cardio and weight-lifting areas. The cardio area looks out onto the pool and provides a great view to get lost in while you work up to 10,000 steps. Featuring treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes, residents are free to get creative and work their legs in a number of different ways.
The lifting area at this Northeast Colorado Springs fitness center is well-equipped, properly spaced out and perfect for experienced and novice weight-lifters alike. While this may not be the largest fitness center on the list, it does a lot with a little and is more than adequate for even the loftiest fitness goals.
Source: Rent. / Woodland Hills Apartments
Woodland Hills Apartments is the perfect place for an active person to call home because of its versatility in options for recreational activity. Featuring an on-site gym with all the equipment you’d expect to find in a gym capable of supporting the residents living in the complex’s 160 units as well as a spa area and beach volleyball court, you’re never short on options for activity at Woodland Hills.
This complex also backs up to the Cottonwood Creek Trail, making it an ideal spot for people that prefer to get their steps in while immersed in the great outdoors. With views of Cottonwood Creek along the way, you won’t find a better spot to run, walk or jog in the Colorado Springs area.
Source: Rent. / Estate at Woodmen Ridge
Estate at Woodmen Ridge lies between Black Forest and Northeast Colorado Springs and benefits from its close proximity to Cottonwood Creek. While the fitness center here may not have some of the frills found at other gyms on this list, what it may lack in flash, it more than makes up for in versatility.
Featuring a stability ball station, outside views for all of the cardio machines, and plenty of space for free weight lifting and full-body stretching, this gym is capable of supporting all styles of exercise.
Bonus: There’s also a Coke machine for those that like to chase their workout with a little reward.
Source: Rent. / Knolls at Sweetgrass Apartment Homes
Boasting an all-new yoga area to supplement their traditional fitness center setup, The Knolls at Sweetgrass Apartment Homes gym represents the standard of what all modern apartment complex fitness centers should attempt to live up to. High ceilings, natural light and mirrored walls make for a perfect place to check your form while basking in the morning light before work. Sound like a good way to start your day?
Whether you’re working on flexibility, bulking up for pool season or slimming down to start the New Year, the equipment at this gym is capable of helping you reach even the most ambitious of fitness goals. If you find yourself in this Old Colorado City fitness center, you’re in for a good workout.
Source: Rent. / Enchanted Springs
With a name like Enchanted Springs, there’s a lot to live up to. Luckily for the residents of this East Colorado Springs complex, the fine people behind Enchanted Springs deliver on the promise brought on by the name. Boasting a large fitness center with pool views, this gym gives you plenty of room to work up a sweat and work out those demons.
With a free-weight station, versatile cable machine and machines designed to help rid yourself of the dreaded chicken legs, there’s a lot to do and experience in this gym if you’re the type that’s always looking to expand your workout regimen.
Stay swole in Colorado Springs
Whether you’re a CrossFit junkie, a cardio enthusiast or a dedicated yogi, there are plenty of apartment gyms throughout Colorado Springs that will perfectly meet your workout needs. Start your search with the list above and enjoy the journey toward your new apartment and its beautiful gym.
Featured image source: Rent. / The Residences at Falcon North