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Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

This guest post from Shelley Turner is part of the “reader stories” feature at Get Rich Slowly. Some stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial success — or failure. These stories feature folks from all levels of financial maturity and with all sorts of incomes.

They’re coming! Like it or not, the holidays — and all the stress of buying the Perfect Gift — are just around the corner. I actually like brainstorming gift ideas, and have been told I’m pretty good at it. Today I’ll share my secrets with you.

The best gifts are appropriate for the recipient, yet don’t cost a small fortune. You want your gift to say “I know what you like”, not “I didn’t have a clue of what to get you for a gift for but here it is anyway”. I once received a leopard-hair belt. Anybody who knows me, or has seen how I dress, understands that there’s never been (nor ever will be) a time that I’d wear a leopard-hair belt. A gift like that screams “I just bought you something because I had to”.

Gift-giving ground rules
Before you buy, take a few minutes to think about what your recipient has in her house or on her desk, what she spends her time doing, what she likes to talk about, where she likes to eat, and even what she keeps in her refrigerator. Even if you don’t know her that well, this exercise will help you get some ideas of what the recipient likes.

I’m not a collector, so I prefer practical and useful gifts. However, if your gift recipient is a collector, that’s a perfect opportunity. Even if his collection is filled with expensive items, you can often find a small token within that collection that you could give him. The trick to buying a great gift for somebody, no matter what the occasion, is to buy what your recipient would enjoy — not what you’d enjoy.

Often, a consumable gift that provides momentary pleasure and then disappears is best, especially around the holidays when people usually get many gifts. Consumables can be given, enjoyed, and remembered without becoming Stuff.

My husband’s 90-year-old grandmother is a perfect example. What can you give a 90-year-old woman who already has everything she wants and needs? Not much. However, I know she really enjoys a good cup of coffee. And I found some European butter cookies and a some jars of preserves made in her native Denmark. I give her this same gift every year. She tells me she waits eagerly for our gift because not only does she enjoy consuming it during the winter, but because it’s a small reminder of her home country.

Inexpensive gift ideas
No matter which gift you choose, if it’s something your recipient uses over and over, you can give a great gift without spending too much. Here are some of my favorite inexpensive gift ideas. These have all been well-received and cost less than $20. You can tailor the gift idea to fit your budget. Some of these can be used as hostess gifts for holiday parties you may be attending.

  • Personalized note cards
  • A book by her favorite author
  • Monogrammed wine stoppers
  • Travel journal
  • Engraved metal bookmark
  • Monogrammed soap bars
  • Bread basket with quick bread or muffin mix inside
  • Dog or cat breed-specific items — calendars, notepads, keychains, etc. of their pet
  • Cookbook (specific subjects like fondue, vegetarian, appetizers, etc or you could get a book representing their hometown like the Chesapeake Bay, etc.)
  • Personalized insulated tote-style lunch bag (put his favorite snack inside)
  • Sports team items — pick her favorite team mug, hat, t-shirt, scarf, etc. (fill a mug with her favorite hard candy)
  • Gourmet chocolate bars tied with ribbon or raffia
  • Favorite bubble bath & bath pillow
  • Wallet with gift cards or cash inside
  • Amaryllis or Paperwhite bulb package
  • Old-fashioned jar filled with favorite candy or snack
  • Hand-made soap with an interesting soap dish
  • Handmade crocheted or knitted scarf or hat
  • BBQ sauces, hot sauces, grilling rubs, etc (some have funny labels)
  • Ice cream dish with favorite topping
  • Decorative candy bowl with favorite candy
  • Ornament representing current hobby
  • Charm to add to an existing charm bracelet
  • T-shirt from favorite restaurant
  • Crabtree & Evelyn hand therapy (super-rich hand cream)
  • Nice colored pencils and/or sketch notebook for artists
  • Small decorative bowl and package of dip mix
  • Hand towels with initials embroidered (especially if newly married)

Here are a few more ideas with a bit of explanation:

  • Magazine subscription (hundreds of subjects to choose from — and you can give crossword puzzle and comic book subscriptions too). Buy the current issue and put a note on it that you got him a one-year subscription.
  • Lolita glasses are painted wine, beer, or margarita glass that have themes painted on them based on hobbies. There’s a recipe painted on the bottom of each glass too.
  • Year of Napkins! This requires advance planning, but makes a unique gift for a very reasonable price. For each holiday throughout the year (plus Happy Birthday), pick up one pack of luncheon-sized napkins. When you’ve collected all the holidays, package them in order of the holidays in small CD crates, baskets, etc. Usually you can find the napkins in the clearance section right after the holiday. Decide how many of these you want to put together in advance so you can buy as many as you need during each holiday.

Remember that you can also go in with others to purchase bigger gifts, such as theater tickets, cooking classes, and other “experiences”. If you’re very organized, you can shop all year and pick up interesting gifts along the way. My sister-in-law has a birthday in January, but I often find stuff she’ll love in the summer, so I buy it and keep it until her birthday.

Check the clearance racks all year to get even better deals. Unless you really enjoy going shopping the week before Christmas, you may find that buying gifts ahead of time will not only save you money, but also make the holiday season a little more relaxing, as well.

Reminder: Another way to save money on gifts is to make them yourself. Here’s a list of 34 great homemade Christmas gifts almost anyone can put together. And over at The Simple Dollar, Trent has been documenting his own quest for family-produced Christmas presents.

A note on packaging
When packaging your gifts, you’re not stuck using a gift bag or plain wrapping paper unless you want to. Tulle (that material used to tie up rice/birdseed to throw at weddings) is great for wrapping unusually-shaped items, such as the bowls & dip mixes, candy bowls & jars, ice cream dishes, bottles of hot sauces, soap, etc. It’s really inexpensive to purchase by the yard, comes in many colors, and your recipient can see what you gave her without unwrapping it. Tulle is especially good for hostess gifts so they don’t have to open them upon receipt.

Some other tips:

  • Magazines roll up perfectly in those tall wine bottle bags.
  • Chinese-food boxes and small tin buckets are inexpensive and fun to use.
  • Bread baskets work nicely to hold all kinds of items and they can reuse the basket later.

When packaging your gifts, use your imagination!

1980 Gates Christmas - Tiff and Kris

Gift giving can be fun — if you allow yourself to be creative and take a few minutes to think about your recipient. The bottom line: If he’ll enjoy it, it’s a great gift for him!

Happy gift-giving!

Source: getrichslowly.org

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Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

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

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

If endless live music, mouthwatering tacos, natural pools and beautiful parks are your idea of a perfect trip, it might just be time to visit Austin, the bohemian capital of the Lone Star State.

Home to events like South by Southwest, Austin City Limits festival and bachelorette parties galore (not to mention barbecue and the University of Texas at Austin), ATX truly has something for everyone.

There’s also a place to stay for every type of traveler, from historic motor lodges converted into chic motels to luxury names we all know. There’s even a lakeside spa resort designed to help guests recharge and relax in the stunning beauty of Central Texas.

Whether you’re a city slicker in town for business, a foodie lookin’ to taste the best Texas has to offer, or you are embarking on a western road trip, here are some of Austin’s best hotels (including some excellent points options), where you can settle in and make a temporary home.

Just don’t forget: Keep it weird.

Related: Why Austin Airport keeps its vendors local to create an airport for foodies

The Line Austin

Austin, Texas, USA

THE LINE HOTEL/FACEBOOK

Best for: Folks looking for a stay that matches Austin’s effortless cool vibes.

Why stay here: The year-round heated pool overlooks the Congress Avenue Bridge, making it the perfect spot to watch the city’s famed bats take flight.

Best way to book: Book direct for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

This Line Austin is one of this hotel reporter’s favorite hotels in the world — and I’ve stayed at some pretty incredible places.

For starters, the location in Downtown Austin, butting up to the Colorado River, is perfect for exploring the eclectic shops and restaurants of South Congress and the lively (though touristy) bars and nightlife on 6th Street. It also sits right along Lady Bird Lake and the Congress Avenue bridge, so you can watch the largest colony of bats in North America put on their natural show as you take a dip in the hotel’s heated pool. (Sounds scary, but it’s one of Austin’s main attractions!)

Inside the hotel, rooms are simple but chic, with a modern, industrial aesthetic made comfortable with Bellino linens, a curated assortment of local snacks and drinks, and floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with light radiating from that big Texas sky. Request a lake view room so you can spend a lazy morning watching locals and tourists take advantage of the water.

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At Arlo Grey, “Top Chef” winner Kristen Kish serves up an inspired menu rooted in local fare (think: crispy rice with saffron aioli and cilantro and a Texas-raised Wagyu ribeye with spring onion fritter) alongside cocktails and an international wine list. Wet your whistle at P6, a lovely lounge atop the parking garage serving creative cocktails, elevated bar food and dramatic sunset views over Lady Bird Lake.

Rates at Line Austin start at $225 per night.

Austin Proper Hotel

Austin, Texas, USA

AUSTIN PROPER HOTEL/FACEBOOK

Best for: Design lovers looking for an Instagram-worthy moment.

Why stay here: The Austin Proper Hotel is one of the most visually appealing hotels in town — if not the entire state.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn Marriott points while enjoying elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking through Marriott directly.

In a place as trendy as Austin, it’s only right to stay in a hotel with just as much texture and style as the city itself. That’s why Austin Proper (part of Marriott’s Design Hotels), located Downtown on 2nd Street, should be a top contender.

Designed by the influential creative Kelly Wearstler, the hotel exudes a sort of unbridled confidence that will have you posing in plush armchairs and planning outfits to match all that over-the-top wallpaper just to make your followers jealous.

Rooms at this Proper outpost (the others are in California with more East Coast properties coming soon) are grounded in natural hues and elements, such as local stones and woods, and complemented by giant windows with motorized shades, Simmons Providence mattresses and comfortable robes from Parachute. Even better are two amenities every single hotel in the world should include: Apple TV and a fabric steamer.

If you don’t fill up on local art, stop by The Peacock for Mediterranean food, followed by a nightcap at Quill Room, a clubby lounge with live music. During the day, beat the Texas heat with a spicy marg from the rooftop pool restaurant, La Piscina, or borrow a bike and cruise along the river. To really relax, hit up the Verbena Spa for an agave- and tequila-infused treatment ($338 for 90 minutes).

Rates at Austin Proper Hotel start at $350 or 42,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Miraval Austin

Austin, Texas, USA

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Best for: An ultraluxurious tune-up for the mind, body and soul in the heart of Texas.

Why stay here: When you want to do a little self-care, it’s always best to let the pampering Miraval team take care of everything else for the duration of your stay.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits; or reserve through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.

One of the crowning brands in Hyatt’s robust portfolio, Miraval Resorts offers tranquil retreats that help guests center themselves in the day-to-day hustle we call life, as well as give them a chance to disconnect from technology thanks to its mostly unplugged cellphone policy.

The adults-only Miraval Austin is tucked away in a sprawling complex in the hills. Guests have plenty of wellness-focused activities to choose from, including sound healing sessions, yoga and meditation classes. There are also experiences with horses, farming activities like chicken keeping, and even more physical activities like a ropes course challenge and climbing walls (note that some activities are not included in the mostly all-inclusive pricing structure of Miraval Austin.)

Food is served at The Hilltop Crossings Kitchen, which is designed to be as calming, healthy and nourishing as the rest of any stay. Beyond the standard three meals daily, a rotating menu of food-focused activities, like “Conscious Mixology” and lessons on gut health, are on offer.

Related: A review of Miraval Austin Resort and Spa

Then, of course, there’s the Life in Balance Spa. Experiences here range from a deep tissue massage ($235 for 50 min) to Eastern-inspired experiences like the “Crystal Energy Balancing” session ($195 for 50 min) that uses Reiki and crystals to help cleanse the soul.

Rates at Miraval Austin start around $1,200 or 57,500 or 72,000 World of Hyatt points per night, both based on double occupancy. Note that every award booking includes a $175 resort credit per person.

Fairmont Austin

Austin, Texas, USA

FAIRMONT AUSTIN/FACEBOOK

Best for: Austin visitors who want a stylish stay close to all the action.

Why stay here: A resort-style, year-round rooftop pool is the perfect place to escape the downtown crowds.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.

For those looking for a more refined stay in Austin, high above the boozy bars of Downtown, the Fairmont is a top-notch choice with an array of superb amenities that make it difficult to decide how to spend your time.

You could reserve a cabana for privacy or snag a pool lounger to soak up the sun beside the Texas-size, resort-style rooftop pool. Or, pamper yourself at the Fairmont Austin Spa for a Himalayan Hot Salt Stones Massage ($195 for 50 minutes) or take a soothing dip in the indoor, infinity-like soaking pool.

Rooms at this Fairmont radiate classic luxury, with plush beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable lounge chairs and a neutral colorway with pops of blue and green. In the bathroom, who could ask for anything better than Le Labo Rose 31 toiletries?

While Austin boasts some of the best dining in the state, the Fairmont has plenty of its own restaurants to wade through. There’s the Texas-style, open-flame steakhouse Garrison; the Room 725 Champaign and Caviar Bar; seasonal bites and drinks at Fulton; and more.

Rates at Fairmont Austin start around $207 per night.

The Driskill

Austin, Texas, USA

THE DRISKILL/FACEBOOK

Best for: Refined travelers who clean up for the day but want to let loose on buzzy 6th Street at night.

Why stay here: This hotel perfectly marries its storied place in Texas history with its convenient physical location to Austin’s main nightlife corridor.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn World of Hyatt points while enjoying elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking through Hyatt directly.

Though Austin’s skyline is full of glitzy new highrises, the city also has a handful of hotels loaded with history — none more than the Driskill, part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, which dates back over 100 years to 1886. Here you’ll find a mix of old and new glamour, but all with a Texas twist. Rooms feature wrought-iron beds with cowhide benches at the foot, trunk-style nightstands, wooden writing desks and large drapes with valances depicting the exterior of the hotel.

Right near the action of 6th Street (which, be warned, can get rowdy) and not too far from the state Capitol, this hotel is a great place to steep yourself in Texas traditions — especially when it comes to food. Stop by the leather- and cowhide-clad Driskill Bar, and you might find yourself sippin’ on a local draft beer with a helping of pimento cheese. Next, head to dinner at The Grill, where former President and Lady Bird Johnson had their first date, for a biscuit board (it’s exactly what it sounds like!) and filet mignon.

Rates at The Driskill start at $204 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Four Seasons Austin

Austin, Texas, USA

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AUSTIN/FACEBOOK

Best for: The luxury-obsessed and people who want quick access to the water.

Why stay here: The on-demand margarita cart will have a bartender mixing margs in the comfort of your room.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.

The Four Seasons is known for giving its guests the most in unbridled luxury — and in Austin, that comes in the shape of an on-demand margarita cart because what’s more luxe than a Clase Azul Añejo marg at just a phone call away?

Actually, there are plenty of things equally as luxe at the Four Seasons Austin, like rooms featuring the Canadian brand’s signature beds, views of Lady Bird Lake, Byredo bath products in a travertine shower and twice-daily housekeeping. For a little more, opt for a Lake View Balcony Room so you can take that aforementioned margarita (say that five times fast!) right out into the fresh air.

If you’d rather enjoy your drink at the bar, stop at Live Oak, where you can sample a chili-infused mezcal cocktail served in a glass boot by an oversized fire pit. At Cicilo, Texas and Latin flavors merge to create a menu featuring fare like enchiladas rojas, sea scallops and pork belly, grilled steaks and smoked Texas quail.

However, there’s more to do than eat and drink. Relax by the pool or grab a hiking trail guide and explore the paths right outside the hotel, which is along the river in downtown Austin. Head to the fitness center for a yoga class, or book a treatment of your choice at the luxurious spa.

Rates at the Four Seasons Austin start at $640 per night.

Thompson Austin

Austin, Texas

THOMPSON AUSTIN/FACEBOOK

Best for: Hyatt loyalists wanting a taste of Austin’s eclectic style.

Why stay here: Celebrated culinary duo Mashama Bailey and Johno Morisano (behind Savannah’s famed restaurant The Grey) lead the food and beverage programming.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

One of the most exciting new hotels in town (included in TPG’s list of most anticipated hotel openings of 2022), the Thompson Austin is a sleek, moody new World of Hyatt property right at the heart of all the action.

Here, guests can expect stylish rooms designed by Chicago-based Simeone Deary Design Group, with terrazzo floors, green leather headboards, big TVs to catch up on Netflix, rainfall showers with D.S. & Durga bath amenities and fabric steamers to easily work out the wrinkles in your garments without wrestling with an iron and ironing board.

The real star of this property is The Diner Bar, where James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey and restaurant partner John O. Marisano (the forces behind Savannah’s hit restaurant, The Gray) serve seasonal southern food with a Texas flare. (There’s also a grab-and-go counter from the duo if you’re short on time.)

On the fourth floor, a pool deck offers lounge chairs and cabanas to relax in while grazing on snacks from Wax Myrtles, a Texas-meets-California Mexican restaurant serving bites like fish tacos and shrimp tostadas alongside heat-beating frozen drinks, fun cocktails and local beer on tap.

Rates at Thompson Austin start around $300 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Lake Austin Spa Resort

Austin, Texas, USA

LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT AND SPA/FACEBOOK

Best for: People who want a wellness experience combined with all the fun of a beautiful lake.

Why stay here: Located near one of the country’s most booming cities, this spa resort is equal parts fun, relaxation and style.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark for elitelike benefits and on-property credits.

The all-inclusive Lake Austin Spa Resort is the place to leave the “weird” of Austin behind, set your intentions on rest and relaxation and enjoy the better parts of life on 19 acres of lakefront property.

Half an hour from downtown Austin, this dreamy resort is accessible by car — but the more fun way to get there is by water taxi. As the water taxi is less crowded than the highway, so is the resort itself, with just 40 sun-filled rooms with porches, relaxing soaking tubs, tall ceilings and even cottages that have their own hot tubs.

The pricing structure here gets guests three hearty meals a day (room service counts), plus healthy smoothies, juices and snacks. Also included is a 24-hour fitness area, lake activities like kayaks and paddleboards, a lakeside beach, outdoor pools, swings and hammocks (to finally read that book you’ve been carrying around), a heated indoor pool and tons of activities ranging from belly dancing classes to hiking in the hills.

Just don’t forget, it is a spa resort — and this one has a whopping 25,000-square-foot facility that offers whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms and more. Treatments range from the ultra-luxe (we’re talking a caviar-infused facial that’s a little north of $1,000) to more standard options (like a deep-tissue massage, starting at $225).

Rates at Austin Spa Resort start at $1,550 per night, based on double occupancy.

Hotel Van Zandt

Austin, Texas, USA

HOTEL VAN ZANDT/FACEBOOK

Best for: Travelers who want a boutique stay on an Austin-centric street full of popping bars, live music and local food trucks.

Why stay here: Located in the Rainey Street District, this hotel is steps from where locals and tourists both come to play.

Best way to book: Book directly through Marriott to earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points and enjoy any elite benefits.

Formerly a Kimpton hotel, the now-independent Hotel Van Zandt towers over the Rainey Street District, a strip of houses-turned-bars, parking lots filled with food trucks and a generally younger crowd looking to live it up on one of Austin’s main party drags.

Though Rainey Street might seem a little college-like, the hotel feels all grown up, with rooms featuring a color palette of deep blues and airy beiges, large wooden desks, plush linens and a table with leather chairs. Non-standard rooms include a spa suite with a soaking tub; 900-square-foot Presidential Suites, complete with kitchenettes and vinyl record players; and pool view rooms.

Speaking of the pool, the rooftop pool deck has plush cabanas and a poolside bar serving snacks and drinks, and there’s a massive fireplace where guests gather on crisp evenings. If you’re hungry, stop by Geraldine’s, offering Texas-inspired brunch and dinner, plus daily live music. You might think Texas is all country, but make a reservation for Jazz Brunch, and you’ll leave realizing why Austin is called the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

Rates at the Hotel Van Zandt start at $206 per night.

W Austin

Austin, Texas, USA

W AUSTIN/MARRIOTT.COM

Best for: Marriott loyalists who want a points property in the heart of Austin’s downtown action.

Why stay here: With four distinct areas, including a room filled with hundreds of records and a bar designed for tasting legendary tequilas, the hotel lobby is a destination in itself.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn Marriott points while enjoying elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking through Marriott directly.

At W Austin, located downtown, Marriott loyalists can find a funky slice of home that’s fitting for a trip to one of America’s funkiest cities.

Rooms that would otherwise be considered bland or stale are brightened with whimsical pops of color. Also, staying true to the W brand aesthetic, there are fun red couches and armless chairs to lounge in. Other elements include images from local photographer Scott Newton, Bricor Venturi shower heads and 300-thread-count bedding because every visitor to Austin knows a good day requires a good night’s sleep.

Know, though, that Austin isn’t the kind of place you spend too much time in your room. Instead, the home base at this hotel is the immaculate lobby, split into various sections. They include the Tequila Bar, with a vast assortment of spirits and games to play; the Record Room, where guests can pursue over 8,000 different vinyl records; and the Living Room, which offers a club-like atmosphere with a live DJ some nights.

The hotel also has a restaurant, Trace, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with a menu of locally sourced foods ranging from pasta dishes to brisket sandwiches. There’s also a fourth-floor pool deck with lounge chairs and cabanas, a spa and a 3,600-square-foot gym.

Rates at W Austin start at $257 or 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Commodore Perry Estate

Austin, Texas, USA

COMMODORE PERRY ESTATE, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION/FACEBOOK

Best for: Jetsetters or city folk looking for an urban escape.

Why stay here: Set in a palatial estate, rooms trade in Austin’s contemporary vibes for European panache fitting of Lone Star royalty.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.

Auberge Resorts knows luxury well — and that’s exemplified at its Austin property, Commodore Perry Estate, which is set in a European-meets-Texan walled estate sprawling over 10 acres. An iconic landmark given a new life, this retreat offers stunning, Renaissance-inspired suites in the historic mansion and a series of rooms and suites in the Inn, all filled with various accents like four-poster beds, leather couches, ornately-framed artworks and local goods to take home from the room in an area cleverly called “The Estate Sell.”

Guests can relax by the cooling pool waters but don’t miss out on the many events scheduled throughout a stay, including tequila tastings, custom boot experiences, hiking and live music. For the wellness-minded, there are HITT and yoga classes, meditation sessions and personal training instructors. Across the street, a nine-hole public golf course invites folks to practice their swing.

Meals are savored at Lutie’s Garden Restaurant, named after the estate’s original matriarch and designed by the eclectic visionary Ken Fulk. Meals consist of fresh, seasonal produce with an underlying focus on incorporating ingredients and meats from local farmers and ranchers. Guests can also eat poolside from a menu of select pool snacks.

Rates at Commodore Perry Estate start at $520 per night.

Austin Motel

Austin, Texas, USA

AUSTIN MOTEL/FACEBOOK

Best for: A trip with friends or bachelor or bachelorette parties.

Why stay here: With retro design, a buzzy outdoor space perfect for sipping a craft margarita and an ideal location on South Congress, the Austin Motel is the epitome of what makes Austin so fun.

Best way to book: Book direct for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

If you’re a fan of retro vibes, ’70s decor and Wes Anderson films, you’ll be right at home at the Austin Motel, a staple of South Congress and the Austin hotel scene.

At this vintage motel, guests sleep in rooms with quirky wallpaper, brightly colored headboards, Sferra sheets — and peace of mind from knowing that you’re in one of the coolest places in town.

Spicy margaritas are best had beside the kidney-shaped pool, where red-and-white plastic fold-up pool chairs invite guests to relax in the sun (or pose for a very likable photo). Next door, in a space shared with the hotel, Joann’s Fine Foods serves tacos throughout the day (breakfast tacos are life in Austin) alongside enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and lots and lots of queso.

Just don’t forget to stop at the hotel’s bodega, or general store, for some Austin-centric goods to take home, like fun T-shirts, funky swim trunks and other goods worthy of a splurge.

Rates at the Austin Motel start at $149 per night.

Hotel Saint Cecilia

Austin, Texas, USA

HOTEL SAINT CECILIA/FACEBOOK

Best for: People who know that a hotel can be so much more than a place to rest your weary head.

Why stay here: Built around a Victorian-era home, the Hotel Saint Cecilia is playful, chic and one of the trendiest places to stay in one of the country’s trendiest cities.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.

Found in South Austin, Hotel Saint Cecilia (named after the patron saint of music and poetry) is an intimate abode that oozes charm and Austin’s fresh sense of cool. Rooms include minimalist studios, ornate suites and poolside bungalows with record players, king-size Hästens beds and outdoor seating where you can sit back and relax.

At the 50-foot heated lap pool, children are allowed until 2 p.m. Then, the area turns into an adults-only space where drinks, like a chili-infused reposado tequila, and snacks (try the charcuterie board) are on offer from the Lounge. Guests can also enjoy a full bar and food menu away from the pool in a charming seating and bar area that’s generally not open to the public.

Rates at Hotel Saint Cecilia start at $449 per night.

The Loren at Lady Bird Lake

Austin, Texas, USA

THE LOREN AT LADY BIRD LAKE/FACEBOOK

Best for: Travelers to Austin who want to feel part of the scene without being directly in the middle of it.

Why stay here: This new hotel is perfectly located near Austin’s legendary green spaces but still close enough to walk to its bustling entertainment districts.

Best way to book: Book direct for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

Another hotel new on the scene, the Loren at Lady Bird Lake, has all the character you’d expect from such a vibrant city but is slightly removed, geographically speaking, from the true hustle and bustle of downtown.

The public areas are industrial chic, with concrete walls adorned with beautiful plants everywhere you look, soft wood tones and cozy couches on which to relax. Throughout the hotel, an impressive collection of art themed around science and architecture also commands attention.

In the rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the best parts of Austin, vibrant green carpet brings the outdoors inside, and a charming mix of leather furniture, patterned headboards and sleek white Sferra linens effortlessly ties it all together. Bathrooms feature beautiful stone countertops, walk-in showers (some rooms have free-standing tubs) and Malin+Goetz products to wash away the day.

Inside the hotel, the rooftop restaurant Nido features a menu of seasonal offerings throughout the day, from a blue crab omelet for breakfast to pasta dishes, meat and seafood dishes for dinner. Room service is also available, and a coffee shop in the lobby can help jumpstart your day with a caffeine fix.

There’s also a gorgeous 8th-floor pool deck with lounge chairs for catching some sun, a spa and a fitness center. With its waterfront location, you can borrow kayaks and hit the lake for a true taste of what Austin’s all about.

Rates at The Loren at Lady Bird Lake start at $380 per night.

Hotel Zaza

Austin, Texas, USA

HOTEL ZAZA/FACEBOOK

Best for: Those looking for a boutique stay near the neon lights of downtown.

Why stay here: Just steps away from the city’s storied nightlife, this Austin hotel is the perfect home base.

Best way to book: Book direct for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

Hotel ZaZa is a Texas-based boutique chain with four eclectic properties in Dallas, Houston and Austin. In the state’s capital city, ZaZa offers a little something for everyone, from a great 7th-floor pool deck to the ZaSpa, which offers massages, facials and couple’s experiences.

Throughout the hotel, the design offers a little of this and a little of that — in the best way, with bold patterns, vibrant textiles and a philosophy contradicting the age-old saying “less is more.”

In standard guest rooms, expect refined style, plush couches, leather armchairs, a stocked mini-bar and robes. But, for a quirky upgrade, book one of the “Magnificent Seven Suites.” Rooms include the campy Bungalow 6, which feels like a set from “Golden Girls,” and the 880-square-foot “Orient Express,” which serves Agatha Christie novel vibes.

With two great on-site restaurants, it’s easy to eat well at Hotel ZaZa. Meals at Group Therapy start with dishes like crispy calamari and jalapenos or a trio of deviled eggs (hello, caviar) before moving into a sprawling selection of mains like a chicken-fried Wagyu steak po’boy with poblano gravy dip, slow-braised short ribs or pork belly tacos. At Cabana Bar, the poolside bar and eatery, seared ahi tuna tostadas pair perfectly with a frozen pina colada.

Rates at Hotel ZaZa start at $240 per night.

Hotel Magdalena

Austin, Texas, USA

HOTEL MAGDALENA/FACEBOOK

Best for: People who want a boutique taste of Austin’s distinct style, music and culinary offerings.

Why stay here: A converted motor hotel, the Hotel Magdalena is fun, friendly and within walking distance to some of the best shopping in town.

Best way to book: Book direct for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

Bunkhouse really does have a hold on Austin, and Hotel Magdalena is another of the company’s great hotels to consider. At this particular hotel, right off South Congress, guests can enjoy an intimate experience that’s full of fun and culture but without too many other guests considering there are only 89 rooms.

Though the rooms are few, they’re certainly big on character and feature monochromatic bathrooms with bright blue, green or yellow tiles; vintage music photography from Austin’s own Scott Newton; Sferra linens; Sangre de Fruta bath products; and a laid-back but homey aesthetic.

This hotel has many of the staple Bunkhouse amenities, including a killer pool and a fun gift shop with curated products to take home. It’s also pet friendly. There’s a full-service, all-day restaurant, Summer House on Music Lane, plus the Magdalena Bar for drinks and poolside cocktails. But the real star is Equipment Room, a tech-savvy, speak-easy-like basement bar with a focus on good sound, craft cocktails and elevated bar food and a world-class record collection.

Rates at Hotel Magdalena start at $237 per night.

JW Marriott Austin

Austin, Texas, USA

JW MARROTT AUSTIN/FACEBOOK

Best for: Business travelers and Marriott loyalists.

Why stay here: Though Austin is full of quirky boutique hotels, the JW Marriott Austin is a more buttoned-up affair for people in town for business.

Best way to book: Book directly through Marriott to earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points and enjoy any elite benefits.

For Marriott Bonvoy loyalists, business travelers or people who want a classy, resort-like property in the heart of downtown, the JW Marriott Austin checks all the boxes. The hotel is the perfect mix of work and play, with well-appointed rooms that feature plush beds, padded armchairs, a desk space to get some work done and then a smart TV to unwind with your favorite shows after.

That’s not all, though. There’s a spa offering curated treatments, massages or facials; an upscale fitness center with tons of workout equipment; and a big pool with chairs and cabanas to lounge on.

If you get hungry, head to one of the hotel’s many bars or restaurants to quell your appetite. There’s the upscale Dean’s Italian Steakhouse, serving Wagyu from Texas and Japan; a popular walk-up burger spot called Burger Bar; a casual Texas-themed restaurant named Corner Restaurant; and a rooftop restaurant.

Rates at JW Marriott Austin start at $237 or 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

This post is by April Dykman. Yes, you read that right. April was recently wooed back to Get Rich Slowly and will be writing here a couple of times a month. She plans to focus on interviewing experts on money-related topics, which also helps her justify that journalism degree…

Photo by Rich Anderson, courtesy Flickr Creative Commons

Bill had to sell his house quickly.

He was being transferred out of state, and the company wasn’t footing the bill. Instead, they offered him a higher salary. Now he had to sell quickly or risk paying two mortgages.

But Bill wasn’t sweating it. After all, his house was in a great neighborhood in a desirable part of town. He hired a real estate agent, confident that once the “for sale” sign went up, the buyers would come knocking. He’d get a quick sale at asking price, no problem.

Only a month went by, and there were zero offers. Bill had to move soon and was getting nervous about those double mortgage payments, but no one was interested. Then, to really rub salt in the wound, buyers were leavings tons of negative comments!

So what was the problem?

You aren’t making your house ready for buyers

Bill refused to make his house buyer-friendly.

His real estate agent, Lynda Conway, had warned that unless he got the house show-ready, it would sit on the market and sell for far less than asking price. Lynda, who heads The Turner Team in Austin, Texas, and teaches for the Austin Board of Realtors, says Bill’s mistake is a common one.

“Many sellers think they can just put a sign up and that’s enough,” she says. “But buyers don’t fall for that. They want to back up their moving truck, unload their stuff, and put their toothbrush in a cup by the sink.”

And when sellers refuse to believe they need to get their house ready to go on the market, they can suffer financial consequences. In Bill’s case, his refusal to invest in sprucing up his home was about to cost him a double mortgage payment, not to mention the stress of trying to sell his house from out-of-state.

It can also result in a lower final selling price. Lynda recalls one seller who refused to make basic repairs and cosmetic improvements. “After a long time on the market, we finally got an offer,” she says. “But the owners felt insulted because it was $20,000 below list price. They wound up taking the offer because it was the only one.”

So if this mistake can cost you time and money, not to mention cause some serious stress, why do sellers refuse to make their houses more attractive to buyers?

The three reasons you aren’t getting your house ready for buyers

Lynda says there are three main reasons that sellers don’t get their houses in tip-top shape.

First, they don’t believe it makes a difference. Like Bill, they think their house will sell itself, so the extra investment seems like a waste of money. “Bill was really cautious about spending any money because he was being transferred on his own nickel,” says Lynda. “He refused to believe that a coat of paint would make a difference.”

Second, they don’t think there’s a problem. Lynda says it’s often difficult to convince smokers and pet owners that their homes don’t smell like roses. Bill, for example, was both a smoker and a pet owner. “Some sellers don’t realize it smells because they’re so used to it, or else they don’t think it’s a big deal,” says Lynda. “But it’s a huge deal to buyers.”

Third, they think they don’t have the money. Remember the clients that got $20,000 less than list price? Lynda says that it wasn’t until they were all at the closing table that they finally admitted to her that they didn’t have the money to make her suggested improvements. “Some sellers don’t want to admit that they don’t have money on hand, but I can’t help them if they aren’t willing to talk about it.”

So how can you avoid these problems and sell your house quickly (and for list price)?

Make your house show-ready

You’ve got to invest in wowing potential buyers.

When Lynda showed Bill the negative comments people were leaving about his home, he finally relented, telling Lynda, “Okay, tell me what to do.” They took the house off the market while he worked his way through the to-do list. After $2,500 in updates and repairs, they put the house back on the market at the original price. In three days they received three offers.

“Buyers are picky,” says Lynda. “If you want to get top dollar for your home, you have to prepare for that.”

And the good news is that if you have more time than money, Lynda says there’s a lot you can do yourself to improve your home’s appeal.

So how can you make your house best in show?

Five ways to make your house show-ready (and net more money)

Lynda says here are five things you can do to make buyers fall in love with your home.

  1. Start packing now. You’re about to move, right? So get some boxes, packing tape, and a Sharpie and put your stuff in storage. “Decluttering your home makes it look bigger and cleaner,” says Lynda. “You can make your house more attractive to buyers and get a head start on moving.”
  2. Give it some elbow grease. “Clean your house like you’ve never cleaned it before,” says Lynda. “Windows should sparkle. Make sure the house smells nice and fresh, not like last night’s fish dinner or grandpa’s cigars.” Lynda says sellers can deep clean themselves, or if they have more money than time, they can hire a professional.
  3. Do a daily sweep. Steaming the carpets and dusting the ceiling fans is important, but all is lost if your bathroom counter is cluttered with hair products or there are dishes in the sink. “Do a daily wipe-down on all surfaces, especially in the bathroom and kitchen,” says Lynda. “Keep counters completely clear to make them look as big as possible, especially important in a small space.” Lynda had one client who put her toiletries in her travel bag while her home was on the market. “She’d get ready in the morning like she was on a trip, then put the travel bag away and out of sight.”
  4. Make a good first impression. “When a buyer pulls up to your house, you have five seconds for that house to sell itself from the curb,” says Lynda. “And when the front yard looks inviting, that creates positive expectations about what you’ll see inside.” Take care of the obvious, like lawn care and putting your yard gnome in storage. Then give the front door some TLC. “Your front door should be warm and fresh, she says. “You can give it a coat of paint or replace it entirely.” Lynda also recommends adding some color. “Buy cheap, colorful pots, potting soil, and some flowers,” she says. “I like the combination of rosemary and flowers because it smells nice and looks attractive.” The bonus of potted plants? You can take them to your new home!
  5. Deal with the bigger issues. Here’s where it can get expensive, depending on the condition of your home. But if your house is in serious need of a coat of paint and a new roof, you have to either deal with those issues or adjust the price accordingly and wait for a buyer willing to take care of it themselves.

Finally, consider getting a pre-inspection. Lynda says almost no one does this because people think, “why open a can of worms?” But the can will be opened eventually when the buyers have your house inspected. And then those problems might cost you a willing and able buyer.

“When a buyer falls in love with your home, then finds out there’s a major problem you didn’t disclose, they fall out of love very quickly,” she says.

They’re angry and distrustful, even if you honestly weren’t aware of the problem. “Buyers feel like you should have known because it’s your house,” she says. “And sometimes they’ll terminate and refuse to even negotiate the repairs.” Lynda says when buyers are willing to negotiate, they may want the price lowered by double, or even triple, the cost of repairs. Ouch!

But she says if you get your home pre-inspected, you won’t be caught off guard. You can attach repair receipts to your seller’s disclosure or have the house re-inspected and attach the report. And most importantly, says Lynda, “you won’t lose a deal or have to come down on your list price.”

What are some ideas you’ve used to make your home more appealing to buyers? Or from a buyer’s perspective, what are the major turn-ons and turn-offs when you walk into a house?

Source: getrichslowly.org

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Apache is functioning normally

June 6, 2023 by Brett Tams

Want to get a rep as the grillmaster with the fastest flip?

Be known as the neighbor with the sassiest sauce?

Find your perfect apartment now!

Learn how to work your apartment community barbecue grill like a pro when you follow these rules of the roast!

Master your main course
Whether you are a meat-eater or a veggie-lover, you can increase your BBQ clout by mastering a main course. Understanding how to grill different types of meat or how to barbecue veggies to perfection takes time. Start by picking one main dish to master. When you can make the most amazing hot dogs or pork chops, you’ll be a sizzling sensation at the community grill.

Choose your weapon
Your apartment community may provide grills for residents to share and enjoy. If you want to invest in a personal grill, however, you have plenty of grilling options.

  • When you want to fire it up fast, a gas grill is right for you.
  • If you can wait patiently for chargrilled flavor, then a charcoal grill is your best bet.
  • If you are afraid of fire — but love cooking outdoors — try an electric grill.

Not all grills are created equal, but just about any grill can make a mean burger!

Know the rules of the grill
The most important of all grilling tips is to always follow your community’s grilling guidelines. A good grillmaster takes risks with flavor combinations, but not with grilling safety. Check the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association’s list of safety rules.

Most apartments won’t let you have combustible materials within 10 feet of a building or decking, so discuss the details with your property manager before grilling out. Or use your community grill to play it safe (and make friends!)

Grill Out! How to Barbecue Like a Pro in Your Apartment CommunityCome equipped
For the best results, assemble great grilling gear. There’s a cornucopia of grilling tools on the market ranging from frugal to fancy. No matter how much you spend, you’ll need the basics:

  • Spatula
  • Tongs
  • Meat fork
  • Marinade brush
  • Carving board
  • Meat-slicing knife
  • Meat thermometer

In addition to these essentials, you can spice things up with specialty grill gear like a monogrammed steak brand or a hot dog rack.

Season with style
A list of barbecue tips and tricks wouldn’t be complete without a mention of sauces, rubs and marinades. These tasty additions add oomph to an ordinary piece of meat. You might try the sauces on your local grocer’s shelf, or get exotic and join a BBQ Sauce of the Month club.

Share your skills
You’ve worked hard learning to barbecue like a pro, so don’t keep that rack of ribs all to yourself. Plan one night a week to grill out with your friends and show off your skills. Ask them to bring side dishes, drinks and desserts to help round out the menu. At least once a year, heat things up by hosting a grilling competition!

Grill Out! How to Barbecue Like a Pro in Your Apartment CommunityMore Summer Apartment Living Links
Summertime…. Apartment Living is Easy!How to Grow Strawberries on Your Apartment Porch
Summer Pet Care Tips

Photo credits: Shutterstock / Eldad Carin, Jill Chen, sevenke

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Apache is functioning normally

June 6, 2023 by Brett Tams

Christina Hall and her husband Josh have a busy summer ahead.

An all-new season of “Christina on the Coast,” the Southern California-based HGTV docuseries that chronicles Christina’s home renovation and design business and family life, is set to debut June 29. In addition to transforming a new slate of clients’ coastal-inspired homes, Christina will also tackle a remodeling project inside the ultra-modern Newport Beach, CA, mansion she purchased in 2022 for $12 million.

“Now that Christina is settled in a new home closer to family and friends, the busy mom of three, author and entrepreneur also will tackle her own kitchen overhaul alongside husband Josh Hall,” according to a press release.

The property, built in 2021, is chock full of luxury touches like floor-to-ceiling windows, an “interstellar” home theater, and a lap pool. And although we have yet to get a good view of the kitchen, it’s hard to believe a home this new—and this deluxe—is worthy of a renovation. But that’s all the more reason to tune in.

Prior to buying in Newport Beach, Christina and Josh, who tied the knot in September 2022, put down roots in a modern farmhouse on 23 acres in Franklin, TN. The southern suburb of Nashville was their home base while filming the first season of “Christina in the Country,” the countrified spin-off that chronicled the HGTV stars expanding their business on the other side of the country.

Just in case you’re keeping track, Christina separated from her second husband, Ant Anstead, in September 2020, and their divorce became final in June. They had been married since December 2018, and stayed together for just under two years.

Christina explained on Instagram that she and Josh had been dating in strict privacy for “several months” prior to her going public with their relationship in July 2021.

“I met Josh when I wasn’t in a state of fear or fight-or-flight … I had taken time off social, hired a spiritual coach and smoked a Bufo toad (which basically reset my brain and kicked out years of anxiety in 15 mins),” Christina said on Instagram. “When we met this past spring, the synchronicities hit us so hard and fast they were impossible to ignore.”

In any case, Christina seems to dig romantic relationships with men in the real estate industry. Her first marriage, to her “Flip or Flop” co-host, Tarek El Moussa, lasted over ten years, and their TV series ended in 2022 after 10 seasons.

Ahead of the sixth season of “Christina on the Coast,” here are a few surprising facts every HGTV fan should know about Josh Hall.

1. He’s a real estate agent in Austin

Hall is a real estate agent at Spyglass Realty, having relocated to Austin, TX, in 2017 “after visiting and falling in love with its beauty,” he explained in his bio. “I just could not leave without buying a home of my own in this little slice of heaven. I was actually born not too far from Austin, at Ft. Hood Army base where my father was stationed.”

Yet while his bio and contact information used to be proudly displayed on Spyglass, all that’s there now is his square-jawed headshot. Could this mean that he may soon be moving into Christina’s gorgeous new Newport Beach home, and getting his real estate license in California? Perhaps. In fact, we wouldn’t be at all surprised if we soon see him in cameos (or more) in “Christina on the Coast.”

2. He’s not a real estate snob

A review of his Realtor.com® profile reveals that he was responsible for 15 home sales in the past two years, representing either the buyer or seller. The market in Austin has been feverish over the past two years, and Hall appears to have specialized in homes in the $200,000 to $900,000 range. Most are traditional, two- to four-bedroom houses, some on sizable lots measuring an acre or more.

Austin TX area home sold by Joshua HallAustin TX area home sold by Joshua Hall
Joshua Hall represented the buyer in the sale of this four-bedroom, three-bath home in Spicewood, TX.

(Google Maps)

Austin area home sold by Joshua HallAustin area home sold by Joshua Hall
This Austin-area home was sold by Hall.

(Google Maps)

No Instagram, no Facebook, no Twitter feed, not even LinkedIn for business purposes! Believe us, we looked. He may be the last remaining real estate agent of his generation who doesn’t at least promote his listings somewhere online.

Christina seems to like it that way, and we can’t blame her.

“The internet and social are great for businesses or staying up to date on fam / friends but also can be toxic and (let’s be real) pretty fake,” she wrote on Instagram. “Josh doesn’t have social media.”

4. He was formerly a cop—for all the right reasons

Hall’s bio also reveals this: “While living in southern California, I realized my passion was to help others and I became a police officer at the age of 21. Before my 16 year career was cut short due to injuries sustained in the line of duty and ultimately leading to an early retirement, I took great pride in helping people with everyday difficulties and putting them at ease.”

It seems he’ll once again be protecting Southern California properties and citizens, at least in a more personal way, as his future wife and three stepchildren all call Orange County home.

5. He loves dogs

In Hall’s spare time, he says, “You can find me exploring with my two dogs, floating on one of Austin’s many bodies of water or flying to rescue puppers from kill shelters.” Talk about a noble cause!

Since Christina already has two pups of her own, a Rottweiler named Biggie and a French bulldog named Cash, her Newport Beach home is already pet-friendly. But the question is, will Hall and his pack all fit inside their home—and on the family bed?

6. His sisters are reality TV–famous

Something else Hall and Christina have in common is reality TV. In fact, Hall’s younger sisters are deeply steeped in it. His sister Stacie Hall Adams appeared regularly on “The Hills” as Stacie the bartender. His sister Jessica was a former Playboy model, hosted the MTV reality series “Burned, and made regular appearances on “Kendra” and “Kendra on Top,” as the close friend of fellow Playboy star Kendra Wilkinson.

7. He has an uncanny link to Tarek El Moussa’s fiancee, Heather Rae Young

Hall’s sister Jessica now hosts the podcast “Flashbacks” solo, but she formerly hosted it with bestie Heather Rae Young of “Selling Sunset” fame. Yes, that Heather Rae Young, the one who’s engaged to El Moussa, Christina’s first husband. Hollywood is such a small town!

8. He’s inked to the brink

Oh, the tales Hall’s tattoos could tell, like what’s up with that hatted man adjacent to his left pec, and why the spiderweb on his left knee? He must have his reasons for them all, and he could spend countless hours in the telling.

9. He’s already close to Christina’s kids

He appears to already be fully accepted by Christina’s kids, at least her two oldest, Taylor and Brayden. A recent Instagram post revealed that the four of them spent a quick, kid-friendly weekend in Las Vegas: “24 hours in Las Vegas with the big kids—wave pool, aquarium, steak dinner repeat ❤️🎰.” Cheers to that!

10. Christina has his back

Don’t you dare be all judgy about Christina’ third engagement on social media, or Christina will come out swinging.

She’s posted several Instagram tirades, including this one: “People are way too concerned about other people’s lives. They spend so much time judging others to avoid working on their own sh*t … Life is short. Do what you love with the ones you love. For me, that’s Josh, my kids and a few close friends and co-workers. ✌🏼”

Source: realtor.com

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Apache is functioning normally

June 6, 2023 by Brett Tams

Have you ever heard somebody’s job title and wondered what it is they even do all day? Some jobs just seem useless, either to outside observers, or even to the people hired to work them. Some jobs are crucial to the organization; others are average, and some jobs may be just an accessory or unnecessary. Here are 17 jobs people hesitate to admit they find completely useless. Is your job here? Continue reading and let us know in the comments!

1. Sorting Files

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

One person shared, “My very first job. I’m a toxicologist and was hired by a very big private laboratory. My main job was to sort and redirect case files depending on the time at which the results came out. THE DOCUMENTS WERE SENT TO ME IN EXCEL. I was getting paid to just click sort by date descendingly.”

Another user replied, “I had to do something similar to this when I was doing summer help at a steel factory. They paid me $14 an hour to sit there for eight hours and just move files to different folders and rename them. Sometimes I would pull weeds and paint walls, but that was about it.”

Sorting Files

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Another added, “Working for a big company, one of the top 20 in the world, I am realising how bad people are with basic computer tasks… like really bad!”

2. Teachers who Don’t Teach

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

“My math teacher who tells me to log in to Pearson and then disappears,” one person stated.

“I dropped a university class this term because the week 3 assignment said to ‘look up how to do this on Google, Stackexchange, or ChatGPT.’ I’m not paying 1400 dollars to be taught by an AI chat bot, [lol],” another one shared.

“As a teacher myself, trust me, these are the kinds of colleagues we can’t stand,” one Redditor added.

3. Management Consultant

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

One person stated, “Mine. I’m a management consultant and while I have quite a bit of industry knowledge and experience, my clients either have the same knowledge or they aren’t willing to accept change. Often times my firm gets paid a lot of money to make very little difference strategically and/or operationally. Where we do add value is in implementing enterprise-wide software solutions. Why do I stay? The money is pretty good given the futility.”

“I heard from an acquaintance of mine who is a management consultant that most of the time people just want to hear their ideas out of someone else’s mouth and will pay you to do it so that their peers will be more amenable to the idea,” another user replied.

One commenter added, “Nothing like a bunch of 20 somethings telling a bunch of C-Suit executives how to run a business.”

4. Pet Psychic

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

One user said, “Our Golden Retriever was getting joint therapy (shoulder injury, worked with a vet, dog did swimming three days a week in a heated pool where he could exercise without putting weight on the joint, also did some exercises, is now fine. The place also did laser therapy and acupuncture for dogs.) Someone said something about ‘Hudson’ which is our dog’s name only they were talking to another dog. ‘Oh,’ they said, ‘That’s the dog psychic’s dog.’ Apparently you could find out what your dog was thinking. I know what my dog is thinking. Most of the time he either wants what I’m eating or he wants me to throw the ball.”

Another Redditor replied, “My cousin is a ‘pet psychic.’ She’s got quite the following on IG, a fancy website, and even a podcast. She claims to receive telepathic messages from your furry friends. She can even talk to reptiles and horses now! And she’s not horsing around, apparently each species requires a specific training. I’m not sure if she’s delusional or just scamming people, but either way, she’s making a lot of $$$.”

5. Elevator Attendant

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

One person shared, “I’m so old I remember when they had these in department stores. Whilst shopping with my grandma one day we got in an elevator and the attendant asked if we wanted the second floor. My grandma replies, ‘Why yes, how did you know?’ He says, ‘Ma’am, there’s only two floors, and we’re currently on the first one.’”

“They’re from an era of manually operated elevators. You used to have to close the doors manually then use a lever to control the elevator and stop it just right at the floor you wanted. It was tricky and very dangerous if you got it wrong, so you had an elevator operator whose job it was to run the elevator,” the second one replied.

6. Telemarketers

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

“Telemarketers, I don’t know a single person who has actually purchased something from a telemarketer. Maybe it’s something the older generation does but everyone hates them and immediately hangs up on them around me,” one person stated.

“I worked as a telemarketer for State Farm when I got out of high school, and in 8 months I had one person actually let me give her a quote. It was my aunt,” another Redditor replied.

One commenter added, “I remember when I was 12 I told this random telemarketer to get a life because at that point we were getting like 5-10 calls a day. She called me back and cussed me out. To this day, I think it’s so funny.”

7. Sign Spinners

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Sign spinners, or sign twirlers, are people who hold a sign and stand on the street to get attention and possibly a customer for the business that hired them.

“The job only exists because the businesses want to put a sign there, but it’s cheaper or the only legal option to hire a person to hold the sign and stand there,” one person shared.

“That was my job for one summer in college. I got to hang out outside and listen to music all day. But I always thought it was weird that they were paying some guy $15/hr to do the job of a stick and a piece of duct tape,” another commenter replied.

One Redditor added, “I had a job like that except I didn’t even have to hold the sign. They said I could just lean it against the front of the store and stand next to it.”

8. Paparazzi

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Everybody knows what the paparazzi jobs are doing—stalking people, taking pictures of them, and making money.

“You know why paparazzi make a ton of money and keep doing what they are doing? Because people keep buying their photos to put in magazines that people keep buying. Stop buying the magazines and watching the shows that feature their photos, and the paparazzi will go away. Easy peasy,” one person said.

Another commenter replied, “Scum of the earth.”

One user added, “They’re just filling a demand. I blame and judge those that consume the media they produce.”

9. Bathroom Attendants

One person said, “I don’t need somebody in there pulling paper towels out of the dispenser just to hand it to me and compel me to tip them.” The second one replied, “I never saw this until I was visiting Ireland a few years back, and man, was it annoying. It’s bad enough there’s a guy standing at the sinks watching you have a leak, but then he wants a euro or two for handing you a towel to dry your hands.”

Another commenter said, “They’re essentially bathroom security guards. They prevent people from doing drugs and having sex in the bathroom.”

10. Patent Trolls

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

One user said, “People that apply for Patents. And then just hold onto them forever with no intent of making the thing. And then when somebody does make the thing, ho-boy, you owe me money because I own the rights to that thing! It’s one of those weird ‘Do nothing and hope to eventually get a big payout’ jobs, like Domain Squatters.”

Another commenter stated, “There should be a law that makes the patent public domain if the owner doesn’t actually use it. It would probably accelerate the progress of humanity by a big factor.”

11. Shop Security

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

One person said, “Shop security—in most cases, they can’t legally do anything but just watch.”

Another user replied, “Depends on the type of security they invest in. Security guards who stand at the door all day in a uniform—yes you’re right, in most cases, they’re used as a deterrent. However, store detectives go undercover and try to blend in with other customers (in their own clothes, browsing stock and carrying a basket/trolley) so that they go unnoticed. Those people are allowed to tackle shoplifters and actually do something about it.”

One commenter said, “Security is used primarily for insurance and tax reasons. You have to show that your actively trying to prevent and deter theft and accidents.”

12. Car Dealerships

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

“Just let me buy a car from the factory. Your job is to get me to pay as much as possible. So useless and so annoying,” one person said.

“It’s an ancient law that mandated dealerships so you’d have a guaranteed mechanic to work on it. Obsolete since auto shops are a thing,” another user replied.

“Car salespeople, realtors, stock brokers. They are pure middlemen who produce nothing for society other than putting cash in their own pocket,” another added.

13. Health Insurance Operators

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

One person said, “While it’s a billion-dollar industry, health insurance. Literally, they exist to prevent you from cashing out on what you paid into. They have little to no medical knowledge, make everything more expensive, and exist solely as a useless middleman to make themselves rich.”

Another person shared, “Exactly. They just refused to cover my medication that they suggested several years ago to replace another medication that they did not want to cover at the time. This time they didn’t even offer a replacement, just refused to cover my meds without any explanation. It’s an absurd world where the insurance company makes decisions on my healthcare instead of my doctor.”

14. Homeopath

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

“I’ll do you one better, a few weeks I saw an ad for a homeopathic veterinary doctor. I feel bad for the animals unfortunate enough to find themselves as patients,” one person shared.

“Ugh. Literally the only possible benefit homeopathy could have due to the placebo effect. Pets ain’t even benefiting from that,” the second replied.

15. Reiki Healer

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

One person stated, “I knew a lady, very nice and caring, but off the wall hippie, who would charge people to hold her hand over them and transmit ‘healing energy.’ She also offered long-distance reiki where she promised to send you healing energy from her couch and would even set appointments to do just that.”

Another user added, “The funny thing is anyone can just open a Reiki clinic and call themselves an expert/shaman. If you go to school for it you’re just another victim of the grift.”

16. Middle Management

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

“Most middle management positions. Their job is literally to take things from above and send them below, and to have someone to shift blame to.” one person expressed.

“Don’t forget all the useless meetings that they organize. I bet redundant managers everywhere were really sweating for their jobs when everyone was WFH,” another one added.

 Another commenter said, “You clearly have no idea what management does. Or worked on a team that was poorly managed.”

17. Hedge Fund Managers

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

One Reddit user said, “They produce no goods or services that actually make the world a better place. They are gamblers and leeches on society.”

Another user replied, “I’m convinced that half the time, even the news articles about stocks are [intentionally] misleading in order to get uninformed people to bet against the winning play.”

Original Reddit Thread here.

Here are 10 of The Most Beautiful Songs People Have Ever Heard

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What’s your favorite song of all time? Check out this article with ten of people’s favorite songs of all time.

10 Movies People Said were Awful that are Actually Great

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Have you ever been warned away from a terrible movie only to discover that you really love it? Check out this list of movies people said were terrible, but turned out to be fantastic!

10 Actors People Never Believed would Become as Big as they Did

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Have you ever been surprised at an actor or actress’s success? Us too: check out this article of celebrities we never thought would get this popular.

10 Celebrities People Automatically Assume will make a Movie Great

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Who’s your favorite celebrity? Would you watch anything they’re cast in? Check out this compilation of Redditors’ favorite actors!

10 Best One-Note Actors of All Time

Image Credit: Shutterstock – Tinseltown

Can you think of any actors or actresses who were great, and then weren’t? Here’s our top list of one-hit wonders, all in one place!



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Apache is functioning normally

June 6, 2023 by Brett Tams

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Welcome to the epitome of luxury living in the heart of Washington D.C. The Barbara at 2401 Penn is a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom apartment, boasting 2,600 square feet of pure opulence. From the breathtaking views of DC to the elegant marble-tiled bathrooms with whirlpool bathtubs, no detail has been overlooked in these stunning apartments.

As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the impressive wood-burning fireplace in the living room, which sets the tone for the lavish lifestyle that awaits. The spacious floor plan of The Barbara also includes a formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen, a private balcony with French doors, and an abundance of natural light, making this the perfect space for both entertaining and relaxation.

The primary bathroom of The Barbara is a work of art in itself, with a stunning soaking tub and a linen closet. Both bedrooms are generously sized, providing ample space to create your own private oasis within your apartment.

In addition to the meticulously designed interiors, The Barbara comes with an array of amenities that are unparalleled in Washington D.C. The full-service concierge is always available to assist with everything from arranging local restaurant reservations to booking event tickets. Need a life coach or a fitness trainer? They’ve got you covered. And for pet owners, The Barbara is a pet-friendly community that even offers pet-sitting and walking services.

If all of this sounds too good to be true, we invite you to take a virtual tour and see for yourself. Simply click on this link: https://cdn.styldod.com/360/the_barbara/app-files/index.html. The Barbara at 2401 Penn is truly a gateway to a lavish DC lifestyle, and we can’t wait to welcome you home.

Ready to see The Barbara in person?  Schedule your personalized tour today.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Rental providers will not refuse to rent a rental unit to a person because the person will provide the rental payment, in whole or in part, through a voucher for rental housing assistance provided by the District or federal government.

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Apache is functioning normally

June 5, 2023 by Brett Tams

Thinking of calling the Valley of the Sun home? Make sure you have all the important amenities, like an on-site gym, at your fingertips.

When you’re looking for an apartment in Phoenix, you want to make sure you find a place to live that has all of the amenities you need.

While most people go straight to the pool (and why not, with the year-round Sunshine in Arizona!), but don’t overlook the fitness center. If you pick a community with a great fitness center, you can get in a full workout without the hassle of driving to your gym.

These are the 10 best gyms in Phoenix that can be found in apartment communities.

one of the best apartment gyms in phoenix

Source: Rent. / Desert Club

Sharing space with the Sonoran Preserve in Desert View, the Desert Club is a great Phoenix location to call home. The fitness center is bright, with soft blue and cream tones. You’ll find two rows of cardio machines, with another row of strength training equipment right behind. There are plenty of windows and an entire wall of mirrors. You also have over 30 miles of trails in the Preserve to use when you want to take your workout outdoors.

Additional amenities within the Desert Club include a clubhouse, pool and grilled areas. This is also a green community.

one of the best apartment gyms in phoenix

Source: Rent. / Reveal

A nicely manicured soccer field — aka Community Sport Court — and fitness center make up just part of the fitness space at Reveal. You also have access to tennis courts and can even do laps in the heated pool. Other amenities at Reveal include a bocce ball court and a covered playground.

Located to the north of the city center, in Deer Valley, this area has a strong community feel with many locally owned businesses with their own personality.

one of the best apartment gyms in phoenix

Source: Rent. / Acero North Valley

At the northern entrance to Phoenix is North Gateway, the home of Acero North Valley. This community has a large pool area with a hot tub, a game room with shuffleboard and an arcade table, a covered playground and a dog park.

The gym at Acero North Valley comes equipped with a nice assortment of cardio and strength machines, a CrossFit box, free weights and exercise balls. There’s also a separate spin studio with on-demand classes.

one of the best apartment gyms in phoenix

Source: Rent. / Vela on Camelback

In one of the most popular neighborhoods in Phoenix, you’ll find the amenity-filled community of Vela on Camelback. The building itself has a funky design, with art-deco and metallic accents. There’s a sleek pool and hot tub with in-water lounging, an outdoor lounge with corn hole, pet wash and an outdoor dining area with a kitchen and grilling station. There’s even a game room with billiards, electronic darts, and arcade games.

This Camelback East community has a massive fitness center as well, with floor-to-ceiling windows. A long row of cardio machines, and another equally long row of strength training equipment dead end into a separate yoga space.

one of the best apartment gyms in phoenix

Source: Rent. / Ventura Vista

With no shortage of colors when it comes to its decor, the gym at Ventura Vista is full of high-end equipment, a CrossFit box and free weights. There are big windows and a carpet with a funky design.

Situated in Paradise Valley, with its great mountain views, Ventura Vista also has a pool with lounge chairs galore, a hot tub, a grilling area and a coffee bar with Starbucks coffee.

one of the best apartment gyms in phoenix

Source: Rent. / Acero at Algodón Center

A sand volleyball court and spin studio add a little something extra to the fitness amenities at Acero at Algodon Center. The multi-room gym has an outdoor section that extends CrossFit capabilities, in addition to having a massive CrossFix box. There are also plenty of cardio machines.

With its own outdoor community garden, this West Phoenix community taps into the local vibe of being both urban and outdoorsy. The area has plenty of places to walk, jog, hike and bike, while Acero at Algodon Center itself has a pool, hot tub and massive sun deck for when it’s time to relax.

one of the best apartment gyms in phoenix

Source: Rent. / The Logan at Osborn

Along the Central Avenue Corridor, close to downtown and full of active residents, you’ll find the impressive gym at The Logan at Osborn. It’s a two-story fitness center with a bright, industrial feel. Cardio machines on the top level look down onto the strength training equipment and CrossFit box below.

For those who like to toss in a walk outside, The Logan at Osborn is near Murphy’s Bridle Path, a nicely-shaded dirt running trail that’s about 2.6 miles each way.

one of the best apartment gyms in phoenix

Source: Rent. / Arcadia Villa Apartments

With a recreation room with billiards, a landscaped courtyard, two pools and an outdoor lounge, Arcadia Villa Apartments is pretty stacked. The workout space here has all the basic cardio and strength equipment you’ll need. There’s also a colorful, separate fitness studio with a vibrant mural on the wall.

You’ll find Arcadia Villa Apartments in Arcadia Lite, a neighborhood known for its trendy food and drink scene.

one of the best apartment gyms in phoenix

Source: Rent. / Ascent at Papago Park

Another great apartment in Camelback East, the gym at Ascent at Papago Park is big and bright. The cardio machines face out through large windows, and there’s a variety of strength training equipment. A separate fitness/yoga studio brings in a pop of blue and has plenty of mirrors.

The additional amenities at Ascent at Papago Park cater to almost anybody. There’s a game room with billiards and shuffleboard, a cinema room, putting green, dog park, pool and hot tub and an outdoor fire pit with lounge space and a grilling area.

one of the best apartment gyms in phoenix

Source: Rent. / Seven Apartments

Lime green accents throughout the gym, and other bright colors, give the gym at Seven Apartments a light and happy vibe. The windows look out to the pool. Nicely organized, there’s a row of cardio machines, with a CrossFit box and some additional strength equipment right behind.

This Deer Valley community hosts its own resident events and has a resort-style pool and spa open 24 hours. There’s also a large dog park, barbecue and picnic areas and a business center with a conference room.

Grab an apartment workout at one of the best gyms in Phoenix

Among the many hidden gems in Phoenix, that perfect apartment gym may feel a little elusive. However, knowing what you want in your next home can help you narrow down your prospects and save you time.

Enjoy the search for the perfect Phoenix apartment — with all the right amenities.

Featured image source: Rent. / Vela on Camelback

Source: rent.com

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Apache is functioning normally

June 5, 2023 by Brett Tams

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Get ready to experience comfortable and convenient living in the Shipley Terrace neighborhood of Washington, D.C.! Pre-leasing for Ridgecrest will begin soon, offering quality and affordable apartments that perfectly balance comfort and convenience.

Apartment Community Amenities

Residents at Ridgecrest can enjoy 24-hour availability, a playground, controlled access for peace of mind, and high-speed internet to stay connected. You can also take advantage of their on-site laundry facilities and package-receiving services. Ridgecrest Village provides off-street parking, on-site maintenance, and on-site management to cater to your needs. They also offer the convenience of paying rent online and professionally manicured grounds to relax and unwind.

Apartment Amenities Designed with your comfort in mind

Ridgecrest Village Apartments come with air conditioning, ceiling fans, cable-ready units, efficient appliances, a refrigerator, a gas range, hardwood floors, and window coverings. These features provide the perfect balance of functionality and comfort to make your apartment feel like home.

Pet Policy

Unfortunately, we do not allow pets on our premises.

Neighborhood Features

The Shipley Terrace neighborhood is a vibrant community offering a range of amenities. Enjoy a splash park, community pool, and the Town Hall Arts and Recreation Campus, which provides access to a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, fitness classes, and more.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Ridgecrest in Shipley Terrace. For more information about pre-leasing or to schedule a tour, please contact us today!

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Rental providers will not refuse to rent a rental unit to a person because the person will provide the rental payment, in whole or in part, through a voucher for rental housing assistance provided by the District or federal government.

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