Come on, Barbie, let’s go party — at the real-life Malibu Dreamhouse.
Airbnb announced Monday that the hot-pink, beach-side mansion inspired by the toy home of the same name will be available to book for a limited time next month — with a twist. This time, Barbie’s blond beau, Ken, will be hosting.
The property rental company and Warner Bros. have joined forces to promote “Barbie” — the summer comedy starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling — by inviting “everyone in Barbie Land” to enter for a chance to win a one-night stay at the luxury estate.
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“We all have dreams, and Barbie is lucky enough to have a house full of them,” Ken said Monday in a statement.
“But now, it’s my turn, and I can’t wait to host guests inside these one-of-a-kind – dare I say, one-of-a-Ken? – digs.”
Starting July 17 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, anyone can request to book Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse on Airbnb. The company will select four lucky guests (two per night) to spend a night at the oceanfront villa for free on July 21 and 22.
According to a press release, “Ken couldn’t figure out how to put a price on Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse — after all, Ken’s thing is beach, not math!”
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The listing welcomes guests to take “a spin through Ken’s awesome wardrobe to find their best beach fit,” channel “their inner cowboy” while participating in “a line dance or two on Ken’s outdoor disco dance floor,” challenge each other to a “beach off,” sunbathe by the infinity pool and take home “a piece of Kendom” by leaving with a set of rollerblades and surfboards.
Other features of the Ken-ified dreamhouse include a cowboy-themed salon, an observation deck with a telescope overlooking the ocean, an outdoor bar and grill, an outdoor gym and a deck with a fire pit.
On his Airbnb profile, which features Gosling’s character poster for “Barbie,” Ken says he lives his life “by two Bs: Beach and Barbie. And rollerblades if you count that B.”
“There’s so much stuff to do [at the Dreamhouse] — some days, I’m not sure what to do first,” his profile reads.
“I mean, do you catch waves before or after firing up the grill? And how do you know when to visit the horses? Anyway, I’m excited for you to stay the night so you can do it all and more!”
This isn’t the first time Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse has popped up on Airbnb. In October 2019, the residence was briefly available to rent for $60 a night.
The latest Airbnb listing for Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse is just one facet of the robust marketing campaign Warner Bros. and Mattel have launched for “Barbie.” Leading up to the film’s release, the movie studio and the toy company have created custom dolls based on the characters, partnered with Xbox to add Barbie and Ken’s cars from the film to the racing video game Forza Horizon 5, teased “Barbie’s Dreamhouse Challenge” on HGTV, dropped a new disco anthem by Dua Lipa (who also appears in the film) from the “Barbie” soundtrack and hosted advance screenings of the film, among other things.
Directed by Greta Gerwig, “Barbie” opens in theaters July 17.
An elegant new offering from famed architect William Hefner has hit the market for a cool $39.9 million. Located at 1000 Laurel Way, the Laurel House boasts a modernist, resort-like design that perfectly encapsulates the best of Beverly Hills living.
The 16,000-square-foot estate features a total of 9 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms spread across three floors. Completed in 2020, this mansion has a lot more than stunning architecture to be proud of.
On top of being a Hefner masterpiece, another prominent name is attached to the property.
It was developed by real estate mogul Adnan Sen, owner of Sen Properties, who is known for creating ultra-luxurious mansions. Per their website, Sen’s company is “dedicated to reclaiming Beverly Hills as the most exciting and glamorous city in the world.”
That name may sound familiar if you are a fan of Netflix’s Selling Sunset.
The wealthy developer (and his Laurel House property) briefly appeared on the popular real estate reality show. Let us refresh your memory…
Adnan Sen’s $75 million listing on ‘Selling Sunset’
In season 2, episode 2 of Selling Sunset, Oppenheim agent Davina Potratz introduced Adnan Sen to viewers. The property developer was looking to sell his stunning property for $100 million but was advised to lower it to $75 million.
The 16,000-square-foot megamansion came with a massive commission, which was potentially “life-changing” for the ambitious agent.
The overpriced mansion proved to be a major challenge for Potratz. Despite great efforts, she never managed to get a buyer for the house, causing a rift in her relationship with her long-time client.
Adnan and Davina faced off once again in season 5 when the latter asked for a “last chance”.
“I’m asking for a third chance, because no disrespect but it was a little bit overpriced for the area based on the cost. Three-month agreement off market, that was very limited, and I didn’t have a lot of support from Jason and that was tough,” Davina explained.
Related: What happened to Jason Oppenheim’s penthouses from Season 6 of ‘Selling Sunset’?
After expressing his disappointment, Adnan spoke of a newly developed property — the Laurel House — keeping Davina on her toes but later giving her a much smaller listing because “the bigger ones are a little out of your league”.
While the house didn’t get much screentime on the series, the listing went to another prestigious brokerage (one that has its own reality show on Netflix, no less), The Agency, with Pate Stevens acting as agent.
The Laurel House, a $39.9M stunner now up for grabs in Beverly Hills
Given its impressive builder credits, the mansion would undoubtedly attract a lot of discerning buyers.
The inside of the Laurel House is just as stunning as its exteriors. Boasting a modern, minimalist-yet-sophisticated design, and airy spaces, it is both elegant and inviting.
The main level has an open floor plan, featuring hardwood floors, stately columns, and floor-to-ceiling arched windows. The chef’s kitchen is well-equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, a large island, and marble-topped counters.
The primary suite upstairs has its own fireplace, his-and-her bathrooms with soaking tubs, dual walk-in closets, and two large balconies overlooking the expansive grounds.
The basement is decked out with entertainment options, ranging from a 12-seat screening room to a wine cellar, a gym, a glam room, and two ensuite bedrooms.
Additional amenities include a one-bedroom detached guest house, an oversized pool with built-in seating, an outdoor kitchen, a standalone resort-style cabana, and a gallery garage that can accommodate up to 10 cars.
The combination of exceptional architecture, well-thought-out design, and luxurious finishes make the Laurel House a truly unique property. On top of that, its quick cameo in one of Netflix’s most popular shows also adds prestige and gives potential buyers extra bragging rights.
More stories you might like
ALL the houses featured in Season 6 of Selling Sunset and what happened to them
What happened to Hillside, the $40 million house from ‘Selling Sunset’?
Chrishell Stause’s House is a $3.3 Million Midcentury Ranch in Hollywood Hills
If you don’t like spending more than 24 hours in Las Vegas, can you enjoy a cruise on a ship that’s clearly inspired by that neon-lit oasis of excess? The answer, surprisingly, is yes.
When I stepped aboard MSC Euribia, the newest ship in Europe-based MSC Cruises’ fleet and the fifth vessel in its Meraviglia class, I knew that megaships weren’t exactly my comfort zone. And this ship, which accommodates 4,838 guests (6,327 at full capacity), is definitely mega.
Would I be able to see beyond the crowded elevators, the endless barrage of clinking glasses and loud laughter, the flash of a gazillion LED lights and, ultimately, the sheer mass-market-ness of it all? I had my doubts as I boarded the ship for a short three-day cruise from Amsterdam to Copenhagen that culminated with the ship’s christening by godmother Sophia Loren.
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But as I got to know Euribia, I realized that overstimulation can be kind of fun if you’re willing to lose yourself in the spectacle — all 184,000 gross tons of it.
That said, there were definitely things I liked, even loved, about this vibrant 19-deck siren named for Eurybia, the ancient Greek goddess who harnessed the natural elements to master the sea. There were also things I didn’t like, though they weren’t enough to make me lump this ship, the most eco-friendly in the MSC fleet, in the reject pile with my least-favorite U.S. city.
What I liked
Carousel Lounge
During my first night on board, I followed the after-dinner crowds to the Carousel Lounge, a Deck 7 aft performance venue on all Meraviglia-class ships that has been beautifully reinvented on Euribia. When the space debuted in 2017 on Meraviglia, it was designed in the round with overhead rigging for Cirque du Soleil performances. Now freed from the constraints of circus-like acrobatics, the reimagined, opened-up Carousel is classy, sophisticated and social.
The new vibe is mainly due to Big Band at Sea, a superb 19-piece orchestra with a pair of dynamic vocalists whose repertoire includes crooner-era classics, hit Broadway tunes and modern chart-toppers. They perform three sets each evening and draw an appreciative, if somewhat mature, audience.
Yes, there’s a dance floor, but there are also a large bar and cozy groupings of sofas set around a glowing fireplace. A red-felt pool table is popular with younger guests.
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By day, with shades and screens lifted and the space’s floor-to-ceiling windows revealed, the Carousel Lounge is a comfortable place to read or converse. Outdoor terraces on both the port and starboard sides also offer a quiet spot to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
The 5 pools
One thing I do appreciate about big ships is the options they offer, including multiple pools. Euribia has five of them, four outdoors and one indoors (with a retractable roof).
The pools are strategically placed around the ship, although two are adjacent on Deck 15. The spacious resort-style Main Pool is lined with cushioned sun beds and features two crescent-shaped hot tubs. The indoor Bamboo Pool offers a much smaller pool and hot tub. While ideal for cruising in chillier northern climates, the latter can get noisy when the roof is closed.
Two pools are located aft. The infinity-edge Horizon Pool on Deck 16 has an amphitheater-style design with multiple levels of sun beds. It also has a bar and transforms into a nighttime entertainment space.
Related: The 6 best cruise ship waterslides and watery fun zones
The kid-friendly, reef-themed Ocean Cay Aquapark features vibrant waterslides and a splash pool. It’s located on Deck 19, and if you’re cruising without kids, you might not even realize it’s there.
The fifth pool isn’t open to everyone. It’s located forward on Deck 19 within the Yacht Club, the cruise line’s elevated “ship within a ship” enclave of 103 staterooms and suites featuring exclusive spaces and amenities. I wasn’t booked into the Yacht Club, but I did tour its pool deck. I could see myself spending a sea day there, sipping an Aperol spritz and nibbling on snacks served from the nearby grill.
Helios: Wine Maker
Wine and technology prove to be a perfect pairing in Helios: Wine Maker. This new bar concept on Euribia takes a not-so-novel concept — machine-dispensed wine, 96 options, in fact, in small, medium and large pours — and adds a cool interactive twist.
During any of four sommelier-led master classes, which are each priced at 35 euros ($38) per person, guests are seated around a first-of-its-kind touchscreen table that helps guide them through a sampling of four wines with details on tasting notes and the winemaker’s story. Pay attention: There’s a pop quiz at the end.
Master class topics include New World versus Old World wines; biodynamic and organic wines; and a revelatory wine and glass pairing with wine glass company Riedel that I enjoyed my first evening on board. But even without a sommelier-led tasting, guests can easily consult touchscreens for more information about the wines they’ve selected.
Yes, self-dispensing wine bars can be impersonal. What worked for me here was that it made tasting a variety of wines easy and informative. I could read all about a wine before I tried it or, in the case of the master class I attended, discover interesting facts and tasting notes as I sipped. (Yes, that minerality I detected was legit.) The sommelier was there to lead me through layers of information on the touchscreen beneath my wine glasses, making a high-tech process delightfully engaging, as wine tasting should be.
The Galleria
When I first encountered The Galleria, I had flashbacks of being swept up in a crowd of ceiling-gawking tourists in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. This gargantuan, two-level promenade on decks 6 and 7 features faux-marble balconies and the longest LED “sky dome” on a cruise ship, which arches overhead like a time-warp hybrid of the Sistine Chapel and a Times Square billboard.
The entire space, which pulses with eye-popping graphics, is home to all specialty restaurants, plus several bars and a whopping 13,756 square feet of shopping opportunities.
Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries
To my surprise, my initial dislike that first evening quickly turned to fascination as I marveled at The Galleria’s bold, chameleon-like quality. What might have been just a two-level shopping mall at sea was transformed into a captivating work of art. Maybe it was all the wine I’d sipped, but the massive LED mosaic overhead was hypnotic … and helped orient me toward specialty dining venues, bars and, most importantly, the right elevator bank to reach my stateroom.
The irony isn’t lost on me that I’m giving the most Vegas-like thing on board Euribia an enthusiastic thumbs up.
The eco-conscious message of the hull artwork
A painted hull isn’t exactly novel. Norwegian Cruise Line has been doing it since 2002. But the artwork that adorns Euribia — MSC’s second ship powered by liquified natural gas, its most energy-efficient vessel and the first to sail a net-zero carbon-emission maiden voyage using bio-LNG fuel — has an important message: #savethesea.
Before boarding Euribia, every guest will spot this hashtag painted in vivid turquoise on both the port and starboard sides and surrounded by stenciled blue sea creatures. The hull artwork, a first for the cruise line, was created by German artist Alex Flämig and chosen by MSC to represent twin goals: to have MSC’s entire fleet generate net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to protect coral and other endangered sea life via its MSC Foundation.
Euribia isn’t close to net zero yet, mainly because bio-LNG fuel isn’t widely available, but this massive ship is already 44% more efficient than MSC vessels built just 10 years ago. This statistic and other eco-minded onboard practices helped me put a check in the “like” column.
What I didn’t like
The stateroom decor and amenities
I felt hopeful as I swiped my keycard and opened the chic wood-like door, but when I saw my 189-square-foot stateroom, I was shocked — and not in a good way. The carpet, bulky sofa and oversized headboard were all dark brown, while the walls and furniture were beige. The patterned curtains and throw pillows were, you guessed it, brown and beige.
If brown is the new gray, I say no thank you. At least gray can lift and lighten a small space, while brown, especially the espresso-like shade used here (for practicality, I assume), is heavy and somber.
Then there was the artwork: an eel rendered in white dots against a brown ocean and a swirling orange sky. Where were the inspiring #savethesea blues of the hull? A few splashes of turquoise would surely have helped save this stateroom.
More importantly, where were the tissues and body lotion? I discovered that MSC supplies neither. The bathroom itself was a cramped, get-in-and-out-quickly kind of space, but thankfully, there was plenty of hot water eco-consciously generated by heat recovered from the engines.
Related: I got what I paid for: My cheap family cruise on MSC Seashore
That night, I also discovered that the bed with its fluffy duvet and two pillow options was quite comfortable. I slept well — and with the lights off, the monochromatic brown didn’t bother me as much.
The lack of Italian food on board
On day two around 4 p.m., I began craving gelato. Bring on the Venchi! But Euribia, along with its Meraviglia-class siblings, features the French-inspired Jean-Philippe Maury Chocolat & Café and Jean-Philippe Crepes & Gelato instead of Venchi, the Italian brand offered on MSC’s Seaside-class ships.
For those not in the know, Venchi has been making fine Italian chocolates since 1878, plus various kinds of gelato in traditional Italian flavors since 2007. The latter, in particular, is quite delicious.
My sweet tooth was begging, so I ordered two scoops of Jean-Philippe Maury’s gelato: one scoop of pistachio and another of chocolate. Both were tasty, but something was slightly off. What was missing, I decided, was Venchi’s transportive Italian authenticity.
This sentiment mimicked my overall feeling about the food on Euribia. Despite having a few delicious bites, the cuisine somehow fell short of expectations.
MSC has steadily improved its culinary offerings over the past several years, and most of what I ate — especially the mozzarella made fresh daily in the Marketplace buffet, as well as the tender gnocchi and slice of well-made margherita pizza I had during my cruise — was satisfying. The standout, however, was a white asparagus appetizer with a tangy Italian blood orange sauce served at the Gala Dinner in the Aurora Borealis main dining room.
As for the extra-charge specialty restaurants, the sample bites I tried in Hola! Tacos & Cantina didn’t inspire me to head back for a full meal. The tuna and salmon rolls and robatayaki-style grilled eggplant served family style at Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar were OK but not outstanding. (I didn’t get a chance to try Le Grill, the French brasserie-inspired steakhouse that has replaced Butcher’s Cut on Euribia.)
Ultimately, nothing besides that small portion of tender white asparagus (which I would gladly have eaten multiple servings of) was truly memorable. I have sailed with MSC several times and know it’s a mainstream line that fills its massive ships by offering enticingly low cruise fares, but I always find myself hoping the dining will be better given the company’s Italian ownership.
As it turns out, food inspired by that heritage is what MSC does best.
Bottom line
MSC Euribia, which will cruise northern Europe through late 2024, is designed for affordable family fun, as it offers plenty to keep kids and teens occupied. There are complimentary kids clubs, a Sportsplex for court games and an arcade area for virtual reality fun.
That said, those traveling sans kids will not find themselves out of place. Couples will enjoy the ship’s sophisticated spaces and nightly entertainment.
Regardless of who you’re traveling with, you can expect an international (mostly European) passenger mix, announcements made in six languages and service that’s slower than you’re used to.
Give the ship a chance. After a few days, you might, like me, find yourself forgiving Euribia’s superficial flaws and embracing the ship’s megaship eco-warrior personality.
Touring a potential new apartment is more than an opportunity to get a feel for the space. Going on an apartment tour gives you a chance to ask the landlord questions about the specifics of the unit and building to make sure it’s the right fit for you. It helps you make sure the apartment ticks all the right boxes on your “want” or “need” list, from fitting your budget to having special amenities like parking. That way, you fully understand the ins and outs of renting that particular unit and won’t get hit with any unpleasant surprises like unexpected fees during or after the rental process.
It’s always a good idea to go to an apartment viewing with a list of prepared questions so you don’t forget anything. This list of what to ask on an apartment tour covers everything you’ll need to know and ask when renting an apartment.
Asking the right questions on an apartment tour
In the excitement of viewing what could be your new home, don’t forget to ask your potential landlord these questions.
1. How much is the rent?
Unless you’re a millionaire to whom money is no object, make this your first question to ask on your apartment tour as soon as you walk in the door. If the monthly rent is too expensive or out of your budget, there’s no point in continuing with the tour unless you can negotiate.
Nowadays, apartment rental costs are usually available online with apartment listings. But, sometimes, you need to inquire directly with the management company or landlord about the cost of the rent.
2. What are the lease terms?
In addition to covering important information like the cost of rent and when the lease begins and ends, one of the most important aspects of the rental agreement is the lease terms. This states how long you’ll be renting the unit. The average lease term is for 12 months, although some landlords offer the option of a month-to-month lease. Month-to-month lease agreements offer flexibility and generally have more lenient terms, but a long-term lease of a year or more has more stability. Longer-term leases can also sometimes be used to negotiate a lower rent.
Most leases will also include information about specific policies like quiet hours, guest rules and more. In addition to asking questions about the lease agreement, you should always thoroughly read through the terms before signing.
3. What do you need for the apartment application?
Most apartment applications require the same items like pay stubs, bank statements, rental history and personal information. But some landlords have extra requirements like additional references, so it’s a good idea to check if the property manager needs anything extra to process your application so you can get it as soon as possible.
4. Are utilities included?
Renting an apartment that has utility costs calculated into each month’s rent is a big money-saver. But, apartment complexes will each have different rules when it comes to utilities included. Sometimes, they’ll cover some utilities like water, other times they’ll cover all primary utilities. In some cases, you’ll pay a set amount to the property manager for a certain utility. That’s why you should double-check what utilities the property manager would and would not cover and which are your personal responsibility as tenants.
5. What are the utility costs?
If there are some utilities that aren’t covered, you can ask the landlord for a rough estimate as to how much the utilities cost. They can’t give you an exact number since costs vary depending on personal usage and time of year, but they can still likely give you an approximate number.
For utilities that aren’t covered, you can also ask how you go about setting up personal accounts for services like water, electricity or internet.
6. Are there other costs included in the rent?
Along with utility costs, the cost of rent can sometimes cover or include building or property maintenance, cleaning or access to building perks. Check with the property manager to see what rent covers each month.
7. Are there any building dues or fees?
If you’re going to live in a condo or co-op apartment building, you may need to pay regular monthly dues on top of rent and other fees.
8. Are there any application or move-in fees?
Along with the first month’s rent and the security deposit, there are a lot of upfront, non-refundable costs associated with renting an apartment. You may need to pay an apartment application fee per person applying for each apartment, which costs anywhere from $20 to $50 but can get as high as $100.
Some landlords also charge move-in fees that cover cleaning or refurbishments to the unit before you move in. All these fees can really add up, so make sure you’re aware of them all so you can budget properly.
9. Do you have any move-in specials, discounts or special offers at this time?
To entice potential renters, apartment complexes will sometimes offer special deals like getting a free month. You can save yourself major money by taking advantage of a good move-in deal, so ask the landlord if they’re offering any special deals at this time.
10. How much is the security deposit?
When apartment hunting, you’ll find that many landlords require a security deposit. Typically, the deposit is the same amount as one month’s rent, but sometimes it’s less or more depending on your credit or rental history. As long as you take good care of the apartment and only inflict the usual wear and tear, you should get the full amount back when the lease ends.
You should also inquire about what constitutes normal wear and tear and if there are any extra fees for cleaning or maintenance upon move-out.
11. Am I permitted to sublet?
Want to go spend three months in Europe but don’t want to lose your apartment? You could always sublet the unit for a few months, but the rules about subletting vary by the property manager or leasing office. If the lease agreement doesn’t specify whether or not you can sublet, and under what grounds, confirm with the landlord. You don’t want to risk getting evicted or tarnishing your reputation as a good tenant by subletting without permission.
12. Am I allowed to add a roommate to the lease?
Along with subletting, check if you can add roommates to the lease and if so, under what terms. Sometimes, you and the roommate will need to sign updated leases, but other times, the landlord won’t care.
13. When do I need to pay rent?
Rent is typically due on the first of the month, but always double-check when you need to pay rent. This information should also be listed in your lease agreement.
14. Is there a grace period for late rent?
Sometimes life happens and you’re a bit short on cash come the first of the month. Ask if there’s a grace period before you get charged late fees. The average time before being charged a late fee is between five to seven days.
15. How do I pay for rent?
Most modern apartment communities let you make online payments for things like rent, but some still prefer checks. It’s best to double-check and avoid an unpleasant surprise when your landlord asks where your already-paid rent is.
16. Are there any costs to terminate the lease early?
If you get a new job and suddenly need to move in the middle of your lease, you’ll likely need to pay extra for breaking the contract early. The exact amount varies depending on the apartment complex, landlord, state or city, so be sure you know the specifics.
You should also ask how early in advance you need to give notice to vacate the apartment.
17. Do you require renters insurance?
As protection against liability and to allow a wider pool of applicants, most landlords require their tenants have renters insurance to cover their personal property.
Even if the landlord doesn’t require renters insurance, it’s still a good idea get it in case something happens.
18. Are pets allowed? If so, what is the pet policy?
Pet parents, take note. Some apartments don’t allow pets or only permit certain species or breeds, so you have to ask the landlord about their pet policy. Moving with a pet, you may also have to pay pet rent each month or pay pet fees along with moving costs.
19. What is the guest policy?
Most properties have rules when it comes to having guests stay over. Typically, overnight guests are OK but the lease may limit how long you can have a guest stay with you.
20. How are repairs and maintenance requests handled?
Don’t wait to get woken up at midnight by an overflowing toilet to understand how to put in requests for repairs or maintenance. If your building has an online tenant portal, you can likely file a request online. But other times, you’ll need to call the maintenance staff or leasing office.
You should also clarify if the building offers 24/7 emergency repairs and who to contact for after-hours emergencies.
21. What amenities does the apartment building include?
Amenities like gyms, communal areas, pools, dog parks and more can really make one apartment building stand out over another. Along with viewing different units, you can also request a complete building tour to see what amenities and perks it offers. Be sure to ask if you have to pay extra fees to use some of the amenities.
22. Does the building have a parking garage or designated parking?
Especially in big cities, street parking is always a hassle. An apartment complex with its own private parking lot or parking garage is worth its weight in gold, so make sure you ask what the parking situation is. If the complex does have its own parking, you may need to pay parking fees.
23. What security measures does the property have?
Your home is your castle, and you need to make sure it’s protected. Ask about security measures around the complex, such as cameras, locking gates and doors and security guards.
24. Who can I contact in case of emergencies?
Whether it’s an after-hours maintenance emergency or a crime has happened in your complex, make sure you’d know who to contact and how.
25. Are there any restricted or off-limits activities?
Some complexes or specific units may prohibit certain activities like smoking indoors or using a grill. If these restrictions aren’t laid out in the lease, make sure to ask the property manager.
26. Is the cost of rent ever increased? If so, by how much?
It’s normal for landlords to raise the cost of rent upon renewal, and depending on the market and demand, it could be a lot or a little. They may not have an exact answer, but by asking about price hikes, you’ll know if you need to expect one come renewal time.
If you’re worried about rising rates, ask if you can lease the unit for longer to lock in lower rates.
27. Do you offer pest control?
It’s the property manager’s responsibility to deal with pest control like cockroaches or bed bugs and you want to live in a complex that takes it seriously. Ask what preventative methods they use, what company they work with and how pest control would impact you if there were an issue.
28. How do I file complaints?
Whether it’s a complaint against other tenants or your property manager, understand the process for filing complaints.
29. Can I make changes to the unit and how will they impact my security deposit?
It’s fun to outfit your new home to your liking, but double-check what kind of decorations or changes are acceptable.
What if my apartment tour is virtual?
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of virtual apartment tours has become more widespread. If you’re doing a live Zoom tour with the landlord, you can ask directly. If it’s an unguided virtual tour, you can set up a phone or Zoom call with the landlord or email them a list of questions.
Save yourself time, energy and money by asking the right questions on an apartment tour
Going into an apartment tour prepared with questions helps you quickly weed out whether an apartment is right for you or not and move on to the next place.
Soak up the sun in The Mile High City by finding an apartment with ample outdoor space.
There’s no shortage of reasons to make Denver your home, but once you decide to live there, you’ve got to find the right apartment. From the location to the amenities, the best places to live are subjective to your own wants and needs.
Whether a sparkling pool tops your list or you’re seeking a stunning rooftop, don’t forget to look out for a serene outdoor garden as part of your Denver apartment. This is where you’ll congregate with friends, or even hang out on your own, all without having to leave home.
To make it easier to begin your search, check out these 10 excellent apartments with fantastic courtyards and gardens in Denver.
Source Rent. / TriVista on Speer
Giving you a fully stocked courtyard, TriVista on Speer knows how to pack a lot of amenities into a single space. Here, you’ll find a great dining area with multiple four-top tables, a cool lounge with outdoor carpet to add a homey feel and even a bocce ball court. A mixture of hardscape and oversized planters surround the space, while string lights crisscross above for some added ambiance.
When you’re looking to live in the “coolest” corner of the city center, you want to head to Central Denver. This neighborhood is a combination of downtown and a few suburban areas full of tree-lined streets, parks and lakes. Living here gives you a wide sample of what makes Denver such a great place to call home.
Source: Rent. / Whisper Sky
In a city like Denver, having an on-site garden is ideal. At Whisper Sky, this tranquil space includes a combination of taller trees, low bushes and grassy spots to enjoy. There are two benches so it’s easy to sit and soak in the nice day. For those who want to stay out once the sun goes down, the garden area extends into a nearby outdoor lounge, complete with a fire pit.
Within one of Denver’s many lush suburbs, this Dayton Triangle community sits in a quiet, smaller neighborhood popular with locals. A good restaurant scene and plenty of shopping make this area fun enough that you don’t need to head into Denver proper to have a good time.
Source: Rent. / The Quincy
To fully enjoy any outdoor dining experience at home, head to The Quincy. Here, the courtyard is the best place to grab a meal whether you’re sitting at the long bar-height table, grabbing a seat at a circular four-top or going casual in the patio chairs. Some of the area is covered, making it convenient regardless of weather. The space also has great raised beds of greenery and tall planters to enhance the natural beauty in this urban area.
Another action-filled spot, the Denver Central Business District is a lively place to call home. The financial center of the city, it’s also a cultural hub. The Denver Performing Arts Complex has 10 different venues for plays, dance and music. There are also a variety of museums. When it’s time to stroll through the neighborhood, head to the 16th Street Mall, a pedestrian strip full of restaurants and shops.
Source: Rent. / Mile 44
Combining all the best amenities into one central spot, Mile 44 does its courtyard space right. Pictured above is only one section of the expansive space, but here you’ll find two large gas grills, an umbrella-covered table for eating and a cute lounge space under a pergola, with another under the open sky. This is also where the hot tub is located. There are a few extra chairs for sunbathing and plenty of potted plants and mature trees as well.
To the southeast of the city center, in Hunter’s Run, the big attractions here are the Denver Tech Center and Cherry Creek State Park. You may head to the DTC by day for work, then visit the park and reservoir on the weekends. Cherry Creek State Park has different natural environments to explore as well as an 880-acre reservoir where boating and fishing are always an option.
Source: Rent. / Camber
Being able to grow your own herbs when you rent is a definite bonus. There’s often not enough space, but Camber takes special care of its green thumbed residents. Providing a little plot all your own to plant, the community garden lets you have the freshest ingredients possible for the nights you cook at home.
Close to the airport and plenty of open green spaces, living in Northeast Denver is great for those who travel a lot and those who love the outdoors. While there are plenty of shops and places to eat, it’s the variety of natural resources that really stand out in this neighborhood. Start at Central Park, where you can play sports in the summer and sled in the winter. Then, check out Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge and see bison out in the wild.
Source: Rent. / Veranda Highpointe
The courtyard at Veranda Highpointe has a very special feature, a heated lazy river. Among all the nicely designed spaces, you can hop in an inner tube and slowly float through until your heart’s content.
Parks, parks and more parks surround you when you call Hampden home. For walking and biking, hit the trails at Babi Yar Memorial Park, where the paths create the Star of David. These two parks are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to green space in this laid-back neighborhood. You’ll also find decent shopping and a variety of places to eat.
Source: Rent. / The Den
The layout of the courtyard at The Den really does impress. Two large, rectangular green spaces make up a pair of lawns perfect for entertaining. One swath of grass has two cornhole setups, with bar seating at both ends. Two tall trees in planters separate the lawns, while the other is open for whatever use comes to mind.
Occupying Denver’s southeastern border, the Southmoor Park neighborhood is on the rise. Top restaurants and high-end shopping are nearby. The area also shares green space with other area neighborhoods including Cherry Creek Reservoir. It’s an all-in-one place to call home for sure.
Source: Rent. / Camden RiNo
You’ll find multiple courtyards at Camden RiNo. One sits poolside, where you can hang out and relax after swimming laps or wading in the water. There’s a variety of seating and TVs for taking in an outside movie or show. The other is a sculpture courtyard with pockets of comfy chairs, nice landscaping patches and a giant rhino sculpture to draw the eye.
While the central piece to the city’s Ballpark neighborhood is Coors Field, there’s more to this area than baseball. It’s full of fun and lively places to eat, great rooftop bars and chill clubs. Views are amazing from just about anywhere, and green space is in solid supply. There’s even a skate park nearby for those that prefer a concrete jungle to a mountain forest.
Source: Rent. / Ava RiNo
There’s a lot to see in the courtyard at Ava RiNo. From the tiles on the eat-in bar by the grills to the bright yellow chairs and funky string lights, each piece of furniture and decor was hand selected for this sweet hangout spot. Even the hammocks look a little more funky than usual in black and red. Ceramic planters hang overhead and the rest of the landscaping is thoughtfully done as well.
One of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods, Five Points is a cultural gold mine. It’s home to relaxed cafes, great pubs and a variety of clubs and theaters. You’ll find the Black American West Museum here as well as Mestizo-Curtis Park.
Source: Rent. / Mosaic Apartments
The garden path through the on-site park at Mosaic Apartments is a great place to catch your breath and clear your head. Whether walking to or from your apartment, the close-clipped grass, tall trees and line of planters on the path create a serene atmosphere. It’s just the right amount of greenery to help you find your center.
Quiet and full of tree-lined streets, Goldsmith is another excellent suburban neighborhood in Denver that delivers everything and anything you could want. You’re not far from the DTC and the downtown area for work, green spaces like High Line Canal for outdoor recreation and Tiffany Plaza and University Hills for shopping, dining and entertainment. You can easily plan out an entire day and do a little of everything, Denver has to offer from this central location.
Enjoy an apartment with one of the best gardens in Denver
It’s no secret that Denver is a great place to live. To really enjoy the best the city has to offer, you need the right apartment. Whether it’s a lot of square footage, the perfect location or the proper collection of amenities, don’t forget that courtyards and gardens in Denver add something special. They’ll help transform your Denver apartment from a place to live into a fun and lively home.
Featured Image Source: Rent. / Whisper Sky
Lesly Gregory has over 15 years of marketing experience, ranging from community management to blogging to creating marketing collateral for a variety of industries. A graduate of Boston University, Lesly holds a B.S. in Journalism. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, three cats and assorted fish.
Four days a week, Leticia Ortega de Ceballos sleeps in her car so she can pay for a house more than 100 miles away.
Her workweek begins with the Sunday night shift at Loews Hollywood Hotel, where she cleans the hallways and lobby. When she finishes, exhausted, there’s just an hour until she starts her second job cleaning hotel rooms at the Hilton in Glendale.
Then she has six hours to shower, eat and sleep before she starts all over again. Loews, Hilton, shower, eat, sleep. The 56-year-old sees the house in California City and the family within it on weekends.
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Gladis Ávila, 39, can spend more than two hours in traffic commuting to her job at the W Hollywood Hotel from her new house in Victorville, a 90-mile drive away. Some nights she gets home just as her youngest children are getting ready for bed.
“At the end of the day, when I’m heading home,” Ávila said, “I wonder if it’s worth it.”
The women, both hotel workers, grapple with all the difficulties of the housing market in California today, the high prices that push first-time buyers increasingly far from work, the scarcity of anything they can actually afford.
Housing concerns have been at the forefront of contract negotiations for hotel workers. Thousands of workers recently went on a three-day strike, demanding higher pay and better benefits. It was the first wave of walkouts anticipated this summer after contracts expired.
But Ortega de Ceballos and Ávila are looking for more than just shelter.
Sure, they want a home to live in now. But they also want to one day give their children the financial footing they themselves never had. The key is more than just hard work and a savings account with a laughably low interest rate. The key is a house, the kind of investment that can grow over time.
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Investing in a house is their way of building the kind of generational wealth that has long been out of reach for Black and brown families in the United States. The typical white family in the 21st century has five times the wealth of the typical Latino family and eight times the wealth of the typical Black family, according to the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finance.
And while homeownership represents an important component of wealth, there is a significant divide in who is able to achieve it. In California, in 2021, the Latino homeownership rate stood at 45.6%, compared to 64.5% for white families. The Black homeownership rate stood at 35.5%, according to census data analyzed by the Public Policy Institute of California.
The typical route to owning a home is to rent first and eventually save enough for a down payment. But with rising rents and wages that aren’t commensurate, that dream has become increasingly out of reach.
“Traditionally, owning a home has been the way that most families accumulate wealth,” said Marisol Cuellar Mejia, a research fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California. “That has happened for many years, and that was in some ways a manifestation of the American dream.”
Ortega de Ceballos, who emigrated from Mexico in the 1980s, started working two jobs, in part so she could help her sister back home study at a university. The two were orphans. Ortega de Ceballos wanted her sister to follow her dream.
She started a family while living in North Hollywood, but as it grew she moved to Sun Valley to find a larger place. Then she moved even farther away, to Lancaster, where she rented a house for a decade and raised her three children. That’s when she started sleeping in her car to save time and money on gas.
Ortega de Ceballos has juggled both jobs for more than 20 years. At the Hilton, rooms can go for more than $200 a night. At Loews, they go for around $300. Ortega de Ceballos earns $22 an hour.
It wasn’t until four years ago that she was able to finally accomplish her dream of buying her own home. The only catch — this time the house was even farther north, in California City, about 105 miles from her jobs in Hollywood and Glendale. Although it has a population of around 15,000, to Ortega de Ceballos it’s a “pueblito,” a small town. The typical home price is less than $300,000, compared to nearly a million in L.A.
She shares the three-bedroom home with her husband, who is disabled, and her youngest son, who is 29 and studying nursing. The home, severely damaged when the couple bought it, has now been renovated. When Ortega de Ceballos is home, she tends to her trees in a garden out back.
Owning her own home helped Ortega de Ceballos secure a better future for herself in addition to her children. She knows whatever retirement income she receives won’t be enough to pay rent in L.A.
“When I retire, I’m not going to be worried about all of these costs. I’m not going to be worried that I’m going to have to rent and I’ll be without money to eat or anything to live,” Ortega de Ceballos said.
The trade-off to accomplish her dreams has been brutal. The grueling, almost three-hour commute back home would be impossible, so she doesn’t return from Sunday until Friday. She sleeps in her red Kia more often than she does in her own house. She’s endured heat waves and at times feels as if she’s homeless.
Sometimes she goes out to eat, but often she relies on food she can get from the hotel, where she also showers. She drinks hotel coffee morning and night to keep her going.
On Fridays, her husband drives to Lancaster and then takes the train to his wife so he can to drive her home and prevent her from falling asleep at the wheel.
“It’s cost me a lot of sweat and tears,” Ortega de Ceballos said, her voice choked with tears. “Everything requires sacrifice. I’ve had to make sacrifices to get to where I am.”
“The most important thing is that my kids feel secure that they’ll have something one day,” she added. “For their future.”
Ortega de Ceballos has thought about finding work closer to home, but it’d be much less pay. It’s a cruel irony, where the income is better in L.A. — just not enough to live there without throwing the bulk of her paychecks at the rent.
That fact has become a major focus as the hotel workers’ union Unite Here Local 11 tries to negotiate new contracts for its members. Thousands of workers at hotels across Southern California walked off the job over the busy Fourth of July weekend.
In a Unite Here Local 11 survey, 53% of workers said they had either moved in the past five years or will move in the near future because of housing costs. Hotel workers reported commuting hours from Apple Valley, Palmdale, California City and Victorville.
In contract negotiations, the union has proposed creating a hospitality workforce housing fund, in addition to better wages, healthcare benefits, pensions and safer workloads. The hope is that an additional tax on hotel bills could go toward the construction of workforce housing for hospitality workers, said Kurt Petersen, co-president of Unite Here Local 11.
“I think every working person in Los Angeles is struggling to afford to live in Los Angeles,” Petersen said. “Our position is that those who work in the region’s most important and prosperous industry — tourism — need to have the ability to live in Los Angeles.”
On the Fourth of July, around 30 people, including housekeepers and cooks, picketed outside of the W Hollywood Hotel, where rooms go for more than $300 a night. They twirled noisemakers, banged on pots and pans and used megaphones to amplify their chants. At times, onlookers threw eggs at them.
Ávila was among those picketing. She usually commutes from Victorville to Hollywood from Sunday to Thursday. She has been a housekeeper at the W for 11 years, but she hasn’t worked at the hotel for the last few months as she helps organize her colleagues in her capacity as a union steward.
When Ávila first arrived in L.A. in 2009, she squeezed into a studio apartment with her parents, sister and her young son. After she started her own family, she rented a one-bedroom in Hollywood for $1,700. She, her husband, Armando Guzmán, and their three kids shared the room, splitting up among bunk beds.
A year and a half ago, she and Guzmán found a five-bedroom house in Victorville where her children — ages 17, 9 and 7 — could each have their own room. They pay $2,000 a month toward something of their own.
The two-story house has a pool, where the family spends weekends. She has space for exercise equipment, which saves her money on a gym. Although her oldest son had been reluctant to leave L.A., she said, he was happy to have a room of his own.
To stay awake on drives that can sometimes last three hours, Ávila keeps candy and gum in her car. She rolls down the windows and calls other hotel workers throughout the commute.
Guzmán, a construction worker in L.A., will sometimes stay the night with his mother or sister on days where the sun has beaten down and left him too drained to drive home.
Ávila thinks about how much she struggled in life and how she wants to ensure a better future for her children.
“I know that one day, when I’m not here,” Ávila said, “my children can have this home and know, ‘my mother made a sacrifice for us.’”
As you’re shopping for car insurance quotes, you’ll notice that most providers will offer you roadside assistance.
It’s a simple question that’s hard to answer because what they’re really asking is:
Hey, do you think you’ll find yourself stranded a lot this year?
Roadside assistance is a tricky form of insurance that may be absolutely worth it for some and passable for others. To help you decide which camp you fall into, let’s investigate roadside assistance.
What’s Ahead:
What is roadside assistance?
As the name implies, roadside assistance is an optional program that lets you call a 911-like hotline for your stranded car. Here’s how it works:
You purchase a year of roadside assistance (typically between $70 and $150).
You receive a Member ID and a hotline phone number.
When your car is immobilized for some reason (breakdown, locked out), you call the number on the card, give your Member ID, and describe your issue.
Dispatch sends the nearest participating mobile mechanic to your location within the hour (sometimes).
You’re back on the road, and your roadside assistance provider comps the mechanic.
Breakdowns, getting stuck in mud or snow, running out of fuel, and simply locking yourself out are all common reasons why you might call for roadside assistance. If the mobile mechanic can’t fix your issue onsite, they’ll tow it to the nearest participating service station.
While roadside assistance is designed to get you back on the road, not every service is included. I’ll go into more detail below, but I wanted to set that expectation early on; folks are often surprised when they call for roadside assistance and still receive a bill later on.
To avoid such unpleasant surprises, let’s cover in detail what roadside assistance does and doesn’t cover.
What does roadside assistance include?
Again, roadside assistance will perform pretty much any necessary service to get your car back on the road, whether onsite or at a local garage. However, not all of it is free.
Here’s a list of services that are typically included in a roadside assistance program at no extra charge:
Tire changes. Hey, no shame in calling for a tire change if you’re stuck on the side of the road; especially if your car is at an unsafe angle to the road. Note that the mobile mechanic will typically use your spare tire, which you should never drive on longer than 50 miles.
Battery jump-start.Car batteries typically die within two and a half months of a car not being driven. Luckily, most roadside assistance programs cover jump starts for free.
Fuel delivery.If you’re like my dad and think that the Low Fuel Light “really means there’s plenty left,” you’ve probably run out of gas at some point. Thankfully, roadside assistance will deliver enough fuel to get to the next gas station at no charge (you just have to cover the cost of the fuel).
Lockout services.Lock yourself out? Roadside assistance will dispatch a locksmith to get you right back into your car in no time. Don’t be distressed if they bend your window back in lieu of picking the lock Mission Impossible-style – auto glass is surprisingly flexible, so that’s just the easiest way to do it.
Extrication and towing (up to a few miles).Roadside assistance programs typically include free extrication (i.e. wenching you out of a ditch) and limited towing, often three to five miles per call. Sometimes your annual membership will include a pool of towing miles, like 25 for the year. Anything beyond that and you foot the bill.
That covers the services that are included in your roadside assistance program. Now, let’s talk about some that aren’t.
What does roadside assistance not include?
Sadly, roadside assistance isn’t “get your car up and running again at any cost” insurance. It’s really just a subscription to a dispatch service that won’t charge you for the quick and easy stuff, like tire changes or fuel delivery.
Roadside assistance will always show up, but you’ll have to pay extra if they need to perform services like these:
Tire repair. If you don’t have a spare tire in the trunk, roadside assistance will have to repair or change out your existing tire – both of which usually involve towing it to a tire shop.
Roadside diagnosis.If you have a Check Engine Light (CEL), your roadside assistance will have to use an OBD-II Scanner to read and translate your engine error codes. Most mechanics charge at least $50 for OBD-II scans, which is why I recommend all drivers buy their own scanner for $50 or less.
Dents, dings, and scratches. Did you know that you can fix a dent in your car in about 15 seconds using only hot water and a plunger? I wish roadside assistance programs would capitalize on this for some easy brownie points with customers, but sadly, none that I know of do any sort of aesthetic repair.
Long-distance towing.It’s worth mentioning again that most roadside assistance programs only include a few miles of towing, either per call or per year. Plus, there may be a rule stating that they can only tow you to a shop approved by your roadside assistance program, which may be on the other side of town.
Any necessary repairs.Typically, by the time your car reaches the shop for repairs, you’re totally on your own for the cost of repairs. AAA and State Farm are the exception to this rule: AAA will cover 10% of the final bill and State Farm will cover the first hour of labor – that’s around $100 if you drive a Toyota and $200 if you’re in a Porsche.
Should you buy roadside assistance from your auto insurance provider, AAA, or someone else?
Most people think “AAA” when they hear “roadside assistance” and for good reason. The American Automobile Association has been around since 1902, six years before the Ford Model T even began production.
With over a century of experience protecting American motorists, AAA is hard to beat. That said, others are certainly trying; in recent years, most of the major auto insurance providers have stepped in to chip away at AAA’s market dominance.
So what does one have to offer over the other?
Roadside assistance from AAA
AAA is the Toyota Camry of roadside assistance: affordable, dependable, and well-equipped. The AAA Basic Membership costs around $60 – $100 annually depending on your region, and includes the following roadside benefits.
Four free service calls per member per year.
Three to five free towing miles per call (depends on your region).
Free fuel delivery.
Free extrication.
Up to $50 per year in locksmithing services.
Now, you might be thinking that’s not a whole lot of coverage. Honestly, I agree with you; $50 of locksmithing services can dry up in a single call, and three miles of towing isn’t particularly far, especially if you live in a rural area. These are certainly the two weakest points in AAA’s armor, and the ones competitors are targeting.
However, AAA still has the competition walloped in two key areas:
Perks and benefits. 119 years of networking has certainly paid off; AAA offers huge discounts with a bevy of retailers, many of whom aren’t even auto-related. Included in your AAA membership is up to 30% off at Samsung, The UPS Store, HP, rental car agencies, and more. You’ll also get 10% off at Dell, which if you’re buying a $1,500 laptop, pays for two years of AAA itself.
Free Associate Membership.Included in your AAA membership is one free Associate Membership for a member of your household. Associate AAA members enjoy the same benefits as you either for free or at a steeply discounted rate, so it’s like a roadside BOGO.
Like a Camry, AAA membership is popular for a reason – but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the best option for you. It’s entirely possible that your provider has them beat.
Roadside assistance from your auto insurance provider
Don’t assume that the roadside assistance program your provider offers will directly mimic AAA’s like a generic brand cereal. Providers can’t possibly match AAA’s affiliate perks and benefits, so they compete on roadside coverage instead.
Even still, most providers can’t offer increased coverage across the board – they generally offer a little more here and a little less there.
For example, Allstate can’t offer 30% off a new fridge at Samsung.com, but they do include $1,500 in complimentary Trip Interruption coverage with their roadside assistance program. That means if you miss your expensive trip due to illness or tragedy, your Allstate roadside assistance coverage will comp you up to $1,500, even if driving wasn’t involved.
Allstate also includes $100 in Roadside Hazard coverage, which helps to cover the cost of a tire repair (~$15) or a new tire ($80 – $200) after you hit a road hazard. If you live in a pothole moonscape like LA or Boston, free tire replacement could be a seriously useful perk.
Allstate’s roadside assistance program isn’t a holistic upgrade from AAA’s, however – you lose those affiliate discounts, the associate membership, and you’re only given three calls per year compared to AAA’s four.
The subtle differences between Allstate and AAA’s coverage serve to highlight why you should read the terms of your own provider’s roadside assistance program extremely carefully. Providers tend to bury the areas where they can’t beat AAA, so bring a magnifying glass.
Are there any alternatives?
AAA and your provider aren’t the only two players vying for roadside dominance.
Better World Club is a direct response to AAA and they’re certainly not shy about why they’re trying to topple the industry stalwart. In stark contrast to AAA, they say, BWC is 100% carbon-neutral, supports environmental causes, and advocates for sustainable transportation.
Although they price-match AAA on membership and coverage, they’re short on perks, discounts, and that extra associate membership. Still, if you’d prefer roadside assistance from a more eco-conscious, forward-thinking company than AAA, consider Better World Club.
Is paying for roadside assistance worth it?
Whether or not roadside assistance is worth it depends on a few factors. To keep things simple, I’ll break it down into two categories:
You might consider paying for roadside assistance if:
If you meet one or more of the following criteria, it might be worth ponying up for roadside assistance.
You find yourself stranded at least once a year. Emergency roadside assistance calls typically cost $99 a pop, so if you sense that you might be stranded at some point in the next year, a membership could pay for itself very quickly.
You drive in a city with inclement weather.AAA membership is typically more expensive in cities up north and for good reason; the likelihood that you’ll need to be winched out of a snowbank is much higher above the Mason-Dixon Line. Plus, getting stranded in cold weather can be life-threatening, so roadside assistance is practically a no-brainer.
Your car is prone to breakdowns.Is your car old? Unreliable? Behind on maintenance? Roadside assistance providers don’t charge extra for cars that are more likely to break down, so if you don’t always trust your ride to start up, it’s probably worth the extra insurance.
You drive more than 20,000 miles a year.Simply put, the more miles you drive, the higher the likelihood you’ll need roadside assistance at some point.
You want peace of mind.Even when they don’t use it, folks seldom regret having roadside assistance coverage. For the average motorist, just having a AAA card in their glove compartment can be a huge stress-reliever.
If you identified with one or more of the above qualifiers, it’s probably worth the $100 or so for roadside assistance coverage. That said, you might still be fine without it.
You can probably pass on roadside assistance if:
If you really want to save the $100, you can probably safely pass on roadside assistance if:
You drive a reliable car. If you drive a historically reliable car that’s unlikely to leave you stranded due to a mechanical issue, that’s one less reason to buy roadside assistance.
You rarely drive in inclement weather. Similarly, if Mother Nature is unlikely to leave you stranded on your usual commute, you’re way less likely to need an emergency extrication.
You rarely drive at all.If you barely drive your car, you’re significantly less likely to get stranded and thus probably don’t need roadside assistance. If you’re worried about your battery dying, don’t pay $100 for roadside – just spend $30 on a battery maintainer that charges your car from a standard wall socket.
Summary
Roadside assistance can lend convenience, peace of mind, even safety to your daily driving experience. $100 or less isn’t much to pay for free towing, jump starts, and lockouts, and the extra bonuses like trip insurance and hazard protection often make it totally worth it.
Even still, if you don’t foresee yourself being stranded anytime soon, you’re probably OK without it. Invest $80 or so bucks in an OBD-II scanner and battery maintainer and you’ll be much more self-sufficient at staying on the road.
Are you looking for the most venue-packed Celebrity Cruises ships at sea? If so, you’ll want to get on one of the biggest Celebrity Cruises ships.
The biggest Celebrity cruise ships are, as you might expect, the Celebrity ships with the most onboard restaurants, bars, showrooms and decktop pool zones. They also have the biggest casinos and spas among ships in the Celebrity cruise fleet and the most cabins and suites — as well as the most variation in cabin and suite types.
With room for 3,000 passengers or more, the biggest Celebrity ships are like floating versions of the big resorts you find on land in places like Orlando or Las Vegas, although they’re not quite as large as the very biggest resorts on land or sea (for the latter, you’d probably want to try a Royal Caribbean or MSC Cruises vessel). If you’re in the “bigger is better” camp when it comes to a resort experience, the biggest Celebrity Cruises ships are the Celebrity ships for you.
For more cruise guides, reviews and news, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.
Still, Celebrity doesn’t just operate large vessels. The Miami-based cruise brand also markets several relatively small cruise ships that carry just 2,000 or so people and have a much more intimate feel. In some cases, these vessels are 35% smaller than the biggest Celebrity cruise ships. They are ships that, notably, have fewer decktop activities and interior venues than the biggest Celebrity cruise ships.
These smaller Celebrity cruise ships are best for vacationers who like a more intimate, less crowded resort experience.
Related: The 4 types of Celebrity Cruises ships, explained
Celebrity also operates three even smaller vessels — much smaller; they carry just 16 to 100 people — in the Galapagos year-round. These three vessels make up what is essentially an entirely different business for Celebrity than the mainstream, big-ship cruising that is at the core of the company.
Celebrity is essentially two cruise lines in one: a big-ship brand with 12 vessels that carry 2,000 to 3,000 passengers and sail around the world, and a Galapagos cruisetour operator with three very tiny vessels. We include all of the vessels in this guide.
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To make sure you end up on the right Celebrity ship for you, it pays to study which Celebrity cruise ships are the biggest and which are the smallest before booking.
Here, every Celebrity ship currently in operation is ranked from biggest to smallest.
1. Celebrity Beyond
Maiden voyage: 2022 Size: 141,420 tons Passenger capacity: 3,260
2 (tied). Celebrity Apex
Maiden voyage: 2020 Size: 130,818 tons Passenger capacity: 2,910
2 (tied). Celebrity Edge
Maiden voyage: 2018 Size: 130,818 tons Passenger capacity: 2,908
4. Celebrity Reflection
Maiden voyage: 2012 Size: 125,366 tons Passenger capacity: 3,046
5. Celebrity Silhouette
Maiden voyage: 2011 Size: 122,210 tons Passenger capacity: 2,886
6 (tied). Celebrity Eclipse
Maiden voyage: 2010 Size: 121,878 tons Passenger capacity: 2,850
6 (tied). Celebrity Equinox
Maiden voyage: 2009 Size: 121,878 tons Passenger capacity: 2,850
6 (tied). Celebrity Solstice
Maiden voyage: 2008 Size: 121,878 tons Passenger capacity: 2,850
9 (tied). Celebrity Constellation
Maiden voyage: 2002 Size: 91,000 tons Passenger capacity: 2,170
9 (tied). Celebrity Summit
Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 91,000 tons Passenger capacity: 2,158
9 (tied). Celebrity Infinity
Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 91,000 tons Passenger capacity: 2,170
9 (tied). Celebrity Millennium
Maiden voyage: 2000 Size: 91,000 tons Passenger capacity: 2,137
13. Celebrity Flora
Maiden voyage: 2019 Size: 5,739 tons Passenger capacity: 100
14. Celebrity Xpedition
Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 2,842 tons Passenger capacity: 48
15. Celebrity Xploration
Maiden voyage: 2007 Size: 320 tons Passenger capacity: 16
What is the biggest Celebrity Cruises ship?
The biggest Celebrity cruise ship is Celebrity Beyond, which measures 141,420 gross tons. It’s also the newest Celebrity cruise ship. It debuted less than two years ago, in April 2022.
What is the smallest Celebrity Cruises ship?
The smallest Celebrity cruise ship is the super-tiny Celebrity Xploration. Based in the Galapagos, it measures 320 tons, just a tiny fraction of the size of Celebrity Beyond, and it holds just 16 passengers.
Or, to put it another way, Celebrity Xploration holds fewer passengers than a lifeboat on Celebrity Beyond.
Are bigger Celebrity Cruises ships coming?
Not right now. Celebrity Cruises currently has two new cruise ships on order. However, each of the vessels is projected to be roughly the same size as the recently unveiled Celebrity Beyond — about 141,000 tons.
That size estimate can change, of course, as construction on the ships draws closer to completion. Celebrity might add elements to the ships that increase their size.
The first of the two ships on order, Celebrity Ascent, is due to start sailing in December 2023. It will be followed by an as-yet-unnamed vessel in 2025.
The two Celebrity Cruises ships on order will be the fourth and fifth ships in Celebrity’s Edge-class series of vessels that began debuting in 2018. The first three ships in the series are Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond.
The Edge-class vessels are being built at the giant Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.
Related: 5 things to love about Celebrity Beyond
What’s the difference between bigger and smaller Celebrity Cruises ships?
The biggest Celebrity cruise ships have room for more onboard venues and attractions than smaller Celebrity ships. That makes them more alluring for vacationers who prefer a big resort experience with lots of options as compared to a stay at a smaller resort.
On Celebrity’s biggest vessel, Celebrity Beyond, for instance, you’ll find an expanded “resort-within-a-resort” area for suite passengers called The Retreat that isn’t on the smaller vessels in the same Edge-class series or on other smaller ships in the Celebrity fleet. It offers a new two-story sun deck with hot tubs, lounge chairs and private cabanas that are open exclusively to passengers staying in suites.
Celebrity Beyond also has 179 more cabins than its smaller sister vessels, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Edge, which each have 1,467 cabins. As a result, it holds 3,260 passengers at double occupancy. That’s up from a 2,910-passenger capacity at double occupancy for Celebrity Apex and a 2,908-passenger capacity at double occupancy for Celebrity Edge.
Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Celebrity ship
Celebrity’s smaller Millennium-class ships, by contrast, only carry about 2,100 passengers at double occupancy. As a result, they have a more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big, mass-market ships.
That makes the latter vessels a good choice for someone who wants to try Celebrity but isn’t eager to travel with big crowds. The smaller ships in the Celebrity fleet thus appeal to a subset of Celebrity fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don’t mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.
Related: Don’t miss out on these Celebrity loyalty perks
Celebrity’s three very small Galapagos-based vessels have the most intimate feel of all. They are like tiny little boutique hotels that float.
It’s not every day you get a chance to live in the White House—especially without the pressures of leading the free world.
But if you have the funds, the opportunity awaits. A palatial estate known as the “Western White House” has landed on the market for $38.9 million. The 24,350-square-foot home was built in 1915 and while it’s within commuting distance of San Francisco, it occupies a world all its own.
Alex Buljan holds the listing with Pierre Buljan, both with Compass Real Estate. The splendid estate’s price tag puts it on the Realtor.com® list of this week’s most expensive homes. It has certainly captured plenty of attention for its price and history.
“This property is a historic jewel set in the town of Hillsborough,” Alex Buljan says. “This week, when the home landed on the market, the mayor, Christine Krolik, visited the property because she recognized its historic value and had never been before. As soon as she saw it, she asked if she could host a city event at the property. She was that blown away.”
An architectural gem
The home was redesigned by legendary architect, Julia Morgan. Born in 1872, Morgan attended college at the University of California, Berkeley, and earned a degree in civil engineering. After graduating, she enrolled at Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris to pursue a graduate degree in architecture, becoming the first woman to graduate from the program.
Morgan returned to the Golden State and became California’s first licensed female architect. She opened her own firm to design homes and iconic buildings, taking on some 700 commissions during her career.
She tackled the redesign of the Western White House, when George Hearst hired her to completely revamp the home and property after it sustained major fire damage. Morgan accepted the commission in 1930; the original house dates back to the 1870s.
Hearst was introduced to Morgan by his tycoon father, William Randolph Hearst, who’d previously hired the architect to design his now-iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon in 1919.
Morgan redesigned the Hillsborough home to mimic the presidential White House in Washington, DC, with an Oval Office and a rose garden.
An outstanding estate
The 11-bedroom, 14-bathroom residence features an 8-car garage and is perched on three acres, much of which is forested, with a meandering creek that winds its way through the trees. The home is private, beyond the view of passersby.
The landscaped grounds include mature trees, terraces, lush green lawns, rose gardens, marble hardcaping, a gorgeous swimming pool with a hot tub, and a pavilion with its own kitchen, bathroom, and sauna.
The Western White House is reported to have last been purchased by long-time neighbor and real estate investor Mehrdad Elie, who heard the home was going up for sale. Elie offered $15 million and, when the offer was accepted, immediately began investing in an overhaul and upgrade that deliberately reflected Morgan’s and Hearst’s vision.
Elie poured millions into the project, updating all 14 (nine full, five half) bathrooms, ripping up carpets to install hardwood floors that would match Morgan’s original flooring, and polishing every architectural detail. When the project was finished, Elie decided the home was too large for his family of four and placed the property on the market.
The lay of the house
When you walk in, you’ll find a formal entry parlor, two powder rooms, a replica “East Room” with a fireplace, a formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, butler’s pantry, breakfast room, family room, and a replica “Oval Office.”
The second level features five bedroom suites, including the primary with its two spacious bathrooms, expansive dressing rooms, private executive office, plus an additional bedroom.
A recreation room, home movie theater, snack bar, powder room, oversized bathroom with changing room, one bedroom suite, and two additional bedrooms make up the top floor.
The lower level offers a fitness room, family room, lounge, wine cellar, two bedrooms, one bathroom, a powder room, and laundry center.
The estate also boasts a rooftop sun deck, extensive solar panels, a dumbwaiter, room-sized bank safe, and a panic room.
Dorothy was right: There is no place like home. Home is where we feel safe and relaxed in the familiarity of our surroundings — the sheets are just right, our favorite chair welcomes us, and we know, half-asleep and at 1 a.m., that we can get to the bathroom in exactly 10 steps.
But it turns out we might not be as safe as we think. According to the Home Safety Council (HSC), home-related injuries cause nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits each year. HSC’s State of Home Safety in America report found that unintentional home injuries cost an average of at least $222 billion each year in medical costs between 1997 and 2001, far greater than costs from other home injuries such as violence ($98 billion) or suicidal acts ($96 billion).
Yet most of us, myself included, fail to take these numbers seriously. HSC polled Americans on the injury prevention actions they took in their homes and found that an alarming number failed to appreciate the risk and lacked either the motivation or knowledge to reduce it.
The good news is that most home injuries are avoidable with a few simple modifications, ranging in price from free to $40. Learn how easy and inexpensive it is to protect your family from the five leading causes of injury, as reported by the HSC.
Falls Each year 5.1 million Americans are injured by falls that occur in and around the home. Falls are the leading cause of home injuries and account for one-third of unintentional home injury deaths.
Recommended actions:
Put a nonslip mat or safety treads on the tub floor and use grab bars when you get out of the shower: $4-$10.
Turn on area lights when using stairs, steps, and landings: $0.
Use handrails on both sides of stairs and steps, and shoo pets away from your path (I know, easier said than done): $0.
Use a proper ladder for climbing instead of a stool or furniture: $0-$30.
Poisonings The second leading cause of home injuries, more than 2 million poisonings are reported to the Poison Control Center each year, yet only 1% of respondents in the HSC survey considered it a top concern.
Recommended actions:
Lock poisons, cleaners, medications, and other dangerous substances away from a child’s reach: $0.
Keep all cleaners in their original containers, and do not mix them. Even better? Buy non-toxic all-purpose cleaners from brands like Method or Seventh Generation, or make your own: $2-$6 for 32 ounces of self-made or purchased cleaner solution.
Use medications carefully, following the directions. Use child-resistant bottles, but don’t rely on them: $0.
Install carbon monoxide detectors in bedrooms: $20-$30 per detector.*
If someone is unconscious, is having trouble breathing, or is having seizures, call 911, but if someone seems okay and you think they may have ingested poison or you have a question, call the National Poison Control Hotline. Put the number in your phone’s address book or near the home phone (only one-fifth of polled Americans reported doing so) — it’s 1-800-222-1222: $0.
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second only to smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Test your home at least every two years or when living patterns change: $15 (or free — some state programs offer low-cost or free kits, contact your state radon contact for more information).
Fires and burns Of all fire- and burn-related injuries, 90% occur in the home. We know we should have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors in the home (93% of the people polled did have smoke detectors installed), but most of us slack off on other precautions such as fire escape ladders (only 6% reported having one) and a family escape plan (just 26% had one).
Recommended actions:
Have working smoke alarms: about $3 to replace batteries, $20 per smoke detector.*
Create a family fire escape plan: $0.
Two story home? Keep a fire escape ladder near each upstairs bedroom window: $35+ per ladder.
Don’t leave the stove when cooking, especially when frying food, and consider keeping an easy-to-use fire extinguisher near the range: $0-$12.
Space heaters should be three or more feet away from anything flammable and turned off when you leave the room or go to sleep: $0.
If you smoke, smoke outside and put water in ashtrays before emptying. Lock matches and lighters away from a child’s reach: $0.
Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to sleep, or replace real candles with flameless ones — new battery-operated candles are made with scented wax and create a flickering glow: $0, or $10 for a 6-inch flameless candle.
Set the hot water heater at or below 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns, and test bathwater temperature before children climb in: $0.
Choking and suffocation The easiest way to prevent most choking-related deaths? Sit, and require children to sit, while eating. Only 39% of adults require children to do so.
Recommended actions:
If an item can fit through a toilet paper tube, it can cause a young child to choke. Keep small items out of children’s reach: $0.
Don’t put pillows, comforters, or toys in a child’s crib: $0.
Tie or clip the loops in window cords up high where children can’t reach them: $0.
Read the labels on all toys, especially the recommended age: $0.
Cut food into small bites for kids, and both kids and adults should sit down when they eat and chew slowly: $0.
Drowning Most drowning deaths at home are related to swimming pools and spa tubs, but there are easy ways to keep everyone safe this summer.
Recommended actions:
Sounds obvious, but stay within arm’s reach of children in and around water. This includes bathtubs, toilets, pools, and spas (more than half of the HSC survey respondents failed to do so): $0.
Keep the gate around your pool closed and locked: $0.
Empty large buckets and wading pools after use and store upside-down: $0.
To avoid suction entrapment, don’t use a pool or spa if there are broken or missing drain covers: $0, or $15+ for a drain cover replacement.
Research the safest pool cover for your type of pool: price varies.
*Rather than buying separate carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, install a single unit that does both: $40-$50.
Is your safety to-do list as long as mine? Know any easy fixes that make your home a safer place for your family? I’m embarrassed to say that buying carbon monoxide detectors and testing for radon are two things I have always meant to do, but never got around to doing them. June is Home Safety Month, though, so it’s the perfect time to check it off my list!