I realize it’s been a hot second since we provided an update on the remodel of our San Francisco Victorian. That’s because there really hasn’t been much to show or tell for quite a few months now – unless you’re fascinated by plumbing, electrical work or the art of insultation. It’s riveting stuff, let me tell you. If you’ve ever gone through an extensive remodel, I’m sure you can relate. There’s an extended amount of time where it really looks like nothing has happened. But, I’m pleased to report we finally have real progress! There are walls. Rooms are starting to look like actual rooms. Flooring is about to go in. These are major milestones for us. Here are a few sneak peeks!
this taken from our living room looking into what will be our kitchen! We removed two walls to create an open concept space.
I love the curviture of our staircase. Now I just have to design a banister…
We’re keeping all the original molding and those killer archways throughout the house.
Looking from the dining room into living room/kitchen. I’m just dreaming of those oak floors being laid.
Now that all the ugly stuff is done, we’re moving onto the fun – finish work! Think light fixutres, counter tops, cabinet design. I’ve been obsessing about our master bathroom lately. It’s a bit of a holy grail of homeownership after all. We actually took an extra bedroom to create the master suite of my dreams. Here’s what it is going to look like!
All the dream bath ingredients are here. His & Hers vanities. A little room for the toilet to call home. We’ll enjoy the modern revelation called a linen closet. No more shoving towels and sheets where ever the heck I can find space. We’re also creating a dual-headed shower, with a rain showerhead – what I hope will be my tiny oasis from the rest of the world! My goal is to create a spa-like atmosphere. These are a few of the inspiration images I pulled onto my moodboard.
As with most other things in my day-to-day, I’m drawn to a neautral color palette. Natural materials like stones and wood will have a soothing feel. One of the bathroom’s biggest features is going to be the shower. It will be the first thing you see as you walk from the bedroom into the space. At 12″ tall, it’s got to be eye catching!
To create something modern, but also timeless I headed to Fireclay Tile – an amazing San Francisco-based tile maker. Working with their in-house design team, we decided to do a play on the classic subway tile look. To take a modern approach, the shower will feature an oversized version their Edge tile line. The tile is crisp and clean with sharp edges. I love the color Feldspar – it’s just a touch warmer than white and looks gorgeous in a matte finish. You can see the sketch of the final tile design below.
I am so excited to see that oversized subway pattern stretching 12″ tall! We’re also tucking in a teak bench and a hidden products storage cubbie behind the wall. I know California is in a drought but it’s going to be really hard to not spend hours in that shower!
When it comes to accessories this is where I want to warm up the space with super cozy towels, woven baskets and a natural stump stool. Modern towel racks in black will add a touch of trendiness.
There’s still quite a bit I’m debating. I haven’t nailed down a paint color. I’m also hunting for great bathroom mirrors (any hot tips?!) and have yet to fall in love with a wall sconce. But all in all, it’s coming together! I can actually envision getting ready in this room everyday.
We never tire of looking at magnificent midcentury modern homes—and we’re not alone. They’ve been favored on architectural popularity lists for well over 75 years!
Midcentury modern design began in the mid-1940s, right after World War II. Soldiers were coming home, starting families, and setting off the baby boom—and they needed new homes quickly and inexpensively.
The experimental technologies and materials—steel, aluminum, tempered glass, stucco, and plywood—developed during the war and beyond were quickly applied to residential structures to meet the needs of the growing U.S. population.
The style had staying power—and spread across the U.S. You might think the epicenter of the midcentury modern movement would be in swanky Palm Springs, CA, where the design was energetically embraced. Or perhaps in the Midwest, where architectural icon Frank Lloyd Wright helped originate the movement.
But a simple search on Realtor.com® reveals that original midcentury modern homes can be found throughout the country.
The prices are as varied as the locations. We found prime and well-preserved examples ranging from $2.6 million to $249,500.
If open floor plans, floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek spaces, and a cool-cat vibe are on your list of must-haves, take a look.
Price: $1,995,000 Handsome in Hollywood: Brimming with original features, this 1960-built home is nestled in the hills of Beachwood Canyon, close to the Hollywood sign and the Lake Hollywood Reservoir. Celebrity-filled hiking trails await right outside the door.
This one is a three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,502-square-foot beauty with walls of glass, transom and picture windows, sliding glass doors, and balconies.
Original features include glass-block walls, a concrete-block fireplace, beamed ceilings, and brick planters. This hillside home is already pending sale.
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Price: $2,600,000 Pretty and petite: Beautifully restored and located in the popular Sun Terrace neighborhood, this two-bedroom, two-bath, 1,338-square-foot home proves that good things really do come in small packages.
Every square inch of this “atomic ranch” has been stylishly renovated. For example, custom floors were poured to match the original terrazzo. We’re also crazy about those primary-colored floor tiles.
Other exquisitely updated features include a sparkling kitchen with high-end appliances, and a high-impact roof and windows. The house is further equipped with smart technology.
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Price: $535,000 Boise beauty: Built in 1961, the two-story home has been updated with modern features like a state-of-the-art kitchen.
The three-bedroom, two-bath abode, with 2,028 square feet of interior space, has been updated from floor to ceiling. Plus, the home’s 9,583-square-foot lot includes a hot tub, storage shed, and chicken coop.
The home is located in a quiet neighborhood near downtown Boise, so there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. It’s also close to the interstate and the airport, just in case you ever need to get away from this pretty little piece of paradise.
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Price: $335,000 Kansas cocoon: If you’re the type who likes to keep the neighbors guessing—this could be the time capsule for you! All the big windows are in the back, and that 1966-era, stone-front exterior allows for plenty of privacy.
The interior space measures 1,949 square feet, and there are three bedrooms and two baths. Downstairs, you’ll find a playroom and storage area, a two-car garage, and an additional storage shed.
The listing indicates that “lots of possibilities await,” so it may need a little work.
The 0.42-acre lot is located on a cul-de-sac, not far from Garden City shopping. The nearest big city is Wichita. You’d have all the advantages of small-town living while enjoying a big-time, sophisticated home.
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Price: $1,900,000 Old yet new: While the architecture was inspired by seminal home designers Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra, this spacious home has had all of its mechanical systems updated. It’s a miraculous feat of blending midcentury modern style with 21st-century convenience.
This five-bedroom, seven-bath, 6,716-square-foot home sits on a 2.7-acre hilltop lot. It features sweeping views of the the surrounding countryside via floor-to-ceiling windows. Its finer features include all walls with cross-bracing to hold firm in a storm, exterior fir wood siding, and marble walls and chimneys.
Built in 1960, and fabulously maintained and updated, the property comes with additional living quarters that could be used as a short-term rental, according to the listing.
And there’s more good news: Most of the midcentury modern furniture can stay in the home, for the right price.
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Price: $1,725,000 Perfection in Princeton: This immaculately restored and updated home features a garage that has been converted into a light-filled office space. The property also comes with a beautiful apartment with a separate driveway and patio.
The five-bedroom, 4.5-bath dwelling sits on a leafy, 3-acre lot close to downtown Princeton. Originally built in 1955, it has period features like an open floor plan, beamed ceilings, large expanses of glass windows and doors, and a fireplace.
Bonus: Your kids can walk to an excellent school via a footpath from the backyard.
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Price: $249,500 Well-rounded: The least expensive home on our list, this circular brick house has four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and tons of style.
That sturdy construction could be responsible for its holding strong since it was built in 1964, since hurricanes have been known to pummel the region. Residents stay toasty and safe in its curvaceous sunken living room with a full masonry fireplace. The open kitchen with a spacious dining nook is another of the 3,046-square-foot residence’s highlights.
Louisiana might not be the first place you’d think to look for such a Space Age abode, yet here it sits, right in the middle of Louisiana’s fifth largest city. The low price and retro style attracted a buyer, and the property is now pending sale.
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Price: $2,200,000 Unquestionably unique: This midcentury modern design will absolutely take your breath away with its soaring ceilings, redwood-and-stone finishes, and towering windows overlooking picturesque Margaret’s Falls.
Built in 1961 by award-winning architect John Michael, who was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, it has six bedrooms and five baths in a roomy 5,453 square feet of space. The fenced, hilltop lot is spacious as well, measuring almost 5 acres of landscaping near the house, as well as private woods.
Highlights include a stacked-stone, double-sided fireplace, original stone floors, and clever built-ins.
Achieve the perfect shabby chic aesthetic with these shopping tips and tricks.
Blending vintage and French country aesthetics, shabby chic is one of the most popular interior design trends of today among trendy styles like Japandi and Coastal Grandmother. Elegant, classical furniture is given a rustic twist with distressed paints and worn fabrics.
Cottage-style items like metal jugs meet glittering chandeliers for a look that’s equal parts warm and cozy but also romantic and glamorous. Neutral, muted colors are the main colorways, with pops of color added in — usually soft pastels like pink and blue.
If you want to curate this stylish and trendy aesthetic in your apartment, here’s how you can find the right type of decor and furnishings.
How to find shabby chic furniture and decor for your apartment
Due to its heavy use of vintage (or vintage-styled) furniture, thrifting and going to antique stores are some good ways to source the right style of items for your shabby chic apartment. But that can take time to curate the right pieces.
If you want to realize your vision faster, finding shabby chic decor and furniture online at major retailers like Amazon is easy. You can also follow home and lifestyle influencers and blogs like French Country Cabin and Amy Berry for shabby chic design inspiration and ideas.
17 shabby chic decor ideas for your apartment
Not sure where to start decorating your apartment as shabby chic? These 17 decor items will look right at home in any shabby chic setting, giving you a good springboard for other decor ideas.
1. Shabby chic key holder shelf
Image Source: Amazon.com
Whether it’s for keys or coffee cups or towels, having a wall shelf with key hooks frees up cabinet storage and fills up wall space. The top shelf is ideal for holding letters, sunglasses or whatever else you need.
With its brass-finished hooks and distressed white-and-brown paint job, this key holder shelf both fits the shabby chic style and gives you a handy place for your keys, purse and other regularly used items.
2. Ruffled, farmhouse-style shower curtain
Image Source: Amazon.com
Everyone needs a shower curtain (unless you want to get water all over the bathroom and have no privacy while showering). Give yours a shabby chic twist with this farmhouse-style shower curtain with a ruffled base and cute wooden buttons.
3. Metal jug vase
Image Source: Amazon.com
Cottage and farmhouse elements are a key part of the shabby chic look, which you can incorporate with a vintage-looking metal jug vase. Its petite size, pitcher style and “Flowers & Garden” branding make it perfect as a flower vase.
Put it in the kitchen and fill it with mixing utensils, set it up on your apartment balcony or stoop with gardening tools…the possibilities are endless. Plus, the turquoise color will add a pop of color to the space.
4. Pink and ivory oriental wool rug
Image Source: Amazon.com
With their colorful patterns, most Oriental-style rugs won’t fit the traditional shabby chic color scheme. Instead, try out this ivory and soft pink wool rug, with a floral-style pattern to match the garden aesthetic part of shabby chic. This rug will look nice contrasted against gray and tan furniture, and the wool fabric will feel great underfoot.
5. Lace macrame vintage tablecloth
Image Source: Amazon.com
Delicate accessories go a long way to completing the shabby chic look. Use a lace macrame tablecloth on any kind of table, from side tables to dining tables, to add an air of glamour and elegance.
This particular one is also machine-washable, which makes it easy to clean in case of spills or messes. Just because you love an old-fashioned style doesn’t mean you want to clean and scrub laundry like they did in the olden days!
6. Decorative lantern
Image Source: Amazon.com
Old-fashioned, vintage lanterns are another in-style touch for the shabby chic aesthetic. Distressed white paint on metal adds a rustic vibe, while elegant, curled metalwork brings in fairy-tale elements. With four glass panes, you can add real or fake battery-powered candles to give your shabby chic space a warm, candlelit glow.
7. Tiffany floor lamp
Image Source: Amazon.com
With their lovely and often floral-themed glasswork, Tiffany lamps fit right in with the shabby chic school of design. But you want for one without too many colors, as strong colors stand out too much for the muted, cozy feel of a shabby chic space. This standing floor lamp fits the bill, with its arched gooseneck and burnished brass finish further fitting the shabby chic look.
8. French country-style hanging chandelier
Image Source: Amazon.com
One of the easiest ways to add that touch of glamour to your shabby chic abode is by hanging a small chandelier. Tiny chandeliers are a big part of the aesthetic, elevating the cottage-core theme of the room with its grand appearance. This French country-style example with dangling pendants and fake candles will look right at home in any shabby chic apartment. Just be sure that the chandelier you choose isn’t too big, as petite and delicate is the name of the game for this style.
9. Rustic cottage end table
Image Source: Amazon.com
It’s always good to add an end table to the sides of your couch. They’re handy for holding lamps or just as spots for decorative items. This cottage-style one features distressed paint for a rustic, farmhouse look that will look great paired with an elegant lamp.
10. Vintage floral wallpaper
Image Source: Amazon.com
With its style references grounded in the French countryside and cottage-core, florals are a motif that shows up frequently in shabby chic interior design. If you don’t want plain walls, put up a refined floral wallpaper like this one with delicate pink roses and white curlicues against a linen-patterned soft blue background.
Best of all, this adhesive paper can also work for cabinets, shelves, dressers and other flat surfaces. So if you don’t want to fill a whole wall with it, you can still incorporate it into the overall look. It’s easily removable as well, which makes it very renter-friendly.
11. Metal frame bed
Image Source: Amazon.com
A simple but attractive metal bed frame that looks like something out of a fairy tale perfectly fits the shabby chic look. This one from Amazon is sturdy, so you’ll still get a good night’s sleep while achieving the look and vibe you want.
12. Floral, vintage-style bedsheets
Image Source: Amazon.com
Going back to the floral motif, outfit your bed with floral-patterned bedsheets like this delicate rose set. The cozy and soft cotton with the rose pattern will look and feel good.
13. Vintage bird cage decor and letter holder
Image Source: Amazon.com
Use a vintage-style bird cage for practical purposes like holding letters or simply set it up as a purely decorative element. Either way, it’ll look right at home in your shabby chic apartment.
14. Vintage table clock
Image Source: Amazon.com
Constantly getting out your modern smartphone or using a contemporary wall clock to check the time isn’t very shabby chic. With distressed white paint, an antique watch face and elegant metal work, this vintage-style clock helps you tell the time without taking away from the shabby chic vibe.
15. Entryway table
Image Source: Amazon.com
It’s always handy to have a table in your entryway. It gives you a place for keys, mail, your purse or other items you regularly need when you leave the house. The curving legs, distressed white paint and rustic wooden shelf of this entryway table screams shabby chic, helping you keep your aesthetic while being practical at the same time.
16. Antique-style loveseat
Image Source: Amazon.com
With soft gray fabric, distressed wood and its tufted fabric pattern, this loveseat is petite enough to fit in any shabby chic apartment living room. Not only is the look spot-on for French country, but everyone needs a place to sit.
17. Distressed drawers
Image Source: Amazon.com
This robin-egg blue dresser with distressed paintwork will be the perfect complement to the pink and white tones of the rest of your bedroom, giving you a place to store your clothes without ruining the shabby chic aesthetic.
Turn your dream apartment into a shabby chic decor haven
With its soft, flowy feel and mix of elegant and rustic Old-World styles, shabby chic is a very fun and accessible style for any apartment. Ready to transform your apartment into a cottage in the French countryside with a shabby chic aesthetic? Find the right apartment for your vision by checking Rent.com listings in your desired area.
You don’t have to search all that hard to find the best Italy cruises — most leading cruise lines offer dozens of itineraries that visit Italian ports, often in conjunction with neighboring countries France, Greece and Croatia.
The reason? Italy has it all: coastlines on both the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, historic port cities (Rome, Venice and Naples among them) and spectacular islands (including Sicily, Sardinia, Capri and Elba).
For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.
Plus, with a cruise season that runs from early April through late October (and even year-round for a few cruise lines), Italy offers something for everyone. Travel here to find an alluring mix of impeccably preserved historic sites, renowned regional cuisines and natural wonders waiting to be discovered.
Here are eight of the best Italy cruises for every type of traveler.
Best Italy cruises for cultural immersion: Azamara
Azamara pioneered the concept of single-country itineraries, which allow for greater cultural immersion and even overnight stays in select ports. The cruise line’s 11-night voyage in October 2024 is one of its most comprehensive.
The sailing begins in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and ends in Rome (Civitavecchia), with visits to seven more Italian ports and Tunis, Tunisia. You’ll explore Genoa, Livorno (overnight for Florence/Pisa), Porto Santo Stefano (on the Tuscan coast), Cagliari (on Sardinia), Trapani (on Sicily), Amalfi and Sorrento.
This voyage is aboard the 684-passenger Azamara Onward, one of the cruise line’s four virtually identical ships. (All are former Renaissance R-class ships built in the early 2000s and renovated over the past several years.) The vessels’ intimate size and Azamara’s focus on cultural experiences and shore excursions emphasizing history and food (including cooking classes and market tours) make for an immersive cruise itinerary.
Other Italy-Intensive voyages in 2023 and 2024 include the following: a 10-night voyage in October 2023 aboard Azamara Quest, a 10-night voyage in April 2024 aboard Azamara Pursuit, and a seven-night voyage in May 2024 aboard Azamara Quest.
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Best Italy cruises for small-ship lovers: Windstar Cruises
It’s rare to find a cruise itinerary so fully focused on one specific region of Italy, but Windstar Cruises’ small ships — three classic sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts, which accommodate 148 to 342 guests — allow it to offer cruises to less-frequented ports.
Windstar’s 10-day Sicilian Splendors, aboard its 342-passenger sailing yacht Wind Surf, is available on multiple dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The ship will cruise round-trip from Rome and call on six Italian ports: Catania (for Mount Etna), Porto Empedocle (for the ancient ruins at Agrigento) and Trapani (for its signature colored salts and Marsala wines), all in Sicily; the island of Lipari (the largest of seven Aeolian Islands); and Sorrento and Amalfi on the stunning Amalfi Coast. The cruise also visits the neighboring islands of Malta and Gozo.
Five-masted Wind Surf is the world’s largest sailing ship. It manages to be intimate without feeling claustrophobic, although it is worth noting that none of its staterooms or suites has a balcony. There is, however, ample deck space for relaxation, with a pool and two hot tubs, as well as inviting alfresco bars and dining areas.
Related: The 2 classes of Windstar ships, explained
Indoors, the ship’s restaurants and social spaces, such as the Veranda Restaurant, Stella Bistro and the Compass Rose Bar, are light-filled, with elegant neutral decor refreshed in 2019.
Musical entertainment takes place in the Wind Surf Lounge and Compass Rose Bar, and Windstar’s excellent dining program reflects an ongoing partnership with the James Beard Foundation. In select tender ports, passengers can enjoy a watersports platform and take out sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Best Italy cruises for onboard pampering: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
If enjoying yacht-style indulgence as you explore Southern Italy is on your cruise wish list, consider the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s 10-night Rome to Valletta itinerary in May 2024. This cruise visits scenic hot spots such as Sorrento and Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast, history-rich Siracusa in Sicily and three ports (Gallipoli, Taranto and Otranto) in lesser-known Puglia, located on the heel of boot-shaped Italy, before passengers disembark in Malta.
Ritz-Carlton, which entered the cruise realm in 2021 with its 298-passenger luxury yacht, Evrima, offers an all-inclusive “yachting lifestyle” experience. This leisurely sailing features overnights in Sorrento and Taranto and two sea days with ample ways to enjoy onboard pampering. The ship’s spacious suites are designed with a contemporary residential feel and range in size from 300 square feet with an 81-square-foot terrace to 1,091 square feet with a 635-square-foot terrace.
Evrima also offers nine bars and dining venues featuring menus created to reflect the ports visited. For culinary indulgence, guests can book a table at S.E.A., a specialty dining experience designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the Michelin three-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany.
The ship also features chicly designed spaces for relaxing and socializing, such as the Pool House lounge overlooking an aft infinity pool, a second pool located next to the alfresco restaurant Mistral, a panoramic Observation Lounge and a full-service Ritz-Carlton Spa.
Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity
Best Italy cruises for foodies: Silversea Cruises
The three newest ships in the Silversea Cruises fleet — Silver Moon, Silver Dawn and 2023’s first-in-class Silver Nova — all feature the cruise line’s immersive culinary program known as S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste). When Silversea’s next ship, the 728-passenger Silver Ray, debuts in 2024, it will also take its guests on culinary-focused journeys — among them an 11-day Rome to Venice itinerary in June 2024.
The itinerary includes calls on seven ports in Italy: Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Palermo, Siracusa, Trieste and Venice. The sailing also visits ports in Malta, Montenegro and Croatia.
Silversea’s sailings blend food-centric excursions — such as a visit to a family farm for a tasting of fresh cheese, salami and olive oil in Sorrento — with the onboard S.A.L.T. program to make sampling local cuisine a natural part of the cruise experience. The day-to-day menus at S.A.L.T. Kitchen are all inspired by the ports visited. The Terrain menu focuses on that day’s port while the Voyage menu draws from the best flavors of the entire itinerary.
Passengers aboard Silver Ray should definitely pack an appetite — in addition to S.A.L.T. Kitchen, the ship features seven other restaurants. They are La Dame for haute French cuisine, Atlantide for signature fine dining (think caviar and lobster), Kaiseki for Japanese sushi and teppanyaki (as well as pan-Asian dishes), Silver Note for tapas-style dining and live music, The Grill for casual burgers and salads, La Terrazza for handmade pasta and other Italian specialties, and Spaccanapoli for thin-crusted Naples-style pizza. With 11 nights aboard, there’s time to sample all of them.
Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining
Best Italy cruises for families: Norwegian Cruise Line
If an Italy adventure with the entire family sounds like the perfect cruise vacation in 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Viva, launching in August 2023 as the sister ship to 2022’s Norwegian Prima, is an ideal playground for guests of all ages.
The most Italy-focused itinerary? The 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, Greece & Croatia cruise (offered aboard 3,099-guest Viva in late June and late September 2024) calls on six ports in Italy — Rome, Livorno, Naples, Messina, Siracusa and Trieste — as well as the islands of Corfu and Malta; Koper, Slovenia; and Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia.
This itinerary is rich in history and culture, including the ancient landmarks of Rome, the archeological wonders of Pompeii and the Leaning Tower of Pisa near Livorno, plus the beauty and culinary treats (sweet cannoli and savory arancini) of Sicily, where Viva makes two port calls. Though the cruise ends in Trieste, the wonders of Venice are just 90 minutes away, so adding a few extra nights to explore its colorful, canal-laced islands is a must.
Onboard Viva, you’ll enjoy more than a dozen dining options (five of them complimentary, including the casual and family-friendly Indulge Food Hall), 16 bars and lounges and all the fun activities/entertainment (including a production of the Broadway hit “Beetlejuice: The Musical”) that the line offers.
Related: Best cruise lines for families
Top amenities include the three-deck Viva Speedway for exhilarating go-kart racing, three thrilling slides (two of them 10-story corkscrew dry slides and one tidal-wave-style waterslide), virtual-reality gaming in the Galaxy Pavilion, tech-enhanced minigolf and more. Also, Viva’s generous outside deck space — especially Deck 8’s Ocean Boulevard with its lively Indulge Outdoor Lounge and sleek Infinity Beach pools — is ideal for scenic cruising in the Mediterranean and Adriatic.
Best Italy cruises for couples: Oceania Cruises
The sophisticated onboard ambiance and a romantic itinerary are a lovely combination, and couples can enjoy both on the 12-night Mediterranean Tapestry sailing offered in June 2024 aboard Oceania Cruises’ newest vessel, Oceania Vista.
The 1,200-passenger ship, which debuted in May 2023, will visit four top ports in Italy — Venice/Trieste in Northern Italy, Taormina in Sicily, Amalfi/Positano in Southern Italy and Civitavecchia for a day in Rome.
Beyond Italy, this itinerary offers a sampling of scenic locales in six other Adriatic and Mediterranean countries with a possible pre-cruise stay in Venice. You’ll visit Korcula and Split in Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Igoumanitsa and Katakolon in Greece; Ajaccio, Corsica; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Marseille, France; and Barcelona, Spain.
Oceania caters to couples seeking an upscale cruise experience with a culinary focus. Onboard Vista, the atmosphere is sleek and polished, with interior decor awash in elegant neutrals of varying patterns and textures, all woven together into a soothing mosaic (in some cases, literally, as tiled vignettes are used throughout the ship). Vista’s bars and lounges, especially the Martini Bar and the Grand Lounge, are so chic you’ll want to get dressed up every night to enjoy one of the craft cocktails on their newly enhanced menus.
All specialty dining is included in the cruise fare, and stand-out meals at Polo Grill (for an excellent steakhouse menu), Toscana (for authentic Italian, including recipes by Vista’s godmother Giada De Laurentiis) and Red Ginger (for flavorful pan-Asian) are just a reservation away. Two new eateries, Aquamar Kitchen and Ember, serve wellness-focused cuisine and casual American comfort food, respectively, and an expanded Culinary Arts Center lets guests who love to cook take hands-on classes.
Best of all, Vista is an all-balcony ship, so every stateroom features access to fresh air (French Veranda Staterooms don’t have an outdoor sitting area, however). Veranda Staterooms and Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms offer a spacious 290 square feet of indoor space — and some of the best standard bathrooms at sea with roomy walk-in showers and ample storage.
Related: The best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea
Best Italy cruises for travelers on a budget: Royal Caribbean
To score a budget cruise fare in the Mediterranean, it helps to look for sailings aboard a cruise line’s older ships. If Italy is your main focus for a future cruise, it’s hard to beat the seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary in September 2024 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas.
It visits five Italian ports: Venice/Ravenna, Messina in Sicily, Naples, Rome and Livorno (for Florence and Pisa). The ship also calls on Marseille and Barcelona. Voyager’s Italy-focused cruise is a jam-packed itinerary with just one sea day.
Ideal for both couples and multi-generational families, the 3,600-passenger Voyager of the Seas (which debuted in 1999 and was last refurbished in 2019) features seven restaurants (including three complimentary dining venues and specialty restaurant favorites Chops Grille and Giovanni’s Table) and eight bars/lounges.
The ship has been “amped-up” so guests can enjoy features found on Royal Caribbean’s newer ships: Perfect Storm waterslides, FlowRider simulated surfing, Battle for Planet Z laser tag, Voyager Dunes minigolf, Studio B ice-skating shows and reimagined spaces for kids and teens.
Nights aboard Voyager of the Seas will be filled with complimentary entertainment options: production shows in the Royal Theater, pub performances by guest entertainers and bands, game-show competitions, pool parties, outdoor movie nights and a ‘70s disco party.
Best Italy cruises for adults-only ambiance: Viking
Is Venice at the top of your wish list? Does an adults-only cruise on a ship with serene, Scandinavian-inspired interior decor and complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner sound ideal?
If so, check out Viking’s 15-night Italy, the Adriatic and Greece itinerary, which sails from Athens to Rome and visits six Italian ports — Venice/Chioggia, Bari, Crotone, Messina, Naples and Rome — with three days spent in Venice. As a bonus, you’ll also visit ports in Greece (Katakolon and Corfu), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split and Sibenik) and Montenegro (Kotor).
Offered on multiple dates in fall 2023, 2024 and 2025, this itinerary is chock full of port experiences; there are no sea days, and a total of 13 cities are visited. Viking includes one free guided shore excursion in each port, usually a panoramic bus tour or historic walking tour. Use that as an overview and then explore on your own or book one of the cruise line’s longer or more specialized excursions. Onboard guest speakers also offer insight into the ports visited and the cultural landscape.
The cruise line’s nine ocean ships are all identical and accommodate 930 passengers, most of whom are couples over age 55. Onboard dining is available in eight restaurants, including the main venue, The Restaurant and the buffet-style World Cafe, the casual Pool Grill and the Norwegian-focused Mamsen’s. Guests can also reserve dinner at two specialty restaurants (at no extra charge): Manfredi’s for Italian cuisine and The Chef’s Table for multi-course, wine-paired menus that rotate throughout the cruise.
Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Wintergarden. The Aquavit Terrace overlooking the aft infinity pool is a sunny spot to enjoy alfresco dining.
If you’re willing to come back early from port, Viking’s ocean ships offer plenty of ways to relax on board. All passengers enjoy complimentary access to the ship’s thermal suite in the LivNordic Spa. It features a thalassotherapy pool, steam room, sauna and snow room. The Main Pool has a retractable roof and can be enjoyed no matter what the weather. However, if you want to live it up at night, note that the ship does not have an onboard casino.
Bottom line
The best Italy cruises offer access to some of the country’s most-loved cities, as well as a chance to explore some of its sunny islands and lesser-known coastal ports. No matter the itinerary, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the splendid landscapes, treasured antiquities and, of course, the incredible gelato.
Elvira Rincon never loved the small apartment that sits between Sunset Boulevard and Dodger Stadium. Even 30 years ago, shortly after she arrived from a small town in Queretaro, Mexico, and moved in with her husband and five children, the one-bedroom unit built in the 1920s felt cramped.
But over the decades she made it a home, planting a sprawling container garden of flowers, fruits and medicinal herbs to cure her family of stomach pains and colds. Her husband poured concrete to make a small patio in the courtyard, where they hosted birthday parties nearly every month. At $495 a month the rent-controlled apartment allowed Rincon, her children and now grandchildren to build a life in the heart of Los Angeles.
That made it easy for Rincon, 59, to dismiss the first buyout offer. A developer who bought the complex and a neighboring one last year proposed paying her and her neighbors $22,000 to leave. She did the math and figured the money would be gone in about one year in a county where the median rent for a one-bedroom is $1,600.
The second offer to Rincon and her neighbors came in February: $55,000. It was more money than she and her husband, who works in a local nursery, could ever save on their own — and still not enough to stay in her neighborhood for long.
Soon after, the ownerssent workersto tear apart a storage shed she’d had for years and haul it away, along with a barbecue and many of her plants, saying they were health and safety violations. Rincon saw it as harassment meant to pressure her to go so the landlord could jack up the rent.
Like so many others, she and her family had one shaky foothold keeping them in a rental market that was otherwise soaring out of reach, and they felt that people with more power than them were trying to shake them off of it.
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The company says it was simply making changes requested by its insurance company and that it is listening to the concerns of residents, not trying to force them out.
Even so, Rincon and her neighbors are on edge, unsure what to expect next and asking themselves whether they still have a place in L.A.
“There are times when I feel desperate,” she said. “I get frustrated. And I tell my husband, ‘Let’s just go. Let’s just go.’ ”
In a city faced with a housing and homelessness crisis, where many renters pay more than half their income to live in overcrowded, aging homes, tenants like Rincon have what many others long for: low-cost housing.
Though city and state officials are desperate to create more of it, developers are simultaneously reducing affordable units by buying out longtime rent-controlled tenants with cash-for-keys offers and renovating old buildings into pricey new apartments or condos. Many residents quietly accept the offers and leave. Others try to hold out, knowing that taking the money probably means leaving their communities or facing rent that’s double, triple or more what they currently pay. Sometimes, tenants say, that leads to harassment or pressure campaigns.
The city has adopted policies meant to protect tenants of rent-controlled buildings from being forced to accept buyout offers or being evicted for not accepting.
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In some cases, landlords are required to offer to tenants a base amount for relocation — which ranges from about $12,000 to $23,000 for long-term renters. At times, owners offer more than that. But for tenants with very little income or credit, the money may not go very far once the sky-high rent of their next apartment is factored in.
City leaders have passed rules against harassment. But advocates say the rules lack enforcement, and plenty of tenants say harassment happens anywaywith little recourse.
Rincon arrived in Echo Park in the mid-1990s, fleeing a severe recession in Mexico that left her family’s farm deeply in debt.
Her first home in the U.S. was in the same apartment complex where she lives now, just across the common area, in a unit she shared with her brother-in-law, Pedro Villegas, her husband and others. Three decades later, Villegas still lives in that apartment, paying monthly rent similar to Rincon’s, whose monthly payments have increased twice over the years to $640.
Despite language barriers, Rincon became close with her neighbors, who include an 80-year-old retiree, a nursing student, her mom and brother, and a Cambodian refugee.Their kids often served as translators.
They’ve watched out for each other’s children and grandchildren, fed each other’s pets and shared lemongrass and guavas from their gardens. Though Rincon doesn’t care for the loquat tree that grows in a corner of the property, she keeps watering it because her neighbors love the fruit.
“We’re more like a community. We have been for years,” said Virginia Watson, 80. “We all know each other. We talk. We watch out for each other. It’s very unusual for L.A. because in other places I’ve lived everybody’s kind of anonymous, in their own little cubicle.”
Once Watson retired and began living on a fixed income, she was able to stay in her home because the rent was manageable. The same was true for Rincon and her family when she injured her back and stopped working.
Villegas’ four children have lived their entire lives in the complex, roaming the hills of Elysian Park and riding their bikes to Echo Park. He works at a laundromat on Sunset Boulevard, a short walk away. His youngest is now a junior at Ramon C. Cortines school downtown.
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Like Rincon, heknew the $55,000 offer wouldn’t last long in his community.
“The cost of rent is just too difficult,” he said. “The money doesn’t go far.”
Watson lives in a studio apartment adjacent to Rincon’s. She’s been there for 20 years, lives on Social Security and a small retirement income and pays $529 a month. When she’s looked online for other studios in the neighborhood, the most affordable cost isnearly $1,500 a month, an amount that she said would take about three-quarters of her income.
She might have considered the offer to leave if it was affordable to move in the city, she said.
But “rent is really, really high in L.A. I don’t know how you would manage for any length of time,” she said.
On Nov. 8, a few months afterWatson, Rincon and their neighbors decided not to take the initial $22,000 offer to leave, the property owners, Lilac Development LLC, served Watson with a three-day notice to pay or leave, saying she had not paid her rent for the month, though she says it was paid.
Watson reported the incident to the housing department, which investigated and found the notice in violation of city code for failing to provide proper information under COVID-era tenant protections, according to public records.
One month earlier, the owners served another resident with a three-day notice to pay or vacate the property, saying they owed $86.
In that case, the housing department found a “potential violation of the Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance,” records show.
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In both cases, housing officials wrote letters to the owners, explaining the law.
Watson and her neighbors see this and other actions, including the workers who went to the complex twice in March, tore down Rincon’s shed and hauled away her plants, as a pattern of harassment meant to pushthem out of their homes.
“I wake up after dreaming that I’m in a battle with landlords, big companies,” Watson said.
Recently, she packed up many of her belongings, assuming she would soon be out of a home, and she has kept them that way.
“I don’t unpack them because I don’t know how long I’m gonna be able to be here,” Watson said.
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Rory Anglin and his girlfriend, Jenna Loredo, are the newest residents of the two complexes, having moved in four years ago. They pay $1,236 a month for their one-bedroom, which Anglin sees as “the last of the good rents in L.A.”
When he told his mom in Mississippi about the $22,000 offer to leave, she was stunned at the amount.
“In Mississippi, that does sound like a lot,” Anglin said. In L.A. it most certainly does not.
Even so, Anglin said they were willing to consider taking a buyout until they felt a harassment campaign against his neighbors had begun.
“The end game for me is ‘leave us alone,’ ” Anglin said. “If we decide we want to move, we’ll move. But before we do, I gotta make sure all this stuff stops. It has to stop.”
If there’s a silver lining, Anglin said, it’s that the neighbors have become even closer in the last few months, forming a tenants’ association and strategizing together to push back against any harassment.
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Sara Rose, a property manager for Lilac Development LLC, told The Times that although the company initially offered cash for keys in order to “try to get tenants paying market value,” the company was no longer pursuing that strategy and would focus on “making the property habitable for current tenants.”
The company is not trying to evict anyone, Rose said.
“It’s not something we would take further action on if it wasn’t appropriate to do so,” she said.
Rose also said Lilac Development sent workers to haul away Rincon’s shed, barbecue and plants after its insurance company “advised there was certain work that needed to be done” to get the property insured.
They plan to inspect each property to figure out what needs to be fixed. In April, a city housing inspector found several conditions affecting the “health and safety of the occupants” in Rincon’s building and issued an order to fix the problems, which include damaged plumbing, fences and paint, by May 11.
Residents say there is a long list of problems beyond what that inspection revealed: leaking ceilings, mold, broken heaters and damagedflooring.
“I think based on the feedback we’ve received so far there’s no interest from the residents” in cash for keys, Rose said. “If they are interested and they approach us, it would be something we’d be willing to discuss. We don’t want to continue reaching out on something they’ve made clear they’re not interested in.”
Rincon said the first she heard about the change in plans was from The Times.
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For a long time now, she and her neighbors have felt as if they were in a state of limbo, waiting for an eviction notice or the return of workers tasked with hauling away more of their things. Like Villegas, she has seriously considered returning to Mexico, but her husband tells her they could never leave their children and grandchildren.
There was some relief hearing that the company would focus on making their home more livable rather than on getting them to leave. But she was also skeptical.
Standing at the front of Danielle Rago and Darren Hochberg’s home in Larchmont Village, where a concrete sidewalk welcomes you, the ordinary path becomes something extraordinary as it takes you on a journey from the street, through the house, to where the sidewalk ends — at an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the backyard.
As nearly 3–year-old Oliver Hochberg races down the smooth path toward the enclosed backyard and ADU, it’s as though he is personifying Shel Silverstein’s beloved poem that promises magic “for the children, they mark, and the children, they know the place where the sidewalk ends.”
But it wasn’t always this way.
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“Calling all handy families, investors, and developers!” read the listing for the crumbling three-bedroom, two-bathroom home just a few blocks from Larchmont Boulevard.
Those words were followed by a bonus sales pitch: “There is also a detached structure that would make a perfect creative space, playroom, or mother-in-law suite. Bring your contractor and your imagination and create the space that you have been dreaming about.”
The listing caught the attention of Rago and Hochberg, who had been dreaming of buying a home in the popular neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, quaint single-family homes and easy access to Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles.
With the number of ADU permits issued in California skyrocketing as thousands of homeowners add ADUs to their single-family lots, it’s not surprising the listing would emphasize the possibility of converting the garage into an ADU.
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It certainly appealed to Rago, who has a background in architecture and is the co-founder of This by That, an agency that represents progressive architects. “I like that it needed a lot of love,” says the 39-year-old. “I was excited by the prospect of creating an unexpected family compound that would complement the other homes on the street.”
Eight years ago the family — which now includes 3-month-old Julian as well as Oliver — purchased a rundown Spanish home in the Fairfax District. After renovating the home, however, they found themselves weary of bustling Melrose Boulevard and were contemplating their next big project. “We were itching to move to Larchmont Village because we were thinking about starting a family,” says Rago, citing the neighborhood’s small-town vibe.
They loved the neighborhood but, like so many couples in Los Angeles, could not afford the homes that were available. “Everything was so expensive,” Rago says with a sigh. “We had to buy a home that needed a lot of TLC.”
Using the profits from the sale of their remodeled Fairfax District home, the couple purchased the bungalow in 2019 and reached out to designers Claus Benjamin Freyinger and Andrew Holder of the Los Angeles Design Group (LADG) to help them rethink the entire property.
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Having worked with them professionally, Rago felt the designers had the right mindset to help them create an experimental compound that would accommodate not just their family but their extended families for years to come. (The couple paid for the firm’s design services and received no discounts in exchange for Rago’s professional work for the company.)
From Day One, the couple knew they wanted to convert the garage into an ADU, not to bring in extra income to help pay the mortgage but rather as a way to take full advantage of the site.
The problem with ADUs, says Freyinger as he motions to the ADU on view through the living room’s dramatic pivoting window, is “they don’t always address the entire parcel of land.” Or worse, they sit vacant.
“We wanted to preserve the use of the whole site,” he continues. “This home and ADU are very ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’: Not too big. Not too small.” In other words: just right.
Gone are the days of congregating around a hearth or a fireplace, Freyinger says. Today’s homes are about creating welcoming spaces where people can connect with one another. So the designers added additions to the front and back of the dwelling and cut the house into four quadrants divided by two running sidewalks, west to east and north to south. Three small bedrooms are at the front of the house, while the larger communal spaces are at the rear of the house.
Today, the 1,426-square-foot nondescript house has morphed into a 1,950-square-foot contemporary home. The kitchen, considered the household’s nucleus, soars into double-height OSB-paneled volumes. Overlapping, wedge-shaped roofs extend to provide shade over outdoor living areas, and a sunny living room overlooks the 4-foot-deep pool and ADU.
The 620-square-foot ADU, which shrewdly includes a storage-lined breezeway that can accommodate the family’s sports equipment, toys, strollers and storage bins, cost $315,150 and includes one bedroom and a bathroom.
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In an inventive move, for outdoor entertaining the designers installed a kitchenette at the front of the ADU so that it faces the yard. When the folding glass door is open, the kitchen becomes a part of the outdoor area, which “really brings the ADU to life,” says Hochberg, who is 39 and works in finance.
On the other side of the kitchenette, facing the living room, there is a built-in desk that can be opened or closed, depending on the couple’s work-from-home needs.
Due to supply chain issues during the pandemic, Rago says they were forced to “make interesting decisions that brought a new dimension to the house.” In the kitchen of the main house, for example, they installed textured plaster ceilings when plywood was scarce. Likewise, the cabinets are composed of conventional whitewashed OSB panels with a pickled finish.
To save money in the ADU, they added simple concrete floors and purchased a folding glass door from Brea-based Win-Dor at a fraction of the cost of higher-end products like Fleetwood or NanaWall. The kitchenette features inexpensive OSB panels and porcelain countertops instead of quartz or granite. “We stepped it down a notch in the ADU,” Rago says, “but it still reads consistently with the main house.”
The couple, who met in the Poconos as 8-year-olds, view the ADU as an extension of the house. They occupy it regularly while working from home or hosting family.
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“I want to spend as much time at home with the kids as I can while they are little,” Rago says.
Rago and Hochberg’s compound is all about being together and the joy that dwells at the end of the sidewalk. It provides an indoor-outdoor experience where their kids can roam free in a drought-tolerant garden filled with sages, California poppies and grevillea, and they can spend time with the ones they love.
“We wanted a space for our family, who are all on the East Coast, so that they can come to visit us and our kids,” Rago says. “I wanted them to be able to stay for a week or two and feel like they are in their own home and not looking into our space and vice versa. Now, we can’t get rid of them,” she jokes.
The ADU may serve as an extension of the main house, but it also demonstrates, through its use of conventional materials and experimental architecture, that it’s possible to “chip away at the identification of the single-family home,” with its “conservative notions of architecture and the family,” says LADG co-principal Andrew Holder.
Perhaps most impressive is the designers’ ability to create something new while maintaining the small-town feel of the neighborhood. From the street, the geometric façade stands out, but it doesn’t overwhelm. And at the end of the sidewalk? Magic.
Do you need to move to a new apartment, but find you have more stuff than will fit into the new space?
A storage unit could provide a way for you to fit into less floor space — without getting rid of your belongings.
When is a storage unit worth the extra cost, however? Read on to weigh your options and consider whether a storage unit — or a larger apartment — might be more suitable for you in the long run.
Storage unit pros
There are several scenarios where storing your extra stuff makes sense.
What if you have to make a temporary move for your job to a city where apartment rental prices are at a premium? A storage unit can allow you to rent a smaller, cheaper apartment and keep your non-essential belongings nearby, waiting for you.
If you have to move to a smaller apartment in a hurry, renting a storage unit is an easy way to stow your excess belongings. You can go through the storage unit later and decide what you want to get rid of.
If you are clearing space in your apartment, but aren’t quite ready to get rid of what you’re moving, a storage unit can be the place for the things you displace. You may want that stuff around again, someday.
More tips and advice on renting a storage unit:
Store-er, beware!
However, there are also many reasons to ditch the storage unit in favor of more space – or less clutter! Keep these points in mind.
Make sure that the belongings you are storing are things you actually want or need to keep, and are not just clutter. If you put something in storage for years and never use it, there is a possibility you just don’t need it.
When you rent a storage unit, you are taking on an additional bill every month. Make sure you can handle this new financial responsibility. If you miss too many payments, the storage company becomes the owner of your belongings.
Having things in storage can give you a false sense of organization. If keeping a storage unit gives you an excuse to acquire new things, you might ultimately need a larger apartment space.
To store or not to store?
In the end, it’s a strategic call. Carefully analyze your belongings and see if you really have stuff to store, or clutter you can get rid of. Ask yourself “do I really need to pay rent on these items?” before you place them into storage.
Get ready to unlock a treasure trove of invaluable insights and expert advice that will revolutionize your vacation rental property. In this Redfin article, we dive deep into the world of vacation rentals, revealing powerful strategies to make your property shine and leave guests in awe. From savvy investments that boost your property’s allure to crafting an unforgettable resort-like experience, forging strategic partnerships, and crafting personalized guest interactions, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to exceed expectations and achieve unrivaled success in the fiercely competitive world of vacation rentals.
Whether you own a vacation rental property in the enchanting city of Orlando, FL, or the picturesque town of San Marcos, CA, this comprehensive resource is tailored to elevate your rental business to new heights. Here are 18 transformational secrets to maximize guest satisfaction, earn rave reviews, and propel your property to the one of the most sought after homes in the area.
1. Make your rental stand out
“To maintain a five-star rental property, you’ll want to go above and beyond tenant expectations. Our data shows that including a washer and dryer, upgrading to newer appliances, and providing freshly painted walls in neutral tones will not only make your rental stand out, but also make the process of finding great tenants faster,” recommends Doorstead. “Moreover, by ensuring access to a responsive property manager, you can guarantee that all aspects of the home are well taken care of, truly enhancing the tenant experience.”
2. Pretend your vacation rental is a five-star resort
“The most important thing to remember about managing a vacation rental is that this is the hospitality business, not the landlord and tenant business,” shares Todd Ortscheid, Co-Owner of Revolution Rental Management. “You have to think of what you’re offering more like a hotel or resort than a traditional rental property. This means cleanliness, fast response time, desirable amenities, and a well-maintained property. The more you think of your property as a five-star resort, the better off you’ll be.”
3. Consider creating strategic partnerships
“We recommend partnering with a company that specializes in exclusive vacation rental portfolios. If your property is a top-tier, five-star rental, it’s essential to align it with a company whose branding and services cater to the discerning needs of luxury clientele,” recommends Gary Doss, Co-Owner of SoCal Vacations. “Larger companies that offer a broad range of properties may not be able to meet the high expectations and unique demands of this premium market segment.”
4. Personalize communication
“To ensure a successful guest experience, effective communication plays a pivotal role. It is crucial to make your guests feel genuinely welcomed, leaving a lasting impression. One way to achieve this is by remembering their return and incorporating delightful surprises. Consider offering their favorite snacks accompanied by a bottle of wine, arranging fresh flowers, and providing a personalized welcome message upon their arrival,” recommends Ellie Paget, CEO of HomeSlice Stays.
“Prompt responsiveness is of utmost importance when it comes to addressing guest requests or concerns. Aim to respond to them in a timely manner, never exceeding a 15-minute timeframe. This level of attentiveness demonstrates your commitment to their satisfaction and enhances their overall experience.
By prioritizing personalized communication, you can create an exceptional guest experience that fosters satisfaction and builds positive relationships.”
5. Decorate with style
“When it comes to guest experience and satisfaction, décor has the potential to make a significant difference in how guests perceive your rental property. To ensure an exceptional experience, it is crucial to infuse your property with chic and stylish decor, incorporating appealing color schemes and well-curated furnishings,” recommends Ellie Paget.
“To achieve a truly unique and captivating aesthetic, consider leveraging the expertise of our dedicated team. They can assist you in designing your home, helping you create an environment that not only catches the attention of potential guests through eye-catching marketing images but also provides a one-of-a-kind experience during their stay.
By investing in stylish decor and enlisting professional guidance, you can elevate your rental property’s overall appeal, command top dollar, and leave a lasting impression on your guests.”
6. Make sure you have security and safety measures
“To prioritize the safety and security of your guests, it is important to emphasize on security and safety measures. Install reliable locks, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers. Provide clear instructions on emergency procedures and ensure your guests feel secure throughout their stay. A focus on safety gives guests peace of mind and contributes to their overall satisfaction,” recommends Damir Dumo from Chalet.
“Smart locks with rotating access keys for each guest are must-haves nowadays. We use a smart home automation system that can be remotely managed for all of our homes.”
7. Leverage guest’s reviews
“Pay attention to guest feedback and reviews,” says Damir Dumo. “Actively seek feedback from your guests and use it to improve your property and services. Address any concerns promptly and implement suggestions that align with your goals. By consistently evolving based on guest feedback, you’ll maintain a high level of guest satisfaction and enhance your reputation as a top-notch rental property.
Ask for a five-star review on the day the guest checks out. If it wasn’t a five-star experience, ask the guest to give feedback directly to you.”
8. Discover your secret formula to winning a rave review
“We’ve found that rave reviews are the secret to creating successful, five-star rental properties,” says ALL IN. “This begins with maintaining excellent communication with our owners, guests, and community management teams. Maintaining a meticulous standard of cleaning, offering modern amenities, and assuring attention to every detail are non-negotiables that must always be upheld as a standard.
We invite the input of our guests and respond promptly to their questions, needs, and feedback. Creating memorable experiences keeps them wanting to share their experience with others.”
9. Elevate your guest’s stay with tailored upsells
“When catering to today’s travelers, it’s important to go beyond providing accommodation and focus on creating memorable experiences. Enhance your guests’ stay by offering exciting upsells and activities that align with your property’s location,” says Kennedy Williams from Mount.
“For instance, if you’re near a beach, consider providing e-bikes, or if you’re situated by a lake, offer kayaks. By incorporating these quality add-ons and upsells, you eliminate the guesswork and reduce trip planning stress for your guests, ensuring your property is a memorable stay for all the right reasons.”
10. Elevate your guest experience through realistic promises and delightful surprises
“The top-performing property managers consistently prioritize the basics of a well-maintained property, comfortable beds, and clean linens to create a memorable guest experience. They also excel in attentive guest communication, providing timely and personalized responses that make guests feel valued and supported,” mentions Hostaway.
“They’re also careful in setting realistic expectations by promoting property highlights without overpromising, along with adding delightful touches like unique decor, outdoor games, or welcome gifts, further enhancing the guest experience.”
11. Thoughtfully prepare your guest’s needs before they arrive
“Take the time to think about your guest experience from their perspective,” recommends Floorspace. “By anticipating their requests, you can provide the amenities, information, and special touches that will make their stay seamless and memorable, while also reducing the amount of communication required.
It’s also helpful to keep in mind the benefits of providing a positive guest experience, which can’t really be overstated. Not only will you garner more five-star reviews, but you’ll also increase your chances of repeat and direct bookings.”
12. Set a competitive pricing strategy
“One thing that often gets overlooked is pricing strategy. You can have high occupancy throughout the year, but if your pricing is not competitive, you will not reach your highest earning potential,” recommends Humberto Pacheco, CEO of Naya Homes. “You will need to research similar listings in your area and take into account factors such as location, size, amenities, and seasonal demand.”
13. Automate communication
“Automating communication in a natural tone through templates or automated messages streamlines your interactions with guests while maintaining a personalized touch,” suggests Alex Withorn from Thorn Point Vacation Rentals. “This approach allows you to experiment with different messaging strategies, refine your communication based on guest responses, and deliver consistently excellent customer service without guests realizing it’s not manual correspondence.
Investing effort in repeat business can significantly contribute to ensuring another great review. By fostering strong relationships with guests and providing exceptional experiences, you increase the likelihood of them returning, resulting in positive reviews from satisfied repeat guests.”
14. Harness the power of preemptive reviews
“When you give guests a five-star review, specifically letting them know before they leave their own review can encourage reciprocity and forgiveness. By expressing gratitude and acknowledging their positive experience, you create a positive feedback loop that encourages guests to leave similarly favorable reviews,” says Alex Withorn from Thorn Point Vacation Rentals
“Being upfront about expectations and educating guests about the review process is crucial for ensuring positive reviews. Transparent communication sets the stage for mutual understanding and helps guests provide feedback that aligns with their expectations, leading to more favorable reviews.”
15. Ensure your guests have a streamlined experience checking in and checking out
“Being in the cleaning industry for so long, I found that attention to detail, open communication, consistency, and streamlined processes leads to a five-star rental experience,” says Celestial Cleaning Service. “Every little thing counts, from beginning to end. The way your entrance is presented with wine and chocolates and a personalized letter, to the ease of checking out. Ensuring all staff members associated with delivering a five-star experience is up to date with your standards in delivering a great experience is key.”
16. Create a cleaning schedule
“To ensure a consistently high standard of cleanliness and maintenance in your vacation rental, it is important to establish a comprehensive cleaning schedule. This schedule should encompass tasks that need to be performed daily, weekly, quarterly, and seasonally,” recommends Jacqueline Barbosa from Morfin Cleaning Services.
“Examples of such tasks include carpet cleaning, window washing, and high dusting. Consider small details such as re-caulking, checking batteries, lightbulbs, filters, and even painting the unit if necessary. It is crucial to use quality products and professional cleaning services to ensure that every area, including appliances and windows, receives proper care.
Attention to detail is key when managing a rental property. In platforms like Airbnb, linens and bedding should be in excellent condition, and all appliances must work properly. Guests should have access to all necessary amenities such as toilet paper and soap, and a complete set of cooking utensils should be provided. It is important to regularly inspect these details and replace anything that is worn or damaged.”
17. Conduct inspections
“To maintain a high-quality vacation rental, it is important to regularly inspect, maintain, and upgrade the unit, including appliances and amenities,” says Jacqueline. “Providing a comprehensive guide for guests, which includes information on internet access, streaming services, local attractions, and useful tips, enhances their experience.
“Essential amenities and toiletries such as toilet paper, soap, and dish soap should be provided and regularly restocked after every visitor. Maintaining open communication with guests, checking in upon arrival, and seeking their feedback throughout their stay are key to providing excellent customer service and ensuring a positive guest experience.”
18. Provide uninterrupted guest service anytime, anywhere
“Providing a smooth and memorable guest experience is essential to maintaining a five-star rental. This involves communicating promptly with guests (no matter what time of the day or night), solving guest problems in a timely manner, and giving guests the tools to create the vacation of their dreams,” shares Sam Ripley from LocalVR.
19. Provide perfectly maintained appliances, ample storage space, and an inviting ambiance for your guests
“When it comes to keeping a five-star rental property, I recommend that all appliances and technology be well maintained and in excellent working condition,” suggests Norma Reyen, Professional Organizer and Owner of Simply Fresh Interiors. “I also recommend making sure that there is enough storage space, such as drawers, cabinetry, shelving, and hanging options. Having an appropriate amount of storage allows for a clean and decluttered space that all guests can enjoy. Lastly, maintaining a fresh-smelling home with good lighting and an airy ambiance will make your rental home memorable.”
20. Monitor booking requests
“Be communicative and professional, but warm and friendly. Don’t allow anyone to book without maintaining a standard; for example, guests must have previous and recent positive five-star reviews,” recommends Michael Skomina, from Host Easy BnB. “Liaise with your cleaners and laundry service, as they are the crux of the business and the most important asset to your success. Follow up and inspect after cleans; if necessary, guide and provide feedback in positive ways to help your services provide the best possible standard that you desire.”
In a digital age where convenience is king, the idea of writing checks, stuffing envelopes, and running to the post office to pay your bills seems almost antiquated. Instead, many people are turning to online bill pay, a system that lets you manage and pay bills from one central location.
What is online bill pay?
Online bill pay is a modern solution that revolutionizes the way we manage and pay our bills. It is a digital service provided by banks, credit unions, and financial institutions, offering a secure and convenient platform for handling various bill payments.
Whether you have one-time payments or recurring bills like utilities, online bill pay allows you to streamline the payment process. Instead of traditional methods like writing checks or mailing payments, online bill pay lets you pay your bills with just a few clicks.
How does online bill pay work?
Here’s how online bill pay works: once you set up online bill pay, you can schedule payments to be made from your checking account either immediately or on a future date. You can manage your one-time payments or recurring payments with ease, knowing that your bank or credit union will ensure the payment gets to your service provider.
Some online bill pay services also allow you to receive electronic bills directly in your online account, saving you from having to keep track of paper bills. Once you have your online bill pay setting configured, paying bills becomes a breeze.
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Benefits of Using Online Bill Pay
Online bill pay offers a plethora of benefits that can make your financial life easier and more organized. Let’s explore these benefits in detail.
Budgeting and Tracking Expenses
Online bill pay provides a centralized platform where you can conveniently manage all your bill payments. This consolidation offers several advantages for budgeting and tracking expenses:
Consolidated view: With online bill pay, you can view all your bills and their due dates in one place. This makes it easier to plan and allocate funds accordingly, ensuring you don’t miss any payments.
Payment history: Most online bill pay services maintain a record of your payment history. This allows you to review past transactions, track your spending patterns, and identify areas where you can potentially cut costs or adjust your budget.
Real-time balance updates: Some online bill pay platforms offer real-time updates on your account balances. This feature helps you stay on top of your finances by providing an accurate picture of how much money you have available for online bill payments and other expenses.
Saving Money and Avoiding Late Fees
Late payments can lead to unnecessary fees and even impact your credit score. Online bill pay can save you money by helping you avoid these financial pitfalls:
Timely payments: With online bill pay, you can set up automatic payments, ensuring your bills are paid on time. By doing so, you eliminate the risk of forgetting or missing a payment deadline, thereby avoiding late fees.
Payment reminders: Many online bill pay platforms offer reminder notifications that alert you before a bill is due. These reminders can help you stay organized and prompt you to make timely payments.
Interest savings: Making timely payments through online bill pay can save you from accruing interest charges. By paying your bills on time, you can minimize the interest that would have otherwise accumulated, especially for credit card balances or loans.
Electronic Records and Organization
Keeping track of paper bills and receipts can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Online bill pay simplifies this process by providing electronic records of your payments:
Document storage: Online bill pay platforms often allow you to store and access electronic copies of your bills and payment receipts. This eliminates the need for physical paperwork, reducing clutter, and making it easier to find specific documents when needed.
Search and filter options: Many online bill pay services offer search and filter functions, enabling you to quickly locate specific bills or payments. This can be particularly helpful during tax season or when reviewing your financial history.
Accessibility and mobility: Online bill pay lets you access your payment records from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. This mobility ensures that you can review your bills and payment history on the go, making it easier to stay organized even when you’re away from home.
Drawbacks and Potential Risks of Online Bill Pay
While online bill pay offers numerous benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and risks associated with this service. Understanding these risks can help you take appropriate precautions to protect your financial information. Here are some considerations:
Internet Security Concerns
One of the primary concerns with online bill pay is internet security. Anytime you handle sensitive bank account information online, there is a risk of hacking or phishing attempts. Cybercriminals may try to gain unauthorized access to your account or personal information.
However, it’s crucial to note that most financial institutions prioritize customer security and employ robust security measures to keep your data safe. Some common security practices include encryption, secure login procedures, and multi-factor authentication.
To mitigate the risk of internet security threats, it’s essential to follow best practices:
Use strong and unique passwords for your online banking accounts.
Be cautious of phishing attempts and avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information through unsolicited emails or phone calls.
Regularly update your devices and software to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Monitor your accounts regularly for any suspicious activity and report any unauthorized transactions to your financial institution immediately.
System Errors or Failures
While rare, system errors or failures can occur when using online bill pay services. These technical glitches could potentially result in missed payments or delays in processing. However, financial institutions typically have systems in place to rectify such issues promptly.
To minimize the impact of system errors or failures:
Double-check your payment history and account balances after initiating transactions to ensure they are processed correctly.
Set up payment reminders or notifications to stay informed about upcoming payments.
Maintain a buffer of funds in your account to account for any unexpected delays or errors in payment processing.
Processing Time
One important consideration when using online bill pay is the processing time required for payments to be completed. While the exact timing may vary depending on the financial institution and the specific payment recipient, it may take several days for the online payment to process. This means that you should plan your payments accordingly to ensure they reach the recipient by the due date.
To avoid late payments due to processing time:
Initiate your bill payments in advance, especially for bills with strict due dates.
Familiarize yourself with the payment processing timeframes of your financial institution to ensure timely payments.
Consider setting up automatic recurring payments for bills with consistent amounts and due dates to ensure timely payments without manual intervention.
How to Get Started with Online Bill Pay
Getting started with online bill pay is typically straightforward. Most banks and credit unions provide this service for free to their checking account or money market account holders.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Log into your online banking account: Visit your bank or credit union’s website and log in using your username and password.
Navigate to the bill pay section: Once logged in, look for the bill pay section or tab. This is usually located within the online banking platform.
Add new payees: Within the bill pay section, you’ll have the option to add new payees. Provide the necessary information, such as the payee’s name, account number, and address where the payments should be sent.
Specify payment details: For recurring payments, you’ll be prompted to specify how often and when the payment should be sent. This can be weekly, monthly, or at custom intervals. For one-time payments, you’ll need to specify the payment amount and the date it should be sent.
Review and confirm: Before finalizing the setup, review the payment details to ensure accuracy. Once everything is verified, confirm the setup, and your online bill pay is ready to go.
It’s worth noting that the exact steps and interface may vary slightly depending on your bank or credit union. If you encounter any difficulties, consult the bank’s customer support or refer to their online resources for guidance.
Best Practices for Using Online Bill Pay
To get the most from your online bill pay service, it’s important to monitor your account balances regularly and ensure you have enough funds to cover your scheduled payments. Setting up alerts and notifications can help you keep track of your payment schedule and account balances.
Using automatic payments responsibly is also crucial. While they can be a convenient way to avoid late fees and improve your credit score, they can also lead to overdrafts if you’re not careful.
Conclusion
In summary, online bill pay provides a secure, convenient, and time-saving method for managing and paying your bills. From setting up recurring payments for monthly utility bills to scheduling future one-time payments, online bill pay services can help you streamline your financial tasks.
While there are potential risks involved, such as internet security threats and system errors, these can be mitigated with vigilance and good security practices. Whether you choose to use your bank account, debit card, or even a credit card for your payments, online bill pay can be a valuable tool in managing your finances.
Just remember, while online bill pay can make your life easier, it’s still important to monitor your accounts and payments regularly. This will help you avoid any potential issues such as overdrafts or missed payments, keeping your financial life running smoothly.
Just over two years ago, JetBlue began flying its much-anticipated new Mint business-class Studios and Suites.
These direct-aisle-access pods brought big improvements relative to the legacy product, including additional privacy thanks to sliding doors, upgraded entertainment systems and enhanced connectivity options. The business-class-plus product, Mint Studio, offers even more space and storage.
These new products debuted domestically June 1, 2021, aboard the airline’s new Airbus A321neo, or new engine option, of which the airline currently has two with the new Mint configuration.
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The airline also brought the new product to its transatlantic routes to London. In addition, it’ll fly its new Mint-equipped Airbus A321LR, or long-range, on the upcoming inaugurals to Paris and Amsterdam. (JetBlue has seven A321LRs in its fleet.)
The new products are still a massive improvement relative to the nearly 9-year-old pods that are still flying on the 35 legacy Airbus A321s. However, I’m not so sure that the rollout is going exactly as JetBlue had hoped.
Just last week, I flew a round-trip Mint flight from New York to Los Angeles. Both flights were operated by the A321neo registered N2105J, the exact same plane I flew on the Mint inaugural nearly two years ago.
While the seats were certainly comfy, I was surprised by all the wear and tear around the seat. Here’s what was wrong.
An inoperable buddy seat
On the outbound flight to Los Angeles, I paid $149 to upgrade my Mint ticket to the Mint Studio.
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I remember really enjoying my flight in this extra-spacious first-row seat two years ago, and I figured that the $149 buy-up would be worth it for all the extra room and space.
Well, one of the key selling points of the Mint Studio is that the suite is so big that it can fit two people. I had a friend traveling on the flight, so I would’ve loved to dine with them.
Unfortunately, however, I found that the buddy seat in the Mint Studio was inoperable. It was fixed into a partially reclined position, and it’s been that way for months, according to recent flyers who reached out to me on Instagram.
In fact, on my last Mint Studio flight in April 2022, I had the exact same issue — but the buddy seat had the words “inoperable” taped around it.
It isn’t clear exactly what the issue is, but I was certainly disappointed to see this new product continue to suffer from such a notable issue.
Damaged suite door
JetBlue’s new Mint is perhaps the most stylish cabin flying around the U.S.
From the embossed seat panels to the green accents throughout the cabin, JetBlue clearly paid attention to the details.
Though the cabin might look good in marketing pictures, what I experienced last week was quite different. It started with the damaged Mint Studio privacy door in the pod across from me. It was taped up around the sides and couldn’t be used as designed by my aisle mate.
Fortunately, my door worked as promised, but I’d be pretty disappointed if I changed my plans to fly the new Mint only to have a broken suite door.
Damaged seat placards
Throughout the cabin, JetBlue installed backlit numbers at the entrance to each pod.
These green- and blue-backlit signs give the cabin a nice pop of color, but looking more closely at them revealed a larger issue — they were all damaged.
I’m not sure if something was wrong with the material that JetBlue chose, or if the airline just has more clumsy passengers than its competitors, but this seems like something that the airline should fix sooner rather than later.
It certainly doesn’t give off a luxurious vibe, and it’s definitely not the way I’d want to be greeted when paying $1,000 or more for a one-way business-class ticket.
Peeling wireless charging pads
One of the big improvements in the new Mint cabin is the introduction of enhanced connectivity options. This includes two universal power outlets with USB-C charging ports, along with Qi wireless charging pads.
I travel with lots of tech gear, so I almost always put all the different power options to use.
On both of my Mint flights, however, I was disappointed to see that the protective plastic covering was peeling off both wireless charging pads.
I tried using them to power up my AirPods Pro, but unfortunately, I couldn’t get the wireless chargers to work. I’m not sure if that’s because of the peeling plastic or something else (my devices charged just fine once I got home), but it’s not a great look for such a new product.
Worn-out footwells
Earlier this year, I visited one of the biggest aircraft seat factories in the entire world. During my visit, the factory’s managing director stressed the importance of making sure that the materials used on planes are built to withstand heavy use from hundreds of thousands of passengers.
Though JetBlue may not necessarily be to blame, the wear and tear on the seat footwell in the Mint Studio didn’t leave a positive impression.
The footwell covering was already peeling, and the gray-colored lining seemed to have already been stained. I’m not sure if this is a manufacturing defect with the materials or whether JetBlue just chose the wrong color (or a mix of the two), but I would’ve hoped that the product would look better after just two years of use.
JetBlue’s response
Before writing this story, I detailed my experience to JetBlue’s communications team, and carrier spokesperson Emily Martin shared the following statement to explain that much of this wear and tear is to be expected with a new product.
After disrupting the airline industry with a premium travel experience for a fraction of the cost in 2014, Mint received a complete refresh in 2020, setting a new standard for premium flying. The Mint refresh features all-private suites with a sliding door for every Mint customer, a custom-designed seat cushion, and countless other innovative and thoughtful design touches for our customers.
Wear and tear is common on any aircraft interior, and because Mint’s bespoke design brought all-new innovations to the market, we expect that the first few years will help us learn how different elements of the product perform over time. This is the case with launch customers for almost any product. As we gain operational experience with the new Mint configuration, we have a team focused on the product’s performance standards and are working closely with the equipment manufacturers to find solutions where we have seen performance issues.
Customers are giving our refreshed Mint very high satisfaction scores and our low-fares, high-quality experience is making a positive impact both in transcon and trans-Atlantic markets. We’re focused on ensuring Mint continues to be a disruptive competitive force in the industry, just as it always has been, and it’s a high priority that we keep the product performing to customers’ satisfaction.
Bottom line
Above all else, I had two great flights in JetBlue’s new Mint product. I appreciated the delicious food and beverage options, enjoyed personalized service from multiple friendly flight attendants and even loved getting the opportunity to try the new seats once again.
That said, throughout my journey, I couldn’t help but notice some issues with the new cabin. From the inoperable buddy seat to the damaged suite numbers, the product already feels like it needs some TLC — which is somewhat surprising given that it was just introduced two years ago.
After the flight, I posted about my experience on my Instagram. Many followers reached out to share similar issues on recent Mint flights. Before reaching out to the airline’s communications team, I called JetBlue’s customer care department to explain what I saw.
The airline marked up all the issues and proactively sent me a $150 goodwill credit. Though I didn’t complain specifically to receive a credit, I am now looking forward to putting it to use on a future Mint flight, so I can hopefully see all the fixes and improvements that the airline makes to its new business-class cabin.