Auctions can be great fun, as well as places for genuine bargains. The key is to know how the auction process works and to take advantage of a bargain if it fits your plans.
Prior to attending an auction, potential buyers should try to find out as much as possible about specific properties they are interested in. While most real estate auctions allow prospective buyers some inspection rights, direct contact with the administrator of the auction is frequently needed to arrange personal inspections.
Know The Property
Be sure to check the features, location and condition of the property. Attempt to discern the current market value of the property by looking at sales of comparable properties in the same area. Compare properties with the same number of rooms, particularly bedrooms and bathrooms, but be sure to allow for price differences due to “extras”-swimming pools or decks, garages, etc. Arriving at an auction well prepared will help you determine your bid price and even help you decide whether to bid on a specific property at all.
A property is put up for sale through an auction format for any number of reasons – a foreclosure action, a tax deed application, a court-ordered sale, provisions in a contract, a divorce resolution, a provision to satisfy the needs of an estate, a dissolution of a partnership or trust or because the owner chooses the auction as a means to quickly dispose of the property.
Get Familiar With Auction Process
Real estate auctioneers employ a variety of auction formats and bidding procedures. Many factors play a part in determining which methods will be used. Following are some of the more common real estate auction formats and bidding procedures used today.
An absolute auction is an auction in which the property is sold to the highest bidder, regardless of how low that bid might be. This type of real estate auction typically attracts the most bidders since the public knows that the property has to sell.
A reserve auction also referred to as a minimum bid auction, sets a pre-determined minimum bid amount prior to the start of the auction.
A subject to owner withdrawal auction allows the seller to bid on the property for himself or herself or to withdraw the property from the auction outright if he or she does not like the amount of money bid.
A silent or sealed bid auction allows bids to be made in advance and submitted for review. No one knows what anyone else is bidding.
In the case of a foreclosure or other court-ordered sale, state laws generally establish a period of time over which the property must be advertised prior to the sale. This serves several different goals. The most important is to give ample notice to draw prospective buyers. The other main reason for such announcement of the auction is to give all interested parties sufficient time to react to protect their interests. However, even with advance notice and advertising, it is rare for an auction to draw many prospective buyers.
Have a Talk….With Yourself
Once you understand how the auction works, you need to ask yourself: Is this for me? It can be fun to bid, but it can be costly. Never bid because you get caught up in the fever of the moment. Some auctions can be very intimidating. It’s a good idea to go to a few as a spectator, so you get used to the speed of the bidding and terminology used.
There will always be a degree of risk when buying a home at an auction, but with a little due diligence, potential homebuyers could save a lot of money buying in this manner.
Excerpted, in part, from The Real Estate Investor’s Answer Book by Jack Cummings, a McGraw-Hill publication.
Nestled within a chain of islands bordering both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico is a popular vacation spot. Plus, U.S. citizens don’t even need a passport when visiting although it can feel as if you’ve been transported to the ultimate far-flung tropical beach vacation.
Yes, sand and sea are a big part of the allure. But if you’re wondering what are some cool things to do in Puerto Rico, you’ll likely be happy to know that parks, museums, shopping, and historical sites are all waiting.
Read on to learn about top spots and attractions across the island, plus the best times of the year to go and other important details. With this advice, you’ll be ready to have an amazing getaway when visiting Puerto Rico.
Best Times to Go to Puerto Rico
If you’re looking for warm weather without the threat of hurricanes, plan your Puerto Rico trip for the winter or spring months. Temperatures average in the 80s all year long, but you’re more likely to avoid crowded beaches and other tourist spots if you focus on these milder months during the school year.
In fact, ending your holiday season with a trip to Puerto Rico lets you take advantage of festivals held throughout the island marking the epiphany in early January. Larger street parades are held in San Juan, but you can also find charming events in smaller towns as well.
Bad Times to Go to Puerto Rico
There are a couple of times of year that are less than ideal for a Puerto Rican vacation. Because a large portion of the local population is Catholic, crowds tend to swell around Easter. That could mean more lines and higher prices.
Another relatively bad time to visit: Hurricane season, which technically lasts from June through November. The most severe weather activity occurs between the middle of August through the middle of October. If you do travel to Puerto Rico during these months, consider purchasing travel insurance through an insurance provider or accessing credit card travel insurance.
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Average Cost of a Puerto Rico Vacation
Before you figure out where to keep your travel fund, calculate how much it will likely cost you. Flight costs vary depending on where you live and what time of year you plan to go.
Once you’re on the island, here are some estimated costs: Food costs can total $39 a day, and local transportation to be about $18. The average nightly hotel cost is $277 for a couple and $139 per person, though there are certainly ways to save money on hotels.
You’ll likely have other incidental costs as well, but here’s how much a week-long Puerto Rico vacation could cost once you’re there.
• One Person Total: $1,524
• Couple Total: $3,048
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10 Fun Must-Dos in Puerto Rico
No matter where you plan to stay, there are fun things to do in Puerto Rico across the entire island. The list you find here gathered intel from top-rated attractions on online review sites. In addition, travelers who have explored the island shared their knowledge. As a result, you’ll find a diverse range of activities for people of all ages and all types of groups, whether you’re going on a friends trip, a romantic getaway, or a family adventure.
1. Explore Old San Juan
When visiting Puerto Rico, a must-see is Old San Juan, the historic district of Puerto Rico’s capital city. The streets are lined with colorful buildings featuring Spanish colonial facades. You can take a guided walking tour if you’d love to know all the best historical facts and stories, or you can stroll on your own at no cost.
Be sure to include Fortaleza Street on your itinerary of things to see in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It has beautiful buildings as well as frequent modern art installations. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to try out in the neighborhood, as well as attractions like La Casa Blanca — the former home of Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. nps.gov/nr/travel/american_latino_heritage/old_san_juan.html
2. Trek Through El Yunque National Forest
The only tropical national forest in the U.S., El Yunque is packed with natural excursions just outside of San Juan. It’s considered one of the top things to do in Puerto Rico. There are plenty of hiking trails, ponds, and a lagoon (complete with a rope swing so you can tap into your inner child).
There are more than 28,000 acres in El Yunque, and trails span 25 miles. You can create a plan for any level of exertion. If you’re staying in the San Juan area, definitely put this on your list of unique things to do in Puerto Rico. Admission is only $2, but make sure you have an advance reservation before you go. Bonus: If you are traveling with a pet, the trails are dog-friendly, though only service animals are allowed inside buildings. recreation.gov/ticket/facility/300017
3. Immerse Yourself in Art
Back in the city, get a dose of world-class art at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. Open Thursdays through Sundays, this museum features permanent collections displaying the work of Puerto Rican artists dating from the 17th century to today.
Explore over 1,000 pieces that include paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, and more. The museum, which is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, is located in the Santurce neighborhood, which is about a 10-minute drive from Old San Juan. Tickets are $6 (not including taxes) per exhibition for adults; $3 for children. mapr.org/en
4. Get Glowing
One of the best things to do in Puerto Rico is to explore one of three bioluminescent bays, which have an otherworldly glow, thanks to microscopic organisms that light up. Seeing these bodies of water can be an amazing and memorable experience.
Mosquito Bay in Vieques is considered the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay. However, you’ll need to take a short flight or boat ride from San Juan to get there.
Alternatively, you can explore Laguna Grande in Fajardo (which is the closest option to San Juan) or La Parguera in Lajas, which is closer to Rincón. La Perguera is also the only place where you can swim rather than take a boat tour or kayak. The best time to go for any bioluminescent bay tour is December through April when there isn’t a lot of rainfall to cloud the water.
Tours can range from about $50 to $75 per person. This can be a good time to swipe with plastic when paying to earn credit card rewards.
5. Tour a Grand Historical Home
Museo Castilla Serrallés is a great thing to do in Puerto Rico if you love history and architecture. It’s the former home of the Serrallés family (of DonQ Rum), who built the extravagant tile-roofed Spanish Revival castle in the 1930s. It takes just under an hour and a half to drive from San Juan to Ponce where the property is, so you may want to think about getting a rental car.
Today, you can explore the home’s interior, as well as beautiful gardens outside. Learn about the history of rum through immersive exhibits, then stroll through the butterfly garden and Japanese gardens. The property is typically open from Wednesday through Sunday, and tickets cost $15 for adults. museocastilloserralles.com/
6. Get Wet
Located on the northwest corner of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla is about a two-hour drive from San Juan. It’s home to the pristine Crash Boat Beach, which is a great place to indulge in almost any kind of water activity you like, including swimming, snorkeling, and surfing (which is ideal during the summer travel season).
Crash Boat Beach is public, so add it to your list of free things to do in Puerto Rico. It definitely has a lively atmosphere, full of music and food to enjoy when you’re not in the water.
7. Stroll Through El Parterre Park
When you need a break from the beach, check out El Parterre in downtown Aguadilla. This beautifully landscaped park offers the perfect spot to casually stroll under mature trees, and there are plenty of benches for resting, reading, or picnicking, just like a local would. It’s also a good sunset watching spot.
El Parterre contains a natural water spring that has quite a bit of historical significance throughout the centuries. It was used as a water source by explorer Sir Francis Drake in the late 16th century and also by Spanish soldiers in later years.
8. Wander Into River Caves
Just an hour west of San Juan, Arecibo is a coastal location with diverse natural wonders to explore. One of the best things to do in Puerto Rico’s Arecibo area is to visit the Camuy River Cave Park. It’s one of the largest cave networks in the entire world.
Recently reopened in early 2023, you’ll walk through immense caverns that are estimated to be over 45 million years old. One of the most breathtaking spots is a sinkhole that shines in sunlight from hundreds of feet above. Tickets are $18 for adults, $13 for kids ages 4 to 12, with younger children admitted for free (which can help families afford to travel).
9. Surf at Domes Beach
Is surfing on your list of fun things to do in Puerto Rico? If so, check out Domes Beach in Rincón, located on the West Coast of the island (a little south from Aguadillo). Even if you don’t surf, you might enjoy catching a professional surfing competition throughout the year.
Domes Beach is also a great place to enjoy a sunset over the water. If you need a break from the waves, check out the Punta Higuero Lighthouse, a historic landmark originally built in 1892.
10. Venture to Vieques Beaches
A smaller island just to the east of the main Puerto Rican island, Vieques can only be reached by a short flight or ferry ride. Because of this, however, the beaches in Vieques are extremely tranquil and secluded. If you want a beach experience without large crowds or noise, this is an incredible option.
Plus, you can take one of the world’s best bioluminescent bay tours while you’re there.
The Takeaway
It’s easy to find dozens of things to do in Puerto Rico, whether San Juan or elsewhere. The hardest part is simply narrowing down your list of options to fit your time there. Whether you want a relaxed beach or an outdoor adventure, a historical home or a top-notch museum, you’ll find it all in Puerto Rico.
FAQ
Is Puerto Rico cheap for tourists?
It depends on your point of comparison. You’ll probably find it cheaper than large coastal cities on the U.S. mainland, but it also tends to be more expensive than other Caribbean island destinations.
What food is Puerto Rico known for?
Exploring traditional Puerto Rican cuisine is one of the best parts of visiting. Definitely check out mofongo, a mashed fried plantain side dish, as well as pasteles — similar to tamales but made with green banana masa and many options for fillings.
What can’t you bring back from Puerto Rico?
You can’t bring back fresh fruits or vegetables from Puerto Rico to the U.S. mainland. Cactus and citrus plants are also prohibited.
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In today’s modern world, the house goals of yesteryear are a distant memory.
Long gone are the days of window shutters, oversized crystal chandeliers, multiple small rooms, intricate designs, wrought-iron railings, small windows, and large porches with overhanging beams.
Modern mansions favor simple and clean designs with open spaces.
While traditional mansions offer intricate and elegant details, today’s luxury homes feature straight lines, geometric shapes, a flat or low-sloped roof, and clean exteriors with little to no texture.
Luxurious homes of the past featured building materials such as brick, wood, plaster, stucco, and stone. Meanwhile, contemporary mansions favor newer, more technologically-advanced building materials including reinforced steel and concrete.
And windows, lots and lots of floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sophisticated smart homes are all the rage, as are connected outdoor spaces, white rooms and simple color palettes, open floor plans, glass walls allowing for ample natural light, green features, security settings, and the utmost privacy.
While traditional mansions typically featured a number of small, single-purpose rooms, modern floor plans include seamless open-ended spaces.
After all, one cannot be confined to small spaces while living that luxurious lifestyle!
A closer look at 18 of our favorite modern mansions
When it comes to stunning estates, we’ve got you covered.
From wraparound pools featuring panoramic views to glass walls for days, to dream chef kitchens, to seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces, we’re taking a look at 18 modern mansions that have knocked our socks off.
And we think you’ll (really, really) like them too.
A Marc Whipple-designed modern mansion with a wraparound pool
Designed by acclaimed architect Marc Whipple, this massive 11,200-square-foot home in Beverly Hills is quite a stunner.
Offering six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and two half baths, the multi-million dollar manse features disappearing walls of glass, so that its residents can enjoy the stunning views from each and every room.
Speaking of views, they’re completely unobstructed, with downtown Los Angeles, Catalina Island, and the coastline on full display. Those lovely landscapes can be seen from the home’s stunning wraparound pool.
Other luxurious amenities include a movie theater, a secret Zen garden, gym, guest house, glass wine cellar, gated driveway, and an outdoor kitchen.
This Beverly Hills manse had its moment of fame a few years back, when it was rented by Rockstar hitmaker Post Malone. It was later listed for sale with a whopping $26 million asking price.
A breathtaking Hollywood mega mansion with museum-quality energy crystals throughout
Built in 2021, this mega mansion is located in the heart of Hollywood.
Boasting panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and the canyon, the home offers six beds, nine baths, and nearly 10,365 square feet of living space.
Photo credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The Agency
The sophisticated smart home features museum-quality crystals sourced from around the world and placed with extraordinary care throughout to energetically enhance the residence.
Offering double-height ceilings and incredible indoor/ outdoor living spaces, the California compound also includes a custom home theater, fitness center, wine cellar, second living room and all the finest custom finishes.
Photo credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Sean Gordon courtesy of The Agency
Setting a new gold standard for Southern California living, the picturesque backyard — which is front row to the city and canyons — features a beautiful sparkling pool/spa, a built-in BBQ area, and a grassy green lawn.
See more of this unique Hollywood mega-mansion here.
A striking $150M modern mansion in Bel-Air with 360-degree views
This beautiful home in Bel-Air has all the bells and whistles you’d expect in a modern mansion (and then some).
Photo credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of Compass
Designed by award-winning architecture and design firm, Saota, the private compound is perched on a promontory high above the city — opening up to unobstructed, 360-degree views of Los Angeles.
Set on a 1.15-acre lot, the swanky crib offers nine bedrooms and fourteen baths spread across 20,841 square feet.
Some of the luxury amenities include an infinity pool with a secluded cabana and pool-side sunken fire pit, three separate staff quarters, and a one-bedroom guest house with a separate, private pool.
Photo credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Matthew Momberge courtesy of Compass
This magnificent manse was owned by George Ruan, co-founder of online coupon-clipping company Honey (now part of Paypal).
The Razor House in San Diego, the real-life Iron Man house
The one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece known as The Razor House was designed in 2007 by San Diego-based architect Wallace E. Cunningham.
Photo credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
The striking concrete and glass mansion — dubbed ‘the Iron Man house’ due to its resemblance to Tony Stark’s mansion in the famous Marvel movie — is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Offering endless concrete terraces, the stunning estate has mesmerizing views of surrounding hills and the ocean below.
Photo credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
Featuring several outdoor lounge areas, the luxurious three-story home comes with six bedrooms and six baths, with nearly every room opening up to jaw-dropping views.
In 2019, Grammy Award-winning singer Alicia Keys and husband Swizz Beatz bought The Razor House in a $20.8 million deal.
Villa Vella, one of Europe’s finest contemporary homes
Spanish dream house, anyone?
Dubbed Villa Vela, this sprawling 23,476-square-foot property is located in the sun-bathed province of Andalusia, Spain.
Photo credit: The Agency
Sitting behind its own gates, at the end of a sweeping driveway, Villa Vela offers a total of six bedrooms and six baths.
The posh property has been designed to be free-flowing and, as such, has an open plan, including floor-to-ceiling retracting windows that open directly onto a terrace that stretches from one end of the house to the other.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
Not to mention, each of the suites has its own outdoor space, and they also all connect directly to the vast upper terrace, its lawn, garden, and dining area, and benefit from breathtaking views.
A futuristic, yacht-shaped mansion perched high atop the Los Angeles hills
This 17,000-square-foot modern residential oasis in the upscale LA neighborhood of Brentwood is redefining luxury living.
Photo credit: The Agency
Southern California-based architectural firm de Loren & Associates purposefully designed the building by superior wellness standards, without sacrificing on design but rather adding to it.
Inspired by the clean lines and interior spatial layouts of yachts paired with the motion of the sea, the curving exterior facades are reminiscent of ocean waves, wind, and clouds that make not only for an exhilarating lifestyle but also appealing to the eye.
The modern mansion boasts seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and three powder rooms across three levels.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
Featuring a massive list of upscale amenities, the beautiful Brentwood home offers a 610-bottle wine cellar, commercial speed glass elevator, movie theater, state-of-the-art gym, a 300 sq. ft. green wall, and a lower-level entertainment area with a full bar, pool table and more.
And there’s plenty of room for Stormi and Wolf to explore! Turns out, this luxurious residence is owned by none other than rapper Travis Scott.
A newly-built Encino mansion with bright, airy, and warm interiors
We can’t get enough of this amenity-rich mansion with modern interiors and a killer guest house.
Photo credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury Level
The seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom Encino home offers 9,081 square feet of living space enclosed within a private, gated estate with surrounding landscape.
The stunning estate is a beautiful example of modern California living, with picture-perfect interiors, exquisite finishes, jetliner views, and plenty of attractive amenities.
Featuring warm wood tones, the large windows and Fleetwood doors open up to unobstructed views and plenty of natural light.
Photo credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury LevelPhoto credit: LA Light Photography and The Luxury Level
The carefully thought-out finishes give the home a modern vibe that extends into the bedrooms as well. The second level of this luxury Encino home has four bedrooms, including the master suite, which walks out to a 1,200-square-foot balcony with a fire table.
Naturally, this wonderful modern manse caught the eye of a famous buyer; it’s now owned by Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and husband Justin Mikita.
A modern 4-story house facing one of the most beautiful coastal shorelines in all of California
We love this modern mansion set in the most desirable area of Manhattan Beach, The Strand, an oceanfront neighborhood lined with modern-looking mansions that typically sell in the $5 million to $15 million range.
Photo credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties Group
Spanning 6,978 square feet of modern living space, the home offers six bedrooms and eight baths.
Designed by renowned L.A. studio KAA Design, this four-story home was envisioned around life, in all its texture, at the beach.
Rather than cluster sleeping areas on a single floor, they’re strategically spaced across the four levels, with the third floor being home to a primary suite with a private office that’s luxuriously sequestered in the style of a penthouse.
Photo credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties GroupPhoto credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties GroupPhoto credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties GroupPhoto credit: Paul Jonason courtesy of Stroyke Properties Group
The private elevator takes residents and guests down to the beach room, which is level with the Strand itself, and lounge on the patio, front row to a peaceful scene of sea, sand, and sky.
Read more about this beautiful modern mansion here.
A $70M contemporary marvel that reimagines luxury living for the 21st century
Located in the coveted Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, this modern mansion is what happens when a star-studded team consisting of award-winning architect Noah Walker, AD 100 interior designer, Jamie Bush, and renowned landscape designer, Christine London LTD comes together.
Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency
Spanning 19,000 square feet, this beautiful abode is set on a sprawling four-acre lot and offers six bedrooms and 12 bathrooms alongside many recreation rooms.
The plush property has 270-degree views of the city, ocean, and canyon, and a long list of amenities that include a theater room — with acoustical wall paneling and a commercial cinema-quality projection system — a gym with a steam room, a 75-foot indoor lap pool, outdoor architectural pool and dual offices.
Image credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The AgencyImage credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The AgencyImage credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The AgencyImage credit: Benny Chan courtesy of The Agency
We first covered this luxurious contemporary home when it first came to market last year with an ambitious asking price of $70 million.
Just a few months later, it was purchased by music mogul Scooter Braun (better known as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande’s manager, and Taylor Swift‘s manager-turned-foe) for $65 million.
The Ora House in San Diego, where contemporary architecture meets serene living
In the hilly, seaside neighborhood of La Jolla in San Diego, a modern cliffside mansion has all the dream house vibes.
Street view of the property. Photo credit: Blue Heron
Built by Blue Heron’s BH Elite custom home division, the Ora House, as the property has been named, is a true architectural marvel.
The stellar design team incorporated the same innovative biophilic design and advanced Savant technology used in Blue Heron’s flagship home, VM001 in Las Vegas, to “enhance the flow of life while creating an overall sense of peace and natural wellbeing.”
The cliffside estate is set in La Jolla’s exclusive Bird Rock Waterfront enclave and totals 8,878 square feet of living space.
Photo credit: Blue HeronPhoto credit: Blue HeronPhoto credit: Blue Heron
The architectural marvel has five bedrooms and eight baths across its four levels, with each level embracing the outdoors with spaces tailored for both entertaining and private moments.
A striking celebrity compound with a modern heptagon-shaped house
Check out this contemporary compound in La Crescenta, Calif.
Photo credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of Compass
Designed by AD100 architect Michael Maltzan, this dramatic, heptagon-shaped house has spaceship vibes, is surrounded by seven exterior walls (some made out of glass), and is anchored by an open-air courtyard that sits right at the center.
Nearly all the rooms of the house come with sliding floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to either the serene courtyard or beautiful mountain and city skyline views.
Some of the stand-out features of the modern mansion include a primary suite with an entire wall of glass that opens up to a generously sized balcony and a particularly unique bathroom with a blue curved penny-tiled wall surrounding the shower.
Photo credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of Compass
This unique home was owned by Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Michael Peter Balzary, known professionally as Flea.
A $25 million Napa Valley glass house with killer views
Surrounded by over 40 acres of lush grounds set amidst California’s world-class wine country, this striking architectural home goes by the name of Karinya.
The highly suitable moniker originates from the Australian aboriginal culture and is simply translated as “peaceful home.”
Image credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell Banker
Built in 2017, the stunning estate is nestled in the small community of Deer Park right next to St. Helena in Napa County.
Spanning 8,837 square feet, the impressive residence was built with natural materials, a deep connection to the valley’s views, and a design that boasts both beauty and luxury.
Not a detail is spared at Karinya, with many luxurious features such as endless walls of glass, a 2,000-bottle wine room, and an acoustically-designed media/ theater room.
Image credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell BankerImage credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell BankerImage credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell BankerImage credit: Adam Rouse courtesy of Coldwell Banker
Fitting a modern dream house, it also comes with a detailed smart home system with mobile phone control access that controls the music, air conditioning, security and programmable LED recessed lighting in 11 separate zones and a fire sprinkler system.
See more of this lovely Napa Valley home here.
A modern mansion that was once featured in the Oscar-winning “La La Land” movie
Set in the popular Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles, this modern mansion offers an impressive cutting-edge design.
Photo credit: Compass
The six-bedroom home wows with its soaring ceilings and walls of glass that bring the outdoors in.
Complete with an infinity pool and spa (with a cascading waterfall) and a nifty pool/guest house with a sundeck for outdoor entertainment, the home is peppered with outdoor spots to relax and enjoy the lovely Cali weather.
In case you’re getting a strong sense of deja vu, this beautiful home was featured in the popular film, La La Land.
As the story goes, Mia (played by Emma Stone) and her friends attend a lavish party hoping to meet influential people in the business and finally get their lucky break.
You guessed it, this memorable movie scene was filmed at this gorgeous Los Angeles estate.
A celebrity chef’s former home with a massive kitchen anchored by a 24-foot stone island
Located in the coveted Via Bluffs enclave of Pacific Palisades, this modern mansion spans 6,500 square feet of luxurious living.
Photo credit: credit: Smith Cho / Compass
Offering massive sliding windows that open up to beautiful views of Potrero Canyon and beyond, the sumptuous five-bedroom, five-bathroom home is filled with natural light streaming in from the surrounding floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors, while the skylights pour even more light onto the main and top floors.
The Pacific Palisades property also flaunts features like a dual-faced fireplace, a nearly 24-foot kitchen island, and a distinct living room that’s pouring out onto the outside deck overlooking the pool.
A large open-layout living area is anchored by an impressive dream kitchen.
Photo credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / CompassPhoto credit: credit: Smith Cho / Compass
This beautiful home was once owned by celebrity chef, Everyday Italian, and Giada At Home star Giada de Laurentiis.
A beautiful modern mansion tucked in the Hollywood Hills
Built in 2019, this Marc Whipple-designed home is a true Hollywood gem.
Located on the glamorous Sunset Strip, in the Hollywood Hills West neighborhood of Los Angeles, this home oozes that clean-lined modernist approach, while still offering warmth and comfort.
Photo credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom Hunter
The posh property incorporates five bedrooms, six bathrooms, as well as two half-bathrooms, all with breathtaking views spreading from the Hollywood sign right to the Pacific Ocean.
The main entrance offers an open-concept kitchen and three terraces that total 5,000 additional square feet of outdoor living space.
And, the middle level features a second living room and a luxurious ‘floating glass box’ master suite.
Photo credit: Tom Hunter Photography.Photo credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom HunterPhoto credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom HunterPhoto credit: Tom Hunter Photography.Photo credit: credit: Jonathan Ducrest and Tom Hunter
All the bedrooms offer easy access to the infinity pool, which provides stunning views of the surroundings and a perfect setting to enjoy summer nights and sunsets in complete privacy.
A Malibu gem that’s often rented to high-profile celebrities
This Malibu celeb magnet is the epitome of indoor-outdoor Cali living, featuring large glass walls that seamlessly blend the interior with the grounds.
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom, 2,100-square-foot Malibu mansion is every bit the modern gem.
Photo credit: Hagai Aharon
It’s the perfect property for entertaining, as it includes an infinity pool with fabulous ocean views, a spa, and a fire pit.
The entertainment continues inside, as the house includes not one, but three indoor fireplaces, as well as a media room, making sure you stay entertained throughout the entire year.
Amenities include everything you could possibly need, from in-unit laundry and air conditioning to five parking spaces, an outdoor patio, and a cabana.
The house not only rents out to celebrities such as Matthew Perry, Cardi B, and Taraji P. Henson, but it’s also owned by one.
Betty Moon, a celebrated Los Angeles musician, songwriter and producer, currently owns the plush property which she recently renovated before listing it for rent.
An impeccably designed modern mansion that embraces indoor-outdoor living
Located in the upscale neighborhood Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, this three-story home was designed and built by renowned developer/designer duo David and Eliana Rokach.
Photo credit: The Agency
This multi-million dollar mansion offers a sprawling 13,543 square feet of modern living space and packs nine bedrooms and twelve bathrooms.
Boasting unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Canyon, the stunning estate offers an open-concept living/dining room finished in a chic, contemporary style.
The living room features custom-made electronic sliding steel doors that open to a beautiful outdoor area, which features a barbecue area, a grassy backyard, and an infinity-edge swimming pool opening up to views for miles.
Photo credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The AgencyPhoto credit: The Agency
A modern hillside lair with canyon views
Situated in Los Angeles’ coveted Brentwood neighborhood, this hillside lair with expansive living spaces, eco-friendly details, and ultra-high-end finishes gives us serious dream house goals.
Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass
The main entrance features a Japanese-imported Yakisugi front door and bonsai adorned atrium that leads to the open-concept living space.
Here, a chic palette of luxurious stone and reflective glass is accented by unique designer details, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light throughout the day.
Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of CompassPhoto credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass
Offering sweeping views of the canyon, the four-bedroom home comes equipped with the latest technology for entertainment, comfort, and sustainability.
This includes a full automation system, Lutron Solar System lighting, home theater and surround sound from Bang & Olufsen, a home gym, and much more.
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A 15-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer, not to mention best-selling author, entrepreneur and The Voice judge, Alicia Keys is a trailblazer.
With a thriving career that spans more than two decades, the Empire State of Mind singer is one of the biggest names in the music industry. And her personal life is equally full of achievements.
Back in 2010, she married record producer/rapper Swizz Beatz (by his real name, Kasseem Daoud Dean), and the two welcomed two children to the family: Egypt Daoud and Genesis Ali Dean.
So it only makes sense that this exceptional artist lives in a house that’s just as impressive as her neverending list of trophies and awards.
Alicia Keys’ house in La Jolla, California. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
In 2019, Grammy Award-winning singer Alicia Keys and husband Swizz Beatz paid $20.8 million for a striking cliffside mansion in San Diego’s upscale La Jolla neighborhood.
The high-profile purchase even made its way to our TV screens, as part of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listings LA show, which brought the already-famous property back into the spotlight.
The one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece — widely known as The Razor House — has been getting people talking since it was first designed in 2007 by San Diego-based architect Wallace E. Cunningham.
The imposing concrete and glass mansion is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
And while many have been dubbing it ‘the Iron Man house’ due to its resemblance to Tony Stark’s house, it may be time for a new nickname that suits its famous owners better.
Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, the famous owners of the Razor House. Image credit: Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A closer look at Alicia Keys’ house, an architectural marvel overlooking the ocean
The modern cliffside mansion was designed by AD100 architect Wallace E. Cunningham, most famous for his striking residential projects, which he likens to sculptures.
More specifically, as the architect himself put it, he designs “one-of-a-kind sculptures for people to live in.”
SEE ALSO: Drake’s House in Toronto, the Star of his ‘Toosie Slide’ Video, Is Peak Luxury
And that couldn’t be more true for some of his iconic residential projects: the Harmony House and the Wing House in Rancho Santa Fe, and the architecturally distinct Razor House that Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz now call home.
Alicia Keys’ house in La Jolla, CA, known as The Razor House. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the concrete and glass structure has long been rumored to be the real-life version of Tony Stark‘s futuristic mansion.
But the home has never made an appearance in any blockbuster movie.
View from the Razor House at sunset. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
It was, however, used for a VISA Black commercial and a luxurious Calvin Klein ad, but that’s pretty much all the screen time the mansion got.
That’s a shame because the house itself is worthy of the biggest screens on earth.
Nearly every wall in the residence is glass, while the floors are mostly hewn from travertine stone. An extra-long infinity pool (one of many) juts out over the cliff’s edge, turning swimming into the stuff dreams are made off.
Front-facing view of Alicia Keys’ home. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys’ house has endless concrete terraces that make the most out of the mesmerizing views of surrounding hills and the ocean below.
The three-story home comes with 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths, with nearly every room opening up to stunning views.
SEE ALSO: Lizzo’s house in Los Angeles, a $15M luxe ‘treehouse’ with a celebrity past
Inside Alicia Keys’ house. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency Bedroom with ocean views inside Alicia Keys’ house. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
Fashioned with a state-of-the-art kitchen and giant round living room anchored by a fireplace, Alicia and her music producer husband, Swizz Beatz, have everything they need to unwind with their sons, Egypt and Genesis, including several outdoor lounge areas.
Inside Alicia Keys’ house, La Jolla, CA. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
SEE ALSO: Where does Adele live? A look at the $58M ‘house that Rocky built’
Inside Alicia Keys’ house, La Jolla, CA. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
Among its most notable amenities, the Razor House lists: an extensive fitness space, two steam rooms, a den, a theater, and a library with a custom-made Ralph Lauren pool table.
Inside Alicia Keys’ house, La Jolla, CA. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
The Razor House was initially listed for $30 million
Initially listed for sale in 2018 for $30 million, La Jolla’s most famous home took a little over a year to make a buyer fall in love with it up to the point of committing enough to put a ring around…. those house keys.
The Razor House in La Jolla, CA. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
But when it did, it nabbed more than just a nice selling price and some very famous new owners.
Putting an end to the property’s year-long run on the market, Alicia and her powerhouse music producer husband Kasseem Dean, better known as Swizz Beatz, purchased the Razor House for a cool $20.8 million.
The $20M+ selling price (despite being a considerable drop from the initial asking) made it one of the most expensive homes sold in La Jolla, California in 2019 — proving once again that whatever Alicia Keys does, she does in style and ready to set new records!
Neither Alicia Keys nor Swizz Beatz (who has produced hit singles for the likes of Kanye West, Jay-Z and Beyoncé) had any connection to La Jolla or the larger San Diego area when they bought the home, leading people to speculate that the iconic residence will serve as a vacation home for the couple.
But a tour given to Architectural Digest in late 2021 proved them wrong.
Not only do Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz live in the Razor House, but they’ve turned it into an elegant, art-filled, inviting home. Take the tour:
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The history of the Razor House before it became Alicia Keys’ home
According to the San Diego Reader, the futuristic structure was named after the land it sits on, a three-quarter-acre lot near Razor Point.
Created for original owner Don Cooksey (a software designer and entrepreneur who later filed for bankruptcy) many architects initially backed away from the ambitious project, calling it “rebuildable”.
That’s until Cooksey approached Wallace E. Cunningham, who bought the modernist gem to life — and built the dramatic estate to match the breathtaking landscape that surrounds it.
By 2011, following the financial hardships of its initial owner, The Razor House ended up in bankruptcy sale.
The Razor House in La Jolla, CA. Credit: Gary Kasl courtesy of The Agency
According to Realtor.com, Donald Burns, a Florida-based telecom entrepreneur and inventor of the magicJack — a device that allows you to make calls from your computer — purchased the property as a second home at the 2011 bankruptcy sale.
Burns paid $14,097,000 for the home and invested heavily in the property.
“He made a lot of upgrades to it,” Matt Altman, one of the property’s listing agents and star of reality TV show Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles said.
“He updated to the next level. He wasn’t doing this to make money; he was doing this to make a nice home. He did a significant amount of work on this house.”
The entire home is automated and optimized for iPad control of everything from audio and visual systems to motorized window coverings and control of the home’s radiant floor heating, air conditioning.
There’s also a backup generator to ensure power never goes down, and an entire computer room is dedicated to housing the home’s automation control systems. So basically, The Razor House may not be Iron Man’s house, but it does comes with its own Jarvis.
*This article was first published in September, 2019, reporting on the famous couple’s purchase of the home. It has since been updated for timeliness and accuracy.
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If you haven’t had a chance to book a stay, know that Monday is the final day to book World of Hyatt properties before the award rates for many popular spots increase.
Starting Tuesday, 214 hotels in the World of Hyatt portfolio will require more points.
Across the properties going up, there will be an average price increase of more than 5,000 World of Hyatt points … per night. That’s not great news, but there is still time to lock in redemptions at some of our favorite hotels before prices increase.
Related: Suddenly, my Hyatt free night certificates feel worthless
At most properties, you can lock in stays for 13 months out (through April 2024) at the current award rates. Also, the vast majority allow free cancellations if your plans ultimately change.
However, there are a few exceptions to that general rule, especially around the winter holiday week, when some stays are nonrefundable. Some all-inclusive properties, such as some Secrets properties, charge a $50 cancellation fee at any point that you change your mind.
SECRETS MOXCHE PLAYA DEL CARMEN/FACEBOOK
Read the fine print carefully before making a booking you are unsure about keeping, but know that most bookings are penalty-free until a few days before check-in.
If you want to make bookings but don’t currently have Hyatt points in your account, there are a few ways to do that.
First, if you have Hyatt Globalist status, you can have Hyatt make you some bookings without points needed until you get closer to check-in. Beyond that option, a few credit card transferable points programs, including Chase and Bilt, can typically transfer points instantly to Hyatt.
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Here’s a guide on how to book Hyatt stays without enough points in your account.
Here are some properties to prioritize if you want to lock in some stays today before they cost more starting Tuesday.
Hotels going from Category 4 to 5
Unfortunately, there are many popular properties that will soon be out of reach via the most common Hyatt free night certificates.
These awards are given out in several ways, including via the World of Hyatt Credit Card or by reaching certain qualifying night thresholds during the year.
Here’s a partial list of those properties that will no longer be eligible.
Andaz San Diego.
Chicago Athletic Association.
The Eliza Jane.
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico.
Grand Hyatt Jeju.
Grand Hyatt Seoul.
Park Hyatt Saigon.
Hyatt Regency Amsterdam.
Thompson Madrid.
Hyatt Place Moab.
Hyatt House Naples/5th Avenue.
Lahaina Shores Beach Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence.
Let’s take a closer look at three of these properties that represent particularly great value.
Related: The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world
Andaz San Diego
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Andaz San Diego. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Why you should stay there
Andaz San Diego is a nice property in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, close to popular restaurants and a ton of nightlife. The rooms are contemporary and the service is friendly and efficient, from the front desk to the restaurant staff. There is a hopping rooftop bar with great views of the city.
What it will cost
The Andaz San Diego will go from Category 4 to Category 5. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 4 award certificate.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 12,000-18,000 points per night to 17,000-23,000 points per night.
Chicago Athletic Association
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Chicago Athletic Association. HYATT
Why you should stay there
Chicago Athletic Association is housed in a classic building — formerly an 1890s-era private athletic club. The building may date to the late 19th century, but the rooms are refreshed and midcentury modern.
The central Chicago location is also a selling point, as the property sits near Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. It even has an on-site Shake Shack and a bocce ball court.
What it will cost
Chicago Athletic Association is going from Category 4 to Category 5. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 4 award certificate.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 12,000-18,000 points per night to 17,000-23,000 points per night.
Related: Book this, not that in Chicago
The Eliza Jane
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The Eliza Jane. HYATT
Why you should stay there
The Eliza Jane was a sweet spot for many looking to visit New Orleans as it was new, trendy, well located and still eligible for the Hyatt Category 1-4 award nights.
What it will cost
Eliza Jane is going from Category 4 to Category 5. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 4 award certificate.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 12,000-18,000 points per night to 17,000-23,000 points per night.
Related: Here’s how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation
Hotels going from Category 7 to 8
Unfortunately, Hyatt is also making some properties out of reach for even its more exclusive free night certificates. Category 1-7 free night certificates are provided when you pass 60 elite nights and qualify for World of Hyatt Globalist status.
These properties are moving out of range of that valuable certificate:
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas.
Carmel Valley Ranch.
Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur Coast & Highlands Inn, A Hyatt Residence Club.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa.
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa.
Wentworth Mansion.
The Lodge at Spruce Creek.
Ksar Char-Bagh.
Viceroy Bali.
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo.
Keemala.
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik.
Hotel Martinez.
Le Narcisse Blanc Hotel & Spa.
Boheme Hotel.
Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa.
7Pines Resort Sardinia.
Ca’Sagredo Hotel.
Grand Hotel Cocumella.
La Villa del Re.
Margutta 19.
Villa Spalletti Trivelli.
Villa Geba.
El Lodge Ski and Spa.
Nobu Hotel Marbella.
Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola.
Park Hyatt Zurich.
Villa Orselina.
Park Hyatt Zurich
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Park Hyatt Zurich. CAPE PEMBROKE/HYATT
Why you should stay there
The Park Hyatt Zurich is a sleek and modern midrise in the heart of the financial capital of Zurich. The modern artwork hanging on nearly every hotel wall is worth a visit alone.
What it will cost
The Park Hyatt Zurich is going from Category 7 to Category 8. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of Category 1-7 award certificates.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000-35,000 points per night to 35,000-45,000 points per night.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
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Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Why you should stay there
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is a five-star option in essentially every way if you want a ski-out Colorado mountain vacation.
Standard rooms routinely cost over $1,000 per night during the peak ski season. Staying with points is a way to have a ski vacation that’s as easy as stepping out onto the snow and being right next to the gondola without spending thousands of dollars on lodging.
Booking with points also means you get to skip the nightly resort fee. Those with Hyatt Globalist status luck out, too, with saving on mountain prices for breakfast each day.
What it will cost
The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is going from Category 7 to Category 8. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 7 award certificate.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000-35,000 points per night to 35,000-45,000 points per night.
Expect ski season nights to be at the high end of that range.
Related: Review of the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
Popular leisure and big-city destinations increasing
In addition to the painful number of properties climbing from Category 4 to 5 and Category 7 to 8, plenty of hotels are moving up other levels on the award chart.
Many popular leisure resorts and busy city destinations will inch up from Category 6 to 7, meaning extra points for stays booked as of March 28.
Here’s a breakdown of some popular spots that you should strongly consider booking now before prices increase.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
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Grand Hyatt Kauai. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Why you should stay there
Grand Hyatt Kauai is a large, lush Hawaiian resort in sunny Poipu. It has one of the best pool complexes you’ll find anywhere, with a 1 1/2-acre saltwater lagoon, 150-foot waterslide and multiple layers of pools for playing, sunning and swimming.
This hotel also has an above-average club lounge, so those who have or purchase access can save on food costs by indulging there.
Standard rooms can cost close to $1,000 per night during peak times, making this a popular award redemption location.
What it will cost
The Grand Hyatt Kauai is going from Category 6 to Category 7.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.
Related: Review of the Grand Hyatt Kauai
Andaz 5th Avenue
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Andaz 5th Avenue. BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY
Why you should stay there
It’s hard to beat the location of the Andaz 5th Avenue, given its proximity not only to Fifth Avenue but the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, Broadway and more. It’s close to almost everything without being in too frantic of a location.
What it will cost
Andaz 5th Avenue is going from Category 6 to Category 7.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.
Related: Review of the Andaz 5th Avenue
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Hyatt Regency Maui. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Why you should stay there
The Hyatt Regency Maui offers an excellent location near Lahaina on Maui. It’s set on 40 acres on Kaanapali Beach and has a giant feature-filled swimming pool with a grotto bar, waterslide and bridge right next to the beach.
There are a total of 806 guest rooms and 31 suites, many with dramatic views of the ocean. This has traditionally been a great way to redeem World of Hyatt points (when available). However, cash prices have soared since the pandemic.
What it will cost
The Hyatt Regency Maui goes from Category 6 to Category 7.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.
Related: A review of the Hyatt Regency Maui
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino
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Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino. HYATT
Why you should stay there
The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino has many amenities in a central location on the beach. On top of that, it has a large pool complex with a waterslide, activity pool and adults pool. Rooms were recently renovated, and as the name implies, there’s an on-site casino.
What it will cost
The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino goes from Category 6 to Category 7.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.
Grand Hyatt Vail
Grand Hyatt Vail. HYATT
Why you should stay there
Grand Hyatt Vail is a full-service ski hotel without quite as high a price tag as the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. That will still be true, but both are going up in award cost.
Right now, the maximum you’ll pay for mountain-adjacent lodging at the Grand Hyatt is just 29,000 Hyatt points per night, which is a great deal while you can lock it in.
This is not as ski-out as the Park Hyatt. However, during the heart of the season, an on-site ski lift will take you up the mountain, though you need to be an advanced beginner to an intermediate skier to traverse that terrain. In other words, new skiers will still need to take the shuttle to ski school.
What it will cost
The Grand Hyatt Vail is going from Category 6 to Category 7.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.
Expect standard rooms to fall at the top end of those ranges during much of the ski season.
Related: Guide to visiting Vail
All-inclusive resorts are going up
The all-inclusive resorts in the World of Hyatt program will also take a hit. Some will go from costing 25,000 points per night for double occupancy to 40,000 points per night. Hyatt uses a letter system for all-inclusives instead of numbered categories.
Lots of properties are increasing one category (for example, from C to D), and some are going up two categories (C to E). Some of the popular all-inclusive resorts changing categories are:
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
Zoetry Casa del Mar Los Cabos.
Zoetry Montego Bay Jamaica.
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana.
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana.
Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall.
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun.
Hyatt Zilara Cancun.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos.
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta.
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica.
Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay.
Secrets St. James Montego Bay.
Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa.
However, before locking in your stays, carefully review the cancellation policy. Many of these properties impose a $50 fee if you need to cancel — and most require this at least four days prior to arrival.
Related: These are the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
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ZOETRY AGUA PUNA CANA/FACEBOOK
Why you should stay there
The Zoetry brand has multiple properties going up in award cost, including the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana. It’s next to the water with multiple on-site restaurants and standard rooms that start at over 700 square feet.
What will cost
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is going from Category C to Category E (moving up two categories).
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000 to 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana
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Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana. HYATT
Why you should stay there
The Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic are side-by-side resorts, one dedicated to adults and the other for family travelers. There’s an on-site beach, pool and even a water park, making for a fun one-stop-shop resort.
What it will cost
The Hyatt Ziva and Zilara in Cap Cana are going from Category C to Category E (increasing two categories).
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000 to 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hyatt Zilara and Ziva Rose Hall
Hyatt Zilara and Ziva Rose Hall. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY.
Why you should stay there
The Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall are two of the best all-inclusives in Jamaica. They have been favorite redemptions for folks at TPG over the years, offering good value in a setting where food and drinks are included.
Between the two neighboring resorts (one is adults-only, one family-friendly), you’ll find multiple pools, beaches and lounge areas.
What it will cost
The Hyatt Zilara and Ziva Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica, are going from Category C to Category D.
Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000 per night to 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Bottom line
If you want to maximize your free night awards and World of Hyatt points at any of the 214 properties going up in price (view the full list), you need to do it Monday.
As mentioned, you can book future stays as far out as the calendar allows, typically 13 months. These changes go into effect for bookings made or modified on or after Tuesday.
Who amongst us hasn’t wondered at some point what it would be like to live in a castle?
Whenever we visit a castle, we think of what it must have been like to live there, and imagine ourselves as king (or queen) of our domain.
Then we unfortunately snap back to reality and go about our lives, always dreaming of that old stone castle perched atop a cliff overlooking a quaint English village…Right, back to our story here.
When you think of castles, your mind immediately goes to Europe. The dreamlike, fairy tale castles in Germany, England, Scotland, or France can make your jaw drop and your imagination run wild.
European countries are rich in history, and there are countless jaw dropping castles to visit, including Neuschwanstein in Germany, Alhambra in Spain, Corvin Castle in Romania, Kilkenny Castle in Ireland — the list can truly go on and on, and that’s not an exaggeration.
But what if you don’t have the means, the time, or the desire to travel across the ocean to visit these castles in Europe?
Well, if you live anywhere around New York, you’ll be glad (and perhaps even surprised) to know that there are various castles worth visiting right here in the Empire State. Don’t believe us? Keep reading to see what your own backyard has to offer.
1. Boldt Castle
First on our list is Boldt Castle, a landmark tourist destination located in the Thousand Islands area.
Boldt Castle on Heart Island (part of the Town of Alexandria, in Jefferson County) on the Saint Lawrence River. Photo credit: Hamidreza, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The castle was originally built as a private mansion for millionaire George Boldt, the general manager of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in NYC and the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia.
Boldt and his family used to enjoy spending their summers at the family cottage on Hart Island (now Thousand Islands), and the businessman decided to build a bigger home for them there.
However, work on Boldt Castle came to a sudden halt in 1904, when George Boldt’s wife passed away. Heartbroken, Boldt gave up on the project, for good, and the castle was left vacant and in disrepair for 73 years.
After being purchased by the Thousand Island Transit Authority for just $1 in 1977, the castle was restored and renovated, and is now a popular tourist attraction, open to visitors from May to October.
The electricity generator at Boldt Castle looming over the Saint Lawrence River. Photo credit: Hamidreza, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
It’s only accessible by water, either from the U.S. or Canada, and despite this fact, it’s one of the most visited attractions in Upstate New York.
If you want to visit a property that was truly built out of love, and later lovingly restored, be sure to pay it a visit.
2. Singer Castle
On the rocky, wild shores of Upstate New York lies another historic estate reminiscent of the quaint castles of Europe, namely Singer Castle.
Singer Castle on Dark Island, in the lower Thousand Islands region, near Chippewa Bay (in St. Lawrence County, New York). Photo credit: Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Located on Dark Island, Singer Castle was completed in 1905 by Frederick G. Bourne, the president of the Singer sewing machine company. If you’re a fan of Gothic architecture and/or literature, then you simply have to visit Singer Castle.
The medieval-style fortress is your quintessential Gothic castle, featuring things like secret passageways, hidden buttons, wrought-iron chandeliers, huge fireplaces, and (just) 28 bedrooms.
Nobody knows why Bourne decided to include all these unusual features in the construction, but we’re definitely intrigued.
For instance, one of the panels in the library can be opened by pulling a specific book from the shelf, thus providing access to a secret passageway leading to the wine cellar. That’s something you’ve probably seen many times in mystery or crime movies, but this one is for real.
There’s also a secret dungeon accessible only via a hidden passage located in Bourne’s former office.
Singer Castle on Dark Island, a prominent feature of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Photo credit: Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If this charming and mysterious property has piqued your interest, you might want to start planning a weekend getaway and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can book the Royal Suite for up to six people, and explore all the secrets of Singer Castle as if you’re characters in an Agatha Christie novel. Fun!
3. Highlands Castle
Looking at Highlands Castle, you’d be tempted to think it’s a medieval-age structure that’s housed many generations throughout the decades.
From the outside, the castle looks like it’s been plucked right out of a Game of Thrones episode – nevertheless, Highlands Castle was built in the mid-1980s, by a loving father.
“Someday I’ll build a house where we both will live. A place where you can bring your friends and create special memories… Someday Jason, I will build you a castle.”
John Lavender, the man who built Highlands Castle
John Lavender once made a promise to his young son that one day he was going to build him a castle. Parents make all kinds of grand promises to their kids, but Lavender actually kept his.
John Lavender invested years of his life building this grand castle for his son. He did a great job picking the location, in Bolton Landing, overlooking Lake George in the Adirondacks.
Highlands Castle in Bolton Landing, New York. Photo credit: Youtube / HouseBeautiful
It was a huge undertaking; builders reportedly used more than 800 tons of stone to construct the property for Lavender, and included a 2,000-foot-long driveway leading to a stone wall with iron gates guarded by lion statues.
The interiors are equally impressive, and stepping inside, you’d think you’re on a movie set, filming the New York version of Downton Abbey.
The good news is that you can rent the castle and enjoy the views for yourself; prices start at $5,700 per night, but they’re well worth it, if you ask us.
4. Belhurst Castle
Located on the shores of Seneca Lake, Belhurst Castle was built in 1889, designed by Fuller & Wheeler in a Romanesque Revival style.
All the materials used in the construction were imported, mainly brought over from Europe, which is one of the reasons why the construction took roughly four years.
Belhurst Castle on the northwestern shore of Seneca Lake, in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes wine region. Photo credit: RochesterNY, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The castle was used as a private residence until 1932, when it was sold to businessman Cornelius J. Dwyer. The new owner transformed Belhurst into a popular entertainment and leisure destination, turning it into an upscale restaurant and adding a speakeasy and a gambling casino.
The restaurant was reportedly highly popular during the prohibition era, when liquor was brought down from Canada using the canal system.
Nowadays, Belhurst Castle is a top-class, resort-style destination in the New York area. Guests and visitors can enjoy fine wine and craft beer, delicious steaks at the Edgar restaurant, various best-in-class services at the on-site salon and spa, and more.
Those who want to spend the night can do so at the off-site Vinifera Inn and White Springs Manor, or they can book one of the 11 rooms available inside the castle.
5. Lyndhurst Mansion
A National Historic Landmark, Lyndhurst Mansion is one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the country.
Lyndhurst mansion, also known as the Jay Gould estate, sits in its own 67-acre park beside the Hudson River in Tarrytown, New York. Photo credit: Elisa.rolle, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sitting on a massive 67-acre lot close to the Hudson River in Tarrytown, the imposing castle was completed back in 1838, with a design by renowned American architect Alexander Jackson Davis.
Its first owner was New York City mayor William Paulding Jr., but the property was expanded and nearly doubled in size under the helm of its second owner, businessman George Merritt. He was also the one to rename the property ‘Lyndenhurst,’ after the linden trees on the property.
Merritt added a new four-story tower to the castle, as well as a new porte-cochere, a servants quarters, a new dining room, and extra bedrooms.
The third – and final – private owner was American railroad tycoon Jay Gould, who owned the property until his death in 1892. Eventually, the castle was donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Lyndhurst mansion is now open to the public, and Gothic architecture fans can explore the grounds as they please, either on their own or via guided tours.
Entryway to Lyndhurst mansion, a majestic estate in Tarrytown, NY on the Hudson River. Photo credit: Elisa.rolle, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Depending on the tour you choose, you can visit the first and second floors, the observation tower, the kitchens, the gardens, and the swimming pool building.
And, if the estate looks somewhat familiar, then you might have already seen it on your screen. Lyndhurst Mansion was featured in numerous movies, TV shows, documentaries, and even housed a 2017 episode of Project Runway.
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Visionary architect Zaha Hadid — known as the “Queen of the Curve” for the modern, curving designs of her buildings — had a legendary career. Her striking structures grace the skylines of major metropolitan cities, while her product designs, including furniture, jewelry, lighting, and even shoes, can be found in homes around the world.
She designed hundreds of award-winning buildings during her lifetime, from a metro station in Saudi Arabia, to the aquatics center for the 2012 London Olympics, to a city center in downtown Belgrade, all in her signature flowing style. The Iraqi-British architect left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape, building futuristic works of art such as Beijing’s Galaxy Soho, the Guangzhou Opera House, the One Thousand Museum in Miami, the Generali Tower in Milan, and many more.
But only one house.
The spaceship-like Capital Hill Residence in Russia is the only private residence ever to be built by Hadid, who regretfully passed away in 2016. And while Zaha Hadid never had the chance to see the house come to life, that’s all the more reason for us to take a moment and soak in the beauty of one of her final works.
Image courtesy of The OKO Group
Capital Hill Residence — the spaceship home born on a napkin
The incredible home, known as the ‘Capital Hill Residence,’ is located in a forested area in Barvikha, Russia and is the private home of Russian real estate magnate and philanthropist Vladislav Doronin.
When Vladislav Doronin first approached Zaha Hadid to design the house, he had one wish: “I want to wake up in the morning and just see blue sky.” To which Zaha Hadid said “You realize you have to be above the trees?” Doronin said “Yes.” So Zaha Hadid took a napkin and started drawing.
That was more than a decade ago. After their first meeting, Doronin knew he had found the architect who understood his vision for the unique home he wanted.
After facing a few hurdles along the way — Doronin first had a city lot in mind for the house, only to find that zoning restrictions wouldn’t let him build his dream home in Moscow — the Capital Hill Residence was finally unveiled in 2018.
Like many of Zaha Hadid’s structures, the spaceship-like home is defined by fluid geometries emerging from the landscape.
Image courtesy of The OKO Group
The house spans over four levels, with the living room, dining room, kitchen, and entertaining spaces being located on the first two floors, that also provide access to the indoor swimming pool, and leisure facilities.
Image courtesy of The OKO GroupImage courtesy of The OKO Group
Capital Hill Residence sits on a north-facing hillside and consists of two main parts – a lower area which sits among pine and birch trees — and an upper part which rises 72 feet above the ground to give its residents spectacular views of the Russian forested landscape.
Unlike any other of Zaha Hadid’s structures, which were almost exclusively set in urban environments, the Capital Hill Residence is a neo-futuristic building that stands out in the thick forest of trees it’s surrounded by.
More architectural wonders:
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In 2022, Southern California real estate once again lived up to its reputation as one of the weirdest, wildest, most dramatic markets in the country.
While the lower end of the market cooled as interest rates forced buyers and sellers to rethink their strategies, the luxury market raged on with significantly more blockbuster sales than last year.
Celebrities, tech moguls and CEOs spent fortunes on their dream homes. Battles were waged over the profits of mega-mansions. Here are the top sales of the year.
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$58 million
The 21,000-square-foot home sits on 3.5 acres with two Rocky Balboa statues and views of the city below.
(Simon Berlyn)
Sylvester Stallone kicked things off by selling his 21,000-square-foot mega-mansion in Beverly Park for $58 million — a blockbuster deal, but not quite a knockout for the “Rocky” star, who originally wanted $110 million for the trophy home.
The high-profile sale included a high-profile buyer: pop star Adele. She joins a bevy of stars in the affluent enclave including Denzel Washington, Magic Johnson and Mark Wahlberg.
$70 million
The three-story home sits on a knoll overlooking the Sunset Strip.
(Google Earth)
Michael Rubin, the chief executive of sports e-commerce company Fanatics, set an all-time record in Hollywood Hills when he shelled out $70 million for a property once owned by Ronald Reagan.
The sale redefined what a home could fetch in Hollywood Hills, which has historically seen sales top out in the $30-million range. The staggering price was due to the estate’s rare size and scale. Newly rebuilt, it sits on three-quarters of an acre above the Sunset Strip with unobstructed views of the city.
Records show the seller was Francesco Aquilini, a Canadian businessman best known as the chairman of the Vancouver Canucks hockey team. A regular in real estate headlines, he set the neighborhood’s previous price record when he sold a spec mansion for $42.5 million in 2020.
$70.4 million
Built on a bluff, the estate comes with a four-bedroom villa, swimming pool, spa, cabana and meditation deck.
(Adrian Van Anz)
Kim Kardashian got in on the action as well, buying yet another home in Southern California. The reality TV star has owned properties in Hidden Hills and Calabasas but picked up one in Malibu this time, spending $70.4 million on a bluff-top mansion once owned by Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber.
Set on more than 3 acres overlooking the ocean, the coastal estate centers on a 7,450-square-foot villa surrounded by a swimming pool, tennis court and meditation deck.
It was sold by hedge-fund manager Adam Weiss and “Yellowstone” actress Barret Swatek, who originally asked $99.5 million for the place.
$75 million
The 20,000-square-foot home includes 10 bedrooms, 22 bathrooms, a tennis court and mosaic-tile pool.
(Google Earth)
For months, rumors swirled on where Drake — perhaps the world’s biggest hip-hop star — would buy a home. The rapper toured the finest estates of Southern California but eventually settled for something off-market, quietly paying $75 million for a Beverly Crest mansion owned by fellow music star Robbie Williams.
Drake’s new place is comically large, clocking in at more than 20,000 square feet on more than 20 acres — a rarity for the area. Across those 20,000 square feet, it manages to squeeze in 10 bedrooms and a staggering 22 bathrooms, as well as an elevator, wine cellar, gym, game room and 11-car garage.
$91 million
The 6.6-acre spread descends to 340 feet of beach frontage.
(Daniel Tacconelli)
Malibu’s massive year continued thanks to video game designer Jon Burton, who sold his 6.6-acre spread in Paradise Cove for $91 million — a nice improvement on the $36.5 million he paid for it in 2012, but a bit less than the $125 million he originally wanted.
The price jump is mainly thanks to a face-lift Burton gave the place during his decade-long stay. Listing photos show he remodeled the living spaces with rich woods and large windows, as well as amenities such as a movie theater, tennis court, swimming pool and mini golf course.
The biggest highlight comes out back, where the 17,000-square-foot mansion descends to 340 feet of beach frontage.
$100 million
The 3.5-acre spread includes a main house, two guesthouses, tennis court and private path that descends to 208 feet of beach frontage.
(Adrian Anz)
Only three sales surpassed the $100-million threshold this year, and one of them belonged to Tamara Gustavson, daughter of late Public Storage founder B. Wayne Hughes. She wanted $127.5 million for her sprawling compound on a Malibu bluff and sold it for $100 million.
The buyer, records show, is Byron Allen, the billionaire media mogul who founded Entertainment Studios.
The stunning spread has the usual laundry list of amenities but adds a few custom spaces such as a wood-and-glass guesthouse outfitted with a gym and yoga studio.
The profits are a drop in the bucket for Gustavson, who has a net worth of $7.59 billion, according to Bloomberg.
$120 million
The 2.6-acre estate sits across the street from the Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills.
(Google Earth)
Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel finally closed his deal in Holmby Hills, spending $120 million on a property across the street from the Playboy Mansion. The sale process started last year, but he couldn’t close until the summer because the house wasn’t yet finished.
With the move, Spiegel joins one of the ritziest pockets in the country. The Playboy Mansion is the neighborhood’s most famous estate, but the area also holds iconic homes such as Owlwood and the Manor, which set the L.A. County price record at the time when it traded hands for $119.75 million in 2019.
$141 million
After years of construction, a foreclosure and a bankruptcy, the Bel-Air mega-mansion known as “The One” sold for $141 million.
(Marc Angeles)
What more can be said of “The One”? When the country’s largest modern home was auctioned off for $141 million to the founder of Fashion Nova, it brought an end to a years-long saga of ambition and greed, a battle that’s been documented over and over again but remains hard to believe.
Once touted as a $500-million home, then listed as a $295-million home, then sold at a foreclosure auction as a $141-million home, the still-unfinished mega-mansion comes in as both a crowning achievement and utter disappointment. It ranks as the top sale of the year, and one of the priciest home sales ever in California, but couldn’t fetch anywhere near its original price, and leaves the buyer with millions more to spend to finish up the place.
In many ways, The One is the perfect encapsulation of Southern California’s luxury market, where developers chase bigger and bigger price tags for bigger and bigger homes until, oftentimes, it all blows up in a dramatic display for all to see.
Renting from corporate landlords versus private landlords can offer two very different experiences. Each has its pros and cons and can be the right fit depending on your needs.
Property management firms oversee most properties owned by corporate landlords. These may include real estate investment trusts (REITs), which allow investors to put their money into a wide range of properties. The largest one in the U.S. is Starwood Capital, a REIT in Miami that had 115,000 rental units in 2022, according to Statista.
Many private landlords with smaller holdings manage their own properties. The 2018 census data found that individuals own about 70% of rental properties, as reported by Pew Research. The tasks they’re involved in may include tenant screening, property upkeep and rent collections.
As you can imagine, a private landlord may offer a much more hands-on approach. Renting from a corporate landlord places the majority of responsibilities on a property manager.
Let’s break down the differences and explore which type of landlord may be right for you.
Property repairs and maintenance
According to Porch, landlords, on average, receive about six repair calls per year from tenants. If something breaks down in your rental, you call a private landlord directly.
The time you may have to wait for a repair or replacement depends on their responsiveness and the availability of tradespersons in the area. Of course, if your landlord, who is also a contractor, lives next door, you can expect fast and more personal service.
A property management firm usually requires filling out forms which are then directed to maintenance. This may result in timelier requests, depending on the number of properties under their care and how busy maintenance is. If they’ve been in the business for a while, they may also have vendors in place for specific requirements. Many also offer 24/7 service in emergencies, such as blocked plumbing.
Direct communication
Renting from a private landlord translates to direct communication between you and the owner of the property. This direct line may offer greater flexibility as the owner might handle requests on a case-by-case basis.
For example, if your past entailed a rough patch that resulted in a low credit score, a private property owner is more likely to work with you. Should issues arise during your tenancy, such as a delayed rent payment, you may be able to talk to your landlord and work out a payment plan.
A larger firm usually has stricter policies and procedures in place. As a result, they are often less flexible when it comes to pet policies, lease terms, deposits and rent prices. You may also pay slightly more for a rental that a professional property manager oversees, as the owner must factor in their costs.
Interacting with your landlord
A private landlord may live nearby. While this may result in faster repairs, it can also lead to running into each other regularly. Depending on their nature, this may be a welcome addition or an uncomfortable intrusion.
Unless you make friends with your property manager, chances are you will rarely meet up. These professionals are usually busy keeping their properties running smoothly and rented out.
Procedures and protocols
A landlord’s role is to provide a secure and safe home. While most private landlords take this seriously, they may not always know the acceptable minimum standards.
A professional management firm knows the law and has procedures and protocols in place for their rental units. These companies are generally trained and licensed in real estate.
For instance, if a wild animal, such as a skunk, decides to make a home under your deck, they may have experienced this before and understand the immediacy. They may also know wildlife relocators in the area to contact.
On the downside, written protocols may also include a faster response to a late payment. One study found that some large corporate landlords were more likely to file eviction notices.
The importance of amenities
Private landlords generally oversee single homes or smaller multi-family units. Taking care of the lawn and yard and plowing snow in the winter may fall under the responsibility of the renter. On the plus side, this property type can offer greater privacy.
In contrast, large multi-unit apartment buildings tend to attract corporate landlords. These may offer many amenities, including swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts and security. Consider your lifestyle and preferred setting when selecting a property that could be your home for a year or more.
Checking out your potential landlord
Just as a landlord checks their tenants, you should appraise your landlord. If a property management firm, check their credentials. For instance, if they are a member of the National Association of Residential Property Managers, you know they receive ongoing education and training and agree to abide by ethical standards. You can also check their ratings on Yelp.
If a REIT or other corporate landlord owns your rental, Google them to see if they’ve made the headlines, for better or worse.
If they are a private landlord, check for reviews and watch for rental scams. If possible, talk to current renters. Ask about anything especially important to you, whether maintenance, privacy or noise level.
What type of landlord is right for you?
If you enjoy a personal, hands-on experience, you may want to consider a private landlord. If you’re looking for a business-minded professional that goes by the books, a corporate landlord and professional management firm may be your best bet.
Still looking for a place to live in your target city? Start here.
Travel offers knowledge and insights that enrich your perspective. For novice travelers, it’s normal to make mistakes at first, but over time, you’ll learn the do’s and don’ts of planning trips and navigating foreign destinations. We’re diving into some of our top travel tips for a successful vacation!
1. Research your destination
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Before packing your bags and making flight arrangements, do some digging into your destination! Find out about the culture, the customs and norms in that place. You can avoid some serious faux pas just with a little reading ahead. And check the weather and climate while you’re at it. Sure, it might be the same temperature as your hometown in the place where you’re headed, but the humidity and geography play a role too: 60 in the prairies of North Dakota is going to be different than 60 degrees on San Francisco Bay!
One Reddit Traveler added, “…Also for Transit cities just in case. Also, save your hotel location, and embassy details.”
2. Use VPN to get Discounts on Flights
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In general, travel websites utilize your IP address to tailor flight prices based on your location. However, by utilizing a VPN while planning your travels, you can conceal your IP address and potentially access cheaper flight prices. By setting your IP address to a lower-income country, you may be able to book flights at a reduced cost. Alternatively, setting your IP address to the location where the airline is based could result in significant savings on flight costs.
One Redditor said, “Try searching for flights in the airline’s original language. I once saved $700 for booking tickets in Peru by using Spanish rather than English”
3. Avoid Expensive Hotels and Accommodations
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Traveling can often be expensive, but there are ways to make it more affordable. One effective method is to opt for budget-friendly accommodations instead of luxury, five-star hotels. Usually, the main objective of traveling is to have new experiences. Comfortable sleeping arrangements are important, but don’t let them hinder your ability to explore.
One Redditor added, “ Location beats a luxury room.”
Another stated, “If I can walk to get midnight munchies and to a few points of interest and to public transport, I’ll put up with a lot; provided it’s kept clean.”
4. Pack Light
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Traveling light is a good idea for any trip. The less you pack, the more convenient your journey is likely to be. This is particularly true when you plan to visit multiple cities or countries. It’s just easier to navigate your way through unfamiliar terrain with less baggage. There’s also less chance of misplacing things. In short, traveling light is a practical and hassle-free approach to any adventure.
One commenter said, “Pack 24 hours worth of what you need too. I usually throw extra boxers and socks into my carry-on since I’ve been screwed by lost luggage too many times.”
5. Pack Extra of Necessities
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Anyone can understand why this is important. It’s impossible to anticipate every potential mishap that may occur during a trip, and plans can change unexpectedly. For instance, you might decide to prolong your journey by a few days. It’s prudent to pack a few additional pairs of undergarments or other necessities.
One of our Redditors said, “I pack extra socks and underwear and shorts in my carry-on in case an accident happens… [you] never know…”
6. Get to the Airport Early
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This is pretty much the golden rule: arrive at the airport well before your scheduled flight. Start your travel day by waking up earlier than usual, enjoying a nutritious breakfast, double-checking that you have all your belongings, and then heading straight to the airport. Remember, it’s better to be ahead of schedule than to risk missing your flight.
7. Always wear sunscreen
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This is especially important if you’re visiting somewhere tropical, or there’s high exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation can damage your skin, cause premature aging, and even raise the risk of skin cancer. Opt for a product with an SPF of at least 30, with broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays. Apply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Wearing a protective hat and sunglasses and finding shade during peak UV hours (typically between 10 am and 4 pm) can also help. Overall, wearing sunscreen isn’t just about protecting your skin during travel but also about safeguarding your health in the long run.
8. Visit Tourist Destinations during Lunch
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Visiting historical places at lunchtime is a great way to avoid crowds and have a better experience. Many landmarks and tourist attractions tend to be busiest in the morning and afternoon. Most people prefer to have lunch or take a break during this time, and you can explore these sites with more comfort. You may even get better photos without crowds in the background. Also, visiting historical places at lunchtime might help you avoid long lines and wait times. However, it’s important to note that some places may be closed for lunch, so check ahead, and plan accordingly.
9. Avoid Changing Your Currency At The Airport
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Frequent travelers advise against exchanging your currency at the airport. Airport currency exchange counters tend to offer steep rates compared to local currency exchanges. Airport exchange rates can be up to 20% higher than other exchange locations, so wait until you reach your destination or find a reputable currency exchange office. You can also withdraw local currency from an ATM using a debit or credit card, which is both efficient and cost effective.
10. Beware of Biased Recommendations
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As one Redditor said, try to seek advice from someone who isn’t being paid to provide it. Seek out opinions from independent sources, such as local residents or unbiased online reviews, to get a more objective and authentic perspective on the best options. People who aren’t getting paid to provide their opinion are less likely to be scammers, and more likely to have information that’s applicable to your personal travel experience.
Traveling can be an enriching and exciting experience, but it’s important to be well-prepared before embarking on any trip. Do some research and planning ahead, and you should have a fun and enriching experience!
View the original Reddit thread here.
These are 10 Things That Completely Destroyed The Love in a Relationship
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There’s no question that relationships can be confusing, but here are some of the top things to avoid if you want to keep your relationship healthy!
10 Actors and Actresses People Refuse to Watch Ever Again
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We all have a favorite actor or actress, but most of us have a least-favorite as well. Check out this list of actors and actresses people never want to see performing again!
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Some inventions are world-changing, and some of them, well, they change the world in the wrong ways. Here are some of the worst inventions Redditors could think of.
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Every fad has its time in the limelight, but some of them come and go faster than others; and some just need to die out right away. Check out this list of fads of which people were happy to see the last.