Belize is lined with the most amazing beaches as well as private islands with perfect weather and views. Even though the real estate markets in America change drastically this is the case for some areas of the world. Investing in Belize allows you to avoid many of the same general hassles that are involved in American real estate investing.
Everyone loves to purchase real estate near the ocean, but Belize offers great properties that are more inland and include ranches, citrus groves, and raw land for either residential or commercial property. When you invest in real estate that is more inland you will be assured much better waste management and accessibility to utilities.
Those who want to invest in property in Belize that is near the water and sand that is so popular than you will want to check out the Hopkins/Sittee Point or Sarteneja which are located on the southern coast. However you will want to stay away from the Placencia Peninsula. The area has been known to have a market that is on its way down which is not somewhere you would want to invest your time and money. One of the most popular and expensive areas to live is Ambergris Caye. The Remote Cayes have more than two hundred private islands to offer for investors to purchase. Keep in mind that there is always the chance of hurricanes so keep the proper insurance.
Hurricanes are actually one of the main disadvantages to the real estate investing market in Belize. Residents from the area will tell you that it isn’t the wind that causes as much damage as the six foot talk tidal surges which totally devastate local properties and businesses. The costs of reconstruction is fairly inexpensive but you need to make sure that you hire the most qualified supervisors that live in the area and can pay the workers for you.
Homes For Sale – Moreno Valley
There are a lot of options in Moreno valley real estate market, which can prove to be a bit taxing for a prospective buyer. Those interested in purchasing a home in the city can browse through multiple types of homes for sale Moreno valley property listings. As a whole, the real estate market is thriving, yet the general price of properties of this place is surprisingly affordable.
Located at the Riverside County of California, Moreno Valley is a comparatively new community. People concerned with budget or with financial constraints can find the listing of houses for sale Moreno valley quite interesting from the monetary aspect as well. With all the necessary amenities as well as ample recreational facilities the community live provides for a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for people desiring to relocate to the area.
The small community of Moreno Valley is resident to nearly 171,000 people who are benefited by lush landscapes, beautiful weather, and a low crime rate. The good schools of this place are one of many factors that people relocating to the area can take advantage of.
The city was known as a computer community, yet retail and manufacturing sectors have shown excellent growth prospects in the recent years. The increases in job prospects have reflected on the real estate market as well.
The various homes for sale Moreno Valley are mostly traditional, multi-storied and single family homes on large plots of land; some houses of this community are located in new subdivisions. Several condos and townhouses are enlisted in the real estate markets a well while a few of these premium properties are located throughout the city.
It is easy to get an overview of Moreno valley real estate market by searching online. A simple search with the keyword homes for sale Moreno Valley will produce multiple results giving you a list of new homes, resale homes; foreclosed homes as well as a number of townhouses. You can select a specific category from the options given and begin the search process once over again with additional keywords.
It is easy to purchase a good Moreno valley home in with minimum fuss once you get to contact an experienced realtor based in the city. The effects of the recent recession have not been long lasting and the real estate market of the city is on an upswing again. It is therefore possible to close a deal in your favor provided you have the assistance of a professional real estate agent. Your realtor is sure to help you out with the complexities of the legal wrangles and paperwork that you are bound to face while purchasing property in the city.
Bentwater Real Estate and Homes For Sale on Lake Conroe, Texas
Bentwater
Bentwater is a private, master planned 36 hole golf and boating community on the preferred north shore of Lake Conroe, north of Houston, Texas. Designed to appeal to a primary home, second home or retirement lifestyle, Bentwater offers homesites priced from the mid $20,000 to over $400,000 and homes from $180,000 to over $1,000,000. The entire community is served by central water and sewer facilities and streets are paved with concrete and include curbs and gutters.
Anyone for Golf?
The Weiskopf Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, is perhaps best exemplified by the picture postcard par four #12 with its split fairway and the breathtaking beauty of the par three #14. In addition to 36 holes of golf, the Bentwater Country Club includes the golf club, pro shop, men’s and women’s lockers, the Mixed Grill, The Crescent Dining Room, the Tennis Center and Swim Club. The Miller Course, designed by award-winner Scott Miller, provides a distinctly different golfing challenge from that of Bentwater’s Weiskopf Course. Lush, green fairways rise and fall through forests hardwood and pine, often partially surrounded by the broad, blue waters of Lake Conroe. This picturesque course is highlighted by Champion Bermuda greens and pine straw roughs.
Food and Dining
Perched upon Bentwater’s highest ridge is the golf and country club, where members have dramatic views of the golf course and the lake. Fine dining is available in the elegant Crescent Room or there’s the Mixed Grill and an outdoor terrace for casual fare. Food and beverage service is also available in the men’s and women’s locker rooms which include card rooms, saunas and equipped fitness areas. A few steps down the archway is the fully-equipped golf pro shop.
Just west of the golf and country club is the tennis center and swimming pool. The tennis center includes lighted courts, a stadium court and the pro shop, where members will find everything they need for their game. There’s plenty of room for sunbathing around the pool and a snack bar for food and beverage service.
Boating Is Our Business
The Bentwater Yacht Club, with its copper domes and graceful architecture, serves as a majestic landmark for Lake Conroe’s prestigious north shore. High atop the harbor master’s observation deck, members are treated to panoramic views and breathtaking sunsets.
At The Yacht Club, those who like to sunbathe will find plenty of space, as well as food and beverage service around the yacht club’s large pool near the lake. Immediately adjacent to the pool are men’s and women’s dressing rooms with lockers. The Bentwater Bay dining room is a delightful place for casual dining and lake-watching through large, palladian windows.
Marina
Next to the yacht club is the marina. Both open and covered boat slips are arranged along a series of finger piers that extend from adjacent parking for members’ convenience. There’s also a ship’s store, a fueling station, launching facilities, and an open pier for quick stops at the yacht club and marina.
Real Estate
Candace Joyner has been helping people buy and sell Bentwater homes and real estate for years. In fact, she has probably handled more transaction in the Bentwater neighborhood on Lake Conroe than any other real estate agent. Bentwater is the premier subdivision with 3 golf courses, a country club, yacht club, marina, tennis center, and sports club. Homes are generally priced from $200,000 to over $3,000,000.
Fountainwood Homes For Sale and Real Estate in Georgetown, Texas
Features of Fountainwood Homes
Oak trees and country views surround homes in Fountainwood real estate. 5-car garages, pool rooms, fire pits, gas stoves, double ovens, crown molding, covered back patios, plantation shutters, and large rooms are just some of the many features of homes in Fountainwood real estate. The average home in Fountainwood community is on a one-acre lot, has a backyard that opens up to Lake Georgetown, and is priced at $120 per square feet. Homes in Fountainwood sell for somewhere between the 200s and 500s, making them a relatively affordable subdivision. 78633 is the zip code for homes in Fountainwood, in Georgetown, Texas. Highways such as I-35 and 195 easily connect to Fountainwood community homes.
Fountainwood Real Estate
Since its major growth, Georgetown now has several shopping centers and restaurants. Baskin Robbins, Applebee’s, Monument Café, Café on the Green, Catfish Parlour, Plaka Greek Café, and IHOP are tasty places for residents of Fountainwood real estate homes to eat at. Sally Beauty Supply, Sephora, Best Buy, Petsmart, Office Depot, Sprint, Mercedes Benz, and the Candle Factory are close by these homes as well. HEB features fresh produce, fast lines, and a wide selection of food. Residents of these homes are only a few minutes from HEB! Round Rock Premium Outlets, Thousand Oaks, Georgetown Antique Mall, and Williamsburg Village Center are a short drive away from homes in these homes.
Fountainwood Homes for Sale
The city of Georgetown has grown over the years into a great place that can now provide for every need of its residents. Residents here can enjoy a relaxing day at Lake Georgetown by simply walking outside. At the lake they can fish, boat, swim, and picnic. Jim Hogg Park is off of the lake and offers boat ramps, fishing piers, and picnic tables. Cowan Creek Golf Course is close by for golf lovers of those living in these homes to enjoy. Parks like Russell Park are also close to homes in this community.
Georgetown Real Estate
Georgetown Independent School District serves over 10,400 students in the Williamson County area. This is a great school district for your children to attend school. There are 16 schools in GISD. Students of homes in this community attend Jo Ann Ford ES, Douglas Benold MS, and Georgetown HS. Georgetown is close to growing cities like Austin, Leander, Round Rock, Lake Travis, and Pflugerville, where colleges and universities are rampant.
The Advantages Of Staying In A Downtown Hotel
No matter whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, where you stay can make all the difference to the success and pleasure of your trip.
Sometimes, you might choose a hotel that is on the outskirts of town, either because you are not familiar with the area or because you think the accommodation is less expensive away from the centre.
What you will often find is that this choice has made your daily excursions to places of interest or linking up with your business colleagues very inconvenient and totally out-of-the-way, causing you problems with transport and punctuality.
Your choice of a hotel on the outskirts of town may be miles away from where you are expected to be for your business or personal plans.
If you have traveled by plane and need to rely on public transportation to get to your destination, you will learn very quickly that public transport options may be extremely limited, which means that chances are you could spend a lot of your precious time waiting around. You may also discover the options of dining, sight-seeing and discovering places of interests are limited, because your accommodation is too far away.
From experience we know that staying in a downtown hotel is the best solution for all manner of reasons, the most important being simply because of the convenience factor.
When you stay in a downtown hotel it puts you smack bang right in the middle of everything; where you can enjoy the hub and flavor of the city and its inhabitants.
From restaurants, stores, tourist attractions, public transport to business centres and conference venues you will find them easier to access from a central city point.
Public transport hubs, almost anywhere in the world are always located in the centre of the city, adjacent to the downtown area. There will be many amenities and attractions within walking distance and if transport is needed, the ease of catching a cab, hopping on a bus or boarding a subway is usually pretty easy from a downtown hotel.
In cities around the world, the downtown area is always the heart of the city and this pivotal point will be very close to many places that a visitor would be interested in seeing, either for business or pleasure.
In most cities, if not all, the world of business is centered around the downtown area and when you stay in a downtown hotel, you are right in the middle of the action, so to speak.
The walk to a convention centre or office building can often be more convenient and enjoyable than taking public transport. If transport is required you will usually find a bus stop or train station close at hand.
If traveling by plane to your destination, the trip to and from the airport usually ends at a downtown terminus as airport shuttles and taxis have express routes to central areas making your trip easy and quick. For the downtown hotels, there is no need to call for a cab to the airport when the time comes to depart as the airport shuttles have the standard route, often leaving on the hour or even as often as every 15 minutes.
When it is time to check out and head home, the return trip to the airport can be so much easier when you can simply walk out the door of your hotel and board the shuttle to transport you to the airport.
Source by Midge Hand
Hotel Ambiance – What is Essential is Invisible to the Eye
We define ambiance as the mood or the atmosphere that we encounter in a particular place at a particular instance of time. Ambiance, in this context, is a very important aspect of the hotel experience. It’s not really something guests see, but rather something that is felt, something that is experienced.
Without ambiance, hotels will simply be buildings with a bunch of rooms for lodging-and nothing more. Ambiance helps transform the hotel from a building with accommodations to a home away from home, an establishment where guests can be alive and well. Ambiance is the hotel’s character, important both for the hotel’s own mark as well as for the enjoyment of its many patrons.
Take the Gravetye Manor Hotel, for example. It is perhaps one of the most ambiance-filled hotels ever. This garden hotel located in England may not be the most flamboyant and spectacular hotels in the world, but it is filled with an inherent beauty and character afforded by the garden, the hotel’s stone construction, and a remarkable view of the surrounding English countryside. Its unchanging composition makes travelers come back for more.
Another excellent example is the roof of the Lebua at State Tower, located at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. With its breathtaking perspective overlooking the sprawling Bangkok cityscape, it’s no wonder many voted it one of the most ambient hotels in Asia.
See, the thing about ambiance is that one hotel doesn’t have to be located anywhere in particular just to simulate an atmosphere. Sure, being surrounded by lush groves and a rustic setting helps create a particularly relaxing mood, but it takes more than location to pull it off.
When it comes to creating that perfect atmosphere, well-appointed rooms that complement the hotel’s desired theme or character are always a big plus. Every tiny little detail should be able to work with every other detail as well as the environment, in order to create a unified mood that meshes together perfectly to achieve the desired result.
Sometimes it’s all about getting all things perfectly matched. From the food to the furnishings to the music played in the dining hall, these details all help create a unique ambiance. Lighting, of course, has a big effect on the ambiance. Even the decorations on the doors and the intricate tapestries adorning the walls play a significant role in establishing a mood inside the hotel.
People look for ambiance practically everywhere, from where they will be sitting at lunchtime to where they will be drinking their venti caramel frappuccino when the night comes. Atmosphere is everything-well, maybe not everything, but it sure is a very big something-especially when it comes to choosing hotels. Getting that particular mood just right helps establish the character of the hotel, and it is this defining characteristic that will help make guests book at the hotel more than once. Great ambiance translates to happy clients, and having that down pat means the hotel is well on its way to success.
Hotel Franchises – Pros and Cons
Here is a quick review of the basic pros and cons of buying a hotel franchise. Every investor is different. Depending on who you are some of the “pros” may really be “cons” and vice versa. Consider this a starting point in your assessment of hotel franchise opportunities.
Starting with the good stuff, let’s look at the Pros:
Reduction of startup risk – you are working with someone who has done this before successfully.
Turnkey operation – again no reinventing the wheel on processes, procedures or procurement. Your franchisor has built the system already.
Standardized systems – backend accounting, IT and financial systems already in place so you aren’t spending your time implementing reservations systems.
Buying power – as part of a larger whole, you get the benefit of volume buying.
Consulting readily available – experience counts and your franchisor has been around the block. Ask for as much help as they are willing to give.
Marketing – the brand image and marketing is out there already. You aren’t chasing one-off travel reviewerers to get your name out.
Financial assistance – some franchisors are willing to help you with funding these high capital projects.
You are your own boss – the glory of that goes without saying!
Now let’s take a look at the downsides:
Less Freedom – You are married to your franchisor – for better or worse!
Royalty Payments – as a franchisee you pay for the supports above.
Costs – Hotels are high capital and operating cost businesses.
Lack of Support – if your franchisor doesn’t help as you expect, you may be out in the cold.
Inflexible Systems – even if you have a better way to manage reservations, you are using their method.
Unbalanced Contract – all franchising contracts, not just for hotels, are tilted toward the franchisor.
Dependent on Franchisor – their performance is your performance.
These are all things to consider as you step toward a decision about buying a franchise or hotel business.
Hotel Staycation
There are vacations where you temporarily visit another city, state or country and take in all these new places have to offer and then there are staycations where you stay in your own city and act like a tourist. Both are great ideas for something fun to do, and both have their advantages and disadvantages but if you choose a staycation for this year’s holiday, what about still going to a hotel?
Usually staycations mean you use your house as your home base and you take trips out daily to things in and around your city. It may be that museum you have always wanted to go to but never got around to it, it could be a new water park that just opened, it could be a trip to a nearby park to do things like canoeing that you always wanted to try. At the end of the day, you go home to sleep and do something fun the next day till the staycation is over. What if, instead of going home you checked into a hotel, right in your own city? It’s like a vacation and a staycation all in one and while it may be more expensive than just going home, it adds some excitement to your holiday.
Staying in a hotel is always fun. There are different beds, different layouts, things like the pool and gym to check out, and they usually have a bar or restaurant attached for easy snacks, meals and unwinding times too. Staying in a hotel offers you something different from the same old routine. It gets you up and out in the morning and offers you a warm and comforting atmosphere when you return. You don’t have to make the beds or pick up the towels and yet you come back to a perfect room at day’s end.
Hotels these days have WiFi and other amenities to make it just like home while having a little adventure and you don’t have to stay long, just a night or two will up the fun factor of a staycation and give you different memories that you can share. They also always have plenty of information about nearby places and events that you may have missed. So play tourist in your own town, it’s fun and you’ll learn a lot about where you live, and while it’s always nice to go home again, check into a hotel, if only for a night. You’ll be glad you did!
5 Mistakes You Want to Avoid When Booking a Hotel Room
If you think you can get the lowest hotel price waiting for a last-minute deal, chances are that you might end up paying a lot more for your trip. In this article, we are going to share a report statistics with you to help you get the best deal.
According to a report from TripAdvisor, the best time to book a hotel depends upon the place you want to visit. For instance, if you want to go to Europe in summer, make sure you choose to book when the rates are the lowest. In the same way, the money you need also depends on the region you want to visit. Given below are a few common hotel booking mistakes that you may want to avoid.
Waiting too Long to Book a Hotel in Europe
In summertime, Europe is the most popular among tourists. According to the report, in Berlin, you can save up to 33% if you choose to book at least a few months ahead of the season. There are some cities where you don’t have to worry about booking. They are Paris and Istanbul. The reason is that these cities have more than enough hotel rooms. So, that won’t be a problem for you.
Booking too Early
In Asia, you don’t have to spend a lot to spend your vacations unlike Europe. For instance, in Dubai, even if you book two months ahead of the season, you can save up to 40%.
Booking over 5 months ahead of your Trip
Booking over 5 months in advance will cost you more in case of some places that the study covers. However, two exceptions are Moscow and Barcelona. For these places, you can choose to book up to 7 months in advance and still save a lot. As a matter of fact, traveling to Moscow can get you up to 55% discount, which is a huge sum.
Worrying about Summer Season Bargains in the Caribbean
Conventionally, in the Caribbean, low-season pricing may help you save a hefty sum of money. You don’t have to worry about when to book to get the best deal as booking when the prices are the lowest can save you as high as 7%, which is not much. In other words, you can enjoy the lowest prices no matter when you choose to book.
Thinking about last-minute savings for Expensive Cities
If you are going to visit New York city, know that you can’t get the best deals for summer trips. However, if you still want to save a considerable sum of money, consider booking 30 to 60 days ahead of your trip. This can help you cut your expenses by 25%.
Long story short, the next time you book a hotel for your next trip, we suggest that you go through this article again if you want to avoid the common mistakes. The idea is to make the best decision. Hopefully, this will help you get the most out of your trip while saving you a considerable sum at the same time.
Stay at the Haunted Hotels of San Jose
San Jose is the region in Northern California known as Silicon Valley. It was founded as the first town of Nueva California as a Spanish colony. The city offers a wide variety of cultural, recreational, business and entertainment opportunities. Hence, many tourists decide to stay at the many hotels that guarantee a pleasurable, comfortable and relaxing experience.
Haunted hotels are the perfect place to experience thrill and comfort at the same time. It can also test one’s bravery. Many of the haunted hotels have a past history, sheltering unwanted spirits. Below are the three haunted hotels in San Jose.
Ramada Limited
Ramada Limited is a three story Motor Inn by the San Jose Convention Center. It is located at the center of the downtown area. This hotel is just 3.5 miles from the airport and 3 blocks away from the San Jose State University.
Hotel amenities include free wireless high speed Internet, continental breakfast and a parking area. The hotel also provides modern equipments at the fitness center as well as outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, sauna and a steam room. Guestrooms are equipped with refrigerators, coffeemakers, data ports and direct dial phones. Functions and special events can be held at their spacious meeting rooms.
You can enjoy all these amenities with a thrilling and unforgettable stay for one or two nights. Guests and workers had experienced people screaming because of a green glowing light and rattling locker doors. A dancing couple also happened to disappear on thin air at the ballroom.
Hyatt Hotel St. Claire
Hyatt Hotel is a deluxe Lakspur Hotel at the heart of downtown San Jose. It is just three miles away from Mineta International Airport and a walk-away from San Jose McEnergy Convention Center. The hotel offers elegant and enchanting accommodations that suit one’s comfort. This hotel presents a free-spirited atmosphere with superior services and cuisines. Guests who want to experience business or pleasure can be dazzled with the luxurious and stylish setting of Hyatt Hotel.
Some people who visited the hotel believe that it is haunted. Stories indicate that the hotel has a resident ghost named Julia. She is a prominent young woman who was married at the Palm Room in the 1930s. Her fiancé abandoned her at the altar and she took her life at the basement.
Guests experienced hearing footsteps of a high heeled woman and background pictures that contain a wedding gown train with bride’s feet. There was also a strange incidence at the second and sixth floor.
Unwanted sightings are just one part of the hotel’s exciting offers. The hotel’s first rate amenities and services are the important features you can’t afford to miss. This includes complimentary Internet access, a mobile office, business center, lobby and restaurants. Guest rooms are equipped with flat screen televisions, Microsystem CDs with MP3s and audio cables.
Hyatt Hotel also offers a relaxing evening entertainment at the restaurants like I1 Fornaio and Panetteria. I1 Fornaio offers authentic Italian dining for 220 seats, while Panetteria has a wide array of baked goods. The hotel also offers more than 10,000 square feet of meeting spaces. The modern authentic venues can accommodate 450 guests. Hyatt also recommends exclusive perks for discounts, gift cards and hot deal pricing on packages.
Winchester Mansion
Winchester mansion is a 162 acre residence of Sarah Winchester. The mansion is continuously constructed from 1884 until her death on 1922. It was estimated to cost about $5.5 million.
The story of the haunted mansion started when Sarah Winchester’s husband and son died. A medium told her to move west and build a house for the deceased spirits killed by Winchester rifles of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Sarah’s family was cursed and the only way to save her life from death is to build a house for the spirit to reside in. Sarah will live as long as she keeps on building the house.
It originally has seven storeys before it was reduced to four after the 1906 earthquake struck the building. It was made entirely with redwood and a floating foundation. There are 160 rooms with 40 bedrooms and 2 ballrooms. It also has 47 fireplaces, 17 chimneys, 2 basements and 3 elevators.
Today, the house is owned by the Winchester Investments LLC and declared as a Historical Landmark in California.