The latest trend in vacation homes is the condo hotel. Marketed as a condominium located in a resort hotel, these private residences offer a practical way to own a vacation home, and offset some of the costs when youre not there.
Condo Hotels first started appearing in places like Miami Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. They have increased tremendously in popularity and can now be found in places like Belize and Dubai.
Most condo hotel properties are owned by names you would recognize. Companies like Hilton, Starwood, Ritz-Carlton, Bulgari, and Trump see the condo hotel trend as a solid business venture. With names like that, if you choose to invest a condo hotel, youll know youre dealing with well-respected, successful businesses. And when you purchase a condominium in a condo hotel, youre not just buying vacation property, youre investing in the hotel business.
Heres how Condo Hotels works:
You purchase a condominium (prices range from as low as $400,000 to well over $2 million) thats located in a resort hotel. You let the hotel know when you intend to stay in your condo and they reserve the dates for you. The remainder of the time, your condo goes into a rental program, managed by the hotel, and is rented out as a hotel room.
The benefit of this type of arrangement is that you get a luxury condominium in a luxury resort, but dont have to worry about maintenance and upkeep when youre not there. In addition, because the hotel will rent out your condo, your vacation home becomes an investment property. Because hotel management handles marketing and promotion, you dont have to, and you get the added benefit of having your condo marketed as part of a well-known and respected luxury hotel. Imagine the marketing power behind names such as Ritz-Carlton and Trump! Having your vacation condo promoted under a name like that gives you unparalleled exposure.
In addition, property values for this type of investment having been steadily rising due to supply and demand. Especially for those who buy a condo during either the pre-construction or construction phase. Some have been known to increase in value by as much as 16% in the first year.
Keep in mind, theres no guarantee how often or for how long your condo will be rented while youre gone. Ideally, you could offset the costs of everything including the mortgage, but be prepared for times when that doesnt happen. Remember that this is primarily a vacation home and potential long-term investment, not a short-term, quick money maker.
Another benefit of investing in a condo hotel, rather than simply purchasing a vacation home, is that when you stay in your condo, you get all the amenities of a four or five star hotel! Most condo hotels, because they are built and marketed as resorts, have fitness rooms, spas, fine dining restaurants, and pools. Some will even have valet and concierge services, complimentary continental breakfasts, boutiques, and many will be oceanfront properties.
How is a Condo Hotel this different from a time-share?
When you purchase a time-share, youre not purchasing the property, just time at the property. You have to use the property and its facilities during the same time every year, unless youre able to trade with someone else. This can cause challenges when trying to plan a family vacation. Theres no guarantee that youll have the same two weeks free next year that you have this year. And what if you want to go more than once year? Then you have to buy several blocks of time.
In some instances, a time-share gives you a specific week or two, but allows you to choose between several properties. Youre still limited by the dates you purchased, and may not be able to find a desirable location that has your specific dates available.
With a hotel condominium, you own the condo, which means that its yours to use as often as youd like. No trading dates, or locations. You come and go as you please. While you do need to give the hotel advance notice so they wont rent your condo on the week youre planning to be there, as the owner, you get first pick. In addition, hotel condominiums are in such demand that theyre far easier to sell than a time-share.
Overall, if youre looking for a second or vacation home, a condo hotel is well worth looking into. Not only does it give you the chance to enjoy vacationing at a luxury resort, but youve got a full-time management staff that will look after things when youre not there. Because most condo hotels are luxury hotels, you get outstanding amenities and spectacular views. Add to that the fact that you can generate a little money by putting your condo in the rental program, and youve got a pretty good deal.
As with any major purchase, its wise to do some research before making any final decisions. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and be sure youre not purchasing the condo with grandiose ideas of making money hand-over-fist. Yes, it is potentially a good investment, as is most real estate, but be sure your expectations are realistic.
Build Muscle MassCologne PerfumeBest Hangover CureBuild Muscle FastControl Premature EjaculationFragrance PerfumeHangover CureWays to Quit SmokingHangover RemedyNatural Breast EnlargementPremature Ejaculation CureWeight Loss SupplementNatural Weight LossQuit Smoking supportBreast Enlargement SupplementEasy Way to Stop SmokingMenopause TreatmentHangover CureCologne PerfumeHangover RemedyQuit Smoking supportBuild Muscle FastCologne PheromoneControl Premature EjaculationHerbal Breast EnlargementPremature Ejaculation CureNatural Breast EnlargementPerfume StoreCologne PerfumeEasy Weight LossHangover PillOvercome Premature EjaculationNatural Breast EnlargementPheromone PerfumeWeight Loss SupplementStop SmokingBest Hangover CureQuick Weight LossRapid Weight LossPremature Ejaculation CureNatural Weight LossBreast Enlargement PillMenopause TreatmentEasy Weight LossOvercome Premature EjaculationPheromone PerfumePheromone PerfumeCologne PerfumeFragrance PerfumeHangover Remedy
Today I was talking to a customer about why your Business needs Internet Marketing Strategy? We had a very interesting conversation. He said....
"I dont want to be number 1 in Google, I already have clients and I am doing well for B2B, so I dont expect to be top rankings in search engines. But I wanted to know how the website can be user friendly"?
Here is the interesting part. How the Website can me made user friendly"? Dont Google and other Search Engines expect the same too? Yes that is what all the search engines expect. The easier and useful for the users, the most importance it gives for ranking too.
Lets see some of the Guidelines by Google Google Says:
Make a site with a clear hierarchy and text links. Every page should be reachable from at least one static text link.
Why Google says that?So that it is easier for the users to have a clear hierarchy and text link, all users should be able to read. Text links helps everyone to view. No matter what browser, what version the user use. The text makes everyone to access. Users dont want to have trouble finding other pages, text link makes it easier to access other pages. If I want to buy something online, I want to know more about the company and their history, so I like to go read more about them. So make all the pages reachable from at least one static text link
Google Says:Offer a site map to your users with links that point to the important parts of your site. If the site map is larger than 100 or so links, you may want to break the site map into separate pages.
Why Google says that?Users dont want be lost exploring the site, they like to easily navigate your website like a shopping complex. In case even if they were lost they can go to the maps and find their destination. And once they view they view the map, It should be easier to find their destination, so organize your site maps
Google Says:Create a useful, information-rich site, and write pages that clearly and accurately describe your content.
Why Google says that?User wants to find useful information that is the reason they go online. To find information. Give visitors useful, valuable information. Give more links, tips and write articles about your expertise. Give some value to the users, they will come back to your site. Describe the content, not everyone using the internet is an expert. Help them to understand what the content is about.
Google Says:Think about the words users would type to find your pages, and make sure that your site actually includes those words within it.
Why Google says that?Keyword. The words users type to find your site. Have that word in the copy so that users know that this site is about that particular keyword. Make it easier for search engine to find your website and index it.
Google Says:Try to use text instead of images to display important names, content, or links. The Google crawler doesn't recognize text contained in images.
Why Google says that?No all users can view images. It might not be compatible in all browsers. Not only the users cant view even the crawlers doesn't recognize image.
Google Says:Make sure that your TITLE and ALT tags are descriptive and accurate.
Why Google says that?Give a Title and describe the alt tags. Alt tags are used to show what the image is about. Everyone needs a Title to recognize. Giving a title is giving a name. Help others know what this site is about by seeing the Title.
Google Says:Check for broken links and correct HTML.
Why Google says that?Nobody wants to view a bad URL or Error when they visit a site. When a user clicks on the links, they expect to go that page to view that page. Correct HTML helps and gives a standard to your website.
Google says:If you decide to use dynamic pages (i.e., the URL contains a "?" character), be aware that not every search engine spider crawls dynamic pages as well as static pages. It helps to keep the parameters short and the number of them few.
Why Google says that?If you have a dynamic page make is easier for users and search engines to navigate and find out. Dont confuse the users and the search engines
Google says:Keep the links on a given page to a reasonable number (fewer than 100).
Why Google says that?Dont fill the page with link, Limit your links, again dont confuse your users
Herbal Breast EnlargementCologne PerfumeWholesale PerfumeSign of MenopauseCologne PerfumePerfume StoreHerbal Breast EnlargementBest Hangover CureCologne ManWeight Loss SupplementCologne ManEasy Way to Stop SmokingEasy Weight LossStop SmokingBuild Muscle FastNatural Weight LossStop Premature EjaculationRapid Weight LossPrevent Premature EjaculationCologne ManSign of MenopauseCologne ManNatural Weight LossWholesale PerfumeMenopause SymptomHerbal Breast EnlargementStop Premature EjaculationWeight Loss SupplementSmoking CessationHangover RemedySign of MenopauseSmoking CessationCologne PerfumeBreast Enlargement PillEasy Way to Stop SmokingMenopause ReliefStop SmokingFragrance PerfumeCologne PerfumeHangover PillBuild Muscle MassEasy Weight LossBuild Muscle FastQuit Smoking supportPrevent Premature EjaculationSmoking CessationBreast Enlargement PillSign of MenopauseMenopause ReliefMenopause Treatment
Elliott Kalb is a five-time Sports Emmy winner, working for NBC Sports for 15-years, and currently for HBO Sports, TNT, and CBS-Westwood One Radio Network. Known to many as Mr. Stats, he's written two books, posted an excellent article with us and now he sits down with me to answers some questions.
Who's been your favorite interview so far? Most surprising?Since I've been promoting my books, my favorite interview has been Hall of Famer Rick Barry, who hosts a talk show on KNBR in SF. He told me that I should have ranked him 24th all time, since that was the number he always wore. I ranked him 22nd.
Over the years, I've had a chance to interview (or write questions for) most great athletes of the last two decades. My favorite was talking to Pat Riley about his ability to teach and motivate. I asked him if he felt he was wasting years teaching (mainly) to 12-millionaires, rather than hundreds of young people in a classroom. Riley is a tremendous interview.
What's the most memorable sports moment you witnessed live?Where do I begin? I produced NBC's baseball coverage from the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where the USA team defeated a heavily favored Cuba team. I was there at the 1988 World Series, when Kirk Gibson hit a miraculous homer. I was there for each of Michael Jordan's 35 NBA Finals games. Super Bowl XXIII, when Joe Montana led a last minute comeback. The last two Super Bowls, when the Patriots narrowly defeated the Panthers and Eagles. Game 7 of the 2003 Western Conference Finals between the Kings and Lakers. Game 7 of the 2000 Western conference Finals, when the Lakers overcame a 15-point defecit to the Trailblazers. Game 7 of the 1997 World Series. Game 7's are almost always memorable.
Who's your all-time sports hero?Wilt Chamberlain was my hero growing up. I've been chronicling the career of Shaquille since he came into the NBA, and very proud that I was the first to write that he was the best of all time.
What's been the harshest criticism of your "Who's Better, Who's Best? in Basketball" book?That I ranked Shaq first merely to sell books.
What's your reaction to the Congressional hearings with MLB regarding steroid use?If Congress wanted truly to help kids (as they said) they would worry about stopping the sale of alcohol at sports events. Congress found a way to look good. Bud Selig was made to look a fool. Of course, he wants a tougher steroids policy, but his hands are tied by the players association and Don Fehr.
Who do you think will be the #1 pick in this year's NFL Draft? Why?I follow the NFL, the NBA, and MLB very closely. I'm afraid I don't have the time to follow college football the same way. I do know the Niners need a quarterback, and the Dolphins need a running back.
When the next group of players is picked, who do you think should be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?One of the best trios of all time left the game in 2001. Tony Gwynn, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Mark McGwire. When it is their turn, I am looking forward to that. Guys like Tony Perez or the recently retired Roberto Alomar are close, but no cigar in my opinion.
Do you think gambling hurts or helps collegiate sports? Professional sports?I love fantasy leagues, but I think they are starting to hurt sports because anytime players and/or fans care more about individual stats than team goals, it hurts the sport. No doubt pools help interest in the NCAA tournament.
Do you miss the NHL? Do you know anyone that does?I'm afraid I'm not much of a hockey fan. I feel for the many people who make their income off of the sport, though.
Do you think professional women's leagues like the WNBA will succeed in the long run? Why?The women's leagues have created a niche. It will never rival the main sports, but I am happy for those involved and the people that enjoy them.
What do Bob Costas, Cris Collinsworth, Dan Marino and Chris Carter think of TheSportsCritics.com?They all enjoy debating the issues, so I'm sure they would like the site.
When will your book signing tour make it to Southern California?I will be in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 14.
It's draft time and the following people make up the draft for your sports organization. Which people are FIRST ROUND picks, which are LAST ROUND picks and which go UNDRAFTED? Why?
Barry BondsFIRST ROUND - Greatest baseball player of all time.
Michael JordanFIRST ROUND - Greatest non-center to ever play in the NBA.
Pete RoseLAST ROUND - As a manager, he bet on his own team some days, which means he bet against his team on others...that's what I have a problem with.
Bill ParcellsFIRST ROUND - I worked with Bill and I am one of his guys. A Jersey guy. A guy he can hang with at the diner. A guy that is loyal to him, and would go through a wall for. He needles me, gets on my case, and made me work twice as hard for him as anyone else.
Jose CansecoLAST ROUND - I wrote a better baseball book than him--an old fashioned baseball book that could have been written at any point in time...but this schmuck has the best-seller?
Kobe BryantLAST ROUND - I wrote in the NBA book almost two years ago, that any great perimeter player (Tracy McGrady, for instance) would have won those three titles that Kobe won. Shaq made the difference. He has proven me correct.
Bill BucknerSECOND ROUND - I still think of him as a batting champ, an excellent hitter, and he should have been replaced for defense in the 9th inning of Game 6 of the 1986 WS.
Brett FavreLAST ROUND - Still can't stomach him after he let Strahan sack him intentionally for record.
Billy MartinVery underrated manager...and as a longtime Yankees fan, he'll always have a place in my heart.
Bobby KnightFIRST ROUND - I like Parcells, so I like Knight. Of course. He represents so much about what is good for his sport.
Mark CubanFIRST ROUND - Owners I like more than him: Al Davis, the Maloof brothers. Also, although he wasn't an owner, Pat Croce has been a friend, role model, and the real deal.
Pedro MartinezFIRST ROUND - One of the greatest of all time. I ranked him 29th all time, and he'll be better than Koufax if he does anything in the back end of his career.
Terrell OwensWho's Better, Who's Best? I'll take Randy Moss and Teri Hatcher over T.O. and Nicolette Sheridan.
Site MapBoston Terrier TrainingFree EcourseSite MapBoston Terrier RescueSite MapBoston Terrier RescueSite MapBoston Terrier For SaleBoston Terrier RescueBoston Terrier For SaleBoston Terrier For SaleBoston Bull Terrier DogBoston Terrier RescueBoston Terrier RescueBostonterriercenterBoston Terrier TrainingFree EcourseBostonterriercenterBostonterriercenterSite MapBoston Terrier For SaleBoston Terrier For SaleFree EcourseBostonterriercenterSite MapBoston Terrier RescueBoston Bull Terrier DogBoston Terrier TrainingSite MapBoston Terrier TrainingBoston Terrier TrainingBoston Bull Terrier DogBoston Terrier For SaleSite MapBoston Terrier TrainingBoston Terrier RescueBoston Terrier TrainingBoston Terrier RescueBoston Terrier TrainingBoston Terrier For SaleBoston Bull Terrier DogBoston Terrier For SaleSite MapBoston Terrier RescueBoston Bull Terrier DogBoston Terrier RescueBoston Terrier RescueBoston Terrier TrainingBoston Terrier Rescue
