Category: Travel

Categories
Effortless Rental Group News Entertainment Travel

The Ultimate Summer Paradise: Colorado

Lake, Mountains, Rockies
used in Ultimate blog

There’s nothing better than summer in Colorado. With festivals and markets every weekend, Red Rocks open for the concert season, and the thawing of the mountains, there’s no shortage of things to do. Hiking, biking, climbing, whitewater rafting—whatever adventure you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it here. If a quiet stroll in nature is more your speed, the Denver Botanic Gardens and Colorado’s 42 state parks offer a great escape. For the creatively inclined, festivals like the Cherry Creek Arts Festival (July 1-3) and A Taste of Colorado (September 1-4) showcase a wide range of talent and are celebrated by locals and visitors alike.

Effortless Rental Group features a variety of properties that put you right in the middle of all the summer action. Whether you’re reuniting with the entire family or meeting up with a couple friends for a weekend away, you’ll find the perfect spot for your trip. Take a look at some of our ideal summer properties below.

 

(COMING SOON!) 1. Exquisite Indian Hills Estate Sleeps 24!
Indian Hills
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18683733?preview_for_ml

Panoramic views of the famous Colorado foothills and the highest standard of luxury make this six-bedroom estate an unforgettable place to stay in the summer. With towering trees, horse riding trails, and stunning mountains in your backyard, you’ll be surrounded by nature everywhere you look. *This striking estate is perfect for weddings and other special events.

Accommodates: 24
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 8

 

2. Union Station Loft! Heart of Downtown – Sleeps 10!
Denver
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17381767

Stay in the middle of all the summer action in this gorgeous loft within walking distance of Union Station and some of the best restaurants and bars downtown. The open floor plan offers plenty of room for large groups, and the private rooftop patio is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the city!

Accommodates: 10
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2

 

3. Modern Highlands Home – Multiple Decks! Great Views!
Denver
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18211893

Custom handmade décor, sun-drenched rooms, exposed brick, and sweeping views of the city make this home truly unique. Stay close to bustling restaurants, bars, and shops. Sip a cold drink and watch the sunset from the back patio on the main floor or the balcony with amazing views of the Denver skyline.

Accommodates: 8
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5

 

4. Stunning Modern Sloan’s Lake – Roof Deck! Sleeps 10!
Denver
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18192868

Enjoy both city and mountain views from this incredible home in the perfect location for exploring Denver. Walk to Sloan’s Lake Park or make the drive to the mountains for amazing hiking and biking spots. The spacious rooftop deck is wonderful for warm summer evenings!

Accommodates: 10
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3.5

Categories
Hosting Tips Rules & Regulations Travel

Partnering with a Rental Company vs. Doing It Alone

With the rise in popularity of short-term rentals, many owners are turning their investment properties into a second source of income. Once the decision to rent out the property using a short-term strategy has been made, there are numerous other questions that the owner must ask himself or herself: how much should I charge? How do I decorate my home? What do I include in my listing? Should I post on Airbnb, VRBO, or both?

There’s a lot to consider, especially when you’re starting out as a first-time renter. But the single most important decision you’ll make is whether you want to team up with a short-term rental management company or go at it alone.

One of the main benefits of a partnership with Effortless Rental Group is that you’ll be supported by a team of knowledgeable professionals who are dedicated to maximizing your monthly revenue. To learn how you can make exponentially more money when you work with us, versus renting on a short-term or long-term strategy alone, check out https://effortlessrentalgroup.com/hosting-tips/want-increase-earning-potential/

Increasing your earning potential is just the beginning. Effortless stands out from other rental management companies because we provide a turnkey service for our clients. This means that we take care of everything—from analytical pricing using our custom algorithms to handling all bookings and guest correspondence. Our professional cleaning company and re-stocking team will give you the peace of mind that everything is ready for your guests. In fact, many of our clients travel abroad for part of the year or even live out of state. They trust us to manage every single aspect of their rental property.

Owners who want to maximize their revenue and live their lives without worrying about the upkeep of their rental property choose to partner with Effortless Rental Group. We would be honored to work with you in the future. Please feel free to contact us anytime!

Effortless Rental Group

720.475.1486

Categories
Hosting Tips Travel

How to Make Your Home Appealing to Business Travelers

Many of your guests will be traveling for pleasure, but you’ll get some who are in town for a meeting or convention. It’s important that your home accommodates business travelers with all of the amenities they’ll need during their stay. When you set up your home with special business features, along with having a solid review background, a speedy response rate, and several other specifications, Airbnb alerts potential guests who look at your listing that your property is “Business Travel Ready.” This title attached to your listing greatly increases your chances of getting a booking request. For a good place to start, take a look at our list of home additions geared toward business travelers.

 

  1. A workspace set up for laptops in an office nook or room

This is the single most important item for the business traveler in your home. Even if your guest is planning to explore your city a bit for pleasure, the main reason he or she is there is for business. A workspace in your home is essential, whether it’s an entire office or just a corner of the living room set up with a desk and chair. There should be an outlet nearby and enough space for a laptop and a few folders.

 

  1. Fast Wi-Fi

You should have Wi-Fi whether or not you want to cater to business travelers, as your guests will need to be able to look up where to eat on their phones or communicate with people back home. It’s especially important for business travelers to have high-speed internet so that they can do research, get in touch with colleagues, or figure out where their meeting is located.

 

  1. Toiletry essentials

Shampoo, toilet paper, clean towels, and a hair dryer are on the list of features Airbnb deems necessary for a listing to receive the “Business Travel Ready” label. Your business-oriented guests will be glad that your home matches the level of amenities they would find if they were getting ready in a hotel room. No need to spring for the most expensive salon shampoo and conditioner, but make a little effort to provide something nice.

 

  1. A printer/fax/scanner

This one is pretty self-explanatory—if your guests need to receive documents or send them elsewhere during their stay at your place, they’ll be glad to have the supplies to do it. Business travelers might need to print notes for a meeting, but it’s not a bad idea to have a printer available for all of your guests. People may want to print out concert or event tickets, or boarding passes for their flight out of your city.

 

  1. Hangers and an iron

Your guests will need to prepare for their meeting or conference, and you can help them accomplish this. Hangers and an iron are essential items for all types of guests, but even more so for guests traveling on business. It’s a good call to have plenty of hangers and closet space, as well as an ironing board (small is fine) to go along with the iron.

 

  1. If possible, a meeting area

It doesn’t hurt to designate a specific area of your home as a space for guests to brainstorm ideas alone or with others. This could be a home office or extra room—it doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Throw in a couple desk chairs, a desk or table, and a dry-erase board on the wall and you’re good to go.

 

  1. A list of coffee shops for remote work

Sometimes inspiration doesn’t hit until we get outside and into the real world. If you know a guest is going to be staying at your home for business, it’s not a bad idea to leave behind a short list of coffee shops nearby. Whether they want to post up there for the day or just stop by for a quick latte before heading to their conference, they’ll appreciate the effort. Check out https://effortlessrentalgroup.com/entertainment/7-best-denver-coffee-shops/ for a list of our favorite coffee shops in Denver.

Categories
Entertainment Events Travel

Kid-Approved: The Best Activities for Children in Denver

There’s plenty to do with the little ones in Denver. From the tranquil Botanic Gardens to the heart-racing Elitch Gardens, your kids won’t be bored. Take a look at our list below for some of the top activities in Denver that are fun for the whole family.

 

The Butterfly Pavilion

With over 5,000 animals including a resident tarantula named Rosie, the Butterfly Pavilion is a great place to relax among the butterflies and flowers while the kids check out the creepy-crawlies. There’s way more to see at this tropical paradise than the magnificent 1,600 butterflies from around the world—be sure to visit the underwater area where the kids can hold a starfish and the invertebrate exhibit with activities about centipedes, beetles, and worms.

Location: 6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster

Hours: Daily 9AM – 5PM

Cost: Adults: $11, Kids 2-12: $7, Kids under 2: free

For more info: https://www.butterflies.org

  

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

This huge amusement and water park in the heart of downtown first opened in 1890 and has been delighting Denver residents and visitors ever since. There are plenty of rides and attractions for the whole family—be sure to check out the Goofy Gazebo and Elitch Express train. If you’re feeling bold, take a plunge on the Tower of Doom—the 200-foot drop at 60 mph is not for the faint of heart!

Location: 2000 Elitch Cir

Hours: Summer months: Sunday – Thursday: 10:30AM – 9PM; Friday – Saturday: 10:30AM – 10PM; see website for detailed info on hours

Cost: Adults (online tickets): $36, Adults (tickets at the gate): $50, Kids 3+: $32, Kids under 3: free

For more info: https://www.elitchgardens.com

 

Denver Zoo

Committed to animal conservation and environmental protection, Denver Zoo has received a plethora of awards and recognitions including the highest international award for its environmental, health, and safety systems, one of only 4 total recipients. The exhibits rotate on a regular basis and the zoo often features special events, such as Feathered Friend February and International Polar Bear Day. Don’t miss the African Penguin Feeding and the Sea Lion Show!

Location: 2300 Steele St

Hours: Winter hours: daily 10AM – 4PM

Cost: Adults: $13, Kids 3-11: $9, Kids under 3: free

For more info: https://www.denverzoo.org

 

The Children’s Museum

Your kids will love this magical museum that’s all about them! Their many exhibits are divided into four focuses: explore, imagine, investigate, and create. Some examples of exhibits you’ll find at the Children’s Museum: “Teaching Kitchen,” “Fire Station No.1,” and “Ready, Vet, Go!” A great place for kids to try something new, the museum also offers daily story times and clay workshops.

Location: 2121 Children’s Museum Dr

Hours: Monday – Tuesday: 9AM – 4PM; Wednesday: 9AM – 7:30PM; Thursday – Friday: 9AM – 4PM; Saturday – Sunday: 10AM – 5PM

Cost: Kids over 2 and adults: $13, Kids age 1: $11, Kids under 1: free

For more info: https://www.mychildsmuseum.org

 

Denver Botanic Gardens

A day wandering through the 24 acres of flowers, wildlife, trees, and succulents of the Botanic Gardens is a day well spent. The hands-on Mordecai Children’s Garden is only open during the summer, but your kids will keep busy year-round at the Science Pyramid, art shows, and permanent gardens. Don’t miss the Orchid Showcase, a special event that ends February 20, and the Summer Concert Series for a unique music venue in bloom.

Location: 1007 York St

Hours: Winter hours: daily 9AM – 5PM; Summer hours: 9AM – 8PM

Cost: Adults: $12.50, Kids 3-15 & Students (with ID): $9, Kids under 3: free

For more info: https://www.botanicgardens.org

 

Rockies Game at Coors Field

Beginning in April and going through the end of September, Rockies games are a wonderful experience for the whole family to get a true taste of the Mile High City (hotdogs optional). Tickets are affordable at the world-famous Coors Field, nestled into the historic Ballpark neighborhood downtown. Soak up a view of the Rocky Mountains (and a few beers) while you and the kids watch the Rockies bring home the win!

Location: 2001 Blake St

Hours: Check out the website for game times

Cost: Varies depending on seats, but most tickets range from $4 (for the “Rockpile”) and $70

For more info: https://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/

  

Denver Aquarium

Your kids will be transfixed for hours watching the sharks, eels, poison dart frogs, and many more animals in this underwater world. Denver Aquarium offers a 4D movie experience and an entire area dedicated to mermaids—watch these mythical beauties swim with sharks and stay for the meet and greet after the show. There’s also a full restaurant to refuel between all the water fun.

Location: 700 Water St

Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10AM – 9PM; Friday – Saturday: 10AM – 9:30PM

Cost: Adults: $19.50, Kids 3-11: $13.50, Kids under 3: free

For more info: https://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/

 

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

You simply can’t leave Denver without visiting Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a unique natural wonder where the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains meet. Whether you’re here for a concert or just to climb the steps and take in the breathtaking views, a trip to Red Rocks is unforgettable. Try to spot a sunrise or sunset—the sun framed by the rocks is nothing short of magical. If you can’t experience the acoustics while you’re here, take in the natural beauty on a hike or bike ride with the kids.

Location: 18300 W Alameda Parkway, Morrison

Hours: Amphitheatre: Non-event days: daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset; Event days: typically one hour before sunrise – 2PM; see website for show dates/times

Park: daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset on non-event days

Cost: Admission to the park and amphitheatre is free; check out the website for show details

For more info: https://redrocksonline.com

Categories
Construction & Development Entertainment Travel

Neighborhood Profile of the Month: Edgewater

For a small-town feel in the big city, look no further than Edgewater. A short drive from downtown and blocks from Sloan’s Lake, Edgewater is a lovely place to spend a sunny afternoon. This diverse neighborhood offers a stretch of shops and restaurants, referred to as “Main Street,” a picturesque place for a stroll after spending the day at the lake. Local favorites include Providence Tavern (5280 W 25th Ave), Happy Leaf Kombucha (5700 W 25th Ave), and Coda Coffee Company (5224 W 25th Ave). During the summer months, Denverites looking to escape the city can be seen paddle boarding, lounging on the beach area, or bird watching on the edge of the lake. No swimming is permitted in Sloan’s Lake, but boating and some water sports are allowed with a permit. There are also basketball and tennis courts inside the park. Don’t miss the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, a two-day celebration of Asian Pacific culture, from July 29-30. With not only a race between 50 colorful boats to be the first to cross the lake, but also live performances, Taste of Asia food vendors, and an Asian Marketplace featuring authentic gifts and crafts, it’s clear why this festival draws over 125,000 people.

Categories
Travel

Airbnb Goes Above and Beyond to Help Refugees

In the last few weeks, many Silicon Valley giants have condemned Trump’s travel ban. Executives from tech firms like Apple, Facebook, and Netflix have spoken out against the ban, and many more have implemented fundraising programs to help refugees and other displaced people get access to resources. But one tech company is providing direct assistance by connecting refugees with people willing to host them around the world—for free.

On February 5, the founders of Airbnb announced their goal to find free short-term housing for 100,000 displaced people, including refugees and survivors of natural disasters, over the next five years. Airbnb will also donate $4 million over the next four years to the International Rescue Committee, to ensure that these displaced populations receive the resources they desperately need.

This is not the first time Airbnb has reached out to help people in crisis. Back in October 2015, they added a donation tool to their website to provide financial aid to refugees and their families. Last year, partnering with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Mercy Corps, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Airbnb promised to match all donations up to $1 million.

Recognizing their unique capacity to provide housing worldwide (there are over 2 million properties listed on the site), Airbnb has additionally offered temporary housing for relief workers from Mercy Corps and IRC while they work to provide assistance to displaced people in Greece, Macedonia, and Serbia.

According to their website, “Airbnb’s mission is to create a world where people can feel like they belong anywhere they go and we proudly support refugees as they integrate into new communities around the world.”

Despite the halt imposed on Trump’s travel ban last week, many refugees and their families are still stranded worldwide after they were not allowed to board their US-bound flights. And according to UNHCR, in 2015 over 65 million people were displaced from their homes in places such as the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. All of these people must now scramble for temporary housing and resources.

On January 28, CEO Brian Chesky tweeted, “Airbnb is providing free housing to refugees and anyone not allowed in the US. Stayed tuned for more, contact me if urgent need for housing.”

Airbnb will connect refugees and other displaced people with hosts willing to share their homes for no charge.

There is a new webpage on the Airbnb website where homeowners can volunteer their space to house refugees and survivors of national disasters. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with people worldwide volunteering to host for free.

Visit https://www.airbnb.com/weaccept/ for more information.

Categories
Travel

New Light Rail Line Cuts Travel Time to DIA

Paying a ton of money to take a taxi to the airport in bumper-to-bumper traffic is now a thing of the past in Denver. With the addition of the new light rail A-Line that travels between Union Station and DIA, Denver joins the ranks of just a handful of American cities with direct train routes to the airport. On a larger scale, Denver is now on the same level as major international cities such as Paris and Amsterdam with direct lines between the city and the airport.

The new line allows tourists and residents to travel more efficiently, in terms of both time and cost. The A-line makes it much easier for people to catch a flight without worrying about sitting in traffic or paying exorbitant taxi or Uber fees. On the contrary, the A-line to the airport costs a mere $9. Simply pay the $9 and receive a day pass, which can then be used to transfer for free to the A-line at Union Station. The train takes only 37 minutes to travel all the way from Union Station to DIA, and runs every 15 minutes, all day.

We can’t promise to ease the frenzy once you arrive at one of the busiest international airports in the country—but at $9 and 37 minutes from Union Station on the light rail A-Line, at least your journey to DIA will be a breeze.

Categories
Travel

No Car? No Worries. A Guide to Getting Around Denver Without a Vehicle.

With the rise of parking garage fees and the hassle of running out of the bar to feed the meter every two hours, you might be better off ditching the rental car on your trip to Denver. Luckily, there are tons of options for getting around the Mile High City, all of which are cheaper and more convenient than renting a car. Check out our top picks below and start exploring all of the best of Denver.

Our top choices: Lyft & Uber

It’s never been easier to get to where you need to go in the Denver metro area—usually for under $15. Download the Lyft and Uber apps on your phone and request a driver within minutes. Tipping is optional, and sharing your ride with a few friends makes the fare even cheaper. This is the perfect solution for getting home from the bars after you’ve had a few too many drinks to drive. And an extra bonus: enter the code “EFFORTLESS” into the Lyft app to get $50 in free rides!

Cost: Depends on distance of trip and inflation at peak times, but most one-way trips in the metro area fall between $5 and $20.

car2go

The ideal choice for when you have a few errands to run in an afternoon and want your car to be waiting for you when you return, car2go is a rental program in which you pay only for the time when you’re actually driving the car. Sign up and they’ll send you a membership card, then use the car2go app to find one of their smart cars parked all around the city. Just walk up to the car, scan your card, get into the car, and do what you need to do. The best part is that you don’t have to return the car to a specific place—as long as you’re in the Denver metro area in a legal spot, you’re fine. There are even reserved car2go spots in some parking lots and garages downtown.

Cost: $35 for a lifetime membership and $0.41/minute. On special right now for $10/hour and $50/day. No parking, insurance, or gas fees.

Zipcar

Zipcar is a similar concept as car2go, but is better for driving trips planned far in advance because there is a minimum driving time of one hour and you must park the car in its original spot. Both car2go and Zipcar use membership cards that enable you to unlock any car in the city, as long as it is not already reserved. The pricing is comparable to car2go, but Zipcar makes more sense for round trips than quick one-way journeys.

Cost: $25 application fee, $7/month (unless you log $50 a month), and $8-$10 per hour. No parking, insurance, or gas fees.

B-Cycle

Denver’s main bike sharing program, B-Cycle makes it possible for you to get to where you’re going and get in some exercise at the same time. There are 88 stations and 700 bikes in the Denver metro area, so you’ll always be close to a pickup and return location. Each trip from station to station is limited to 30 minutes (except for members with the annual pass)—any additional time will incur overtime charges. With 24-hour, monthly, and annual passes, there are plenty of options for exploring Denver while getting your heart pumping.

Cost: 24 Hour Pass: $9 (unlimited 30-minute trips for 24 hours), Flex Pass: $15/year & $3 for every 30-minute ride, Monthly Pass: $15/month (unlimited 30-minute trips all month), Annual Pass: $135/year (unlimited 60-minute trips all year).

RTD Light Rail

Affordable and convenient, the light rail is a great way to get around Denver—especially if you’re headed somewhere special like Sports Authority Field for a Broncos game or the Theatre District for a show. There are 53 stations in Denver, and many are centrally located at Denver hotspots like the Pepsi Center and 16th Street Mall. And with the addition of the new $9 A-line going directly from Union Station to DIA, it couldn’t be simpler for both locals and tourists to get to the airport.

Cost: Local Pass: $2.60 (1-2 zones), Regional Pass: $4.50 (3 zones), Airport Pass: $9