CLEARWATER, Fla. – As communities across Tampa Bay search for new and creative ways to handle the housing crisis, an apartment complex featuring two converted hotels held its grand opening in Clearwater Friday.

Pelican Lake Apartments is accepting applications from prospective tenants. Crews renovated the TownePlace Suites by Marriott and the Residence Inn by Marriott, combining the two hotels into the new complex on 49th Street North.

“We’re coming with a product that is adding a lot of units in the market relatively quickly. In addition to that, it’s at a lower cost,” said developer Humberto Cubillos, with Eagle Property Capital, adding he saw an opportunity to help find solutions to the rental market crisis. “There’s a deficit [in rental available units]. I think this strategy is very unique in that we’re looking for more transactions where we can help with the

• Hotels.com is giving one person $15,000 to travel to beach motels across the country.
• The winner will be provided with a Polaroid camera and other vintage giveaways to document their trip.
• Hotels.com’s ranking of the top 10 retro beach motels make up the travel itinerary.

A new Hotels.com contest is offering the chance to get paid to travel to beaches across the US.

The prize package for the “Retro Beach Motelier” includes $10,000 for transportation to the “10 best retro beach motels” and $5,000 for spending during the trip, according to the contest’s website.

The winner will also receive vintage beach gear including a solar-powered AM/FM radio, striped umbrellas, and a retro Polaroid camera to document the trip “for future generations.”

To enter, hopefuls must fill out a brief questionnaire by midnight on August 5. In addition to basic information like name, email, and Instagram handle,

There are so many resorts clamoring for the travelers’ attention in the Caribbean that it’s easy to overlook smaller but more budget-friendly hotels where it’s still possible to book a room for under $100 a night.

The tradeoff for paying top dollar may be fewer amenities (though even most small hotels in the Caribbean have at least a swimming pool) or an off-the-beach location, but you’re also more likely to stay in a property that’s locally owned and more integrated into the community. (And some of our picks are actually set right on the beach).

If you’re mode of travel is less about being pampered and more about experiencing a destination without breaking the bank, consider a stay at one of these affordable Caribbean hotels, each of which has off-season room rates starting at less than $100 per night .

Dover Beach Hotel, Barbados Not only is this pocketbook-friendly 59-room

SOUTH PORTLAND — Hotels sheltering homeless individuals and families will be back before the City Council on Tuesday to address continuing concerns about increased calls for police and other emergency services.

In the spotlight are several hundred homeless individuals and people seeking asylum who remain in local hotels under contracts with the Maine State Housing Authority, said City Manager Scott Morelli. The city is responding to complaints from residents and business owners at a time when affordable housing is scarce, staffing is short and costs are rising.

The council will review operating licenses that were renewed in April for Comfort Inn, Days Inn and Howard Johnson, which are owned by New Gen Hospitality Management of South Portland. Although the hotels are scheduled for public hearings to consider revoking their licenses, municipal staff members instead will recommend that the council impose certain conditions to help curb calls for service, Morelli said

For many of us, the long-awaited summer break has officially arrived, and in preparation, scores of hotels have been opening in time for those lucky enough to get away for a while. These days, hoteliers are quick to employ the best designers in the game to ensure each detail is top-notch. Here, we pick out some of our favorites – from minimalist retreats in the Ibizan caves, to maximalist getaways in downtown Los Angeles.

The Standard
Bangkok, Thailand

The arrival of The Standard in Bangkok has been long-awaited. Working alongside the in-house design team, artist and designer Jaime Hayon has crafted spaces that are typical of his colorful, eclectic style. Filled with custom details, fine art, and design classics, the entire space feels like a fantasy world amidst a concrete jungle. Throughout, Hayon and the team have drawn on local cultural and historical references, and public spaces provide a space