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Where to Stay Like a President This Election Season

By U.S. News & World Report

Vacation like a VIP in these lavish retreats.

As Election Day nears, hotels across the country are getting into the spirit by showcasing opulent presidential suites. Equipped with every comfort imaginable, these upscale accommodations feature well-crafted amenities fit for a president — or royalty for that matter. Regardless of your party affiliation, these favorite 10 hotels and resorts of past commanders in chief are perfect for a special occasion.

The Sea Island Suite at The Cloister at Sea Island

Sea Island, Georgia

A favorite of past U.S. presidents, the Sea Island Suite at The Cloister at Sea Island has long been a preferred lodging destination for political leaders to enjoy the southern hospitality of Georgia’s Golden Isles. The Sea Island Suite features a secluded 2,200-square-foot suite with a king bedroom, a library, a fireplace and a balcony, among other features. Plus, the Cloister’s main building encompasses a sprawling range of buildings and amenities, including the Sea Island Yacht Club, the 65,000-square-foot spa and a waterfront Beach Club.

The Peninsula Suite at The Peninsula Chicago

Chicago

Perched the 18th floor of this hotel with sweeping views of Michigan and Chicago avenues, the lavish 3,645-square-foot Peninsula Suite at The Peninsula Chicago lures bigwig politicians with its luxurious atmosphere and impeccable service. Here, guests can expect standout amenities, such as a spacious terrace with views of Lake Michigan, a baby grand piano and an outdoor whirlpool tub. The suite features three bedrooms and is housed in a wing of the hotel that’s blocked off to other guests, allowing for complete seclusion. What’s more, guests of this suite enjoy complimentary access to a chauffeured MINI Cooper S Clubman.

The Fenway Executive Suite at Hotel Commonwealth

Boston

Red Sox fans, rejoice. Hotel Commonwealth has long integrated its love for the Boston Red Sox into its hospitality. The hotel now offers a signature Fenway Executive Suite, ideal for high-powered politicians and consummate Red Sox fans seeking unique accommodations. Overlooking Fenway Park, the suite features original ballpark seats on its spacious walkout balcony. The interior is filled with Red Sox memorabilia, including a coffee table signed by many Red Sox players, tickets from 1946, 1967 and 1975 World Series games and even a Green Monster scoreboard.

The Ravens News Mountain Villa at Spring Creek Ranch

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Fresh mountain air adds to the appeal of the Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole. The idyllic mountain retreat hotel combines the rugged spirit of the West with laid-back luxury — the perfect recipe for catching up on R&R after a long election cycle. The sprawling property includes several outstanding Mountain Villa accommodations. A favorite is the Ravens Nest Mountain Villa, which covers 4,800 square feet and offers dramatic vistas of the Teton Mountain Range. The far-reaching mountain villa includes four bedrooms, a family area, a loft and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, a large deck and hot tub, among other features.

Signature Presidential Suites at the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Phoenix

The legendary Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort has served as a storied playground for presidents over the course of U.S. history, welcoming everyone from George W. Bush to Ronald and Nancy Reagan for their honeymoon. The property’s Signature Presidential Suites offer luxury accommodations and plenty of privacy, with an entire wing blocked off for security purposes. Overlooking the Phoenix skyline, Camelback Mountain or the resort’s Paradise Pool, the the crowd-pleasing suites offer a sophisticated look with Southwestern-style accents and a spacious balcony or patio. Plus, the resort offers plenty of superlative amenities, from an award-winning spa to seven tennis courts and two golf courses.

The Ludlow Penthouse at The Ludlow Hotel

New York City

Perched on the 17th floor, The Ludlow Penthouse captures the gritty, urban charm of Manhattan’s Lower East Side with eclectic furniture and artwork. The 1,500-square-foot rocker-chic space features pieces ranging from handmade Moroccan chandeliers to bronzed stools. This industrial pied-à-terre also boasts a full kitchen, a dining table that can accommodate six guests, an expansive living room, a skybox sitting area, two full bathrooms with rain showers and a large bedroom with a king-size bed. The Penthouse’s standout feature is its 1,000-square-foot outdoor furnished terrace, which extends along the side of the building, offering stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and beyond.

The Presidential Suite at the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Miami Beach, Florida

Frequently visited by world dignitaries and presidents, the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort‘s opulent 2,800-square-foot Presidential Suite is located on the resort’s 24th floor. Here, guests will discover a sophisticated living space, with a master dining room, a gourmet kitchen, a media room, marble bathrooms and two bedrooms. Plus, the suite boasts a large balcony with striking views of the Miami coastline. What’s more, the town of Bal Harbour has one of the most upscale fashion shopping centers across the country, with an extensive collection of designer boutiques and restaurants.

The Royal Suite at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City

Los Angeles

Featuring a wraparound balcony with views of the Pacific Ocean, Hollywood and Beverly Hills, the Royal Suite at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City offers a well-appointed living and dining area with resplendent coastal views. At 3,300 square feet, the Royal Suite offers lavish accommodations, complete with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a wet bar, a private library and even a master bathroom with a rain shower. The public area is separated from the bedroom with its king-size bed by French doors. And aside from the luxurious digs, guests can get pampered at the full-service spa or take a relaxing dip in the resort’s outdoor affinity pool.

The Thompson Suite at Thompson Seattle

Seattle

The new 12-story Thompson Seattle Hotel, located steps from the iconic Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle, showcases its Thompson Suite on the top floor of the hotel. Offering floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the city and Puget Sound, the suite highlights a midcentury modern style accents. Exposed steel and concrete, with an eclectic blend of modern and vintage furniture (think: artwork and shelving sourced from local artisans paired with leather and reclaimed wood fixtures), create an elegant atmosphere. Should you wish to slip away from your luxurious abode, the Nest, a trendy rooftop bar, offers striking vistas of the Olympic Mountains.

The Governor’s Suite at Big Cedar Lodge

Ridgedale, Missouri

Though not officially dubbed a Presidential Suite, the Governor’s Suite nonetheless provides a noteworthy (and high-end) experience for its guests. The exclusive suite offers a quintessential Ozarks retreat with 2,500 square feet of living space. Inside the suite, guests have access to four bedrooms, including a master bedroom with a king bed, balcony and bathroom with a jetted tub, a full kitchen, a cozy living room with fireplace and a large balcony with gas grill and panoramic lake views. A grandiose wilderness resort in every respect, Big Cedar Lodge takes the concept of a turn-of-the-century Adirondack hunting lodge up a notch.

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Where to Stay Like a President This Election Season originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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