Instacart has big advertising ambitions that have grown during the pandemic.

The grocery delivery app has become red-hot as online shopping has taken off. It recently raised $200 million, valuing the company at $17.7 billion, and is rumored to be mulling an IPO.

Instacart plans to use some of that funding to grow its advertising business, which launched in earnest last year and lets brands buy ads on Instacart's platforms based on what people are looking for, similar to Amazon. Instacart said it's grown its base of advertisers in the past year by 5X to 1,000 packaged-goods makers, including Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Unilever, and P&G.

To build this business, Instacart is aggressively hiring from tech companies and retail experts — including several big names from Amazon. Its careers page shows 33 open sales roles as well as ad-focused positions like a VP of product. Its leadership team includes three top advertising execs: Seth Dallaire, Ryan Mayward, and Vik Gupta.

"It's like they're building an adtech company instead of a grocery business," said Andrea Leigh, VP of strategy and insights at Ideoclick, an e-commerce agency that helps manufacturers and brands sell on online marketplaces.

It's not alone, of course — Amazon dominates the market, and big retailers like Walmart, Walgreens, and Target are also trying to get a piece $17.4 billion ad pie, as measured by eMarketer. 

Insider spoke with e-commerce advertisers, agencies, and tech firms to identify 14 Instacart execs, listed alphabetically below, leading its bet on advertising.

Nour Alkhatib, product manager of ads

Alkhatib's job is to build ads that reach lucrative grocery shoppers without annoying them. Her team talks with Instacart users to create advertising products, including its API, and develops new ad features and strategies.

After features launch, she measures their success and collects feedback. She also analyzes competitors' retail media networks. 

She joined Instacart in 2020 after working in product and engineering roles at Flipp and Oracle.

Sri Batchu, head of advertising of strategy and operations

The financial exec turned advertising exec pulls Instacart's product, operations, business development, engineering, finance and analytics teams together to develop advertising initiatives and identify Instacart's short- and long-term advertising ambitions.

Batchu joined Instacart in 2020 after serving as VP of operations at online real estate company Opendoor. He was also an investor and worked at The Invus Group, Universal Music, and Bain Capital.

Seth Dallaire, chief revenue officer

Dallaire helped build Amazon into an advertising powerhouse before joining Instacart in 2019 as its first CRO.

He's tasked with building out Instacart's non-subscription businesses including advertising and insights. He has expanded Instacart's ad business to include a self-serve platform for advertisers to buy and target ads on Instacart's mobile app and website.

Dallaire has also helped build Instacart's advertising team, poaching from Amazon, Google, and ad agencies.

Dallaire has also held top ad sales roles at Yahoo and Microsoft and currently serves on the board of directors for the Ad Council.

Sumit Garg, product lead

Garg joined Instacart in July 2020 after more than three years as a product manager at Google, and helps build ad products and ad sales strategy to help advertisers reach shoppers using user feedback and data.

At Google, according to Garg's LinkedIn profile, he worked on technology to show people relevant and personalized ads, which could hint at his plans for Instacart. He also has held product management roles at Bloomreach, eBay, and Microsoft.

Brian Gillis, insights director

Gillis' job is to arm advertisers with data about how people shop.

He works with Instacart's sales team to help measure ad and sales performance for big CPG brands and develops best practices for advertisers.

Advertisers get such data depending on their ad spend level; advertisers that spend more than 10% of sales on advertising get access to information like whether a shopper is new to Instacart and what items their first order contained.

Gillis is a longtime retail tech exec who previously worked at companies like retail insights firm Spins, Dunnhumby and General Mills.

Vik Gupta, VP of ads engineering

Gupta works on building the tech backbone of Instacart's advertising.

The former Google engineering exec, who joined Instacart in September 2020, leads its advertising engineering team, which is building out ad technology for Instacart's self-serve platform and managed services.

Gupta also is a member of the company's leadership team.

Abhi Jain, senior director of media analytics

Jain is an adtech and retail veteran who is building tools to help advertisers measure the performance of ads and understand consumer habits.

Performance is one way Instacart is working to differentiate its ad business from retailers like Walmart and Amazon.

Jain joined Instacart in August 2020 after spending three years at Criteo, most recently working on the adtech company's push into retail media. He previously worked at retail tech firm Dunnhumby.

Kasey Jamison, director of sales of large customer category

Jamison is a key example of the people with deep experience in advertising and e-commerce that Instacart is hiring.

She helps onboard big advertisers like Coca-Cola, General Mills, and Conagra, and helps them use tools like Instacart's self-serve platform that lets advertisers buy across multiple retail sites.

She joined Instacart in 2020 after nine years at Amazon, where she worked with big CPG companies as well as non-packaged goods advertisers like financial and entertainment companies.

Ryan Mayward, VP of ad sales

Mayward joined Instacart in March after playing a big role in Amazon's advertising ambitions.

He's part of Instacart's leadership team and is responsible for deepening its relationships with advertisers and ad agencies.

Mayward served in a top advertising role at Amazon, helping it form relationships with big ad holding companies like WPP and Publicis and pitch newer ad forms like streaming TV and programmatic advertising. 

Before Amazon, Mayward worked in sales at NBCUniversal.

Michelle McRae, director of ad sales capabilities and strategy

McRae runs sales operations, enablement, and product marketing for Instacart's ad business.

Her team works on problems like yield management, which adjusts the available ad space throughout the year to account for changes in advertisers' spend.

McRae also co-leads Instacart's internal resource group Women@Instacart group.

Before joining Instacart in 2015, McRae was a consultant at Bain & Company.

Kyle McWhirter, director of emerging

While big packaged goods brands are mainstays of grocery stores, McWhirter helps emerging brands advertise on Instacart's network of retailers — which delivers products from stores like Walgreens, Albertson's, and Kroger — helping them decide how much to spend and measure ad performance.

Before joining Instacart in 2020, McWhirter was the general manager of Ascential's arm called Spotlight that helps brands sell their products on marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart. He also was chief of staff of Amazon's advertising business, working with brands like Procter & Gamble.

Mona Mohanty, principal product manager

Mohanty is responsible for a product management team that focuses on growth and advertiser experiences.

She builds advertising products with engineers, data scientists and designers to make Instacart stand out among the growing number of retail media platforms that advertisers buy ads on.

The tech veteran previously held product management roles at Twitter, Facebook, eBay, and Microsoft.

Josh Rider, head of brand partnerships

Sources said one challenge Instacart has in growing its ad business is that it lacks leaders with strong CPG backgrounds who understand how brands structure sales deals with big retailers.

An exception is Rider, who leads ad sales for Instacart's brand partnership team and worked in retail roles at brands like General Mills, Total Wine & More, and retail tech firm Symphony Retail before joining Instacart in 2017.

Before working on the ad business, Rider also helped launch Instacart's retail partnerships and worked with retailers to negotiate contracts.

Rider helps advertisers navigate Instacart's growing ad platform as demand grows. On one day in the fourth quarter of 2020, Instacart had more clicks on ads than in all of 2019, for example.

"Brands need to make sure that their item can stand out on a mobile device when she's shopping across the largest digital grocery catalog in the world," Rider recently said on an episode of the CPG Guys podcast.

Suzanne Skop, director of agency sales

One of Instacart's challenges in building an advertising business is getting ad agencies on board.

Skor is tasked for growing Instacart's relationships with large advertising holding companies. As retail media gets more crowded with new platforms, part of her role is to prove to advertisers that Instacart can drive results.

Before joining Instacart in 2020, she worked in digital ad sales roles at Valassis, Bazaarvoice, and Microsoft.

• Walmart+, the company's Amazon Prime competitor, costs $98 per year compared to Amazon's $119 per year Prime subscription. You can also pay $13 per month.
• Subscribers can get free next-day and two-day shipping without any minimums.
• Read everything you need to know about the Walmart+ shopping subscription service here and see how Walmart+ vs. Amazon Prime shakes out.

Amazon Prime has officially met its first true challenger in Walmart+, the premium retail subscription from the nation's largest brick-and-mortar retailer. Walmart+ launched on September 15 with a price of $98 per year, or $13 per month.

For those keeping score, that's more than $20 cheaper than the cost of Amazon Prime, but the Walmart+ launch comes at a time when about 150 million people worldwide are already subscribed to Amazon's service.

Walmart also announced on December 4 that it's removing the $35 shipping minimum for Walmart+ members. That means members can buy anything and get free next-day and two-day shipping, even if their basket is under $35.

On March 1, Walmart also announced that Walmart+ members can utilize two-hour Express Delivery for just $10. Non-members must pay an additional delivery fee on top of the $10 Express Delivery fee.

So, if you came to learn all about the price for Walmart+ and what you get for the money, let's break it down to give as thorough an answer as we possibly can right now.

Walmart Plus price

Walmart+ costs a flat fee of $98 per year.

Alternatively, members can opt for a monthly service that costs $13 per month. Both the annual and monthly plans include a 15-day free trial period.

As a quick comparison, Amazon's Prime costs $119 per year, with a monthly option that also costs $13 per year.

What you get with Walmart Plus

Services like Walmart+ essentially live on the additional perks and features that they offer.

For instance, Amazon Prime includes access to its unlimited video and music streaming services, as well as a litany of exclusive daily deals. So, what does the $98 annual fee for Walmart+ include?

• "Free delivery as fast as same-day" on over 160,000 in-store items like groceries, everyday essentials like toothpaste and toilet paper, general merchandise, and some toys and electronics. This was previously known as Walmart's "Delivery Unlimited" subscription service that enabled unlimited deliveries for a yearly or monthly fee. Current Delivery Unlimited members will automatically become Walmart+ members.
• Five-cent discounts on fuel at Walmart, Murphy USA, and Murphy Express gas stations.
• A Scan & Go automated checkout service for in-store shopping. The feature works from the Walmart app, and it lets you scan and pay for items with Walmart Pay while you're shopping at a physical store. It makes for "a quick, easy, and touch-free payment experience," the company said. 

Walmart Plus vs. Amazon Prime

How does Walmart Plus stack up against Amazon Prime right now? We break it down in our comparison.

Walmart+ is in its infancy, and while it offers a good value-driven set of features at launch, it doesn't offer as much as Amazon's Prime just yet. With that said, Walmart said "the list of benefits will continue to grow over time."

Walmart hasn't said what those extra benefits will be, but there have been murmurs of features, like early access to product deals, access to Walmart's Express two-hour delivery offering, a Walmart+-branded credit card, and even Walmart's own video streaming service, according to Recode.

One benefit announced in December includes the removal of the $35 shipping minimum for Walmart+ members, which lets members get next-day and one-day shipping when their basket contents are less than $35.

In March, the $35 minimum was also waived for two-hour express delivery, instead charging a $10 fee to all Walmart shoppers. Walmart+ members will only pay the $10 Express Delivery fee, while non-members must pay an additional delivery fee.

• Check out the comprehensive breakdown of Walmart+ has to offer compared to Amazon Prime.

For most of its 152-year history, Goldman Sachs was not a household name. Serving the ultra-wealthy and institutional clients, the investment bank flew below the radar for much of Main Street, never putting a logo on its buildings.

That all changed in 2008, when the investment bank became a bank holding company in the wake of the financial crisis. The move meant it could deal in deposits and checking accounts. But it would still be another eight years before it fully entered into the consumer banking space.

In 2016, Goldman launched Marcus, an upstart consumer bank within the firm looking to establish itself on Main Street. 

Goldman employees in divisions like investment banking and sales and trading (now called global markets) tend to boast long tenures. More than half of firm's 2020 partner class started their careers at the firm. 

Marcus represented a change from that trend. Most of its senior leadership joined the firm from other companies or via acquisitions. And turnover within Marcus has been more similar to that of a startup.

The first big shift came with the establishment of a standalone consumer division at Goldman, called the consumer and wealth management division, where Marcus now sits. Stephanie Cohen, a fast-rising star at Goldman who previously served as the bank's strategy chief, and Tucker York, who was head of the bank's private-wealth business, were tapped to co-head the new division. 

That was followed by a major reshuffling of top leadership that saw Harit Talwar, a partner in charge of all of Goldman's consumer business, effectively give way to Omer Ismail, also a partner at the firm and one of the original backers of Marcus within Goldman.

The change didn't last, though. Ismail, who took control at the start of the year, is already on his way out.

As of March 1st, Ismail is leaving the firm along with David Stark, a fellow partner and one of the creators of the Marcus' Apple Card. Stark's departure comes less than a month after a promotion to head the consumer business' large partnership strategy team.

Both Ismail and Stark are joining Walmart's nascent fintech startup, as first reported by Bloomberg.

Also this year, Marcus saw the departure of one of its earliest leaders, an executive who had joined Goldman through its 2018 acquisition of Clarity Money. Adam Dell, the founder of Clarity Money, was a partner at Goldman and the head of digital products at Marcus before he stepped down from his role.

In late January, meanwhile, York and Cohen detailed a new strategy and acquisitions team within the division. The team is headed by Jemma Wolfe and Stephan Lambert, both of whom have been at the bank for nearly a decade.

In the wake of the leadership shakeups, Insider mapped out the top executives who still remain at Marcus. The group includes a mix of experts, many of whom are fairly new to the bank. 

Meet the top 15 executives who remain at Goldman Sachs' Marcus

SEE ALSO: Goldman Sachs is losing 2 consumer banking execs to Walmart. Here's a look at how the powerhouse Wall Street bank has been making a Main Street push.

SEE ALSO: A former Stripe exec was just tapped to help run Goldman Sachs' Marcus and lead its direct-to-consumer strategy. Read the full memo here.

Harit Talwar, partner, head of consumer business

The departure of partner Harit Talwar, who became chairman of Goldman Sachs' consumer business in January after spending nearly six years leading Marcus, was supposed to herald reinvigorated leadership at the retail bank. Now, Talwar has been brought back into the role he left just a few months ago.

Like many others on this list, Talwar wasn't a long-time Goldman employee when he joined Marcus in 2015.

Instead, his experience lay squarely in consumer finance. He was head of consumer banking at Morgan Stanley before the firm officially spun off Discover in 2007. At Discover, he served as head of US payments and subsequently president of US cards, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Abhinav Anand, MD, global head of consumer risk

An early member of the Marcus team, Abhinav Anand is one of the few remaining leaders that joined the firm in 2015. Anand has served as the global head of consumer risk at Marcus and the head of consumer lending.

Brian King, formerly the chief risk officer at Marcus, left the bank in October last year to become chief risk officer of consumer and small business banking at Wells Fargo.

Anand also led partnerships with the likes of Amazon, JetBlue and Walmart at Marcus, per his LinkedIn profile.

Prior to joining the firm, Anand headed risk management at Discover.

Swati Bhatia, partner, head of direct to consumer business

Swati Bhatia, a former Stripe exec, joined Goldman Sachs as a partner in February to lead the direct-to-consumer side of the Marcus business.

Bhatia leads one side of Goldman's two-pronged strategy when it comes to building out its consumer business: To reach consumers directly through Marcus and via partnerships. Goldman partner David Stark was appointed to lead the partnership side in February, but is leaving the firm to join Walmart's new joint venture fintech company.

Bhatia was most recently the chief payments risk officer at Stripe, an online payments fintech last valued at $36 billion. 

Lei Chen, MD, head of fraud risk

Lei Chen is another Amex alum-turned-Marcus employee. 

A managing director who joined Goldman in 2018, Chen spent more than 20 years at American Express in a variety of roles across the company, from underwriting to global commercial card risk. Most recently prior to joining Marcus, she was vice president in charge of global commercial analytics.

Dustin Cohn, MD, head of brand & marketing for consumer and investment management

Cohn joined Marcus as head of brand and marketing communications in 2015. His remit expanded in 2019, and he now leads marketing for the entire consumer and investment management division.

Prior to joining the firm, Cohn was chief marketing officer for retailer Jockey and textile supplier Optimer, and was a director of marketing at PepsiCo.

Sonali Divilek, MD, head of product, consumer business

Like Harit Talwar, Sonali Divilek also came to Goldman Sachs with a background in credit cards, having spent 15 years at American Express, according to her own LinkedIn page. She spent time as Amex's head of global charge products and commercial payments after working her way up from a manager role when she joined in 2002. 

Divilek joined Marcus in 2019 as a managing director from Prudential Financial, where she had been COO of the firm's Advisory Services group. 

As head of product at Marcus, Divilek has overseen the rollout of several new tools recently launched by Marcus, including Marcus Insights and Marcus Invest.

John Fathers, MD, head of consumer technology

John Fathers, a managing director at Goldman, heads up the consumer technology team within Marcus. Unlike many on this list, Fathers has spent the vast bulk of his 25-year career at Goldman. 

He joined the firm in 1996, according to his LinkedIn profile, before leaving in 2018 to join JPMorgan Chase. Fathers returned to Goldman less than a year later.

Andrea Finan, MD, head of digital investing

Andrea Finan brought a long track record of experience at Goldman Sachs to Marcus when she became head of digital investing within consumer wealth management in 2018. In this role, she most recently spearheaded the February launch of Marcus Invest with Sonali Divilek.

She joined Goldman in 2003 after beginning her career at Brown Brothers Harriman. Over the past 18 years she has worked on teams ranging from strategic client services to digital solutions within the firm's investment management division.

Chantal Garcia, MD, COO of consumer banking

A 20-year Goldman veteran, Chantal Garcia currently serves as COO of consumer banking.

Garcia joined the firm in 2000, spending most of her career in human capital management, the firm's HR division, before transitioning to her current role in February last year, according to LinkedIn.

Garcia was named a managing director in 2017.

Irfan Hussain, partner, chief information officer for consumer and wealth management

Irfan Hussain was named chief information officer for Goldman's consumer and wealth management division in January this year. 

Another Goldman veteran, Hussain joined the firm as an analyst in 1995, leading technology for the securities division.

After nearly two decades leading tech for various desks in sales and trading, Hussain moved to the asset management side of the business in 2014, the same year he was named partner.

Elisabeth Job Kozack, MD, co-head of consumer lending

Marcus was in its infancy when Elisabeth Job Kozack first joined Goldman Sachs in 2015 as a vice president working on the bank's digital lending team. Now, Kozack is a managing director and co-head of consumer lending at Marcus — and one of the longest-serving leaders at the consumer bank. 

Lending would grow to be a big part of Marcus' initial growth.In its latest strategic update, Goldman Sachs said it hopes to grow Marcus' consumer lending and card base by 150% by 2024, compared to a 28% target for deposit base growth.

Prior to Marcus, Kozack was a nine-year veteran of American Express, where she ultimately oversaw one of the company's most popular card offerings, the Platinum card, and one of its most exclusive, the Centurion card.

John Lazzati, MD, consumer cards

John Lazzati leads consumer cards at Marcus. Based in Wilmington, Delaware, he joined the firm as a managing director in December last year, equipped with a wealth of consumer-card experience. 

Lazzati most recently developed and launched a new credit-card business for student-loans giant Sallie Mae, according to LinkedIn.

Prior to that, he led unsecured lending and card products for Citi, spent four years as chief marketing officer at Swift, and started his career working on business credit products at Bank of America.

Des McDaid, MD, head of UK deposits

Marcus doesn't operate solely in the US. Managing Director Des McDaid heads the retail bank's deposit operations in the UK, where he joined Goldman Sachs in 2017. 

Prior to joining Marcus, McDaid was at Edinburgh-based TSB Bank, according to his LinkedIn, which he joined in 2014 and where he last managed its savings and loans business.

McDaid also spent 10 years at ING Direct UK before its sale to Barclays in 2013. At ING, McDaid oversaw the savings business line and also led customer and product marketing teams. 

Marcos Rosenberg, MD, head of deposits

Another relatively new entrant to Goldman Sachs, Marcos Rosenberg joined the firm in 2017 as its head of deposits after a career in consumer banking and venture capital. 

Rosenberg spent four years as a managing partner at late-stage venture fund Spinnaker Ventures in San Francisco before joining Bank of America as a senior vice president in charge of consumer deposits in 2003, according to his LinkedIn.

The bulk of Rosenberg's career prior to Marcus, however, was spent at USAA, the investing, banking, and insurance giant. Over the course of 10 years there, he served as head of key business units for the bank including credit cards, consumer lending, deposits, and USAA's savings and trust business.

Doug Villone, MD, global head of operations for Marcus

Doug Villone joined Marcus as a managing director leading global operations for Marcus in 2018. 

Prior to joining, he spent 10 years at Barclay where he held various leadership roles in operations, customer service, and strategy. He started his career at MBNA America Bank, and spent a few years at HSBC before joining Barclays.

• Airbnb offers an extensive catalog of online experiences you can do from the comfort of home.
• Filter your search to explore matches for your interests, budget, and schedule.
• Below are 15 of Airbnb's most popular online experiences, including cooking, dancing, magic, and more.

While travelers are choosing Airbnb for lodging because private residences pose a lower risk than hotels in the pandemic, the home-sharing platform also provides another popular entertainment option that comes with no risk at all: online experiences to do at home.

Many Airbnb online experiences provide both the flavor of travel and a chance to learn something new: Topics include food and drink, history and culture, dance, music, and more. You can filter your search by price (the average price of an experience is a budget-friendly $23), language (at least 14 are offered), and length (go for a quick 30-minute session, or commit to several hours). 

Insider's associate travel editor reviewed two of the Airbnb online experiences first-hand, including a Moroccan cooking class and a tango lesson. Her verdict? That she would readily sign up for more.

Whatever your tastes, budget, and schedule, there's an online Airbnb experience sure to pique your interest.

Here are 15 of Airbnb's most popular online experiences right now.

Sangria and Secrets with Drag Queens

Sangria and Secrets with Drag Queens

This is Airbnb's most popular online experience in the world. This group of Lisbon-based drag queens offers a live cocktail-making class, teaching guests how to make authentic, fresh, and tasty Portuguese sangria from scratch. But the cabaret-style drag performance is also a major part of the appeal: think fireworks, smoke effects, lights, and over-the-top costumes. Hang out with the queens after to talk about Lisbon, drag culture, life — whatever you like.

Follow a Plague Doctor Through Prague

Follow a Plague Doctor Through Prague

This one might be a little too on the nose for some…. but if living through a pandemic for a year has only inspired you to delve deeper into historical plagues, this is the experience for you. Virtually walk the empty streets of Prague during the Black Death and other plagues of the 17th and 18th centuries, and get a peek into the PPE of the time. In this 60-minute experience, live audio accompanies professionally shot video filmed during quarantine in the abandoned town.

Booty Shake with Colombian Choreographer

Booty Shake with Colombian Choreographer

Sure, you could hit those dumbbells in the garage. But that seems pretty ho-hum when you compare it to this fitness experience: shaking your culo with a choreographer from Colombia, live. (Plus, you can apply your skills when it's safe to hit the dance floors all over the world again.) In this hour-long class, you'll learn basic or advance booty shaking or twerk techniques. The instructor especially recommends this class for groups of girlfriends; no prior experience is required.

GINspiration History & Cocktails at Home

GINspiration History & Cocktails at Home

In this virtual class for gin lovers (or wannabe aficionados), you'll learn how to turn basic ingredients into elevated drinks. You'll delve into the history of the spirit, craft some delicious cocktails, and, of course, drink them.

Cook Mexican Street Tacos with a Pro Chef

Cook Mexican Street Tacos with a Pro Chef

Learn to make a Mexican street taco, and all of its accoutrements, from scratch in this 90-minute class. The first half hour is an intimate meet-and-greet with the chef, located in Mexico City, and an overview of the recipe. In the next hour, prep traditional red salsa, taco filling, and flour tortillas in easy-to-follow steps. Vegan options are also available if preferred. 

Meditation with a Japanese Buddhist Monk

Meditation with a Japanese Buddhist Monk

If sitting in front of your computer doesn't always feel like the most Zen experience, this one will be a breath of fresh air. In this 60-minute class, you'll sit with a Japanese meditation practitioner who will teach two methods. First is a 20-minute chanting mantra, followed by a 10-minute breathing-out meditation. Afterward, you can share questions and thoughts on the practice. It's especially ideal for a professional team-building exercise or group session; the host can lead private groups of up to 30 guests.

Pasta with the Grandmas

Pasta with the Grandmas

What's the next best thing to eating pasta in Italy? Cooking pasta with an authentic Italian nonna (grandma). In this 90-minute experience, you'll do just that — but it's far from an amateur setup. It uses four professional sets with four cameras each for an immersive, high-quality experience. Sign up to make pistachio pesto, fettuccini ragu, ravioli with ricotta and spinach, classic lasagne, and other dishes. Saturdays are for tiramisu.

Harry Potter Magic in Edinburgh Tour

Harry Potter Magic in Edinburgh Tour

Virtually visit the Scottish city of Edinburgh through a J.K Rowling lens in this 60-minute class. You'll see all the places from where the author drew her inspiration, including the school believed to be the inspiration for Hogwarts, the shops of Diagon Alley, the graveyard where her characters' names came from, and more. Costumes encouraged.

Living Room Legends Scavenger Hunt Game

Living Room Legends Scavenger Hunt Game

This energetic, interactive scavenger hunt game invites participants to compete in fun, challenging missions for points and virtual prizes. You can race random guests from other locations, or sign up together with friends, family, or colleagues. It's a chance to showcase your collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills — so it works especially well for corporate team building.

One Day in Paris with a Parisian

One Day in Paris with a Parisian

Experience Paris virtually through this 60-minute experience. Your Parisian host will share insights and history about the City of Light, including why the Eiffel tower should not be standing today, where Parisians go off the beaten path, and how they shop the open-air markets to prepare a perfect Parisian picnic.

Solve the Mystery Escape Room

Solve the Mystery Escape Room

This digital escape room is all about solving a mystery. It starts with getting to know your teammates. Next, learn the rules and the plot of the game. Now, become a team of detectives trying to creatively solve a case in just one hour. Book with a group to play together as a team.

Tango Concert with Latin Grammy Nominee

Tango Concert with Latin Grammy Nominee

This 60-minute experience merges a live concert with a history lesson… and a cocktail party. This group of musicians with decades of stage experience will lead virtual guests from the origins of tango in the 1890s to Buenos Aires' modern music scene, sharing culture, music, and conversation with the virtual attendees.

Family Magic Show and Magic Lesson

Family Magic Show and Magic Lesson

No fancy equipment needed for this family magic show with your Japan-based host. The interactive experience is right for kids and adults alike. The show comprises about two-thirds of the 60-minute class, with the last third devoted to a magic lesson. 

True vs. False Funny Historical Game

True vs. False Funny Historical Game

This might be a version of history class, but be aware it's not for kids. The regular version gets a bit racy (but you can also choose milder versions for corporate or family events). Expect to hear strange stories and kinky details from ancient Greece, along with some funny made-up stuff. Can you identify the truth from the fake news? 

Coffee Masterclass

Coffee Masterclass

Your hosts for this class are Elena, who is currently traveling, and Christian, who is located in Mexico. They'll teach you what's considered a great cup of coffee and why, covering concepts including the basic neuroscience of flavor. Next, you'll learn the different processes and tips for brewing the best cup ever. A barista handbook is included.

President Joe Biden signed into law his nearly $1.9 trillion relief package, clearing the way for most Americans to receive $1,400 stimulus checks. 

People who make as much as $75,000, or couples earning up to $150,000, qualify for the full $1,400 per person. 

For people who want to get entrepreneurial with their stimulus, there are a handful of businesses you can start with $1,400 or less. As long as you have some backyard space, extra clothes in your closet, or an idea for a book you can create a thriving new career. 

SEE ALSO: How a woman turned her backyard into an urban farm that sells to restaurants and hosts events

DON'T MISS: An Amazon self-published author built an audience from scratch and made $9,000 last month. Here are her 9 steps to your first book.

Launch a pop-up bakery

If you've been loving the show "The Great British Bake Off" throughout the pandemic, a pop-up bakery may be the ideal business for you. 

Before putting your croissants in the oven, consider where you want to sell goods. Laws around selling prepared goods vary state-by-state, but generally stipulate that homemade food can be sold at events like farmers markets but not at venues like grocery stores or coffee shops. 

If you want to showcase cupcakes and cookies at a local coffee shop, you may be required to make inventory in a commercial kitchen. That will drive your costs further, since most commercial kitchens require a security deposit or lease on top of hourly rates. 

Become a self-published author on Amazon

If you have an idea for a book, consider publishing it on Amazon's platform, Kindle Direct Publishing. While Amazon's platform is free to use, your time is a valuable resource: Consider your writing speed and the length of your book as potential cost factors. The good news is, e-books don't have to be long; Sally Miller, who's published 15 books on Amazon, writes around 20,000 to 35,000 words for each.

Your costs will increase if you hire a copyeditor or cover designer. However, those are not requirements to publish your work. 

What may be the best use of your money is paid advertising. Miller will buy paid advertising on Amazon for her work, budgeting about $2,500 a month for Amazon ads. She only has to pay for an ad if someone clicks on it and it directs customers to her author page. 

To be sure, Miller is booking $9,000 a month in royalties, so consider what's in your budget when starting out.

Build an urban farm in your backyard

After Joanna Bassi left her career in Hollywood, she transformed her 150 feet by 75 feet backyard into an urban garden that could grow fresh produce for local restaurants and farmers markets. 

Bassi focused on microgreens — very young vegetable greens  — and started selling at farmers markets to learn about her customers and build a reputation within the community. 

Costs for urban farmers can range depending on what you're growing and your irrigation system entails, for example, but there are also tricks to cutting costs, Bassi said. 

She used free community resources, like "zoo poo," free compost material made from animal poop at the nearby LA Zoo. She also snagged some mulch, made from recycled Christmas trees, from LA's Griffith Park.

Open an e-commerce resale shop

As Millennials and Gen Zers continue to seek out recycled and reused clothes, entrepreneurial hopefuls can turn their unwanted garments into inventory for an e-commerce shop. 

The overall secondhand market is expected to reach $51 billion by 2023, with resale encompassing $23 billion, according to a 2019 report by ThredUp. 

One of the more popular platforms is Poshmark, which provides a free shipping label and takes 20% of sales $15 or more. Other apps include Vinted, TheRealReal, and ThredUp.

Build an online following around your passion

Carleigh Bodrug started off wanting to share the benefits of her plant-based diet with her followers on Instagram and Facebook. The passion project grew into a thriving business when she saw there was a demand for her weekly vegan meal plans. 

As Bodrug's following grew, she invested $1,000 of her savings into creating a website. Plant You features her recipes and offers a membership to paid subscribers. Today, she has 474,000 followers on Instagram. 

Others have found success with business coaching, teaching yoga, and sharing tips on caring for plants.       

• The best teeth whitening kits are easy to use and cause minimal irritation to your gums or teeth. 
• Our top overall pick, Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips kit, is effective, simple, and fairly affordable.
• We interviewed four dentists to inform our choices and explain the ingredients and efficacy of each pick.
• This article was medically reviewed by Dr. André V. Ritter, DDS, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care at the NYU College of Dentistry. 

Some of the most delicious and beloved foods — red wine, coffee, soda— are not the best for keeping your pearly whites spotless. And that's exactly why teeth whitening is a $3.2 billion worldwide industry. Consequently, there are thousands of options out there, including expensive services at your dentist's office.

If you're interested in whitening your teeth at home but don't want to drop serious cash, there are several effective at-home teeth whitening kits. (You can also try a whitening toothpaste.) Below, we rank a few of the best options on the market with insight from four dentists: Dr. Ania Mohelicki DDS, Dr. Ira Handschuh DDS, Dr. Patrick Campbell DDS, and Dr. Charles Sutera DDS, FAGD.

Experts say that whitening kits are safe when used as directed. However, gum irritation and tooth sensitivity are common side effects even when you follow the directions. For more input on how to whiten sensitive teeth, see the FAQ section at the end.

We undertook hours of research combing through both consumer and expert reviews and ratings and did personal testing before settling on the whitening kits we've included in this guide. Each of the teeth whitening kits below are effective, easy to use, and less likely to irritate your teeth or gums.

SEE ALSO: A dentist shares 5 at-home teeth whitening products actually worth buying

Best teeth whitening strips overall

If resting a tray on your teeth doesn't sound appealing, Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips are an effective, dentist-recommended way to get whiter teeth.

Pros: Produces results in four or five uses, recommended by dentists, low peroxide levels

Cons: May irritate the gums

The Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips kit comes with 40 strips for 20 treatments (each treatment consists of a strip on the upper teeth and one on the lower teeth.) You are supposed to wear the strips for half an hour once per day.

Crest's "Advanced Seal Technology" offers a no-slip grip, which allows you to drink water and talk while wearing the strips. Crest claims that after the 20 daily treatments, you can remove 14 years of tooth stains. Hydrogen peroxide is one of the active ingredients in the Whitestrips.

The Reviews team interviewed Dr. Hadaegh DDS to get his recommendations for the best whitening products. He recommended Crest's strips because the hydrogen peroxide levels are relatively low yet still effective.

But, one drawback of using strips is that they don't offer the custom fit of trays, which means you may notice some increased sensitivity if your gums come in contact with the whitening strips.

Best for sensitive gums

If you're looking for more precision in your application to avoid gum sensitivity, your best bet is combining teeth whitening gel with mouth trays or guards like in the Opalescence Go 15% kit.

Pros: Effective, greater control over application, potentially less gum sensitivity

Cons: Expensive

The benefit of using a mouth tray or mouth guard with gel is that, unlike white strips, you aren't as likely to miss spots on the teeth or irritate your gums. 

If you don't have whitening trays and want as close to professional results as possible, Dr. Hadaegh DDS has recommended Opalescence Go 15% to Business Insider in the past. "Like Crest 3D Whitestrips, the whitening gel comes in ready-made trays that adapt to your teeth all the way to your molars," he wrote. "They have 15% hydrogen peroxide, which means you only need to wear them for 15 to 20 minutes a day for five to 10 days. It also contains potassium nitrate and fluoride to help reduce sensitivity while strengthening enamel." Because the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is so high, there's a chance you may still experience some sensitivity, in which case it's best to switch to a less concentrated alternative like Crest Whitestrips.

The prefilled trays can be worn right out of the package, but the kit is more expensive than other reusable options on this list. It's convenient, but you could save yourself money by buying reusable trays (or asking your dentist's office to make you some) and replenishing your whitening pens when they run out. 

Best LED kit

If you don't want to use strips and are determined to use an LED light, the SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit is the way to go.

Pros: Few reports of sensitivity issues, more precise application of whitening gel, reusable mouth guard

Cons: Expensive, dentists agree the LED light will not make a noticeable difference 

SmileDirectClub, like many of the more expensive direct-to-consumer teeth whitening kits on the market, includes a mouthguard with an LED light inside that's meant to act as a catalyst for the hydrogen peroxide that whitens teeth — ideally, giving you professional results faster than other options. It also only requires 10 minutes of use each day.

However, studies don't seem to agree with the marketing claims that LED lights make teeth whitening more effective, and most of the dentists we interviewed agreed that they don't speed up the process. Dr. Campbell DDS put it succinctly: "Frankly, these products are not worth the money." But, they do come with whitening pens that allow you a bit more control in terms of the application so you can avoid your gums and any increased sensitivity. There's also the option to buy only the whitening pens and invest in whitening trays for safe and precise application.

If you don't want to deal with whitening strips or buying gel and trays separately, or you're committed to trying the LED light system, then SmileDirectClub's Teeth Whitening Kit is one of the most convenient choices. 

It's built to last you through one full year of treatments and includes nine whitening pens (enough for two full treatments, according to the company's estimates, plus one bonus pen) and the LED light mouthguard. Unlike most LED options that need to be plugged in overnight before you can use them, SmileDirectClub's version can plug right into your smartphone (Android or iPhone) and requires minimal battery power. 

The company recommends using the device for five minutes in the morning and five minutes in the evening every day for a week, once every six months. I tested the device and found the company's estimates to be conservative — I got more than double the use out of the pens than expected. 

SmileDirectClub's Teeth Whitening Kit is $74 for the LED Light and an estimated 12-month supply of whitening pens, and $40 for the LED Light and 6-month pen supply. You can find them all here. 

Best natural kit

The Miswak Club Natural Teeth Whitening Kit is your best alternative if you're looking for a natural, chemical-free approach to whitening your teeth.

Pros: Inexpensive, easy to use, no added chemicals

Cons: Takes some getting used to, smells weird

Teeth-cleaning sticks known as Miswak have been used for thousands of years in what is now Pakistan, India, many African countries, and other parts of the world. And, a meta-analysis in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that the Miswak was just as effective for oral hygiene as the toothbrush and toothpaste used by Western cultures.

The Miswak Club Natural Teeth Whitening Kit features two Miswak root sticks with two carrying cases. Each stick will last for three weeks of daily use. Miswak comes from the Arak tree, and this product contains no pesticides or chemicals. Miswak Club offers a 120-day money-back guarantee if you do not have noticeably whiter teeth after using their kit.

Several expert sites reviewed the Miswak Club kit because of the novelty of it. Bustle liked that it comes with two sticks in the kit, doesn't make a mess, and is easy to bring along when traveling. Subaholic found that the root works great, but thought the taste was terrible. And, Apartment Therapy was put off by the "sweetly musky" smell of the root but found that when you soak it in water with some peppermint oil, it is much more bearable.

Some reviewers have noted that it may take a few weeks of daily use to notice effects and that the smell may be a bit off-putting.

What else we considered

• GLO Teeth Whitening Kit: Glo Science sells a similar device to SmileDirectClub; both use an LED mouthpiece to reportedly act as a catalyst for hydrogen peroxide. But SmileDirectClub is a better value at half the cost. We still recommend strips over gel and mouth trays over LED light options, though.

FAQs about whitening your teeth

What types of teeth whitening products exist?

There are essentially two types of kits: ones that bleach your teeth to take stains off and ones that physically scrape off the stains. Whitening trays and strips have been the standard for decades and generally rely on carbamide or hydrogen peroxide. Activated charcoal powders had a spike in popularity recently, but the dentists we interviewed would tell you to nix the powders. Dr. Handschuh and Dr. Mohelicki told Business Insider that they don't recommend these because they can be abrasive and only remove surface stains. 

There is a third type of teeth whitening product that simply blasts your teeth with LED light, which typically claims to speed up the process and achieve more intense results. However, most of the dentists we interviewed agreed that any gains from this treatment are short-lived or nonexistent. "Most studies show some difference detected by computers, but no visual difference detected by the human eye. For the studies conducted in actual patients (in vivo), most found no added benefit for light-activated systems," says Dr. Sutera.

Only the SmileDirectClub system in our guide uses this technology, but it is used in conjunction with a whitening gel and a mouthguard that may offer better control over your placement and avoid increased gum sensitivity in comparison to strips. 

Which teeth whitening products are most effective?

"Shopping for teeth whitening products is very simple." Dr. Sutera explained. "There is only one active ingredient in all teeth whitening products: hydrogen peroxide. It's the same agent whether it's prescription use or over the counter. Any other ingredients in the product are inactive fillers needed to create the right consistency of the product." If you see carbamide peroxide on your ingredient list, it's just a derivative of hydrogen peroxide. 

"The key is to understand that whitening can be effective at any percentage, but what differs is the time of use. A high percentage of hydrogen peroxide typically is only kept on the teeth for 20 minutes maximum, while a lower percentage can be worn for 6 hours or overnight." Dr. Sutera explains. "Much of the selection comes down to personal preference. If you have a tendency to develop tooth sensitivity or if you want to minimize the risks of irritating your gums, that's when you'd select a lower concentration."

A few warnings about teeth whitening kits

Peroxide is effective, but it comes with several warnings. Pregnant or nursing women may want to stop using peroxide-based whitening products. It also isn't suitable for children under 14 years old. And, you should not use peroxide for longer than two weeks of daily use without the supervision of a dentist.

The FDA does not recommend using any whitening gels with a peroxide concentration of higher than 18%. Two of the kits we recommend use peroxide (Crest Whitestrips and SmileDirectClub) but they should be safe for most people.

Again, you should always consult with your dentist before starting a course of treatment. For instance, if your darkened teeth are due to the natural thinning of tooth enamel that comes with aging, whitening kits will not help you. Also, they cannot whiten fillings, dentures, veneers, crowns, or caps.

Most importantly, Dr. Mohelicki says the biggest concern is wearing whitening kits for the right amount of time. "Over-the-counter options are inexpensive when compared to in-office whitening, but they offer no gum protection. With no gum protection, users can experience increased sensitivity and even burns in severe cases." 

How to use teeth whitening kits effectively

Before using a teeth whitening kit, brush your teeth so your whitening agent can make contact with the surface of your teeth to improve efficacy, and so it doesn't accidentally create an uneven white. "Any buildup of plaque or food debris will not allow for the whitening agent to contact the tooth and therefore not allow the whitening agent to do its job," Dr. Campbell explained. "You could end up with a speckled, uneven whitened appearance." 

And, after you've whitened, try to avoid food and drinks that stain your teeth."I recommend that my patients stick to a 'colorless diet' just after whitening," Dr. Handschuh told Business Insider. "Meaning, avoid highly-staining food and drink such as coffee, red wine, tea, sauces, etc." But, if you really want to, he recommends using a straw to bypass your teeth a bit. 

As Dr. Sutera explained, whitening your teeth and then having a glass of red wine is like "two people in a canoe paddling in different directions. The whitening products open the pores and clean them out. If you have coffee, tea, or red wine within 72 hours of whitening your teeth, your teeth are more likely to absorb dark stains and adversely impact your whitening results."

Does teeth-whitening damage your enamel?

"Most studies show that whitening does not damage enamel," Dr. Sutera said. Though, there has been recent research that shows teeth whitening can affect proteins deeper in the tooth, though researchers are not currently sure if the damage is temporary or permanent, according to Dr. Sutera.

How can you prevent tooth sensitivity?

"It is common for the majority of people to experience increased tooth sensitivity after having teeth whitening done." Dr. Mohelicki says. "However, for those who already have sensitive teeth, I recommend starting out by trying a whitening toothpaste. This takes significantly longer than trying an over-the-counter product or having teeth bleached in-office, but it can be significantly less painful."

For whitening toothpaste, Dr. Sutera recommends patients with sensitive teeth use a toothpaste with potassium nitrate and fluoride and also use a fluoride mouth rinse. According to Dr. Sutera, potassium nitrate is the primary ingredient that helps with sensitive teeth, and fluoride a secondary option that has also been shown to help.  

If you have sensitive teeth and want to use a teeth whitening agent, you may just want to avoid higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. "The suggestion I would make is to use a lower concentration of whitening agent to get their desired whitening outcome while minimizing the risk of tooth sensitivity." Dr. Campbell said. "Although anecdotal, I've found that brushing with Sensodyne toothpaste before and after whitening has helped me avoid sensitivity."  

Why do you feel increased sensitivity after you whiten?

The bleaching temporarily weakens your enamel so the bleach can pass through it and further lift those stains, explained Dr. Mohelicki. "When [our enamel] is weakened during the bleaching treatment, many patients find that it can be hard to consume hot beverages, ice-cold beverages, or even eat certain foods. This typically wears off within 72 hours of ending treatment." 

• TVs can be quite expensive, but retailers often offer deals to make them more affordable.
• Several big-screen models are on sale this month just in time for March Madness.
• Right now, Vizio's 65-inch P-Series Quantum X 4K TV is down to $1,300— that's $200 off its full retail price.

A quality TV is the centerpiece of any home entertainment system, but finding the right display for your needs and the right price for your wallet can be challenging. When shopping for a TV, there are many different aspects to consider, including size, panel type, resolution, HDR support, smart TV platform, and more. 

If you're looking for a display with genuine home theater performance in mind, then you'll likely want to opt for a 65-inch- or- larger premium 4K TV. The best 4K TVs typically use an OLED panel, or a high-end LED panel with quantum dots and local dimming. These display types will provide you with the best contrast, black levels, and brightness performance for dazzling high dynamic range (HDR) images.  

For buyers who simply want a reliable TV for casual viewing, however, a smaller screen and a more budget-friendly LED panel should get the job done just fine. Though picture quality won't be quite as impressive as more expensive display types, there are many affordable LED TVs out there with solid performance. And, while 4K resolution and built-in smart TV interfaces were once thought of as premium features, nowadays even entry-level TVs come with 4K panels and smart TV capabilities as default features. 

Once you've settled on the basics for what you're looking for in a new display, there are plenty of deals readily available from all of the major TV manufacturers, including Sony, Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, and Hisense. To help narrow things down, we've rounded up all of the best TV deals available right now. 

Here are the best TV deals in March 2021:

Best OLED TV deals

When it comes to picture quality, no other display type offers better overall performance than an OLED TV. Unlike traditional LED TVs (which use LCD panels), OLED TVs don't require a backlight. Instead, every pixel is able to produce its own light or shut off completely. This enables OLED displays to produce superior black levels, contrast, and viewing angles compared to regular LED models. With that said, OLED panels can't get as bright as LED TVs, and they can be susceptible to burn-in if you leave a static image on the screen for hours on end.

For most buyers, however, the pros of OLED tech far outweigh the cons. Of course, the high-end picture performance of an OLED TV typically comes with a high price tag. Thankfully, OLED TVs from LG and Vizio often go on sale. 

Best premium LED TV deals

Unlike OLED displays, LED TVs still use traditional LCD panels with backlights to produce their images. Though this tech does have some drawbacks when it comes to black levels and viewing angles, high-end LED TVs are still capable of very impressive picture quality with industry-leading brightness. High brightness is particularly desirable for the best HDR performance, allowing highlights to really pop from the screen. 

Many high-end LED TVs are branded as QLED TVs since they include quantum dot technology. This feature allows the displays to achieve a wide color gamut for more accurate and rich colors. Premium LED TVs typically include full-array local dimming as well, enabling the backlight to dim in specific zones across the screen. This enables the display to achieve much better contrast and black levels compared to LED TV models without local dimming. 

Best midrange LED TV deals

Like premium LED TVs, the best midrange LED TV models also offer many impressive picture quality features, including quantum dots or other wide color gamut technologies. Brightness levels aren't quite as high as more expensive models, however, and contrast isn't as precise since there are typically fewer dimming zones or no dimming zones at all. 

Still, if you're a buyer who wants to save a bit without losing support for the latest display technologies, like HDR, then a midrange LED TV model will likely be a good fit. 

Best budget LED TV deals

For buyers who are less concerned about picture quality and more interested in simply finding an affordable display with reliable smart TV connectivity, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to consider. These models don't include advanced image features like local dimming or quantum dots, but you can find some entry-level models with basic 4K HDR playback capabilities.

Budget LED TVs can also be found in smaller screen sizes for people who want to purchase a TV that's suitable for a smaller living room or bedroom. And, while 4K is pretty much the standard for most new TV models, you can still save some money by opting for a lower resolution HDTV. 

Electric-vehicle startup Canoo on Wednesday unveiled an upcoming pickup loaded with fold-out work surfaces, a customizable back seat, and an extendable bed. But it's not the only carmaker planning an electric truck with unique features. 

Established makes like Ford, General Motors, and Tesla— along with upstarts like Rivian and Bollinger — are all racing to introduce battery-powered options to the hugely popular vehicle segment, and they're trying their best to one-up each other in the process. 

From what we know so far, many of these forthcoming EV trucks share some key qualities. With exceptions, they generally claim to pack tons of horsepower, supercar-like acceleration, and a great deal of utility into a sleek, futuristic package. 

Read more:REVEALED: How much Tesla, Rivian, and Nikola pay their employees, from engineers to managers

Plus, several companies are looking to set themselves apart from the pack by cramming their trucks with useful and just-plain-cool features — everything from a removable roof to in-truck storage for a slide-out camp kitchen.

Check out some of the wildest features promised in the Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck, Bollinger B2, GMC Hummer EV, Canoo pickup, and Lordstown Endurance below.

Although they're not on the market just yet, multiple electric pickup trucks are set to take the world by storm over the next couple of years.

Electric pickups on the way include the Rivian R1T, Bollinger B1, GMC Hummer EV, Lordstown Endurance, and, of course, the controversially styled Tesla Cybertruck.

We don't have all the details yet about these trucks, but here are some of the coolest features that will apparently be available.

Canoo's pickup will have a work surface that folds out from its frunk...

And tables that fold down from its sides as well.

It'll also have a built-in bed extender that lengthens it from six to eight feet.

Canoo also included a hidden step that makes it easier to access the bed. It's also a drawer where owners can stash food, drinks, and valuables when out and about.

Rivian's R1T will feature what the company calls a "gear tunnel," essentially a long cargo compartment running widthwise through the middle of the truck, behind the rear seats.

That tunnel can potentially be customized for lots of different purposes such as a slide-out camp kitchen, which is a $5,000 add-on.

According to patent filings, the R1T also may have a "swing and drop" tailgate that can fold out to 90 degrees like a standard tailgate, or drop all the way down to 180 degrees for easier access to the bed.

Source: Motor Authority

Not to mention, the R1T can spin in place like a tank.

Not sure exactly what that tank-turn feature means? 

Fun. That's what it means. 

The GMC Hummer EV, unveiled in October, promises optional features like an "extract mode" that lifts the vehicle by six inches on demand ...

... and a four-wheel-steering system that cuts down its turning radius and lets it drive diagonally.

The Hummer EV also sports a transparent roof made of removable panels.

To help with challenging off-road terrain, customers will be able to opt for underbody cameras ...

... as well as underbody armoring to protect the battery and other vulnerable spots.

Tesla's Cybertruck failed to live up to the hype within minutes of its debut due to its supposedly unbreakable windows, but the model has no shortage of features that'll be quite exciting — should they come to be.

During the Cybertruck's reveal event, Tesla CEO Elon Musk showed off a retractable ramp for loading dirt bikes, ATVs, and other cargo into the bed.

Tesla also claims the retro-futuristic truck will be impervious to dents, scratches, and bullets thanks to a thick, stainless-steel body.

It'll also purportedly have a transparent roof that can be optioned with solar cells. Musk said on Twitter that the solar-roof option could generate 15-plus miles of charge per day.

Source: Elon Musk on Twitter

Built for utility, the boxy Bollinger B2 doesn't have much in the way of modern conveniences. It sports manual windows, manual mirrors, analog gauges, and no screens, but it still has a few tricks up its sleeve.

It boasts removable windows, doors, and roof panels.

Plus, it will supposedly have a nifty, folding rear-cabin wall, which will make room for bulkier items that won't fit in the bed.

Without a pesky engine in the way, the B2 will offer a full-length pass through, which lets owners haul 16-foot-long boards and other cargo.

The Lordstown Endurance, meanwhile, claims to have a drivetrain with only four moving parts.

That's because it has a hub motor in each wheel.

But while the EV pickups are on the way, they won't be here right away. Lordstown Endurance, Hummer EV, and R1T deliveries are expected to begin in 2021, while an electric Ford F-150 won't be around until mid 2022.

Source: Road & Track

• Everlane's washable silk tops come in three styles: The Wrap Top, The Relaxed Shirt, and The Henley.
• The washable silk is heavier and less sheer than traditional silk, and more low-maintenance.
• We wore and machine-washed the tops, but ultimately still prefer Everlane's Clean Silk Shirt.

If you asked me to create a wardrobe out of only one material — and I could be as impractical as I wanted — the answer would probably be silk.

Why? It's soft; it's smooth; it looks like a dry martini served in a dimly-lit piano bar. 

Unsurprisingly, though, you don't get the glamour of silk without the maintenance. The queen of textiles isn't cheap, and the care isn't easy: You'll probably need to hand-wash or dry clean it. 

Startups have made it easier to find affordable and relatively hassle-free silk. You've probably seen ads for Lunya's washable silk pajamas or bought a silk pillowcase from Slip ($89) or Brooklinen ($50). The latest washable-silk option is from Everlane, the startup that's responsible for a disproportionate number of our team's all-time favorite basics.

Everlane's Washable Silk shirt collection currently comprises three styles (The Wrap Top, The Relaxed Shirt, and The Henley). These styles currently come in up to six colors and range in price from $61 to $110 (though Everlane estimates the shirts would cost closer to $215 at traditional retailers). Everlane's washable silk is less sheer and slightly heavier than traditional silk, and you can — as the name implies — just throw it in the wash alongside your other clothes. There's no need to hang-dry, either. But, to keep the silky feel, you may want to tumble-dry it on low. 

To see how Everlane's washable silk stacks up in real life, I asked my coworkers to wear — and wash — the silk at home. Keep reading to find our reviews, but the gist is this: These are pretty, versatile tops that deliver on the drapery and luxe look of silk without the need for dry-cleaning. But, if you want a traditional experience and sheen, you should opt for Everlane's $98 Clean Silk version and foot the occasional dry-cleaning bill.

Here's what we thought after trying Everlane's Washable Silk Tops:

Washable Silk Relaxed Shirt

When Everlane describes these blouses as heavier than traditional silk and less sheer, they're not kidding. This makes it more versatile than traditional silk — no worrying about wearing the exactly right flesh-colored bra — but it also feels a bit like a hybrid of a suede and silk. You'll still get the beautiful draping, but there isn't the same lustrous sheen if that's what you're after. Better to stick to their other silk options.

After throwing this style in the wash and tumble-drying on low, I noticed a relatively minimal difference in the make and feel of the shirt, though it did take a little extra care to get the wrinkles out. It's still far less hassle than a traditional silk shirt, but not a dead-ringer alternative.

If you like the sound of something that's a little heavier and less sheer that you can throw in the wash — but that still offers beautiful draping — then you're most likely to enjoy Everlane's washable silk. — Mara Leighton, senior reporter

Washable Silk Wrap Top

I was intrigued when Everlane released its washable silk tops because I only had one silk article of clothing that I put through the wash even though the tag explicitly says "dry clean only". 

I tried Everlane's Washable Silk Wrap top in rose in a size 0. Normally I wear a size 0 and rarely I'll wear a 00, which is the size I should have chosen since the 0 was a bit too big for me. I love tops that are cropped, which this wrap top definitely is, so if you're taller than 5-foot-3 or just don't like cropped pieces, this might not be the ideal top. There are hidden buttons to help keep everything in place, but I constantly fought with the ties that kept threatening to come undone. 

I ran the top through the wash in warm water along with way too much fabric softener and put it in the dryer along with the rest of my laundry on medium heat. When I took it out of the dryer, it looked no smaller than it was before but it also wasn't as soft as it was prior to being washed and dried, especially considering the fact that I used too much fabric softener.

Regardless, I still love the color and how the top is cut. As someone who rarely sends clothes to the dry cleaner, I was satisfied, but not amazed by how this washable silk top stood up to the washing machine. — Ciannah Gin, former editorial fellow

• Crypto whiz kid Justin Sun postponed a $4.6 million charity lunch with Warren Buffett.
• The Tron boss invested $10 million in GameStop and lost out on a $69 million NFT.
• Here are eight things to know about the 30-year-old tech entrepreneur.
• See more stories on Insider's business page.

Crypto whiz kid Justin Sun has shot to fame in recent years for postponing a $4.6 million charity lunch with Warren Buffett, investing $10 million in GameStop during the buying frenzy, and losing out on a $69 million NFT during a Christie's auction.

Sun is the boss of Tron and BitTorrent, the 28th and 63rd biggest cryptocurrencies with a combined market capitalization of more than $5 billion.

Here are eight things to know about the 30-year-old tech entrepreneur:

SEE ALSO: A crypto whiz kid postponed his $4.6 million lunch with Warren Buffett, fueling reports that he's trapped in China

A protégé of Alibaba founder Jack Ma

Justin Sun is a protégé of Alibaba founder and executive chairman Jack Ma. Sun's oldest photo on Instagram shows him receiving a certificate from Ma. "Inspired by the best to shape the future for the better,"the caption reads.

Sun was the youngest member of the inaugural class at Hupan University, a Chinese business school founded by Ma in 2015, according to the South China Morning Post. Ma recruited 30 students who he believed could revolutionize the Chinese business world. Sun wrote his thesis on the blockchain industry, titling it "The Birth of a Decentralized Internet," SCMP said. He graduated from Hupan in 2018.

An Ivy League graduate

Sun graduated from Peking University with a bachelor's degree in history in 2011, according to his LinkedIn page. Peking is China's second-best university, according to Times Higher Education's World University Rankings. Two years later, Sun earned a master's degree in political economy from the University of Pennsylvania, one of eight prestigious US colleges that make up the Ivy League.

An entrepreneur and dealmaker

Sun joined Ripple Labs as a chief representative and adviser in Greater China at the end of 2013, according to his LinkedIn page. He worked at the cryptocurrency startup — which has received backing from Google Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, and other blue-chip investors — for just over two years. Sun also founded Callme or Peiwo, China's largest voice live-streaming app, in 2013.

In July 2017, Sun founded the Tron Foundation, a blockchain company with its own cryptocurrency that is "dedicated to building the infrastructure for a truly decentralized Internet," his LinkedIn page states. Less than a year later, Tron acquired BitTorrent, a peer-to-peer file-sharing service, for around $126 million, according to TechCrunch. Sun currently serves as CEO of Peiwo, Tron, and BitTorrent, now known as Rainberry.

A millennial influencer

Sun has a powerful presence on social media with more than 2.2 million Twitter followers. He's also posted pictures of himself posing with celebrities such as Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Forbes included Sun in its 30 under 30 Asia list in 2017, and in its 30 under 30 China list from 2015 to 2017, Sun wrote on his LinkedIn page. 

A crypto advocate

Sun planned to use his meal with Buffett to convert the notorious skeptic of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies into a true believer. Buffett has said Bitcoin has "no unique value" and will ultimately become worthless, and derided it as a "delusion" and "rat poison squared." 

Sun executed a full-court press on Buffett during their dinner in January 2020. He invited eToro founder and CEO Yoni Assia, Litecoin creator Charlie Lee, and other crypto advocates to dine with them. He also gave Buffett a smartphone loaded with bitcoin and Tron, although Buffett later said he doesn't own any cryptocurrencies.

A controversial figure

After Sun announced he was rescheduling his lunch with Buffett, Chinese news outlet Caixin reported he was being held in China over accusations of illegal fundraising, gambling, money laundering, and pornography activities, citing a report by the 21st Century Business Herald.

Sun dismissed the allegations on Weibo and said he was being treated for kidney stones. "The illegal network fundraising was not true," he wrote in Mandarin, adding that Tron "actively cooperated" with authorities to comply with regulatory requirements. He added that Tron complied with laws and regulations in Singapore, where it's located, and the money-laundering allegation was "not true."

A meme-stock fan

Sun invested $10 million in GameStop and $1 million in each of AMC and the iShares Silver Trust during the meme-stock frenzy in January 2021. He told Bloomberg that the Wall Street Bets movement represented a "paradigm shift" in finance, and suggested memes are the new fundamentals for the next generation of investors.

A NFT proponent

Sun was the runner up in the record-breaking Christie's auction of a $69 million non-fungible token (NFT) in March 2021. He tried to bid $70 million for the digital artwork after he was outbid with 20 seconds to go, but his offer wasn't received by Christie's systems.

Swiss investment bank UBS just took a deep-dive into what it's saying is the most credible electric vehicle effort by a legacy automaker so far.

UBS analysts have been examining every aspect of the Volkswagen ID.3 to help understand the direction of the electric vehicle industry and the positioning of major legacy auto players versus new pure-play rivals, such as Tesla (TSLA) and Nio (NIO).

But why the Volkswagen ID.3? The analysts see it as a representation of legacy auto makers foray into electrics. Volkswagen is the second-largest automaker in the world after Toyota and this is its first completely from-scratch electric offering.

The firm is also known as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with the most aggressive global electric vehicle strategy, the analysts said.

On March 2, UBS released the comprehensive report led by UBS analyst Patrick Hummel. The report highlighted the Volkswagen ID.3's competitiveness in the electric vehicle space, kickstarting the firm's "unparalleled EV offensive."

"VW's software platform and ecosystem is top-notch vs. most legacy peers, but years behind Tesla," Hummel said.

The three key findings from the report were:

1. Volkswagen's electric vehicle platform is fully cost-competitive, which provides a basis for electric vehicle sticker prices as well as demonstrating margin parity to conventional cars by 2025.
2. Batteries remain the main driver of cost reductions. Tesla is still the leader in this space, Hummel said.
3. Software is the biggest challenge for electric vehicle manufacturers over the long-term.

EV market outlook

The Volkswagen findings were leveraged to provide an upgraded outlook on the overall electric vehicle market with the analysts expecting full EV manufacturing cost and margin parity being achievable for leading legacy OEMs by 2025.

The global outlook, however, is dependent on two key variables:

1.  The steepness of the EV adoption curve. 
2.  The technology race between Tesla (and EV start-ups) and legacy OEMs.

The team listed four current potential scenarios for EVs:

1. "Auto companies like VW can narrow the tech gap or even take the lead, while EV penetration growth overall keeps beating consensus estimates," Hummel said.
2. "Tesla and other EV pure-plays widen their tech lead over legacy Auto Inc, while the EV penetration curve is very steep. The gap becomes particularly large on the software side – legacy OEMs lose market share as their product is seen as inferior by consumers," Hummel said.
3. A slower EV curve, possibly driven by battery bottlenecks.
4. A slower EV curve with EV's not reaching full competitiveness compared to ICE cars.

The analysts believe Scenario 1 is now the most likely, compared to Scenario 2, which was consensus 12 months ago.

UBS also raised their own expectations for the market share of electric vehicles in new global car sales.

By 2025, UBS analysts estimate electric vehicles will account for 20% of all new car sales and will account for 50% by 2030.

"Given the long time horizon and uncertainty about many moving parts, a 17-23% EV share in 2025 and 40-60% in 2030 fall within our base case," Hummel said.

The upgraded estimates are based on the technology and cost breakthrough, the increasing consumer choice of attractive EVs and a regulatory environment that favors EVs, Hummel said.

The optimistic view is based on the US market, Hummel believes the new administration will likely  substantially improve the EV regulatory framework.

"What drives EV earnings from here? Hummel said. "Economies of scale. Legacy OEMs with all-in EV strategies like VW can likely fully eliminate the gap versus Tesla, and will enjoy a scale advantage over all other EV pure-plays."

Right now, UBS analysts expect Tesla and Volkswagen to be the largest sellers of electric vehicles in 2025 by a wide margin.

"VW should be well ahead of all other legacy OEMs, thanks to scale, but with a much smaller upside from software vs. Tesla," Hummel said.

Stock picks

The full deep-dive is 115 pages and looks at the VW ID.3 from battery usage, to upstream commodities, to semiconductors as well as the wider impact the EV industry will have on those sectors.

Insider breaks down UBS's top 30 stock plays for the EV market across a range of sectors based on findings from the deep dive.

1. Volkswagen

Ticker: VW

Sector: Global auto OEMs

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 6.4x

Analyst comment:"Strongest EV re-rating as potential #1 BEV player."

Source: UBS

2. GM

Ticker: GM

Sector: Global auto OEMs

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 9.6x

Analyst comment:"Most aggressive EV strategy amongst US OEMs, SOTP potential."

Source: UBS

3. Hyundai

Ticker: HYPLF

Sector: Global auto OEMs

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 8.5x 

Analyst comment:"Asian OEM with most ambitious EV strategy"

Source: UBS

4. Great wall

Ticker: GWLLF

Sector: Global auto OEMs

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 17.1

Analyst comment:"Under-appreciated (EV) market share gains."

Source: UBS

5. Valeo

Ticker: VLEEF

Sector: Global auto suppliers

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 13.4x

Analyst comment:"Highest consensus earnings upgrade and re-rating potential."

Source: UBS

6. Continental AG

Ticker: CTAFF

Sector: Global auto suppliers

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 12.4x

Analyst comment:"No value given to Vitesco ahead of the planned spin-off."

Source: UBS

7. Aptiv

Ticker: APTV

Sector: Global auto suppliers

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 31.9x

Analyst comment:"Exposed to the most attractive powertrain revenue pool."

Source: UBS

8. Nidec

Ticker: NNDNF

Sector: Global auto suppliers

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 50.6x

Analyst comment:"Well positioned to capture E-axle opportunity."

Source: UBS

9. Toyota Industries

Ticker: TYIDY

Sector: Global auto suppliers

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 16.8x

Analyst comment:"No.1 e-compressor supplier in the world."

Source: UBS

10. Denso

Ticker: DNZOF

Sector: Global auto suppliers

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 14.1x

Analyst comment:"No.1 inverter supplier in the world."

Source: UBS

11. LG Chem

Ticker: LGCLF

Sector: Global battery makers

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 30x

Analyst comment:"We like LG Chem for its cost-competitiveness, as shown in the teardown results; this could create medium-term margin upside. The company's rapid capacity expansion plan should lead to market share gains in the near future."

Source: UBS

12. SK Innovation

Ticker: KRX: 096770

Sector: Global battery makers

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 47x 

Analyst comment:"We like SK Innovation for its global capacity footprint. The company's rapid capacity expansion plan should also assure its market share gains in the near future. CATL Buy 101x We like CATL for its technology and cost-competitiveness."

Source: UBS

13. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co

Ticker: SHE: 300750

Sector: Global battery makers

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 101x

Analyst comment:"We like CATL for its technology and cost-competitiveness after the NCM811 ramp-up, its new order intake in the European market, and the China EV market recovery."

Source: UBS

14. EVE Energy

Ticker: SHE:300014

Sector: Global battery makers

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 63x

Analyst comment:"We like EVE Energy for the fast growth of the NEV battery business. It is now an important battery supplier for Daimler, Kia, BMW and Xpeng."

Source: UBS

15. Wacker Chemie

Ticker: WKCMF

Sector: Global chemicals

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 18x

Analyst comment:"Could potentially receive a boost to its silicone anode business over the long term, though it is still in 'proof-of-concept' stage."

Source: UBS

16. Albemarle

Ticker: ALB

Sector: Global chemicals

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 38x

Analyst comment:"Higher adoption rates supports tightening of lithium S/D, and increased medium-term volume growth."

Source: UBS

17. Infineon

Ticker: IFNNF

Sector: Global seminconductors

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 30x

Analyst comment:"We see Infineon as the market leader in semis for the power semis that are critical to the EV revolution. We see it as the best stock to invest in the long-term EV theme, with a strong technology position and ambitious capacity expansion plan (both in silicon and silicon carbide technology)."

Source: UBS

18. Rohm

Ticker: ROHCF

Sector: Global semiconductors

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 26x

Analyst comment:"Rohm can also supply the power semi content needed for an EV, but is better positioned for when the industry shifts towards silicon carbide. We see Rohm as well positioned technology-wise for the long-term EV opportunity."

Source: UBS

19. Gates

Ticker: GTES

Sector: US electrical equipment and multi-industrials

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 15x

Auto sales (%): 45%

Analyst comment:"Higher content per vehicle and winning global market share."

Source: UBS

20. ITT

Ticker: ITT

Sector: US electrical equipment and multi-industrials

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 25x

Auto sales (%): ~40%

Analyst comment:"High EV platform win rate to help accelerate market share gains."

Source: UBS

21. Eaton Corporation

Ticker:ETN

Sector: US electrical equipment and multi-industrials

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 22x

Auto sales (%): ~15%

Analyst comment:"ETN estimates EV-related TAM in NA and Europe to be ~$10-12bn by 2030. ETN also investing into e-mobility platform (vehicle electrification)."

Source: UBS

22. Stanley, Black & Decker

Ticker: SWK

Sector: US electrical equipment and multi-industrials

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 17x

Auto sales (%): ~10%

Analyst comment:"Smaller auto exposure, but fasteners could see continued growth as a method of joining dissimilar materials."

Source: UBS

23. Albemarle

Ticker:ALB

Sector: Upstream commodities

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 43x

Analyst comment:"Established lithium producer with broad geographical exposure, hydroxide & carbonate capacity and spodumene feedstock."

Source: UBS

24. Galaxy Resources

Ticker: GXY

Sector: Upstream commodities

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: N/A

Analyst comment:"Spodumene miner with carbonate growth options in Sal de Vida."

Source: UBS

25. Independence Group

Ticker: IGO

Sector: Upstream commodities

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 28x

Analyst comment:"Recently purchased stake in Greenbushes mine and Kwinana hydroxide plant."

Source: UBS

26. Excelsior Mining Corp.

Ticker: MIN

Sector: Upstream commodities

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: 7x

Analyst comment:"Near-term hydroxide earnings exposure with Kemerton due mid CY 22. Existing spodumene exposure as well as iron ore and mining services."

Source: UBS

27. Orocobre Ltd

Ticker: ORE

Sector: Upstream commodities

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: N/A

Analyst comment:"Hydroxide capacity nearing completion."

Source: UBS

28. Syrah Resources Ltd

Ticker:SYR

Sector: Upstream commodities

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: N/A

Analyst comment:"Recently announced restart of its world-class Balama graphite mine."

Source: UBS

29. Royal dutch shell

Ticker: RYDAF

Sector: Global oil & gas

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: N/A

Analyst comment:"Focus on "decarbonizing mobility", >30k charge points at Shell Recharge by 2025."

Source: UBS

30. BP

Ticker: BP

Sector: Global oil & gas

2021 price to earnings ratio estimate: N/A

Analyst comment:"Next-gen mobility a key focus, targeting >70k EV charge points by 2030."

Source: UBS

• If you want to enjoy the outdoors without sleeping on the ground, glamping offers the ideal compromise. 
• These US glamping destinations promise comfy beds and views just out the windows or tent flaps.
• From safari tents to airstreams, we found glamping vacations to suit a range of budgets.

Though vaccine rollouts are now well underway, COVID-19 continues to spread across the US and travelers continue to seek safe vacations that allow for easy social distancing. As the weather starts to warm up, many people are also itching to get outside.

Camping has been an especially appealing option amidst the pandemic since you bring all your own equipment and sleep in a tent away from others. But let's face it ⁠— camping isn't for everyone. If backpacking with all your food, pitching a tent, and sleeping on the ground while fighting off bugs just doesn't sound appealing, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy an unplugged vacation while connecting with nature.

Glamping offers the ideal compromise since it infuses a strong dose of, you guessed it, glam factor into camping accommodations. Glamping enables guests to sleep in comfy beds while still enjoying a taste of the great outdoors. However, if more traditional camping does sound preferable, these are some of our favorite campsites across the US.

Glamping has grown in popularity with available accommodations now going far beyond a simple tent with an actual bed. Choose from singular accommodations like airstreams, vintage trailers, tree houses, star gazing domes, and more. Even the more traditional tent experiences often come with perks like air conditioning, stylish hotel-like decor, or roomy one- and two-bedroom options with private ensuite bathrooms.

However, keep in mind that there is still no guarantee of safety when it comes to travel. We always recommend following guidance from the CDC and WHO, practicing effective social distancing, wearing masks, and weighing your own risk factors and those of others where you may be headed before planning any vacations. 

We chose top US glamping destinations based on the following criteria:

1. While some glamping options are more rustic than others, all offer cozy beds and luxe amenities that make them a big step up from pitching your own tent.
2. Our picks are based on our own travel experiences, as well as reviews from trusted websites like Trip Advisor and Booking.com.
3. We looked for glampsites at a range of price points, from budget-friendly options starting at $129 per night to splurge-worthy, all-inclusive options with gourmet meals from $1,250. 

These are the best glamping destinations in the US.     

SEE ALSO: 10 scenic getaways across the US that are within a 1- to 4-hour drive from major cities — and the best hotel to book for each

These glamping options are a step well above pitching your own tent and rolling out a sleeping bag. But they're still wallet-friendly options for your next outdoor escape, all coming in under $200 per night.

Capitol Reef Resort - Torrey, Utah

Book Capitol Reef Resort starting from $129 per night

Found in Utah, this resort gets its name from Capitol Reef National Park, which is right on your doorstep. That means you'll wake up to epic views of red rock mesas, and hiking trails are in abundance. 

Though the resort also has standard rooms and suites, more adventurous guests can opt to sleep in standalone cabins or covered wagons. The Conestoga Wagons can sleep up to six guests, with one King bed and two bunk beds. They are perched around a communal fire pit with red Adirondack chairs sprinkled throughout. Though it's a short walk away, you'll still have access to a private bathroom and the wagons are equipped with air conditioners.  

Pros: You'll be close to some of Utah's famed national parks and the surrounding red rock views are next level.

Cons: While the main resort is open all year, the wagons are seasonal and only open from June to September.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: While the cabins and wagons are standalone accommodations, no specific new policies are currently outlined on the hotel website.

Mendocino Grove - Mendocino, California

Book Mendocino Grove starting from $159 per night

Nestled on 37 forested acres, Mendocino Grove breaks up its Safari-style tents into "neighborhoods" of eight to 10 tents spread across the property, for a communal but still intimate experience. Tents range from sleeping two to six guests, and feature heated beds with down comforters, lanterns, nightstands, and more. Guests can also hang out on private redwood decks furnished with leather butterfly-chairs and picnic tables. You won't be totally cut off here since there are USB charging ports in each tent and Wi-Fi available on the property.

While you won't have a private bathroom, the communal bathhouses offer a nice place to take a hot shower (inside or outside) and are stocked with high-end bath products. The camp is pet-friendly and there's even a special dog washing station. Other shared amenities include a coffee station, firepits, hammocks, grills, and lawn games. 

Pros: The camp has special family-style tents in a specific area that's great for children who want to play outside. 

Cons: This camp is seasonal and only open from April 30 to October 31.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The camp reopens for the season on April 30 with new policies in place, including:

• The campground is an outdoor facility, so there are no shared hallways or other interior spaces where germs can linger.
• The majority of toilet stalls and all showers are directly accessible from the outdoors, meaning you don't have to enter public spaces to take care of business.
• Four new outdoor washing stations have been added. 
• During peak use hours, bathrooms are disinfected every 20 minutes.
• You can now drive through check-in at arrival.

Ithaca by Firelight Camps - Ithaca, New York

Book Ithaca by Firelight Camps starting from $189 per night

Billowing canvas tents flanked by large, tilted logs that create an idyllic A-frame shape welcome guests at Fireflight Camps. Inside the tent flaps, you'll find hardwood floors with colorful area rugs, one King or two Queen beds, battery-powered lanterns for soft lighting at night, and a writer's desk and chair. A private porch furnished with rocking chairs completes the scene. For those who prefer an even higher level of comfort, four of the tents include electric heaters, fans, floor lamps, and outlets and are available for a slightly higher fee.

A locally-sourced continental breakfast is included in your stay and a shared lobby/lounge space also features a coffee and tea station. Other shared amenities include firepits, a bathhouse with hot showers and flushing toilets, outdoor lounge areas, and lawn games like bocce ball and corn hole. The camp is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your four-legged friends with you.  

Pros: You can choose the level of "glam" you want here and opt for more rustic tents, or those with heaters, fans, and outlets.

Cons: The property is open seasonally only, from May to October.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This property opens in May and has new policies in place, including:

• Socially-distant check-in.
• Complimentary breakfast packed in a cooler with fresh fruit, locally-made yogurt and pastries, hard boiled eggs, and juice.
• To-go beverages are available for purchase with a food item at the Firelight bar.
• Additional public space cleaning and rigorous cleaning of tents between stays.
• Suspension of mid-stay housekeeping services.
• In accordance with local health department and New York State's policies, guests and staff are required to wear a face mask when in any public space including our lobby area and bathhouse.

Shash Dine Eco-Retreat - Page, Arizona

Book Shash Dine Eco-Retreat starting from $190 per night

Located on Navajo land close to the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon, it's worth getting outside of your canvas tent to explore the deep history of the area. The family roots here can be traced back fifteen generations to the Long Walk, when Navajo hid in the canyons to escape being forcibly removed and marched from the land by the US Army. On walks throughout the area, eagle-eyed visitors can spot petroglyphs, arrowheads, and pottery shards.  

During warmer months, guests can sleep in bell tents decked out with plush bedding, candle lanterns, solar lights, snacks, and games. Or, you can opt to curl up in a restored covered sheepherders wagon. During the winter, there are also small cabins with wood-burning stoves to keep warm, as well as two hogans, traditional dome-shaped dwellings of the Navajo. Don't miss visiting the on-site ranch, with sheep, goats, horses, cows, and more.

Pros: This glamping spot is set on Navajo land so you can explore the deep history of the area during your stay.

Cons: This spot is not close to any major airports so you'll need to own or rent a car.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This property is currently open and accommodations are standalone tents. However, no specific new policies have been outlined on their website.

AutoCamp Cape Cod - Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Book AutoCamp Cape Cod starting at $139 per night

Take car camping to a whole new level on your next beach trip. As the name implies, AutoCamp offers stylishly-outfitted Airstreams as accommodations. The luxurious airstreams pull out all the stops when it comes to amenities, from Queen-sized Tempur-Pedic mattresses with plush linens and flat-screen TVs, to spa-inspired private bathrooms and small kitchens. Each one includes a private deck with an outdoor dining area and a fire pit with a grill.

While AutoCamps are currently open at Yosemite and Russian River, you can get a head start on booking the soon-to-open Cape Cod location. The newest spot will offer luxury tents, as well as cabin-like X Suites that are fully ADA accessible. No matter which option you choose, the chic interiors, curated food and beverage offerings, complimentary coffee and tea, and weekly activities like yoga and beer tastings are sure to elevate your experience. 

Pros: Choose from thoughtfully designed airstreams, tents, or ADA-accessible X Suites, all within five minutes of local shops, restaurants, and historic sights in Cape Cod.

Cons: The site isn't right on the beach so you won't be waking up to ocean views.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This location is new and opening April 1. Procedures include:

• Contactless check-in/check-out will be available.
•  Robust and regular cleaning processes will be in place for accommodations and public spaces and bathrooms, which will include the use of commercial-grade disinfectants.
• Mask-wearing and social distancing will be enforced in common areas like the Clubhouse.
• Airstreams are each a minimum of 15 feet from the neighboring units. 

Read our guide to the best hotels in Cape Cod 

The Trailer Pond - Adelaide, California

Book The Trailer Pond starting at $175 per night

Make your next wine-fueled getaway in one of these cute, colorful vintage trailers. Ideal for a girls' getaway or a bachelor or bachelorette party, these Tinker Tin trailers are found on 130-acres of organically farmed vineyards in Paso Robles, California. Book the trailers individually or reserve the entire area and all five trailers for a private group stay.

The funky trailers are from the 1950s and come in canary yellow, turquoise, hot pink, and lime green. Many feature original touches from flooring to countertops for an authentic vintage vibe. All come with just one double bed, so even a couple might find it a bit snug. However, booth-style dining tables and mini kitchens make for a fun stay.

In addition to taking in the scenic vineyard views and lounging by the pond with a glass of wine, for an additional fee you can book yoga, wine tasting tours, massages, or private tasting classes. 

Pros: Funky and fun vintage trailers from the 1950s found on a 130-acre vineyard in wine country.  

Cons: The trailers don't have private bathrooms in them. Instead, there's a communal, fully plumbed bathroom with an outdoor shower, sink, and vanity.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The Trailer Pond is currently open. No specific new cleaning procedures are listed, but we will continue to update as more information becomes available.

Under Canvas Mount Rushmore - Keystone, South Dakota

Book Under Canvas Mount Rushmore starting at $184 per night

Imagine waking up to the smell of Ponderosa pines and juniper in the Black Hills of South Dakota, after a night spent cozied up in sumptuous sheets, and pulling back your tent flap to stunning views of Mount Rushmore. You can do just that at one of Under Canvas's newest locations.  

All of the Under Canvas tent options feature King-size beds, private bathrooms that include upscale bath amenities, private decks, and wood-burning stoves. Deluxe and Stargazer tents are ideal for couples, while the Suites sleep up to four people and are a great choice for families.

Additional camp amenities include complimentary activities, guided nature walks, and communal fire pits. Food costs are additional, but well worth the extra spend since offerings go far beyond the usual camp burritos. The menu features homemade seasonal fare using locally-sourced ingredients, like pan-roasted trout and mini pulled pork tacos.   

Pros: Canvas tents with private in-tent bathrooms and stunning views of Mount Rushmore feel like an upscale hotel. 

Cons: While the camp is open in September, mornings and nights during that time can be quite chilly and the wood burning stoves aren't always adequate heating.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This location is open and all Under Canvas glamping accommodations are following updated policies that include:

• Touchless check-in and no need to formally check-out if guests prefer to be emailed a receipt.
• Breakfast, dinner, beverage, and retail orders can be made via a socially spaced system in the main lobby tent.
• EPA certified cleaning agents are used to thoroughly deep clean tents between every guest stay, in addition to all public spaces and back of house.
• Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout camp.

These destinations offer upscale perks and amenities, whether it's stylish hotel-like interiors, air-conditioned tents, or a private hot tub to enjoy under the stars. Those little extras can make all the difference in a stay, making these accommodations an excellent value for the price.   

The Mohicans Treehouse - Knox County, Ohio

Book The Mohicans Treehouse starting from $210 per night

If sleeping in a tree house is your dream, The Mohicans has nine unique options for you to choose from, including a little red barn tree house with stained glass windows and a two-tiered house perched on stilts. The property also has a few cabins and one airstream for those who prefer to stay below the treetops.

All of the treehouses have cozy beds, full bathrooms with toilets and showers, heating, and air conditioning. Some also have outdoor showers you can take advantage of during the warmer months. Most also have small porch areas for enjoying the fresh air. Guests can fill their days ziplining on a canopy tour, canoeing, hiking, swimming, or water skiing.

Pros: Each tree house is unique and thoroughly modern with all the necessary creature comforts.

Cons: The most popular tree houses book up fast, so plan well in advance.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This propety is open and there are no common areas to worry about. New policies also include:

• Use of new CDC- and WHO-approved cleaning products.  
• Complete linen changing including ALL bedding between guests.
• Self check-in with no interaction with staff.

Terramore Outdoor Resort - Bar Harbor, Maine

Book Terramore Outdoor Resort starting from $245 per night

Found on Mount Desert Island, guests at Terramore have easy access to the stunning beauty of coastal Maine and Acadia National Park. Choose from five different types of luxury tents that can sleep two to five guests. 

Alder tents are ideal for families, with Queen beds and three Twin beds, though they are on the more rustic side with no in-tent washrooms (guests use a communal bathroom right nearby instead). Meanwhile, for those who want more glam and less camp, Birch Tents feature top-of-the-line linens, King beds, private porches, connected private bathrooms, and outdoor furniture around a private firepit. 

The on-site Lodge offers a restaurant with seasonally-inspired meals, a bar, and an outdoor grilling experience. Guests can spend their days mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, or strolling through the shops of Bar Harbor.  

Pros: This luxury glampsite makes it easy to access Acadia National Park, one of the most beautiful areas in the country.

Cons: Terramore is seasonal and only open from mid-May to mid-October.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This property opens in mid-May with new policies that include:

• Taking extra precautions in cleaning policies to ensure all tents are properly cleaned and disinfected before and after each stay. 
• Public spaces such as restrooms, tables, pool furniture, etc., will be on a strict cleaning and sanitation schedule and social distancing techniques will be enforced. 
• All tents are spaced apart from one another to allow for unique private fire experiences and outdoor seating.

Fireside Resort - Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Book Fireside Resort starting from $309 per night

For those who want a stay that's a step up even from a luxury tent, Fireside Resort is entirely made up of charming tiny cabins. The decked-out interiors include kitchenettes, sumptuous beds, oversized windows, leather sofas, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and large private decks. Some cabins also include firepits and hot tubs.

With the majestic Teton wilderness as your backdrop, wake up to glorious mountain views before heading out to enjoy hiking, skiing, white-water rafting, snowmobiling, and more. In the summer months, you can also enjoy special events from Old West Days to marathons.  

Pros: These tiny cabins are ideal for those who want to try out tiny home life for a weekend or who want to be ensconced in nature but a step up even from sleeping a luxury tent.

Cons: Prices can soar during peak summer months to $800 and up. Book during the shoulder seasons for the best value.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This property is open and each tiny cabin is a standalone property with a private entrance. However, no specific new policies have been outlined on the website.

Eastwind Hotel & Bar - Windham, New York

Book Eastwind Hotel & Bar starting at $259 per night 

While this peaceful spot tucked in the Catskills is a standard hotel with regular rooms, they also offer a glamping option. Lushna cabins are based on Scandinavian notions, embracing the popular idea of hygge with simple but cozy aesthetics. Snuggle up in a small A-frame cabin and take in the mountain scenery without ever leaving the Queen-sized beds pushed right up against the scenery, outfitted with luxurious Frette linens and Faribault wool blankets.

The cabins are small at just 220 square feet, but they do come with private bathrooms and nearby circular wooden saunas. Barbeque kits are provided upon request to complete the camping experience. If you get tired of hanging out in your A-frame, wander over to High Spirit, the hotel's chic cocktail lounge, for a smoky ginger Mezcal Paloma and light bites.   

Pros: A chic hotel in the Catskills that offers small A-frame cabins as a glamping option. 

Cons: The cabins are snug, with Queen-size beds taking up nearly all of the bedroom space.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This property is currently open and has new policies in place including:

• Main building at reduced capacity.
• Not booking back-to-back reservations - all rooms will remain empty for a minimum of 24 hours before and after your stay to ensure time for cleaning and sanitation.
• Drinks available for delivery to your room for those that don't want to sit at the bar.
• Contactless check-in/check-out.
• Cleaning of property amenities occurs daily and additional sanitizer stations are positioned near all amenities.

Read our full review of Eastwind's Lushna Cabin Suites here

Asheville Glamping - Asheville, North Carolina

Book Asheville Glamping starting at $295 per night

Sleep under the stars in a dome with Asheville Glamping. The plastic domes come in different sizes and offer different amenities, but for a roomier option, try Dome 4, also called the Star Gazing Dome. It includes a Queen-sized memory foam bed with a constellation identification book to watch for shooting stars. The dome also comes with a private outdoor hot tub.

Asheville Glamping also offers bell tents, safari tents, Airstreams, treehouses, and the Nest, an adults-only cabin perched in the trees and accessible only via two suspension bridges. 

Pros: A glamping spot with a range of accommodation types including domes, tents, and treehouses.  

Cons: The most popular accommodations book up quickly during the summer, so you'll need to plan at least five months in advance if you have your heart set on a specific dome or tent.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: Asheville Glamping is currently open. No specific new cleaning procedures are listed, but we will continue to update as more information becomes available.

Terra Glamping - East Hampton, New York

Book Terra Glamping starting at $300 per night

The romantic waterfront tents at Terra Glamping include 30 safari-style tents that overlook the bay to Sag Harbor and Shelter Island. Each tent features a porch for stargazing, a comfy Queen memory foam mattress, down bedding, and stylish furniture that varies from tent to tent. 

The site also makes it easy to unplug and offers plenty of activities in lounge tents fully stocked with games, books, and cards, while the dining and grilling area is a casual place to mingle with other guests over dinner. A continental breakfast is served each morning with pour-over coffee, fresh local pastries, fruit, and more. There are also nightly campfire s'mores, complimentary kayaks, and stand up paddleboards for guests.   

Pros: A waterfront spot with sleek tents furnished to feel like hotel rooms just a short drive from some of the best offerings in the Hamptons.

Cons: While there is cell service, there's no Wi-Fi on the premises, which can be nice for unplugging but a hassle if you want to stay connected.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific new cleaning procedures are listed, but we will continue to update as more information becomes available.

Collective Governors Island - Governors Island, New York

Book Collective Governors Island starting at $413 per night

When you think of camping or glamping, overlooking skyscrapers probably isn't what comes to mind. But at this Governors Island luxury camping retreat, the iconic New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty are both backdrops. A short private water taxi ride from downtown Manhattan or Brooklyn drops guests off at a pastoral haven. 

Journey Tents feature Queen or Twin-sized beds with 1,000 thread-count linens, down comforters, and designer blankets. There's air conditioning in every tent so muggy New York nights won't prevent you from getting a great night's sleep. While the standard Journey Tents come with shared bathrooms, you can upgrade to a Summit Tent for a private en-suite bathroom, along with an exclusive minibar curated by The Goods Mart. 

In the morning, wake up to a complimentary in-tent continental breakfast before opting to tackle the many activities offered from a harbor tour to lawn games to a massage. You can also explore the island by renting bikes at an additional fee.       

Pros: A high-end glamping retreat overlooking New York City. Tents come with air conditioning and breakfast is included.

Cons: The tents are expensive and even the cheapest doesn't include a private bathroom. Plus, they are all located right near one another, so if you're looking for a secluded or private stay, this isn't the place.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This location reopens for the season on May 1 with the following policies:

• Contactless check-in/check out.
• Private complimentary water taxis to and from the island.
• Increased frequency of our cleaning as well as using appropriate disinfectants during housekeeping.
• All common bathrooms have attendants to continuously keep these areas clean.

These camps put the glam in glamping. You'll feel more like you're at a five-star hotel than out in the backwoods. While they come with a hefty price tag, no detail is overlooked, from large tents with sumptuous bedding to unrivaled activities and cuisine, ensuring a splurge-worthy vacation. Plus, both spots include all meals, drinks, and many of the offered activities included in the nightly price.   

Little Raccoon Key Glamping - Jekyll Island, Georgia

Book Little Racoon Key Glamping starting from $599 per night

If glamping on your own private island sounds like your idea of paradise, then Little Raccoon Key Glamping is for you. Part of Georgia's picturesque Golden Isles, this glamping destination is found on a reef island teeming with wildlife both on land and underwater just off the shore. In fact, you may even be lucky enough to spot pods of dolphins on the boat trip from Jekyll Island to the glampsite island. 

The accommodations are luxury canvas tents that are weather-proof and feature all you need to be plenty comfortable, including memory foam mattresses and luxe linens, a wood-burning stove, dishes and pans for meals, as well as board games and books. An outdoor shower, gas grill, hammocks, and Adirondack chairs make relaxing in the outdoors easy.   

Pros: Found on its own private island, you'll have seclusion and access to local wildlife.

Cons: There is currently a two-day minimum for this property.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The camp is open and located on a private island with all individual tents. However, no specific new policies are outlined on their website.

Dunton Hot Springs - Dolores, Colorado

Book Dunton Hot Springs starting at $1,025 per night

Dunton Hot Springs is an adventure haven located just across the mountain from Telluride. This outdoor getaway offers an array of exciting outdoor adventures, wellness-focused activities, fine dining, and unique events. In the summer, enjoy a scenic horseback ride, try fly fishing on an exclusive nine-mile stretch of the West Fork of the Dolores, or head out on hiking or mountain biking trails that range from easy to heart pounding. Dunton can also provide expert guides to help you summit nearby 14,000-foot peaks or take guests rock climbing.

Choose between traditional indoor cabins or glamping tents at the Dunton River Camp, located four miles down the road from the main property. The eight opulent tents offer modern amenities in the midst of nature, complete with en-suite bathrooms with six-foot soaking tubs. Each tent comes with two complimentary mountain bikes for exploring the grounds and trails.

Pros: An outdoor paradise for families and couples alike offering both cabins and opulent tents as accommodations. 

Cons: It's very expensive and there are similar options for less.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: Dunton River Camp is currently accepting reservations with the following policies in place:

• Guidelines for staff on PPE and new health and santization standards and practices.
• Guests will be asked to self-park and luggage will be wiped down with disinfectant wipes.
• Upon arrival, welcome orientation and paperwork will be completed in an open-air or separate, secluded location. Guests will be given the option of standard turn-down and housekeeping or a limited version of these services.
• In addition to standard in-cabin amenities, antibacterial liquid soap will be offered upon request and sanitizing and cleaning will take place at an increased frequency.
• All food related welcome amenities, snacks, and turn-down amenities will be individually wrapped (no shared items).
• Dining on-site is open with guests seated eight feet apart and limited hours and capacity. Guests are required to wear masks when not actively eating or enjoying a beverage. 

The Resort at Paws Up - Greenough, Montana

Book The Resort at Paws Up starting at $1,250 per night

Nowhere does glamping quite like the famed Resort at Paws Up, as evidenced by the fact that a stay here includes a camping butler. The 37,000-acre ranch features untamed Montana wilderness steeped in Lewis & Clark history, situated along 10 miles of the idyllic Blackfoot River. There are more than 100 miles of designated hiking, mountain biking, horse, and ATV trails. 

There are 28 cabin homes open year-round, and 36 glamping tents open seasonally in warmer months. Each cabin or tent is individually decorated in Western-chic style with furnishings and artwork hand-curated by the owners. The tents are no ordinary, snug stay. Many feature one or two bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, and clawfoot soaking tubs. Guests choose their camp based on their tastes, opting for river views, cliffside stays, or more secluded areas.

Pros: Set on a 37,000-acre ranch in Montana, the stunning resort offers year-round cabin homes and luxurious, roomy tents seasonally. 

Cons: While alcohol is technically part of the nightly rate, it is only included during designated times such as lunch, dinner, and happy hour. Drinks outside of those times come at an extra cost. Additionally, guided activities like hot air balloon rides or cattle drives are also not included in the expensive price. 

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: Paws Up is currently open with updated procedures including:

• Providing dedicated transportation to and from the airport for just your party of travelers. All vehicles are sanitized between use. Drivers will have masks available for use if requested.
• Increased sanitation of guest-used tables and chairs and an increase in spacing between tables. Guests also have the option to experience dining outside whenever possible.
• Daily housekeeping can be done only while guests are away or the service can be suspended by request.
• Vigorous cleanings between guests.

More outdoor vacation ideas

• The best hotels near US national parks
• The best road trips in the US and where to stay along the way
• The best camper van rentals
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• Scenic getaways across the US that are within a 1- to 4-hour drive from major cities — and the best hotel to book for each
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• Camping essentials: What to pack on a camping trip

JetBlue Airways' swanky new business class suites have landed.

The New York-based carrier marked another milestone towards launching flights to London having taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo with the upgraded business class seats that flyers will enjoy on transatlantic flights later this year. 

Even casual Mint flyers will immediately notice the difference in the new product. Every seat offers fan favorites like direct aisle access and closeable doors that offer the utmost privacy, all in a residential-style designed suite. 

The A321neo is one of JetBlue's newest aircraft and can be found flying JetBlue's longest routes including New York-Guayaquil, Ecuador thanks to its increased range and cost-saving economics. It's also known for its quiet cabin and ultra-modern features like mood lighting. 

The jet that will take JetBlue to Europe, however, has yet to arrive. The Airbus A321neoLR offers an even greater amount of range and JetBlue plans to pack it with even more business class suites to accommodate the near-endless supply of premium flyers on the route.

And before London flights takeoff, the suites will first make a West Coast debut on the New York-Los Angeles route this summer. JetBlue's long-awaited transatlantic flights have been delayed due to the pandemic but are set to launch in the third quarter. 

Here's a sneak peek at the business class suites that will soon take JetBlue flyers to Los Angeles, London, and beyond.  

The new Mint cabin on the A321neo is comprised of 16 business class suites arranged in a 1-1 configuration.

Each seat is angled in what's known as a herringbone configuration, allowing the airline to fit more seats in the cabin while maintaining privacy. It's an upgrade from the current Mint product as there are no paired seats in any row.

JetBlue offers two types of seats in the cabin. There's the standard "Mint Suite...".

And the larger "Mint Studio," the cabin's flagship seat.

The cabin has 14 Mint Suites spanning seven rows while the first row has the only Mint Studios, and they come at an additional premium.

Those that pay extra for the Mint Studio get an entire 22.7-square-foot cabin to themselves.

There's more room to spread out, especially when the seat is in the lie-flat position.

JetBlue even installed a separate cushioned seat here so a companion can share the space.

Other amenities exclusive to the seat include a personal closet that can be used to store anything from a purse to shoes or a jacket. A small mirror is there to help freshen up after, say, an overnight flight to London

The in-flight entertainment screens in these enclaves are also the largest on the plane at 22 inches.

An additional tray table is built-in so companions can share a meal or get work done together. And if traveling solo, the table can also be used as simply an additional countertop to hold papers, a laptop, or food items.

The screen doesn't extend all the way, however, so watching a movie together might difficult.

Standard seat amenities are also included like a tethered remote to control the in-flight entertainment...

A large countertop with individually-controlled lighting...

Wireless charging capabilities...

And a laptop holder under the screen, among other unique touches.

The regular suites are narrower but still comfortable and spacious when seated thanks to the suite's curved walls.

For those that love looking out of the window, however, the angle of the seat makes doing that a bit harder as it requires turning one’s head at least 90 degrees.

Placed on each seat will be the standard business class amenities for the flight. A new service offering was just rolled out in November that includes a new partnership with the Delicious Hospitality Group, Tuft & Needle, Wanderfuel, and Master & Dynamic.

Read More: JetBlue is revitalizing its popular Mint business class as the airline prepares for its European debut — here's what to expect from Mint 2.0

Among other items, passengers will get a pair of JetBlue-specific Master & Dynamic noise-isolating headphones...

Bedding kit from Tuft & Needle...

And a wellness kit from Wanderfuel.

Privacy-minded travelers at each seat can close the suite door for additional exclusivity.

A blue "do not disturb" sign can also be activated to let flight attendants know to skip certain passengers for the meal service.

All seats in the cabin were developed by Tuft & Needle, JetBlue's new sleep partner, and double as mattress pads for when it's time to sleep. Tuft & Needle also created the bedding that includes a "foot nook."

Read More: JetBlue is revitalizing its popular Mint business class as the airline prepares for its European debut — here's what to expect from Mint 2.0

Screens in the suites are slightly smaller at 17 inches.

A fun fact about the in-flight entertainment screens is that they can be extended away from the wall during takeoff and landing, something most other airlines haven't been able to offer.

This A321neo only has eight rows of Mint but the London-bound aircraft will have at least four more rows for a total of 24 seats.

Those riding in the back won't have their own suites but will still get to experience some of JetBlue's latest products.

The rest of the cabin is split between extra legroom seats, known as "Even More Space" seats...

And regular economy seats, known as "Core" seats.

True to name, Even More Space seats on this aircraft offer between 35 and 38 inches of seat pitch, depending on seat location, and 18 inches of width.

Source: SeatGuru

Regular economy seats, alternatively, offer 32 inches of seat pitch and the same amount of width.

Source: SeatGuru

As for entertainment, JetBlue installed the latest in-flight entertainment product complete with movies, television shows, games, device pairing, and a moving map, among other features.

Read More: I flew on a newly upgraded JetBlue plane and despite less legroom and slimmer seats, the refresh is exactly what the airline needed

These screens clock in at 10.1 inches and offer high-definition content.

A cool feature of economy is the "pantry," a self-serve snack and beverage bar where flyers can take food items as they please without bugging the flight attendants.

Flyers can also connect to JetBlue's complimentary satellite WiFI onboard the aircraft, even while over the ocean or above a foreign country.

Mood lighting is a key feature of the aircraft, especially on long-haul flights.

Each lighting profile coincides with a specific phase of flight, whether it be the daytime meal service or cruising at altitude at night.

Mood lighting is also intended to link up with a traveler's circadian rhythm to help adjust to each phase of flight.

Warm colors induce relaxation for when it's time to sleep and cool colors wake the body up.

Each suite has its own lamp with different mood lights controlled by the occupant.

And the Mint Studios are the only seats that come with two lamps.

The lighting extends through the entire aircraft, not just business class.

On the outside of the plane, keen flyers will also notice a new tail design on the back of the plane. Called "ribbons," the design uses optical art to create the illusion of movement.

And powering the aircraft are two Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan engines.

Piloting the A321neo requires minor additional training and pilots will be able to fly it interchangeably with other Airbus A320 family aircraft in JetBlue's fleet.

JetBlue flyers can expect to see this aircraft flying this summer, first between New York and Los Angeles before expanding across JetBlue's route network.

Transatlantic travelers will then be enjoying this cabin by the end of the year.

Christopher Nolan's first two Batman movies, "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight," are back on Netflix and they were among the streamer's most popular movies this week. 

But the 2001 Denzel Washington-starring movie "Training Day" took the top spot.

Every week, the streaming search engine Reelgood compiles for Insider a list of which movies have been most prominent on Netflix's daily top-10 lists that week. On Reelgood, users can browse Netflix's entire movie library and sort by IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes ratings.

SEE ALSO: Warner Bros.' strategy of releasing movies to theaters and HBO Max on the same day is very popular with consumers, according to a new survey

9. "Batman Begins" (2005)

Description: "As a toxic threat endangers a corrupt city, Bruce Wayne finds himself at odds with a league of assassins and forced to battle more than his own demons."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 84%

What critics said: "It's not just the birth of Batman we're seeing in this triumphant interpretation, it's also the dawning of Gotham City's age of greed."— Entertainment Weekly

8. "I Care A Lot" (2021, Netflix original)

Description: "A court-appointed legal guardian defrauds her older clients and traps them under her care. But her latest mark comes with some unexpected baggage."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 81%

What critics said: "The brilliance of I Care A Lot is that it illustrates how exploitation of other humans (regardless of gender) is key to so much of capitalism."— Salon

7. "Two Weeks Notice" (2002)

Description: "A do-gooder lawyer working for a charming but selfish real estate mogul finally gets fed up and gives notice, only for their real feelings to emerge."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 42%

What critics said: "Much of the reason for the film's success is down to the pairing of Grant and Bullock, and it's easy to see how the film could have been a leaden disaster in the hands of blander actors."— Empire

6. "Parker" (2013)

Description: "Parker is a thief — but he has scruples. So when his crew double-crosses him, Parker teams up with an unlikely partner to even the score."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 40%

What critics said: "It's an overlong, arduous caper, drawn from the work of thriller writer Donald E. Westlake much as a patient's tooth might be extracted with much banter and minimal anaesthesia."— Financial Times

5. "Sentinelle" (2021, Netflix original)

Description: "Transferred home after a traumatizing combat mission, a highly trained French soldier uses her lethal skills to hunt down the man who hurt her sister."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 71%

What critics said: "The execution doesn't even come close to living up to the promise, leading to a dull and uninspired thriller."— Digital Spy

4. "Bigfoot Family" (2021, Netflix original)

Description: "Bigfoot's now a big deal. So when he goes missing, his shy but tech-savvy teen son must take on an evil CEO to save his family and a wildlife preserve."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: N/A

What critics said: N/A

3. "Moxie" (2021, Netflix original)

Description: "Inspired by her mom's rebellious past and a confident new friend, a shy 16-year-old publishes an anonymous zine calling out sexism at her school."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 68%

What critics said: "It's directed by Poehler, who frames it as a tribute to change and the baby steps that lead to a movement. It's a Molotov cocktail disguised as a Shirley Temple."— Detroit News

2. "The Dark Knight" (2008)

Description: "As Batman, Lt. Gordon and the district attorney continue to dismantle Gotham's criminal underground, a new villain threatens to undo their good work."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 94%

What critics said: "An exceptionally smart, brooding picture with some terrific performances."— CNN

1. "Training Day" (2001)

Description: "A rookie cop with one day to prove himself to a veteran LAPD narcotics officer receives a crash course in his mentor's questionable brand of justice."

Rotten Tomatoes critic score: 73%

What critics said: "A brutal, fierce, and tense police thriller, Training Day takes a well-worn format and infuses it with freshness and verve."— BBC

• Here's how to get alcohol delivered right to your door whether it's your favorite wine, beer, or spirit.
• Check your state's laws before you shop, and be sure an adult who is 21 years or older can sign for the package.
• Some companies are experiencing delays and have implemented increased safety features due to the pandemic. 

This content is intended for readers 21+. Please drink responsibly. If you or anyone you know is dealing with alcohol abuse, get help. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) provides a free, confidential, 24/7, treatment referral, and information service.

Trying to carry two bottles of wine, a handle of whiskey, a six-pack of beer, and some bitters to stock our bar cart might as well be an Olympic sport. But the task of buying alcohol doesn't have to be so strenuous, and for anyone who can't or doesn't want to go outside to the store, there's always alcohol delivery. 

We've broken down how to buy alcohol online and the best places to order from whether you're into spirits, wine, or beer. Some can get you your alcohol within a couple of hours of ordering, while others may have set shipping schedules. 

One thing to keep in mind with any alcohol delivery service is that each state has its own laws. 

Alabama, Oklahoma, and Utah have outright bans on booze deliveries to private citizens. In almost all other states, wine deliveries are perfectly legal, though they will require a signature from an adult who's 21 or older in most places. Check the National Conference of State Legislatures' Direct Shipment of Alcohol Statutes page for the most updated information.

Here are the best places to buy alcohol online:

• The best place to buy wine online: Wine.com
• The best place to buy indie wine online: NakedWines.com
• The best place to buy sake online: Tippsy
• The best place to buy beer online: Craft City
• The best on-demand alcohol delivery: Drizly
• The best place to buy alcohol gifts: ReserveBar
• The best spirits subscription: Flaviar
• The best wine subscription: Winc
• The best beer subscription: Beer of the Month Club

The best place to buy wine online

Wine.com boasts the world's largest online wine selection, letting you find your old favorites, discover new wines, and shop collectible and boutique wines. 

There's no shortage of choice at Wine.com, where you can shop by varietal and region, or browse various curated lists and deals. You can also pick up gift baskets, glassware, and other wine accessories to supplement your bottles. 

Each product page features helpful winemaker notes, reviews from trusted critics like James Suckling, and additional information about the vineyard. There's also a live wine expert chat function in case you need extra help. 

In addition to home delivery, the site offers order pickup from more than 10,000 participating locations including Walgreens, Duane Reade, and Safeway. 

If you anticipate ordering often, get the annual $49 membership, which is called the StewardShip program, and gives you free shipping on every order for a full year with no purchase minimum.

Now through December 31, you can take 10% off your order of at least six bottles with code "10PS6". New customers can also take $20 off orders of $100+ with the code "NEW2020".

Shipping cost: Varied and based on the number of bottles and the size and weight of your order

Read about more places to buy wine online

Italian Wine Gift Set

The best place to buy indie wine online

NakedWines.com lets you support independent winemakers around the world and you'll receive big discounts so you can stock your wine supply for less.

If you're interested in getting to know the winemaker behind each of your bottles, you'll love NakedWines.com, which specializes in lifting up independent wine labels around the world. You can become an "Angel" who invests $40 a month directly in up-and-coming winemakers, and in return, you'll get wholesale prices (up to 60% off wine) and a free gift bottle every month. 

Even if you don't want to become an Angel, you can still shop the large variety of red, white, sparkling, rose, and sweet wine on the site and try the user-friendly filtering system. You can even browse winemaker profiles to hear directly from the source, read customer reviews, and easily shop all the wine from that maker. 

There's a generous welcome offer of $100 off your introductory case that includes six bottles of reds and whites. For future orders, there is a six-bottle minimum. 

Shipping cost: $10 for orders under $100. For orders $100 and more, delivery is free — except for Hawaii (+$70) and Alaska (+$130).

Read our review of NakedWines.com

Napa Valley Discovery 6-Pack

The best place to buy Japanese sake online

Tippsy is a great way to explore Japanese sake à la carte or through a monthly subscription box.

If you've never drunk sake outside of a Japanese restaurant, you're missing out on a whole world of booze. And if part of the reason is that you're not sure what to order or what to pair it with, you might want to sign up for Tippsy. 

Tippsy is an online store for sake, and it keeps the category from being overwhelming with taste profiles, pairing suggestions, translations of Japanese labels and descriptions, and more. Bottles can be purchased a la carte or through a subscription that arrives one, two, or four times a year. Each box contains six 10-ounce bottles, and your first box comes with a Sake 101 guide with tasting notes, and suggestions on food pairings and even what temperatures to enjoy the sake. 

This is a great way to expand your palate and knowledge of alcohol without venturing out to a Japanese restaurant.  

Currently, you can get $10 flat shipping on all orders, or earn free shipping if you order six or more bottles.

Membership cost: Starting at $93/box for subscription, à la carte bottles starting at $10 — Jada Wong 

Read our review of Tippsy

Tippsy Sake Box

The best place to buy beer online

Craft beer enthusiasts will be happy with Craft City's impressive inventory that tends towards smaller brewery labels. 

If you have a particular craft beer in mind — maybe you tried it while traveling or you bought it from a store once and never saw it again — chances are that Craft City carries it. It also happens to be a great place to buy other fizzy drinks, like craft kombucha and craft soda. 

You can enjoy the nation's best craft breweries, from more well-known names like Ballast Point and Allagash to labels you've never heard of. The nice thing is that you can buy single bottles rather than full packs, so you can create a fully customized beer stash. 

Some of the products include ratings from Beer Advocate and Rate Beer, plus each page tells you exactly how much stock is left and whether you need to act quickly to snatch up your favorites. There's also a cool Product Comparison tool if you're between two beers and want a side-by-side breakdown of their differences. 

Shipping cost: Based on your specific location, and generally, we found you'll pay between $10 to $16 for ground shipping. 

Read about more places to buy beer online

Mason Ale Works Cash Stout 

The best on-demand alcohol delivery

For alcohol delivery within the hour, Drizly provides the most reliable, well-designed, and widely available service. 

Drizly works with your local liquor stores to get you wine, beer, spirits, and even mixers, snacks, and party supplies quickly. Delivery's free in New York City and only $5 in other areas. Drizly service is available in more than 220 markets nationwide. 

Stock and pricing really depend on your neighborhood retailer, but you should expect all the big brands and bar essentials, as well as more unique offerings such as craft brews, bottles from local distillers, and exclusive wines. They should cost you the retail price, or a little more, though Drizly also regularly runs deals and promotions to save you some money.

Both the website and app are easy to use and you can look at your past purchases to make reordering a breeze. 

Delivery cost: Free in NYC and $5 elsewhere

Read our comparison of Drizly, Minibar, and Saucey

Hornitos Reposado Tequila 1L

The best place to buy alcohol gifts

ReserveBar is an online luxury spirit and wine store that carries rare bottles, gift sets, and fine drinkware. It's the perfect place to find top-shelf options for special occasions. 

ReserveBar is an online delivery platform offering everything from bottom- and middle-shelf wine and spirits to the very tippy-top, like Armand de Brignac Blanc de Blancs and Remy Martin Louis XIII.

However, since it does charge a premium on common bottles and brands, we recommend going to other sites or your local liquor store for the bottom- and middle-shelf stuff and focusing instead on all the rare vintages and limited offerings — if you have the budget. 

You'll also find custom engravings, fancy crystal and barware sets, and gift baskets. If you ever want to make someone in your life — be it a partner, relative, or business contact — feel special, ReserveBar's the place to find the best boozy gift. 

At the time of this update, there's free shipping on orders of $149 or more with the code "SHIP149," a threshold that shouldn't be too difficult to hit given the high-end nature of ReserveBar's offerings. 

Shipping cost: Shipping is $15-$35 for orders under $149. It's free on orders over $149 with the code above. 

Read our review of ReserveBar

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

The best spirits subscription

Flaviar is an accessible starting point and community for people wanting to expand their experience with spirits, and it offers no shortage of member-exclusive features to dive into and explore.

The world of fine and niche spirits can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to the scene. But if you're interested in trying small-batch whiskeys, vodkas, tequilas, and more, personalized spirits subscription service Flaviar is an excellent place to start.

In addition to providing quality options (including rare bottles) at great prices, Flaviar also serves as an online community for fellow fans (600,000+ strong) to get together and talk about everything spirits-related. 

It carries more than 20,000 different spirits and every three months, members can pick out one full-size bottle and a curated Tasting Box filled with various samples. There are many other perks, including member reviews, articles about different spirits, cocktail recipes, and interviews with industry experts. 

Membership cost: $95 per quarter or $300 per year

Read our review of Flaviar

Flaviar Annual Subscription

The best wine subscription

The modern wine club model is nearly perfect in Winc's hands, from its large and on-trend bottle variety to its streamlined browsing and customer rating system.

Winc is always updating its stock of wine, which it produces based on consumer interests and emerging trends. That means you'll always have something new to look forward to when you do your monthly wine shopping haul. 

Winc's site is easy to use and browse for different varietals and regions, and you can view member ratings and descriptions for each wine. We also love it because its wines are pretty affordable, ranging from $13 to $32 a bottle. 

Amateur wine enthusiasts can start with the Palate Profile, which will point them in the right direction of different wines to try. Membership isn't required to order from Winc, though it can save you some money if you regularly consume wine. 

Right now, new customers can take $20 off four bottles or more.

Membership cost: $59.95/month, or order a minimum of three bottles starting at $13/bottle 

Read our review of Winc

Read more about the best online wine subscriptions

Winc Wine Subscription

The best beer subscription

Beer of the Month Club has more than 25 years of experience recommending craft beers and uses three criteria — quality, freshness, and variety — to curate its 12-packs. 

This club has been around since 1994 and is more than familiar with the best craft beers you should know about. Its panel members have some impressive experience up their sleeves, including over 100 collective years in the brewing industry and 500 beers rated every year to bring you only top-tier beers. 

Beer of the Month currently offers five different membership types: US Microbrewed, US and International Variety, Hop Heads Beer, International Beer, and Rare Beer. You'll get 12 bottles that represent two to four beer styles and breweries, plus profiles and tasting notes. 

The subscription is aimed at people who want to develop their taste in beer or simply find it too time-consuming to do the research and work themselves.

Right now, you can save up to $30 off prepaid orders. Use the code "SAVE10" for $10 off a 4-shipment order, "SAVE15" for $15 off a prepaid 6-shipment order, and "SAVE30" for $30 off a prepaid 12-shipment order. 

Membership cost: $29.95-$38.95 a month, plus $15 shipping. 

Beer of the Month Club Subscription

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The best wine glasses

Shaving isn't as simple or easy as brushing your teeth. All beards aren't the same, and when you factor in the many styles of facial hair people prefer, there is no single tool or technique that works for everyone. While traditional manual razors are usually great for full, clean shaves on people with straight hair, they're not of much use beyond that. That's where electric razors come in. 

For some people, using an electric razor instead of a manual razor means fewer nicks, cuts, and no razor bumps to follow. For others, the choice to use an electric razor simply comes down to speed and convenience since they can be used wet or dry, with or without shaving cream. Wherever you fall in the spectrum of shaving expectations, there's definitely an electric razor out there that can meet or exceed all of your grooming needs.

We thoroughly test and reviewed all of the best electric razors for most people's needs, below. We've also broken down the differences between foil and rotary shavers, which can help you determine the style that's best for your intended use and hair/skin types. You can find the explanation below, just under our top choices for electric razors. 

Here are the best electric razors you can buy in 2021:

• Best razor overall: Braun Series 7 7085cc
• Best affordable razor: Remington F5-5800
• Best high-end razor: Braun Series 9 9370cc
• Best razor for coarse and curly hair: Bevel Trimmer
• Best professional razor: Andis T-Outliner
• Best body trimmer: Manscaped Lawn Mower 3.0
• Best trimmer for styling: Andis Slimline Pro

The best electric razor overall

The Braun Series 7 is able to "read" the density of your beard, automatically adjusting its power to give you the closest shave ever.

Pros: Waterproof, automatically adjusts to different beard densities, contours to face well, comes with accurate trimmer tool, self-cleaning model

Cons: None to speak of

The Braun Series 7 (7085cc) replaces the older Braun Series 7 (7895cc) as our best overall pick because of its dependability and a few key improvements. Like the previous generation, the Series 7 (7085cc) features Braun's AutoSense technology, which reads the density of your beard and automatically adjusts its power to provide a clean shave in one pass.

The biggest improvement in the design is the new 360° Flex Head shaver that contours to the curves of your face and neck. Using the new Series 7 (7085cc) feels effortless, even in hard-to-shave areas like your Adam's apple or jawline.

The new model (7085cc) also has a detachable trimmer that goes in place of the shaver, unlike the previous model (7895cc) which featured a slide-out trimmer on the front of the device. With the new design, the trimmer tool is placed at the top of the device, so you can see exactly what you're doing. If you're having a hard time visualizing the difference between the two designs, see the side-by-side comparison here.

With 50 minutes of continuous shave time, the Braun Series 7 (7085cc) typically lasts three weeks on one charge — and when it does die, you can get enough battery power for a single shave with a 5-minute quick charge.

Just like previous models, the Series 7 (7085cc) is also entirely waterproof, so you can bring it in the shower, use it with water and shaving cream, or rinse it off in the sink when you're done. — Amir Ismael

Read our full review of the Braun Series 7 7071cc here.

The 7071cc is the same as the 7085cc, except it doesn't include extra length guard attachments.

The best affordable electric razor

The Remington F5-5800 has just enough features to make it a smart, budget-friendly choice.

Pros: Low price for a foil style shaver, small size and comfortable handle, includes a pop-up trimmer for close grooming work, foils on the shaver will tilt back and forth to match your face

Cons: Doesn't have the longevity of other electric razors, will not work with foam or gel, may develop sharp edges over time, limited motion compared to other razors

Electric shavers can be expensive, especially foil-style shavers, but Remington consistently offers models with good performance, at the affordable end of the market. The Remington F5-5800 is one of the better razors available for such a low price. It certainly has some drawbacks, but it will give you a decent level of performance, considering what you're paying.

The F5-5800 has a nicely contoured handle that makes it comfortable to use. Meanwhile, the head on this electric razor is just the right size to reach hard-to-shave areas, such as just below the nose. Keep in mind, though, that the Remington F5-5800 does not allow for wet shaves, and it won't work with shaving foam or gel.

The rechargeable battery on the Remington F5-5800 is reliable, and the handle of the razor contains a series of LEDs that indicate the current charge level, which is convenient.

Many people like to use the F5-5800 as a travel razor or as a second razor at the office, because of its small size and low price. 

One problem many Amazon reviewers mentioned is the failing of the foil screens on the razor after several months. This can expose sharp edges on the F5-5800 that could cause nicks and cuts while shaving. — Kyle Schurman

The best high-end electric razor

The Braun Series 9 offers all of the latest features found in an electric razor to make it more comfortable to use, while also yielding a close shave.

Pros: Flexible 10-direction pivoting head, five different cutting areas for close shaves, titanium-coated parts make it hygienic and rust-proof, good for trimming various types of hair, large shaving head to complete the job faster

Cons: None to speak of

The Braun Series 9 (9370cc) electric foil shaver is an upgrade to both Series 7 and older Series 9 Braun shavers with the latest design features. Although you'll pay extra for these features, the 9370cc is well worth the money.

The cutting head consists of five separate parts — two OptiFoil shavers, a lift and cut trimmer, a direct and cut trimmer, and a protective skin guard. Together, the system provides a smooth and close shave, whether your hairs lay flat, stand up, or grow in an odd direction.

If you weren't a fan of electric razors with pivoting heads in the past because they didn't fit the contours of your face well, you don't have to worry about that issue with the 9370cc. Braun includes a 10-direction pivoting head that provides all the flexibility you'll need. You'll also have to ability to lock it in place if you find a specific angle that works for you.

With 20% more battery power than the previous model, you'll get a full hour of shaving time on just one charge. Considering you'll only need to shave for a few minutes each time, you can get nearly a month of daily use on a single charge — or much longer if you don't shave often. And if it does die, you can get enough power for a full shave from a five-minute quick charge.

As one final advantage over its predecessors, the 9370cc has one of the largest heads found on an electric shaver, allowing you to finish shaving a bit more quickly than with other electric razors. This Braun razor will work in wet or dry conditions, and you can use it with shaving foam or gel.

As a self-cleaning model, the Braun Series 9 comes bundled with a Clean and Charge station and one Clean and Renew cartridge, which contains a solution designed to clean and lubricate the shaver head before each use. Simply dock it in the station with the head facing down, press the power button, and it'll clean itself, so you don't have to. — Amir Ismael

Read our full review of the Braun Series 9 9370cc here.

The best electric razor for coarse hair

The Bevel Trimmer is designed to cut and trim hair without irritating skin and it can be used by at-home groomers and professional barbers alike.

Pros: Can be used wired or wireless, easy to adjust the blade, good for sharp lines, optional T-liner blade available separately, the rechargeable batter is replacable

Cons: Can't be used underwater

If you have coarse or curly hair, you've probably struggled to find products that make grooming comfortable. While most razors focus on getting the absolute closest cut possible, that's also usually the first step to unattractive, painful, or itchy razor bumps. Luckily, the Bevel Trimmer solves that. 

Founded in 2013, Walker and Company (Bevel's parent company) was created by Tristan Walker to cater to the grooming needs of people with coarse or curly hair. While that most directly applies to people of color, the brand's products are generally great for anyone who has sensitive skin.

Rather than using multiple blades that either cut hair below the surface of the skin or snag and pull on hair, the Bevel Trimmer uses an adjustable blade to cut hair to the same level of the skin.  

The Bevel Trimmer is extremely precise and sharp, and a small mechanism inside gives you the ability to adjust the blade. This is a nice feature because most trimmers (even the professional ones used by barbers, including the Andis T-Outliner included in this list) require a screwdriver to make adjustments. — Amir Ismael

Read our full review on the Bevel Trimmer. 

The best professional razor

The professional-grade Andis T-Outliner is perfect for those who buzz cut their heads and barbers who need close-cutting accuracy.

Pros: Professional, affordable, dry shaving, phasing, great for full head shaving, lasts years

Cons: Needs oiling, which involves removing screws, not cordless

If you shave your full head multiple times a week and you're sick of paying the barbershop to get it done, you may want to pick up the professional-grade Andis T-Outliner. This electric razor is used in many barbershops, and people who shave their full head swear by it. You can also use it for trimming your neck, beard, mustache, and hairline.

The Andis T-Outliner trimmer uses a close-cutting T-shaped blade that's perfect for full head shaving, fades, and designs. Andis sells a cordless version, but the one we reviewed has a heavy-duty 8-foot cord, so even though it's corded, you'll still have plenty of room to move.

The trimmer's carbon-steel blades are specially hardened so that they last longer than your average blade. The blades are fairly easy and inexpensive to replace, though, so when the time comes, it's an easy swap.

You do have to oil it often to keep it running smoothly, and every now and then it'll need a full tune-up. That does require unscrewing some small screws to oil the insides, but you won't have to do this regularly. 

Our tester has used this trimmer for 12 years, and he uses it at least twice a week to fully shave his head. It has worked like a charm for all these years, and he fully expects it to continue to do so. He's also only had to replace the blade and open it up for oiling once in all that time. — Malarie Gokey

The best body trimmer

The Manscaped Lawn Mower 3.0 closely and comfortably trims body hair without the risk of nicks and cuts.

Pros: Safe to use on sensitive areas, comes with several length guards, waterproof

Cons: Not multifuncitional

If you're searching for an electric razor or trimmer, chances are you're looking for something intended for your body, rather than your face. Even if you own a good beard trimmer, it's not a good idea to use it on your face.

At $70, the Manscaped Lawn Mower 3.0 might seem expensive, but it's well worth it if you're using it specifically for trimming body hair. The trimmer features SkinSafe technology that prevents you from uncomfortable snags or cuts, while still providing a close shave all over your body, especially below the belt.

Anyone who has trimmed their groin area knows how catastrophic having an unsteady hand or using too much pressure can be. With the Lawn Mower 3.0, it's virtually impossible to make a mistake. After using it a few times very cautiously, I became more comfortable and trusted the SkinSafe technology more. You'd have to really dig this into your skin to come close to cutting yourself.

The trimmer head is small for accurately trimming in tight areas and comes with four guards, so you can decide how much of your hair you trim. It's also fully waterproof, so you can use it in the shower or rinse it off in the sink without the risk of damage.

The best electric trimmer for styling

The Andis Slimline Pro's compact design and powerful motor and make it ideal for sharp and precise detail trimming.

Pros: Perfect size for precise and detailed trimming, titanium body won't rust, comes with several length guards 

Cons: Not waterproof

Not everyone is looking for a smooth, skin-close shave, and that's where detail-oriented grooming tools come into play. For some people, their grooming regimen calls for slightly trimming length off their facial hair and creating sharp lines along the mustache, beard, and neckline.

While some electric razors come with a trimming attachment, the Andis Slimline Pro's design is fully dedicated to trimming. As a professional-grade tool, it can outperform any trimmer attachment and it's simple enough to use at home. 

The trimmer has a slim profile and weighs only 4 ounces, making it easy to control and hold in-hand. Despite its small size, it has a single-speed motor that delivers an impressive 6,000 cutting strokes per minute. It comes with four comb guard attachments, a charging stand, blade oil, and a cleaning brush.

I have some facial hair and like to maintain clean lines in between trips to the barber. Although I own other electric razors, the Andis Slimline Pro is my tool of choice because of the accuracy. Most trimmer attachments on electric razors feel like an afterthought, and can be hard to control.

What else we've considered

Panasonic Arc5 (LV65-S)

The Panasonic Arc5 was previously our choice for the best razor for coarse hair, but I recently removed it. While the brand has put research and development into cutting thick and curly hairy, the overall design is very similar to other foil shavers/razors. You'll find contouring and pivoting blade heads, a powerful motor, and different power settings on most any similar razor worth having.

The Bevel Trimmer, which is arguably more similar to the Andis T-Outliner, is a better choice for anyone who has coarse hair and specifically wants to avoid razor bumps — a common issue while shaving or trimming. You won't be able to use the Bevel Trimmer in the shower or run it underwater, though.

However, if you must have a wet and dry razor, the Panasonic Arc5 would be a better choice. I've used it on my neck and face and it's pretty good. I got a few razor bumps here and there, but it was far less egregious than other trimmers. 

GilletteLabs Heated Razor

When you think of electric razors, grooming tools with a motor and an oscillating blade usually come to mind first. The GilletteLabs Heated Razor doesn't have either of those attributes, but it is a razor and it technically is electric. 

Coming in the form of a more traditional multi-blade razor, it features five blades for a close shave, FlexDisc technology to contour to your face and neck, and most notably, an Intelligent Heat Control System. Located directly underneath the five-blade system is a warming bar that delivers the sensation of a hot towel in every stroke of the blade. 

Wet shaving with traditional razors is not my preferred way to groom my facial hair, but I thoroughly enjoyed using the GilletteLabs Heated Razor. The heat feels amazing. I didn't include it on this list because if you already use traditional multi-blade razors, chances are you're content with your more affordable blades and you're not specifically looking for an electric version. At $200, the GilletteLabs Heated Razor isn't cheap, but it's a wonderful gift or item to splurge on for anyone that likes wet shaving with traditional razors. You can read my full review here.  

Andis Profoil Lithium Plus

While the Andis Profoil Lithium Plus can be used at home, it's something you'd probably find in a barbershop along with a professional barber's other grooming tools. If you're looking for a multi-functional grooming tool, this isn't the right choice for you. But if you need a strong and dependable razor with one setting for a close shave, you'll find this to be an extremely useful and cost-effective option. I always pay close attention to the tools barber uses and I've gotten extremely close fades and shave with the Andis Profoil Plus and I got equally good results at home during my own testing. The only reason this doesn't make the list is that it doesn't have multiple functions, which most people grooming at home really want. 

Cleaning, maintenance, and care FAQs

We talked with professional barber Sydney Shlakman of Hairrari Hair Salon in Brooklyn, New York about some care and maintenance tips for your grooming tools.

We've also answered other frequently asked questions pertaining to grooming tools.

What is the difference between foil and rotary razors?

• Foil: The foil electric shaver contains oscillating blades that move back and forth at high speeds. These blades are covered with guards that lift hair for cutting and that protect the skin. A foil razor will often have a few separate cutting blades that flex independently to match the contours of your face. However, because a foil head has a rectangular shape, it might not match your face as well as a rotary razor.
• Rotary: The rotary razor has round blades that spin. You'll receive protection from the spinning rotary blades with a slotted guard that sits atop the blades and helps to lift the hairs so they're easier to cut. The heads flex in multiple directions, giving you a close shave by hugging the contours of your face. However, rotary heads are more difficult to clean after shaving versus the foil shaver.

How often should I clean my razor or trimmer?

"You should clean your tools after every use," Shlakman told Insider. "It's important to maintain clean grooming tools to make sure your tools are working properly and do not build up bacteria or rust."

What is the best way to clean grooming tools?

"The best way to clean your grooming tools is by using a barber bristle brush to brush the hair off of your tools and also using a blade cleaning spray," said Shlakman. "I like using Andis Cool Care Plus to clean and lubricate my blades. You want to brush the hair off first and then spray the cleaning spray."

Some shavers like the Braun Series 7 and Series 9 come with a clean and charge base that will clean it automatically. If your device doesn't have a cleaning system, you should remove the blade, brush or rinse out excess hair, sanitize it, and re-oil your blade before the next use.

Why do I need to oil my blade?

Without oil, razors — whether foil, rotary, or a combination of both — can generate a lot of friction and heat. When a blade gets hot without proper lubrication, it will underperform and will eventually rust and warp. You won't get as close of a shave, you'll be more prone to nicks and cuts, and you'll have to replace your blades more often.

What kind of oil can I use on my blades?

Most electric razors and trimmers come with oil, but should you run out, you can use a variety of oils to keep your blades lubricated. A few drops of olive oil, coconut oil, baby oil, or even your favorite beard oil can get the job done. You'll want to avoid products that definitely don't belong on your face like motor oil or WD-4o.

Can I use the same electric razor for my face and my body?

While some electric trimmers can adequately be used anywhere, it's recommended that you use separate blades for your face and body. The bacteria on your face thrives in dry areas with oxygen and bacteria on your groin area thrive in moist environments. Potentially mixing the two by using the same blade everywhere can cause irritations and breakouts.

If you already have a grooming tool you like for your face, it's a good idea to buy a separate tool dedicated to body grooming.

Check out our other shaving gear guides

The best beard trimmers you can buy

A decent beard trimmer should be precise, versatile, and easy to use. They give you more granular control over the length and shape of your facial hair than your average electric razor. 

The best shaving mirrors

It's very easy to miss some whiskers on your neck or elsewhere on your face if the mirror in your bathroom isn't clear, large, or well-lit enough. If this is the case for you, or if you just want a fogless mirror you can use to shave in the shower so you can save a few minutes in the morning, then it may be time to add a dedicated shaving mirror to your kit.

It's been a full year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Although vaccination numbers are increasing daily, it is still super important to wear a face mask. 

The CDC recommends that everyone wear a face mask and continue practicing social distancing, even if you've been vaccinated.

Whether you have any symptoms of illness or not, face masks should be one of your most essential daily belongings — right along with your phone, wallet, and keys.

To help you stay persistent at limiting the spread of the novel coronavirus and staying healthy, we rounded up all of the places you can buy cloth face masks, plus everything you need to know about picking them out, effectively wearing them, cleaning them, and more.

Where to buy face masks online

Below is a list of all the articles we've written about face masks. We've rounded up everything from the best face masks you can buy from retailers like Etsy and Amazon to the best face masks for working out to the best ones we've personally tested. 

Etsy

Check out the highest-rated options on Etsy here

Etsy has a large selection of homemade masks for sale. It's a great place to find quality cloth face masks if you haven't found one by a well-known name brand that you like. Buying from Etsy is also a great way to support small businesses.

Amazon

Check out affordable cloth face masks for adults and children on Amazon here

Amazon offers a handful of brand name masks, along with generic face masks in large bulk and one-time use surgical masks. Previously, Amazon limited purchasing surgical masks and other medical-grade equipment to verified healthcare workers, but as supply and demand have evened out, you can now pick them up here too.

Uniqlo

Read our full review on the Uniqlo Airism Face Mask here

The Uniqlo Airism Face Mask was a major hit when it launched in Japan early last year. By the end of 2020, it became available in the United States — and it was clear why they were so popular. The masks are lightweight, breathable, and washable. They're great for wearing in hot weather as well as for double-masking over a surgical mask. They're available in sizes for adults and kids.

Everlane

Best face masks we've personally tested

Here are the best face masks we've tested

Over the past year, we've collectively worn a bunch of masks, whether for personal use or for product reviews. Here, you'll find all of our favorites and why we like them.

Best masks for double masking and how to do it

Read our full explainer on double-masking here

According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, doubling up on face masks is a good idea and "makes common sense."

If you already have single-use surgical masks, you should still invest in a good cloth face mask for doubling up. Here, we've rounded up the best masks for double-masking and a full explainer on why it's a good practice.

Kids' face masks

Find affordable cloth face masks for kids here

Kids need masks, too. If you're searching for masks that fit the faces of your little ones well, you'll find many affordable options here.

Lightweight face masks

Check out lightweight, breathable face masks to help you stay safe on hot summer days here

If you're particularly interested in masks that are easy to wear in the summer, you'll want to go with one of these lightweight options. Materials like linen or lightweight cotton are still protective but a bit more comfortable to wear in the heat. 

Best face masks for working out and running

Find the best face masks for working out and running here

Whether you're working out outdoors or in a gym operating at minimal capacity, you'll want to wear a mask that's breathable and secure. These are the best options for running and workouts.

Stylish face masks

Check out the brands making stylish, reusable cloth face masks here.

Many of your favorite brands in the textile industry (including those that normally make clothes, shoes, bags, bedding, and more) are using some of their resources to produce masks. Whether you're a brand loyalist, you want a mask that matches some of your other wearable items, or you simply want a mask from a brand you're familiar with, you'll find it here.

How to solve common annoyances associated with face masks

Common annoyances that come with wearing a face mask — and how to solve them responsibly

From eating and drinking to concealing your mouth from those who read lips, there are some annoyances that come with wearing masks. Fortunately, there are also solutions to these problems — and none of them include skipping a mask altogether. 

Why is it important to wear a face mask?

Wearing a face mask decreases the likelihood of you potentially transmitting the virus, but if everyone in the community around you wears a mask, then it decreases the likelihood of them transmitting it to you.

According to the CDC's most recent estimates, 40% of people infected with the new coronavirus may be asymptomatic or presymptomatic. 

Whether you're asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, or showing mild symptoms that could be brushed off as a common cold, there's still a possibility you've contracted the new coronavirus and can unknowingly spread it to others. For this reason, the CDC recommends that everyone, not just those who show symptoms, wear a face mask outside the home.

Note that cloth face masks are not medical grade and that additions like filters have not been proven to be any safer or more effective. 

What to look for in a face mask, according to the CDC

A snug fit that sits comfortably against the side of the face and does not gap; ties or ear loops that keep it secure; completely covers the nose and mouth, and fits securely under the chin; two or more layers of fabric; breathability without restriction; and the ability to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to its shape.

How to measure your face for a face mask

While most masks are designed to fit most faces, some will come in more specific sizes like small, medium, and large. If you're stumped on which size to order, the best way to figure it out is to measure your face and then choose based on the brand's size chart. You'll want to use a garment tape measure to get these two measurements:

Measurement #1: Across your face — Going over the bridge of your nose and under your eyes, measure the width of your face.

Measurement #2: From nose to chin — Start from the bridge of your nose and go down to the bottom of your chin.

How to properly clean your cloth face masks

Learn how to properly disinfect your cloth face masks, according to an infectious disease specialist here.

Cleaning your mask is just as important as wearing it in the first place. Wearing or handling a dirty mask can spread germs not limited to just the novel coronavirus. Whether you'd prefer to hand wash or machine wash your masks, here's everything you need to know about doing it.

How to properly wear a face mask, as recommended by CDC's Dr. Paige Armstrong

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• Walmart+ is a new shopping membership service that launched in September.
• For $98 per year or $12.95 per month, Walmart+ offers a currently short list of benefits to undercut Amazon Prime— a service that costs $119 per year.
• Walmart also just got rid of the $35 shipping minimum for all orders made by Walmart+ members.

Whether you're an Amazon Prime member or not, the launch of a competitor service like Walmart+ changes the landscape quite a bit for online shopping. For $98 per year or $12.95 monthly, Walmart+ members receive benefits to rival those of Prime members. Is it worth it to subscribe to the service? Between the two, which will better fit your needs? Walmart offers a free 15-day trial for you to explore, but if you want answers before enrolling, we've also compiled the three main benefits that Walmart+ offers upon sign-up.

Unlimited free delivery

The new face of the previously titled Delivery Unlimited service offered by Walmart, this feature offers exactly what it's named for: unlimited free delivery. A wide array of product categories are covered under the umbrella of unlimited free delivery, "from tech and toys to household essentials and groceries," all available as soon as the same day you order, or with one-hour pickup. However, eligibility is variable; you'll have to enter your address to find out if you even qualify for service.

Walmart also removed the $35 shipping minimum for Walmart+ members' orders as of December 4, although that doesn't apply to groceries. Members can order as often as they please, without paying a delivery fee outside of the yearly or monthly flat membership rate. Previous subscribers of the Delivery Unlimited service will automatically be enrolled in Walmart+.

As of March 1, Walmart has also waived the $35 minimum from two-hour Express Delivery orders. Walmart+ members will instead pay a flat-rate $10 fee, bypassing an additional delivery fee charged to standard shoppers. 

Scan & Go

A benefit intended to introduce touch-free checkout, the Scan & Go feature allows members to use the Walmart App to scan items in-store and check out from their smartphones. This benefit, which may initially seem like more of a chore than a service, allows you to not only maintain social distance, but also to skip the lines that usually plague the Walmart checkout process.

Fuel discounts

Primarily benefiting members with locations near them, the final advantage of Walmart+ is the opportunity to save up to 5 cents per gallon when you fill up at any Walmart, Murphy USA,  Murphy Express, or Sam's Club fuel station. The inclusion of Sam's Club in the program is a new perk that Walmart just announced on December 2.

President Joe Biden can expect a blizzard of lawsuits from red-state attorneys hoping to doom his political agenda and tie up his policies in courts full of judges appointed by President Donald Trump. 

Republican attorneys general have already started filing lawsuits against Biden's early moves in office, and they say there will be more where that came from. 

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody sued the Biden administration on March 8 over its immigration enforcement policies. A coalition of 12 states filed a separate lawsuit that same day challenging a Biden effort to recalculate how the costs of climate change impact society. 

Even before Biden entered the White House, a coalition of 18 GOP attorneys general participated in a failed attempt to coax the US Supreme Court to overturn the 2020 election results. In his first week in office, Biden received a letter from six attorneys general warning that they're prepared to sue if they think his actions go out of bounds.

"You're going to see a lot of AGs step up and begin to file lawsuits and, unfortunately, be involved in pretty deep litigation over the president's top initiatives," West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, who spearheaded the letter to Biden, told Insider in a February 4 interview. 

With Democrats in control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, "we will be that last line of defense against one-party rule in Washington," Morrisey said. 

It's become standard practice for state attorneys general of the opposing political party to pepper the White House with litigation. The Obama and Trump administrations were besieged by lawsuits from state attorneys hoping to overturn major policies, including on healthcare, immigration, and climate change.

Biden's nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, built his national brand by suing the Trump administration more than 100 times. 

Democratic attorneys general won about 80% of lawsuits against the Trump administration, according to Paul Nolette, a political-science professor at Marquette University who keeps track of such cases on his website. During the Obama years, Republicans won about 60% of suits. 

Many of the Republican attorneys general already fine-tuned their strategies during President Barack Obama's administration. Others are new and looking for national recognition by chalking up big wins against the White House.

These 12 GOP state lawyers are certain to be lining up against Biden in court. They include an Arkansas attorney general running against Sarah Huckabee Sanders to be governor in 2022, a 35-year-old serving as Kentucky's first Black attorney general, and the top Texas attorney who worked with Trump's lawyers to try to get Biden's election tossed out.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

Texas has long been home to prominent GOP attorneys general — and the state now has a vocal leader in its corner: Paxton. He's a Trump ally and has sued to overturn the Affordable Care Act. 

Paxton, working with Trump's attorneys, led the failed bid to ask the Supreme Court to overturn the presidential-election results in battleground states, despite opposition from lawyers in his own office, The New York Times reported.

The state's attorney general since 2015, Paxton achieved some success just days into the Biden administration. A federal judge in late January blocked Biden's 100-day moratorium on deportations of some unauthorized immigrants after Paxton sued. He alleged the moratorium was unconstitutional and that it violated an agreement signed by the Trump administration and Texas. 

Paxton followed that order with a congratulatory tweet: "Within 6 days of Biden's inauguration, Texas has HALTED his illegal deportation freeze," Paxton tweeted. "*This* was a seditious left-wing insurrection. And my team and I stopped it."

The judge in late February indefinitely blocked the enforcement of Biden's attempted deportation freeze.  

Paxton, who didn't respond to a request for comment, is also under investigation by the FBI over allegations that he used his office to help a wealthy donor, according to The Associated Press. He also pleaded not guilty to securities-fraud charges in 2015.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey

Morrisey was a major thorn in the side of the Obama administration and is ready to reprise that role with Biden in the White House. 

He led the coalition that sent a warning letter to Biden on January 27. The letter said that if Biden signed unconstitutional laws or his administration got out of bounds, "it will likewise be our responsibility to take action."

The move was designed to set up "guardrails" for the Biden administration, Morrisey told Insider. He added that Biden had already "blown past" what Republican attorneys general warned against with his early moves in the White House, including a raft of executive orders.

The coal-state Republican — who was a leading critic of Obama's environmental policies — cited the new administration's climate-change policies in particular as an area where he was planning to challenge Biden's team. Morrisey led a coalition of states that succeeded in convincing the Supreme Court to stall Obama's signature climate-change rule, the Clean Power Plan. It was a major victory for Republican attorneys general at the time. 

The new Democratic team in the White House is "actually the Obama administration on steroids," Morrisey said of Biden, who has promised to make combating climate change a pillar of his agenda. "We think they're going further than the Obama administration."

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr

Carr is the chairman of the Republican Attorneys General Association, or RAGA — and he's served as Georgia's attorney general since 2016, when he was appointed to fill out a term left by a vacancy. He was elected in 2018 to a four-year term.

His top priorities are protecting the Constitution, the laws of Georgia, and the interest of the state's residents, according to RAGA's website. He's also worked on middle-ground issues as attorney general, including fighting human trafficking, combating opioid abuse, and protecting older residents. 

Carr hasn't always taken the sides of some of the attorneys general more to the right, including Paxton. Last year, he called Paxton's lawsuit challenging the election results "constitutionally, legally and factually wrong." 

Carr's office did not respond to a request for comment or an interview.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall

Marshall in November became chairman of the Rule of Law Defense Fund, the policy branch of RAGA. But the Alabama attorney general said he didn't know that the group put out a robocall urging people to "march to the Capitol building and call on Congress to stop the steal" on January 6, according to a Documented story, which uncovered the call.

He condemned the violence and said there were "unauthorized decisions" made without his knowledge.

Marshall served as a district attorney for 16 years before being sworn in as Alabama's attorney general in 2017. His office called his rise to chairman of RAGA's policy arm "a nod to his demonstrated expertise and leadership on a variety of national policy issues including the opioid crisis, illegal immigration, and religious liberty."

Marshall appeared at the White House in December in support of Trump's election lawsuit.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge

Rutledge is running to be governor of her state in 2022, and she's facing what could be a tough primary next year against her friend Sanders, Trump's former White House press secretary. 

Keeping her name in the headlines for challenging Biden's policies could help Rutledge in her gubernatorial campaign. She backed Paxton's effort to contest Biden's election at the Supreme Court and signed on to the cautionary letter led by Morrisey. 

"This is Obama 2.0 plus," Rutledge told Insider. "This is a third Obama term plus even more overreach by President Biden."

Elected in 2015, Rutledge battled Obama and Biden during their administration. The Biden administration, she said, has already overreached on policies like environmental regulations, immigration, and healthcare.

"We're going to be looking very closely at these executive orders, the proclamations, memoranda, all of these things, to ensure that our state's rights are not being trampled on," she said. 

Of particular concern, Rutledge said, is a Biden executive order that pledges to prevent gender and sexual-orientation discrimination in school sports. The executive order sparked complaints among conservatives who said that it would threaten the rights of female athletes by mandating schools that receive federal funding allow transgender women to compete on women's sports teams.

"As a female who grew up playing sports, I'm quite concerned about President Biden's policies and executive order with regard to young men or men who identify as women being able to play in women's sports," Rutledge said. 

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody

Moody, who is up for reelection next year, is viewed in Florida as a young success story. At 31, she became the youngest judge in Florida when she was elected to the circuit court. She became attorney general in 2019 after Pam Bondi, another Trump ally.

Moody ran on a promise to keep politics out of her office but infuriated Democrats last year when she added Florida to the states in Paxton's election lawsuit, which sought to invalidate the results in four states Biden won.

Politico reported that Moody was once a college Democrat who sued Trump over a condominium dispute. But after taking office, she became a Trump supporter, attended his rallies, and made appearances on right-wing media.

Moody joined 10 other GOP attorneys general in suing Google in December. The lawsuit, initially filed by Paxton, accuses the company of anti-competitive advertising practices. She also joined 48 others in suing Facebook.

The suit alleges the social-networking company "illegally acquired competitors in a predatory manner and cut services to smaller threats — depriving users from the benefits of competition and reducing privacy protections and services along the way."

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry

The former Louisiana Republican congressman became the state's top attorney in 2016. He has sparred frequently with his Democratic governor and could make a run for that seat in 2023. 

"We're going to take the playbook that was used during the Obama era when Republican attorney generals stood in the gap and pushed back against an infringement of constitutional rights and some of the overreaching executive orders that President Obama did at that time, which crushed businesses," Landry told Fox News in a January 8 interview.

Landry backed the Texas-led effort to overturn the 2020 presidential-election results in battleground states, though he declined when Trump's attorneys appealed to him to lead that legal effort, The New York Times reported. Landry was chairman of RAGA in 2020. 

In his December 8 statement supporting the Paxton-led lawsuit, Landry said millions of Louisiana citizens "have deep concerns regarding the conduct of the 2020 federal elections." He added that "many Louisianans have become more frustrated as some in media and the political class try to sidestep legitimate issues for the sake of expediency." 

Landry's office did not respond to Insider's request for comment for this story.

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich

Brnovich joined Paxton's lawsuit against the Biden administration's order pausing deportations of unauthorized immigrants. The attorneys argued Biden's order went against federal law and was inconsistent with a December 29 memorandum from Trump's Department of Homeland Security.

Brnovich is a former state prosecutor who was elected attorney general in 2014. During his 2018 campaign, he emphasized his office's prosecution of "would-be terrorists" and those accused of sex crimes against children, The Associated Press reported.

In 2018, Brnovich joined 20 other states in asking a federal court in Texas to overturn the Affordable Care Act. He joined the March lawsuit challenging Biden's executive order directing the government to recalculate the social costs of climate change. 

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen

A rising GOP star, Knudsen is a former two-term House speaker in Montana. He also served as the Roosevelt County attorney in 2018.

Knudsen, at 33, was one of the youngest house speakers in the state and country. He grew up on his family's farm in eastern Montana — and he's proud of it. His profile photo on his biography page shows him smiling in a cowboy hat.

During his run for attorney general, Knudson painted himself as a staunch conservative who would help tackle the state's meth problems in part by supporting Trump's border wall. 

Knudsen signed on to the letter cautioning Biden against overreach and onto the lawsuit challenging the move to recalculate the social costs of climate change. In January, he exercised his supervisory powers as attorney general in a case involving a COVID-19 curfew for a business, saying a 10 p.m. curfew defied "common sense." 

"This type of government overreach is devastating to Montana workers and small businesses," Knudsen said in a statement.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita

Rokita, a former US congressman, became Indiana's attorney general in January. He served as Indiana's secretary of state before going to Congress. 

Rokita on March 8 joined 12 other states in suing the Biden administration over a $9.5 trillion expansion of federal regulations which dictate the "social cost" of greenhouse gases. 

The executive order directs all executive departments to review and take action when necessary to address federal regulations during the last four years in order to reduce methane emission, establish fuel-economy standards and reduce pollution. 

Rokita called that an "overreach" that would have a "devastating impact on Indiana households."

"Since January, we have witnessed an unprecedented level of federal overreach. And now, we have yet another egregious example as President Biden attempts to regulate virtually every aspect of the American economy," Rokita said in a statement about the suit. 

Rokita signed on to the January letter warning the Biden White House against overstepping its authority and onto the March lawsuit challenging Biden's climate policies.

In December, Rokita told The Indianapolis Star he was disappointed that the Supreme Court refused to hear Texas' election challenge. Indiana had backed the lawsuit before Rokita was elected to his seat. 

"It is disappointing the Supreme Court would use discretion to hide from their responsibility to decide a dispute between states,"Rokita told the newspaper. "As Attorney General, and as a former chief elections officer for our state, I will be sure to speak up and speak out for the rule of law, especially as it relates to elections."

He's been a staunch defender of Trump and tweeted on January 8, "I will always be for our President @realdonaldtrump." 

His office did not respond to Insider's request for comment.

Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron

Cameron, a former top aide to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, is the first African American attorney general in Kentucky's history. He was elected in 2019. Cameron is also the first Republican since 1948 to serve as attorney general in the state.

His office served as the special prosecutor in the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police officers in her home in March. His handling of the case was heavily criticized after a grand jury indicted only one of the three Louisville, Kentucky, police officers who fired into Taylor's apartment as they tried to serve a search warrant. Cameron has said the officers' actions were justified under Kentucky's self-defense law since Taylor's boyfriend fired first.

According to his office, Cameron's priorities as attorney general include fighting the drug epidemic and helping victims of child abuse and human trafficking. 

But it's his political future that everyone is focusing on. He's seen as a possible successor to McConnell or a 2023 gubernatorial candidate.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch

Fitch became Mississippi's first female attorney general when she took office in January 2020. 

She supported Texas' effort to contest Biden's victory in battleground states and signed on to the Morrisey-led letter warning the Democratic president not to overstep.

"I have joined my colleagues in supporting Texas' efforts to ensure that our elections are free and fair," Fitch said in a December statement when she joined the Texas lawsuit. "Voter fraud elsewhere dilutes the votes of Mississippians and it makes a mockery of the very foundation of our government. I am proud to defend the votes of the people of Mississippi and will continue to fight for their rights."

• As vaccines roll out, many are starting to book future bucket list trips to places like New York City. 
• With hundreds of hotels in New York City from Manhattan to Brooklyn, the options can be overwhelming.
• We narrowed the field and carefully chose the best New York City hotels in 2021 at a range of prices.

With vaccine rollouts underway, many travelers are finally looking to book trips that had to be put on hold for the past year. And while remote getaways and vacation rentals continue to reign supreme, it's likely that hotels and cities will make a comeback as more people become fully vaccinated. 

However, if you're planning a trip for sooner rather than later, keep in mind that hotels have common spaces where you're likely to run into other guests and places like check-in desks can be potential problem areas. We've noted new cleaning policies where applicable below, but for any hotels you may be considering, it's worth reading up on their specific policies yourself too. You may also want to consider home rental companies, which experts and the CDC note are safer than hotels right now.

If you're wondering if it's safe to travel right now, we talked to experts about the risks of travel and the necessary precautions you should take when flying, driving, and yes, staying at a hotel. 

Of course, there's still no guarantee of safety when it comes to travel just yet. We always recommend following guidelines from organizations like the CDC and WHO, wearing a mask in public, using hand sanitizer, and practicing social distancing. Before making any travel plans you should also consider your own health risks, as well as those of others in the location you're traveling to.  

All that said, if you are planning a trip to New York now or in the future, there's no shortage of hotels to choose from. As a longtime New Yorker, when friends and family come to visit, I'm often asked, "where should I stay?"

It's a loaded question. The city is filled with so many great hotels throughout many neighborhoods and boroughs, from old-school luxury in Manhattan to contemporary boutiques in Brooklyn dripping in neighborhood charm. The big brand names all have flagships, and cheap (and some not-so-cheap) micro hotels are rapidly popping up.

Much like the city itself, there's something for everyone based on what you like and how much you're willing to spend. 

To help narrow the field, we hit the New York streets to stay at, tour, and research the city's top-rated hotels to determine which are truly the best.

Every hotel was personally reviewed, vetted, and selected based on the following criteria: 

1. Hotels are located in New York City, with a primary focus on Manhattan and Brooklyn, and are considered a four- or five-star hotel, for an elevated experience that won't disappoint, or a three-star that's a total standout.
2. Holds a Trip Advisor rating of four or above, as many tourists check and use it.
3. It starts between $79 to $745 per night, a common range in New York depending on the time of year and advance booking. While that higher-end might seem, well, high, it's not uncommon in New York in popular seasons or for those seeking a luxury property.
4. Boasts amenities and features that are visually interesting with unique design, architecture, food, or other experiential elements that add value. 

Here are the best New York City hotels, sorted by price from low to high.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best family-friendly hotels near Disneyland in Anaheim, CA

SEE ALSO: The 11 best luxury hotels on or near the Las Vegas Strip

SEE ALSO: The The best cheap hotels in Las Vegas with prices under $100 per nightbest cheap hotels in Las Vegas with prices under $100 per night

Arlo SoHo

Book Arlo SoHo starting at $79 per night

Arlo SoHo seeks to popularize the trend of micro hotels with sleek, tiny rooms measuring barely 150 square feet. And we mean tiny. You can likely reach the bathroom from your bed, and there's little by way of privacy.

But, what it lacks in size, Arlo makes up for with bustling common spaces including four bars, an on-site restaurant, co-working space, rooftop lounge, and a seasonal Instagrammable courtyard. It starts at just $79, which a great deal for typically expensive SoHo, though prices in the summer are often closer to $190.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 59 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Pros: Cheap room prices and cool SoHo location.

Cons: The room sizes can feel shockingly small and bathrooms lack privacy.

COVID-19 procedures: All Arlo hotels have a Rest Assured policy that includes:

• Mobile check-in/check-out via the Arlo app.
• Housekeeping services will only be provided upon request in stay-over rooms.
• Guest rooms will remain vacant a minimum of 24 hours.
• Clorox360 Antimicrobial fogging sanitizing & cleaning system will be used in all guest rooms just prior to releasing the rooms for sale.
• Read more here. 

Read our full hotel review of Arlo SoHo

Hotel 50 Bowery

Book Hotel 50 Bowery starting at $109 per night

A World of Hyatt Joie de Vivre property, Hotel 50 Bowery brings boutique glam to the gritty Lower East Side. We like it for its well-appointed rooms, great views, rooftop bar, and overall design.

Plus, the LES location near Chinatown offers a fun base with prime access to dining and nightlife that many in Midtown miss.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 47 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: The hip, style-minded vibe with cool views and a trendy rooftop.

Cons: While some may love the LES/Chinatown location, others might find it noisy and far from tourist sightseeing.

COVID-19 procedures: This hotel has implemented new policies that include:

• Limits on the number of people in an elevator and fitness center at one time.
• Frequent cleaning of high traffic public spaces and touchpoints.
• More frequent replacement of HVAC filters in guestrooms and public spaces with HEPA filters.
• Revised guestroom setups and the removal of high touch items.
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures of all guestrooms.
• Read more here.

Read our full hotel review of Hotel 50 Bowery

Gild Hall, a Thompson Hotel

Book Gild Hall starting at $109 per night

Gild Hall, a Thompson Hotel from World of Hyatt, offers much more personality than the typical Financial District hotel. Warm and welcoming, the cozy decor is inspired by Aspen country houses for an overall vibe that feels rustic. Details such as tufted leather, dark wood, and brass accents are woven throughout the property, as well as a lobby chandelier fashioned out of antlers.

Mid-tier rooms typically start at $369 per night, but nightly rates for smaller rooms start around $200, making it an interesting, out-of-the-box option for an otherwise corporate neighborhood.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 57 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Pros: Intricate design and decor that stands in sharp contrast to neighborhood surroundings, but in a good way.

Cons: Starter rooms can be small, and on-site amenities as well, in particular, the gym.

COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is reopened with the following policies in place:

• Hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the hotel's public areas.
• Mobile check-in and keyless entry via the World of Hyatt app allow for guests to bypass the front desk and head straight to their guest room.
• Each guest receives a personal Wellness Kit, which includes a single-use mask, sanitizing wipes, and remote control sleeve.
• All hard and soft surfaces in the guest rooms are cleaned and sanitized, and guest rooms are sealed for a minimum of 24-hours prior to arrival.  Electro-static sprayers are used for enhanced measures.
• Housekeeping services can be scheduled or declined based on guest's preferences.
• Deliveries to the guestroom, including amenities and room service, are offered via knock-and-drop.
• Fitness Centers are open, though reservations are required and can be made through the Front Desk.
• Read more here.

Read our full hotel review for Gild Hall

MADE Hotel

Book MADE Hotel starting at $109 per night

MADE Hotel has quickly become popular with both tourists and business travelers for its central NoMad location, boho-chic design, and lush green-filled spaces. It's the kind of hotel you should pick if you prefer experiential, one-of-a-kind properties that you'll document on the 'Gram. 

Trip Advisor Ranking: 65 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Pros: Standard entry-level rooms are just as nice as more expansive suites, and the lofted beds in the smaller rooms are cooler, making it an easy decision to save money.

Cons: While they look nice, some bathrooms aren't designed in the most efficient way.

COVID-19 procedures: All MADE hotels have rolled out new procedures that include:

• Guest rooms will be left un-entered for 24 hours.
• Rooms will only be serviced upon request.
• Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in public spaces.
• Following cleaning and disinfecting protocols to clean rooms, with particular attention paid to high-touch items.
• Read more here.

Read our full hotel review for MADE

Ace Hotel New York

Book Ace Hotel New York starting at $109 per night

Ace Hotels have long established themselves as the cool kid, operating in hip cities like Portland, Palm Springs, Seattle and more. It's the hipster, in hotel form.

The New York location has moody lighting, minimal rooms, and decor inspired by art and rock music. But it's not all hype. We'd recommend Ace to anyone who wants to feel like one of the cool local kids spread out on the lobby's leather sofas to co-work. Except unlike most of them, you'll get to actually go upstairs and spend the night. Choose a small or bunk bed room and you might even land it for well under $200 per night.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 163 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.4 out of 10

Pros: The Ace brand cool factor, a NoMad location, and on-site stores and eateries that are so good, you might not want to leave the property.

Cons: Some rooms show wear and tear and the lobby can feel crowded.

COVID-19 procedures: The Ace Hotel is temporarily closed and has not yet stated when they will reopen. 

Read our full hotel review of Ace New York

Moxy East Village

Book Moxy East Village starting at $115 per night

Marriott's newer outpost in the East Village is a four-star boutique hotel themed after the neighborhood's vibrant local scene. There are clear nods to rock and roll, street art, and other East Village countercultures.

As part of the Marriott Bonvoy family, Moxy East Village is great if you want to earn or redeem points during your stay. Rooms are small, but with a starting price of $116 midweek, it's a great deal. Rooms are comfortable, common areas are fun, and the location is pretty great.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 52 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: Marriott Bonvoy earning potential, cool Moxy brand clout, and East Village location.

Cons: Room rates can seem expensive considering many rooms are on the smaller side.

COVID-19 procedures: Moxy is part of the Marriott Bonvoy brand and follows Marriott's new 'Global Cleanliness Council' policies that include:

• New cleaning technologies that include electrostatic sprayers for touchless disinfecting capabilities and cleaning processes. 
• Surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and cleaning is done with increased frequency. 
• In guest rooms, Marriott has added detailed cleaning practices, requiring all surfaces be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. The company will also be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for guests' personal use.
• Signage in lobbies will remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols.
• Added partitions at front desks provide an extra level of precaution for guests and associates.
• More hand sanitizing stations around Marriott's hotels particularly near the entrances and front desks, elevator banks, fitness areas, and meeting spaces.
• Read more here.

Read our full review of Moxy East Village

The Evelyn New York

Book The Evelyn New York starting at $119 per night

The Evelyn is a historic NoMad hotel that recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation. Everything feels brand new, while still maintaining the building's roots in music and history through Art Deco design. Rooms are on the small side, making it ideal for a solo business traveler, or couples looking for an intimate, boutique stay. 

Trip Advisor Ranking: 12 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: Art Deco style and NoMad location.

Cons: Can be expensive for rooms that tend to be small.

COVID-19 procedures: This hotel has implemented new policies that include:

• Contactless check in/out kiosk terminals and safety plexiglass between you the front desk service team.
• Masks, alcohol wipes, and hand sanitizer always available. Safety Welcome Kit provided to all guests.
•  Pre-shift temperature checks for all staff on arrival.
• HEPA filter vacuum cleaners.
• Disinfected and occupant-free rooms for 24 hours.
• Electrostatic sprayer with hospital grade EPA registered products that continuously disinfect for 24 hours.
• Read more here.

Read our full review of The Evelyn New York

Moxy Chelsea

Book The Moxy Chelsea starting at $119 per night

The Moxy Chelsea in Manhattan's flower district is wedged between the popular Chelsea and NoMad neighborhoods. Part of the Marriott family, the Moxy Chelsea is a great option if you want to earn or redeem points. Some rooms can be small, but stunning views, the rooftop bar, and great location make up for it.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 60 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.6 out of 10

Pros: Views for days, Marriott Bonvoy earning potential, and the Chelsea location.

Cons: Can be expensive for what may seem like a quite standard offering.

COVID-19 procedures: Moxy is part of the Marriott Bonvoy brand and will be following Marriott's new 'Global Cleanliness Council' policies that include:

• New cleaning technologies that include electrostatic sprayers for touchless disinfecting capabilities and cleaning processes. 
• Surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and cleaning is done with increased frequency. 
• In guest rooms, Marriott has added detailed cleaning practices, requiring all surfaces be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. The company will also be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for guests' personal use.
• Signage in lobbies will remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols.
• Added partitions at front desks provide an extra level of precaution for guests and associates.
• More hand sanitizing stations around Marriott's hotels particularly near the entrances and front desks, elevator banks, fitness areas, and meeting spaces.
• Read more here.

Read our full review of Moxy Chelsea

The Freehand New York

Book Freehand New York starting at $125 per night

The Freehand New York is a good pick for budget-conscious travelers who want convenience and personality from their accommodations, but also something nice to look at.

Art-filled accommodations are steeped in character with reasonable prices. From cheap bunk bed options to spacious suites, Freehand is a sleek stay for those seeking something lesser-known than Ace Hotel.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 309 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.6 out of 10

Pros: Hip and cool with excellent on-site food and drink.

Cons: Street noise bleeds into rooms and may make sleep difficult if you're sensitive to it.

COVID-19 procedures: The Freehand hotel brand has implemented new policies across all properties that include:

• Online check-in options.
• All food and beverage offerings will be grab-and-go.
• Masks and other hygiene products are available for purchase in travel shops and vending machines.
• Deep cleaning increased throughout the hotels.
• Read more here.

Read our full hotel review of Freehand New York

Sister City New York

Book Sister City New York starting at $134 per night

Sister City is a new spin-off property from the creative studio behind Ace Hotel that caters to the experienced, and busy, traveler. Self-service tablets guide guests through check-in, while amenities and housekeeping are on demand.

It's a smart approach for savvy guests looking to avoid the pain points of crowded, more traditional hotels and prefer an individualistic approach.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 42 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: Affordable prices and a self-service approach helps things to run smoothly. Check-in is a breeze.

Cons: Some might find the self-service stand-offish. Rooms can feel small for two people.

COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is not currently open and has not yet stated when it expects to reopen.   

Read our full hotel review of Sister City New York

Park South Hotel

Book Park South Hotel starting at $158 per night

Rooms at the Park South Hotel are relatively straightforward, but recent renovations have made it a highly-reviewed hotel in Manhattan's NoMad neighborhood. It belongs to World of Hyatt's Joie de Vivre boutique portfolio and has a standout culinary program that might very well upstage the tasteful rooms.

With prices in low season starting at $150s, it's very reasonable for a well-appointed four-star hotel.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 69 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Pros: Excellent on-site food and drink with competitive pricing for a four-star hotel.

Cons: Pricing is unstable and can surge hundreds higher than is typical otherwise.

COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is currently closed until April 1, 2021.

Read our full hotel review for Park South Hotel

Sixty SoHo

Book Sixty SoHo starting at $162 per night

If you're set on SoHo and have a budget for something more spacious than Arlo's micro-sized rooms, look to Sixty SoHo. The hip hotel places you in style-minded accommodations right near equally fashionable shopping and dining.

The hotel is so cool, that some guests complain of staff members being snobby o unaccommodating, though we didn't experience that at all. A basic Queen Superior starts at a very accessible price, but prices can fluctuate wildly.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 98 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.7 out of 10

Pros: Fancy digs with a SoHo address.

Cons: Rooms prices can be expensive and fluctuate.

COVID-19 procedures: All Sixty Hotels are implementing new procedures that include:

• Check-in/check-out kiosks available for contactless service.
• UV lights are used on guest's luggage and HVAC systems to promote filtration.
• Rooms are left to "rest" between guests according to health expert guidance.
• Rooms are only serviced and sanitized before check-in and after check-out unless requested otherwise by guests.
• The front desk has been equipped with a plexiglass screen.
• Compressed spray cleaners and electrostatic spray cleaners have been implemented.
• Read more here.

Read our full hotel review for Sixty SoHo

The Knickerbocker

Book the Knickerbocker Hotel starting at $168 per night

The Knick is one of the nicer hotels in Times Square. Rooms are higher-end than what you'll find at some of the big brand counterparts in this tourist mecca, with good on-site food and drink, including a great rooftop bar overlooking the action. If you're booking a room in Times Square, you're likely spending most of your time outside of it, but The Knick is a great option for those who want a chic place to retreat.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 56 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: Luxury-leaning hotel in Times Square with nicer rooms than many nearby counterparts for roughly the same price.

Cons: It's Times Square, so it can be noisy both from outside traffic and inside from fellow guests.

COVID-19 procedures: The hotel has implemented new policies that include:

• Touchless hand sanitizer stations placed throughout the hotel
• More frequent cleanings with EPA-rated hospital-grade disinfectants.
• Guests receive sealed safety kits containing a face mask, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
• All hotel workers and guests are required to wear face masks and gloves.
• Read more here.

Read our full hotel review of The Knickerbocker

The Park Terrace Hotel

Book the Park Terrace Hotel starting at $189 per night

The Park Terrace is a great base for those who love boutique hotels and want to be near Times Square, but not actually thrust into it. Little details shine here, from amenity closets available to guests on each floor to the tranquil terrace, and great breakfast buffet. I also liked how it had personality without feeling stuffy. The hotel's published rates start at $300, but I spied deals on Booking.com as low as $195 per night.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 19 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 9.1 out of 10

Pros: The low-key boutique vibe across from Bryant Park, self-serve amenities, and New York-inspired breakfast buffet.

Cons: It's expensive in high season and standard rooms are small.

COVID-19 procedures: The Park Terrace Hotel has a new 'Certified Safe & Clean' program based on expert advice and guidance that includes:

• Contactless check-in options via the mobile app or website.
• Plexiglass shields installed at front desks.
• Once cleaned, rooms will be sealed by the cleaning staff and only broken by the guest entering the room.
• All amenities provided will be single-use.
• Increased cleaning of all HVAC systems.
• Read more here.

Read our full review of the Park Terrace Hotel

Library Hotel by Library Collection

Book Library Hotel, starting at $195 per night

The four-star Library Hotel, by Library Hotel Collection in Midtown, New York is a book lover's paradise, but there's plenty to adore even if you don't consider yourself a bibliophile.

The highly-reviewed property consistently ranks within Trip Advisor's top 10 hotels in New York City. It has a charming, whimsical vibe thanks to themed floors and over 6,000 book titles available to peruse. Rooms tend to be small, but perks such as wine and cheese receptions, 24/7 snacks and refreshments, and breakfast included add value.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 3 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Pros: Perks such as happy hour, lounge access, and breakfast included in room rates.

Cons: Rooms feel dated and not as stylish as other NYC hotels.

COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is closed for reservations until April 2021.

Read our full hotel review of Library Hotel

The Williamsburg Hotel

Book The Williamsburg Hotel starting at $199 per night

Williamsburg in Brooklyn is much like the boutique concept itself, with local artisan wares, small-batch products, and hip intrigue spilling out from most restaurants, bars, and storefronts. The Williamsburg Hotel curates this approach with meticulously-curated style, panoramic city views, and wonderful on-site food and drink that locals love, too.

The hotel channels the neighborhood's cool factor, weaving it through guestroom offerings and products, pop-up shops in the lobby, and weekly programming that includes anything from basket weaving and flower arranging to music sets and facials. While other area hotels are overtly modern and luxe, the Williamsburg Hotel is both, but with a more intimate, laid-back vibe. 

Trip Advisor Ranking: 4 of 89 hotels in Brooklyn

Hotels.com Rating: 8.2 out of 10

Pros: Guests receive priority access to the popular rooftop water tower bar and trendy pool scene. Rooms are well-designed and the gem-toned tiled bathrooms are gorgeous.

Cons: Entry-level rooms are very small and not soundproofed from other hotel guests. Splurging on a suite is really the only way to avoid both pain points.

COVID-19 procedures: The Williamsburg Hotel has implemented new policies that include:

• All bed linens are changed daily and washed at a high temperature. They have also increased the frequency of air filter replacement.
• Common areas are sanitized every hour.
• All venues will be at 50% capacity until WHO guidelines are lifted. 
• Sanitizing safety kits are given to all guests.
• Rooms are cleaned with hospital-grade cleaning supplies including a virucide and hand sanitizer agent which is used on all surfaces.
• Read more here.

Read our full hotel review for The Williamsburg Hotel

The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel

Book The Beekman starting at $224 per night

Behind a historic, yet unassuming facade, The Beekman Hotel is a jewel hiding in plain sight. Housed in a New York City landmark building dating back to 1881, the hotel features a breathtakingly preserved nine-story atrium. We spent the night in a suite, and while lovely, your money is just as well spent in a more affordable Superior Queen, which feels equally iconic.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 32 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 9 out of 10

Pros: Incredible architecture, friendly service, great on-site food and drink.

Cons: Many previous guests have complained of noise.

COVID-19 procedures: The Beekman has new policies in place that include:

• Enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols using EPA-registered disinfectants throughout the property.
• Guestrooms remain vacant for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the next guests' arrival for the foreseeable future.
• They have removed certain high-touch items from guestrooms.
• Guests have the option to schedule housekeeping service at their preferred time should they wish. 
• New in-room fitness and wellness experiences have been designed.
• The Hotel's fitness center abides by limited capacity guidelines and is available to guests by appointment only.

Read our full hotel review of The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Book 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge starting at $257 per night

One of the best things about the rooms at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge are the stunning floor-to-ceiling views of Manhattan and, of course, the Brooklyn Bridge. But when you close the drapes, the abundant reclaimed wood, repurposed materials, living plants, and soothing neutral colors make it feel like you've escaped to a woodsy Scandinavian cabin. It's a total respite with front door access to Brooklyn Bridge Park and is another top hotel for Brooklyn.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 15 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: Cool rooms make thoughtful use of the size so standard offerings don't feel like a compromise, plus the waterfront location and city views.

Cons: The bathroom provides little, if any, privacy.

COVID-19 procedures: All 1 Hotels are implementing new policies that include:

• Properties sanitized using hospital-grade EPA approved agents and virus-eliminating UV technologies.
• High touchpoints sanitized multiple times per day using UV technologies.
• All guests will be given wellness kits upon arrival and luggage and packages will be sanitized using UV technology.
• Guestrooms will be thoroughly sanitized and sealed prior to guests entering.
• Read more here.

Read our full review of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

The William Vale

Book The William Vale starting at $260 per night

The William Vale in Williamsburg is one of the best hotels in Brooklyn with sleek rooms, a popular pool scene, and the on-site rooftop bar Westlight and Italian restaurant Leuca, both of which easily warrant a visit on their own.

It's one of the more expensive options on this list, but for good reason. All rooms have balconies with unparalleled views. While holidays and weekends can start at upwards of $500 per night, flexible travelers looking to book midweek or in winter will find deals under $350. For a special occasion, consider upgrading to a suite or Manhattan view. Come sunset, you won't regret it.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 8 of 89 hotels in Brooklyn

Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: All rooms boast balconies with unbeatable views, and the on-site food and drink scene is worth a trip on its own.

Cons: It's expensive and starter rooms will feel very small for what is still an expensive price. Consider an upgrade to a suite to feel more worth it, but it will cost you.

COVID-19 procedures: This hotel has implemented new policies that include:

• Assigning every other guest room to ensure plenty of space in rooms and on balconies.
• All hard and bathroom surfaces are disinfected with EPA list cleaners between guests.
• Turndown service is by request only.
• Lobby seating has been rearranged for social distancing and you must make reservations to use the gym to avoid overcrowding.
• Read more here.

Read our full hotel review of The William Vale

The Conrad New York Downtown

Book Conrad New York Downtown starting at $269 per night

Many visitors fixate on Midtown, but the Conrad New York Downtown offers a more local experience in a neighborhood where real New Yorkers actually spend time.

An all-suite offering, you'll be hard-pressed to find more spacious accommodations in all of downtown Manhattan. The five-star hotel carries a higher price tag, but the added space makes staying here feel like you've landed a great New York apartment.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 24 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 9.1 out of 10

Pros: All-suite rooms offer more than double the space of typical NYC hotel rooms for similar pricing.

Cons: Not everyone will love being in TriBeCa, which can feel far from uptown neighborhoods and attractions.

COVID-19 procedures: Conrad is part of the Hilton family and will be following Hilton's new 'CleanStay with Lysol protections' that include:

• Hilton CleanStay Room Seal indicating guest rooms haven't been accessed between cleaning and when guests enter.
• Extra cleaning in rooms of high-touch surfaces and increased cleaning frequency of public areas.
• Enhanced cleaning for fitness centers.
• Contactless check-in/check-out options.
• Read more here.

Read our full hotel review of Conrad New York Downtown

Andaz 5th Avenue

Book Andaz 5th Avenue starting at $371 per night

Andaz 5th Avenue, a World of Hyatt member, has an excellent Midtown location beloved by tourists and business travelers for the convenience it offers. The high-end hotel is known for being a dependable, fashionable brand, though, that solid reputation means rooms feel a bit generic. But they're recently renovated and spacious. We stayed in a suite but solidly stand behind their Standard King Room as the best choice.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 91 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.6 out of 10

Pros: A central location near all major tourist activity and business hubs without being thrust in the frenzy of crowds, plus spacious rooms.

Cons: Room design feels a bit generic, and housekeeping could pay better attention to detail.

COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is has new policies in place that include:

• Hourly cleaning and sanitization of frequently touched surfaces.
• Hyatt hotels are conducting guest and staff temperature checks.
• Guests are required to wear face masks or coverings in hotel indoor public areas.
• All room service orders will be delivered to the door.
• Read more here.

Read our full hotel review for Andaz 5th Avenue

Loews Regency New York Hotel

Book Loews Regency New York starting at $459 per night

Loews is a posh five-star hotel in Manhattan's Upper East Side, close to Central Park and Midtown, and is popular with travelers in search of something a bit more mature (aside from the Real Housewives of New York City antics that have taken place here, of course) with a mix of older couples and business types, as well as families seeking more room for their brood. 

Rooms are spacious with elegant, but traditional decor, and suites are apartment-style with terraces and marble bathrooms. It's not as splashy as some hipper counterparts, but this luxury property delivers on a classic hotel experience you can count on to be elegant, well-styled, and more than comfortable.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 55 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: Rooms are generously-appointed, whether you opt for a standard room or a suite, and a large gym, and on-site spa and salon from a celebrity stylist sweeten the deal.

Cons: Some rooms have little to no view, or come with street traffic on lower floors.

COVID-19 procedures: All Loews properties have implemented new policies that include:

• Hand sanitation stations added to front desks, spas, fitness centers, and other high traffic areas.
• Contactless experiences via a hotel app for access to in-room TVs, ordering room service, and communicating with the concierge or front desk.
• Team members and guests will be required to wear masks in public areas.
• Read more here.

Read our full hotel review of Loews Regency New York Hotel

The Chatwal

Book The Chatwal starting at $500 per night

The Chatwal is another higher-end property we've deemed worth the cost given its coveted Midtown location, old school Manhattan glam, five-star service, and sizeable rooms.

Rooms start at $500 per night, which isn't cheap but is accurately priced for such a top-tier hotel in Manhattan. It's actually cheaper than other ritzier counterparts. As a Marriott Bonvoy property, it's a good place to cash in on points if the price tag still seems out of reach, too. 

Trip Advisor Ranking: 89 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 9.1 out of 10

Pros: The five-star service with personal butler and Broadway concierge is excellent and will make you feel like Upper East Side royalty.

Cons: Room prices are expensive and might be out of reach for many.

COVID-19 procedures: The Chatwal is not currently open and has not stated when they will be reopening.

Read our full hotel review of The Chatwal

Conrad New York Midtown

Book Conrad New York Midtown starting at $508 per night

Where the Conrad New York Downtown in TriBeCa might be considered straight-laced and traditional, the brand's newer outpost in Midtown is contemporary and youthful, with a design-heavy approach favoring rich gem-tone velvet upholstery, modern light fixtures, and prominent art.

Like its downtown sibling, all rooms are suites with standard entry-level offerings that feel more pied-a-terre than a generic hotel room. It's a great option for newcomers eager to explore from a well-placed, five-star base that is steps from Central Park, Rockefeller Center, MoMA, and the Theater District. 

Trip Advisor Ranking: 296 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 8.2 out of 10

Pros: All rooms are spacious, offering great value for families or those on a longer stay who want apartment-style accommodations without sacrificing comfort or style.

Cons: Suites are pretty incredible and also pretty costly, and may seem redundant when all rooms are some sort of suite.

COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is not accepting reservations until May. It will be following Hilton's new 'CleanStay with Lysol protections' that include:

• Hilton CleanStay Room Seal indicating guest rooms haven't been accessed between cleaning and when guests enter.
• Extra cleaning in rooms of high-touch surfaces and increased cleaning frequency of public areas.
• Enhanced cleaning for fitness centers.
• Contactless check-in/check-out options.
• Read more here.

Read our full review of Conrad New York Midtown

Baccarat Hotel

Book Baccarat Hotel starting at $745 per night

Baccarat Hotel is regarded as one of the best hotels in New York City, if not the world, and it's easy to see why. The elegant property, owned by the French fine crystal brand of the same name, is teeming with crystal fixtures, glassware, and chandeliers from the high-end line, everywhere from common areas, guest rooms, and even elevators.

But the opulent look is substance as well as style, with impeccable service, painstaking attention to detail, and gleaming rooms that feel like the kind of place James Bond might stay (truly, there are even doors fashioned out of wall panels).

Trip Advisor Ranking: 23 of 511 hotels in New York City

Booking.com Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Pros: Rooms are immaculate, and so is every nook and corner of the hotel, for that matter. The hotel is exceptionally elegant and refined, while still remaining warm and welcoming. On-site food served in the Salon is not to be missed.

Cons: The entry-level price is very expensive for what's still a standard room that would go for far less at other luxury hotels on this list. Plus, even the purported best hotel in New York isn't perfect — the noise from the TV in the next room was quite audible during my stay.

COVID-19 procedures: The Baccarat Hotel has new policies in place that include:

• The hotel will be completely sanitized using EPA-approved sanitizing agents and disinfected by an accredited third-party company.
• All accommodations will remain unoccupied at least 24-hours between guest arrivals.
• Everyone entering the building must undergo temperature checks, and masks are required to be worn in all public areas and outside of your guestroom. 
• Only two guests are allowed in each elevator at any given time, with exception given to larger parties traveling together.  
• In-room dining's limited hours are from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Read more here.

Read our full review of Baccarat Hotel

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