Top 17 5-star Luxury / Boutique Hotels in Manhattan, New York

19 October, 2018 | Hotel reviews | 8 seen

Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at the finest 5-star luxury hotels in Manhattan, New York. 

For a luxury stay at one of the 5-star hotels of Manhattan, you should be ready to spend starting ~ $250 per night up to $1,250. From my own experience, I have spent "just" $600 for a 4-night stay at INNSIDE New York NoMad Hotel back in 2017

In today's article I've listed top 17 5-star luxury hotels in Manhattan, New York

Disclosure: hotels listed below contain links to Booking.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a reservation on Booking.com site, I might earn an affiliate income, at no cost to you.

The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel

The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel is located 500 m from the Brooklyn Bridge and the Westfield World Trade Center.

The rooms and suites boast custom beds, leather headboards, oak floors, craft cocktail tables and marble bathrooms.

The Beekman is architecturally distinguished by its 9-story atrium that has a pyramidal glass ceiling at the top. The upper stories of the atrium are bordered by balconies. Artwork adorns the walls of the The Beekman.

Restaurateur and chef, Tom Colicchio, and restaurateur Keith McNally have restaurants at Beekman, offering guests distinguished culinary experiences.

Price: ~ USD 256 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue

Located in Midtown Manhattan, between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building, this hotel offers rooms with iPod docking stations.

The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue rooms include an espresso maker and bottled water during turn-down. All the rooms are also equipped with WiFi access. Guests who stay in the suites have complimentary access to bottled water and sodas.

Concierge services and a 24-hour front desk are provided for guests' convenience. Complimentary ironing services for up to 5 items upon arrival is also provided (only once per stay).

Guests can dine at Ai Fiori, which is the onsite Michelin-star restaurant at The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue. The restaurant serves modern Italian cuisine that is inspired by the French and Italian Riviera. Enjoy drinks and small plates at Bar Fiori.

Price per night: ~ USD 386 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York

The Pierre, A Taj Hotel is located across from Central Park at 61st Street. A part of the New York City skyline with its copper mansard roof, The Pierre offers guests white glove luxury service. The hotel is close to high-end shopping destinations and is only steps away from Barneys New York. The boutiques of Fifth & Madison Avenues are in close proximity.

The Pierre has played host to many society events since opening in 1930. The newly-opened restaurant, Perrine, offers seasonal French-American cuisine with daily specials inspired by Pierre culinary classics. The hotel also offers a bar/lounge, Two E, with traditional afternoon tea by day and live jazz by night every Thursday through Saturday.

Located at the intersection of Midtown and the Upper East Side, white gloved elevator attendants, a Les Clefs d'Or concierge team and trained housekeepers help maintain the quality of service. The Pierre also has Forbes Five Star & AAA Five Diamond to their name.

The Pierre offers a variety of exclusive experiences for young travelers as well. A host of child-friendly amenities await - from special treats to movies, toys and special museum passes on demand.

Price per night: ~USD 650 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The NoMad Hotel 

Featuring a French decor and complimentary WiFi, The NoMad Hotel is located 645 m from the Empire State Building and Herald Square. Madison Square Park is 161 m from the property.

Every room offers a view of the atrium or New York City. Mahogany work desk, iHome docking station and an in-room safe are included in every room at The NoMad Hotel. Nightly turn down service is provided.

Enjoy a workout in the fitness center or read the daily newspaper. Laptops and iPads are also available upon request.

The subway station is 50 m from the property while The Museum at FIT is 484 m away. Times Square is 0.7 mi away. 

NoMad is a great choice for travelers interested in city walks, food and museums.

This is our guests' favorite part of New York City, according to independent reviews. In this area you can shop 'til you drop for popular brands like H&M.

Price per night: ~ USD 410 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The New York EDITION

Located in the iconic landmark Metropolitan Life Clock Tower 22 m from Madison Square Park, The New York EDITION offers a Michelin star restaurant and free WiFi access.

Featuring oversize windows and sweeping city views, every room includes photography by Melvin Sokolsky. Rooms offer a 48” flat-screen TV and each room has a private bathroom with custom Le Labo bath amenities.

The Clocktower restaurant offers updated classics and contemporary British fare by Michelin starred Chef Jason Atherton. Located on the hotel’s landmarked second floor, The Clocktower includes three uniquely-designed dining rooms, a billiards room, and a bar made entirely of gold leaf.

Bespoke cocktails and Magic Owl Easy Blond Ale, brewed exclusively for The New York EDITION, are offered at the Lobby Bar, as is breakfast, lunch and light dinner.

Eataly is 221 m from The New York EDITION, while Dover Street Market is 851 m away. The nearest airport is LaGuardia Airport, 9.1 mi away. 

Flatiron District is a great choice for travelers interested in architecture, walking and city walks.

Price per night: ~ USD 455 Book this hotel on Booking.com

1 Hotel Central Park

Offering a restaurant and a fitness center, 1 Hotel Central Park is located in New York.

Each room here will provide you with air conditioning and a seating area. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also comes with a hairdryer, cotton slipper socks and bathrobes. Extras include a desk, a safety deposit box, a laptop safe, a yoga mat and a Nespresso® machine.

At 1 Hotel Central Park you will find a 24-hour front desk, a bar and a snack bar. Other facilities offered at the property include meeting facilities, luggage storage and dry cleaning.

The on-site restaurant, Jams, features an open kitchen, exposed brick and reclaimed oak. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Price per night: ~ USD 490 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Conrad New York

With 2000 pieces of artwork on display and an atrium, this all-suite property is located 500 m from the World Trade Center.

Each room features a separate living room, 2 flat-screen TVs and an espresso machine. Guests can enjoy views of the Hudson River from some of the suites.

The Atrio Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine, while the seasonal rooftop bar serves cocktails alongside a view of the Hudson River. Guests will also have access to the 24-hour fitness center.

For those who enjoy shopping, Brookfield Place is across the street from Conrad New York and Westfield World Trade Center is 651 m from the property. 

Price per night: ~ USD 365 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is set in the Tribeca district in New York, 300 m from One World Trade Center and 400 m from Ground Zero. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar.

All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV. All rooms come with a private bathroom. Extras include bath robes and free toiletries.

This Four Seasons Hotel comes with a lap pool, a spa, and a gym. The onsite restaurant, Cut by Wolfgang Puck, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Private and in-room dining options are also available.

Price per night: ~ USD 900 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The Mark New York

In Manhattan and just 1 block from Central Park, this boutique hotel also houses The Mark Restaurant. With artistic design, the Mark Hotel includes a state-of-the-art gym and spacious guest rooms.

Free Wi-Fi, an iPod docking station and 32-inch flat-screen TV are included in all modern rooms. The large marble bathrooms feature a large soaking tub and mini flat-screen TV. Each room is decorated in ebony and sycamore furnishings.

The Mark Restaurant by Jean Georges serves European and globally seasoned dishes. Signature cocktails and classic drinks are featured at Mark’s Bar.

The Mark features a concierge desk for guests’ convenience where various activities can be arranged. Frederic Fekkai Salon is on site and offers hair and beauty treatments. The business facilities include laptop computer rental and wireless printing services.

Price per night: ~ USD 865 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Crosby Street Hotel

Located on a cobbled street in the SoHo neighborhood, this contemporary design hotel features a beautiful inner courtyard and an on-site terrace restaurant. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

The Crosby Street Hotel offers bright, modern rooms with high ceilings and full-length windows. Each is equipped with flat-screen cable TV, DVD player and iPod docking station.

Guests of Crosby Street are welcome to work out in the 24-hour gym or relax in front of the fireplace in the plush drawing room. Films are shown in the hotel’s private theater each Sunday.

The Crosby Bar and Terrace serves gourmet items including breakfast and brunch. An afternoon tea with pastries and sandwiches is offered daily.

The Crosby Street Hotel is adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art Design and 1 block from the Spring Street subway station. 

Price per night: ~ USD 1,250 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The Whitby Hotel

Located in upper midtown Manhattan, 484 m from the Central Park, the Whitby Hotel is a short distance away from stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. The Whitby Hotel offers complimentary WiFi to all guests.

Each room at The Whitby Hotel is individually designed with floor to ceiling windows. Some rooms have a private terrace and offer views of the Manhattan skyline. Interiors have been designed by Kit Kemp.

Guests will also have access to The Whitby Bar and Restaurant, an Orangery, a book-lined drawing room as well as a fully equipped gym.

The Museum of Modern Art is 484 m from the property, while Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral are 805 m from the property. Guests will find many restaurants in the vicinity as well. 

Price per night: ~ USD 715 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The Wagner Hotel

This hotel features New York harbor and Statue of Liberty views, a 24-hour fitness center, a spa and restaurant. The Wagner Hotel is 325 m from the Circle Line Statue of Liberty Ferry and offers rooms with a flat-screen cable TV.

Each accommodations offers a work area, refrigerator and ironing facilities. There are bathrobes along with a safe in each room.

The fitness center at The Wagner offers panoramic views of the New York skyline.

Guests at this Battery Park hotel can enjoy on-site dining at 2West, a modern American bistro.

The One World Trade Center is less than 0.6 mi from the property. Local points of interest like Bloomingdales and The Highline Park are reachable within 1.9 mi and 2.5 mi, respectively. 

Price per night: ~ USD 205 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The Bowery Hotel

Featuring a lobby bar, The Bowery Hotel is located at the intersection of the Lower East Side and East Village, 450 m from the New Museum. Free WiFi access is available.

Each room at this boutique hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows and city views. Guests can request for a crib in the room. The industrial design is paired with residential loft-style amenities like hardwood floors, Oushak rugs and 400 thread count bedding. Every room also has a marble bathroom with rain showers, plush towels and luxury C.O. Bigelow bath amenities.

There is 24-hour concierge service at The Bowery Hotel. Bicycle rentals are complimentary, as are newspapers, laptops and iPads upon request.

Gemma, the on-site Italian restaurant, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails. Brunch is offered on Saturday and Sunday, and 24-hour room service is also available.

The Bowery Hotel is within walking distance of several music venues. Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge are 801 m away. The nearest metro station is Bleecker Street, 290 m away. 

Price per night: ~ USD 575 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York

Featuring Baccarat crystals in every room, the Baccarat Hotel and Residences is located in New York. Guests can relish in the intricate architecture and design features while enjoying the indoor pool, fitness center and on-site French restaurant. Free WiFi access is available.

Each room at the hotel is furnished with contemporary Parisian décor and offers a flat-screen TV, sofa and desk. Private bathrooms include a hairdryer, free toiletries, slippers and a bathrobe. An iron, coffee machine and safety deposit box are also provided.

A 24-hour front desk welcomes guests to New York’s Baccarat Hotel and Residences, which provides a personal host with every reservation. Additional amenities offered at the hotel include a spa and wellness center, laundry and concierge services.

Price per night: ~ USD 1,095 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The Sherry Netherland

Centrally in Midtown Manhattan on Fifth Avenue, this hotel is across from the Grand Army Plaza and Central Park's main entrance. It features on-site dining and free Wi-Fi.

A flat-screen TV and iPod docking station are included in each room at The Sherry Netherland. The rooms feature high ceilings and marble bathrooms. Belgian chocolates and a bouquet of flowers are provided upon arrival. All rooms include complimentary soft drinks and water, as well as Keurig coffee machines.

The Sherry’s Harry Cipriani is designed after the famous Harry's Bar in Venice. This stylish restaurant has classic Venetian cuisine. It is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner. Room service is available.

A gym with floor-to-ceiling mirrors is part of this Manhattan hotel. Concierge and ticket services are available.

Price per night: ~ USD 659 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The Greenwich Hotel 

This New York City hotel is located in the city’s Tribeca neighborhood. It features an underground pool and fitness center, as well as an on-site restaurant and spa.

All 88 rooms at the Greenwich Hotel are individually decorated with luxurious goods from around the world. The rooms include free Wi-Fi access and a mini-bar stocked with free snacks.

The Greenwich Hotel has a knowledgeable concierge staff to help guests plan their stay in New York. Other features include the on-site Shibui Spa, offering a variety of massages and treatments.

Locanda Verde is the hotel’s on-site restaurant. It serves drinks and Italian cuisine in a relaxing and casual setting.

The Tribeca Performing Arts Center and Washington Market Park are both within 500 m of the Greenwich Hotel. LaGuardia Airport is 15 mi away. 

Price per night: ~ USD 795 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The Chatwal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, New York City

This art deco, boutique hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Broadway theaters. The 5-star hotel offers a 42-inch flat-screen TV, personal butler service and free Wi-Fi in every guest room. The property is renowned in the travel industry for their quality customer service and luxury amenities.

A combination of contemporary luxury and old fashioned design, the Chatwal Hotel features on-site spa services at the prestigious Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. The well equipped gym is open 24-hours and personal training can be arranged.

Guest rooms at the Chatwal feature 400-thread-count linens and down duvets. A DVD player and stereo with MP3 connectivity are available upon request. The bathrooms offers his and hers bath amenities and comfortable terry cloth robes.

The Lambs Club at the Chatwal is a bar-and-grill with modern takes on American classics. The restaurant offers a 2,500 square foot mezzanine lounge with 20-foot viewing windows with city views.

Times Square is a 3-minute walk from the hotel. Central Park is a 17-minute walk away. 

Price per night: ~ USD 675 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Funicular Restaurant Complex

18 October, 2018 | Restaurant reviews | 54 seen

High above Tbilisi you will find the most stylish centre for food and drink in the city: the Funicular Restaurant Complex.

Without doubt, the Funicular Complex is one of the most important places in Tbilisi, with its significant long history dating back to 1905. I have been visiting this place on rare occasions, during trip to Mtatsminda mountain. 

My first visit here, probably was back in 2014, during Latvia - Georgia business forum. Nowadays, Funicular Restaurant complex has become one of the most popular Tbilisi restaurants among city guests.

Panoramic views toward Tbilisi

The Funicular Complex includes 4 separates dining facilities: Chela (traditional Georgian), Puri Guliani (bakery), and the signature Restaurant Funicular and its Ball room. Ball room is perhaps the ultimate venue for a conference, wedding reception or party, with the facilities and service to match. 

Goodies at Puri Guliani

With a brand new Funicular train going from Chonkadze Street, one can take a magnificent trip to the Funicular Complex and enjoy dinner with stunning panoramic views over Tbilisi.

Mtatsminda Park in Tbilisi

13 October, 2018 | Tourism objects | 46 seen

Mtatsminda Park is an amusement facility located atop on Mount Mtatsminda on a 770-meter height overlooking the Georgian capital Tbilisi. 

It is the highest point in Tbilisi. Located on more than 100 hectares. Park has more than 100 years of history. Mtatsminda Park is the most popular theme park in Tbilisi. It is the best choice for fun and relaxation. 

You can find various cafes, Souvenirs shops, child entertainment center, a wedding house, picnic zones, a Ferris Wheel at the edge of the mountain, offering splendid views over the city, funicular tram and other fun attractions on the venue.

Carousels in Mtatsminda park, Tbilisi

Fresh air, fascinating view of Tbilisi, fun rides, attractions, constant events, excellent customer service will let you relax, have fun and enjoy your free time with your friends and family members. 

Views over Tbilisi

To use most of the park's attractions you should buy a special plastic card of Mtatsminda park at the cash desk in front of the entrance. The card can be used at rides and funicular. Each attraction cost some money, you should additionally put money on your Mtatsminda park card.

Ferris Wheel in Tbilisi (Mtatsminda park)

Roller coaster in Tbilisi

Park train

Have an amazing trip around the park on a colorful train. Enjoy beautiful views and just have fun. 5 people are needed to start the journey. The train leaves from the central square. It stops in two places upon request: the territory in front of the Rollercoaster and the upper station of the Funicular. The carriages are well-equipped, have soft seats and air conditioning system

• Number of seats: 40
• Travel time: 10 min

During this time you will be able to look around almost the whole territory of the park. This is an alternative way to is especially convenient if you are walking with kids which is tiresome

Tbilisi TV Tower

12 October, 2018 | Tourism objects | 24 seen

Tbilisi TV tower probably is the most visible construction in the city, located inMtatsminda  I haven't heard though it would be opened for public. 

Here is what we know about it:

Georgia Tbilisi TV Broadcasting Tower is a free-standing tower structure used for communications purposes. The tower is located in Tbilisi, Georgia and was built in 1972.

The preceding structure, built in 1955, was moved to the vicinity of the city of Gori.

Tbilisi TV tower

The tower is operated by "Georgian Teleradiocenter", that was established 1955. Communication systems on the tower include regular broadcast, MMDS, pager and cellular, commercial TV, and amateur radio repeater. The tower is 274.5 m (901 ft) high on a mountain at 719.2 m (2,360 feet) above sea level.

The present tower has been put on the list of the unique European TV towers.

Five Year Blog Anniversary

10 October, 2018 | Blogging | 4 seen

Today, on October 10th, 2018, ReinisFischer.com website is celebrating its 5th birthday. Each blog anniversary is a huge milestone for me and the 5th birthday is no exception. What has started as a simple experiment has turned out to be a successful online business venture!

It was just yet another Autumn evening when back on October 10, 2013, I registered domain name www.ReinisFischer.com, but in fact, I started my blog some 7 days earlier on October 3rd, 2013.

I had my blog been set up and it already was filled with a few articles, before it was actually launched. Yes, such strange behavior probably can be explained that geeks do geek things, though I don't see a geek in me.

I started this blog thing with a goal - To blog 365 consecutive days and when I launched I was looking to reach about 6,000 monthly users by the end of my first blogging year. The fact is, after the first year of consecutive blogging I reached just 3,364 monthly users, what was just a half of my goal. Now 5 years later I'm reaching an audience of 100,000 and more users monthly. Amazing,though it has been a long road

Blog traffic October 2013 - October 2018 (Data source: Google Analytics)

In the past five year's blog has attracted more than 3 million users and generated more than 4.2 million page views.

For the past five years, I have been writing every single day - that's more than 1800 days not missing an article (Ok, I missed two days back in 2014 actually)  - consecutive writing has been my corner strategy.

Writing an article per day for 5 consecutive years is not an easy task. That's why I've decided for the next year I will limit my writing just to 5 articles per week - you can still expect an article on weekdays. 

For the future, I can see that I will keep writing about my travels (in and out Georgia), investments (crypto, peer to peer lending and stocks), and some technical geek stuff about Drupal website development, for example.

Cafe Gardeni Tbilisi

9 October, 2018 | Restaurant reviews | 7 seen

Cafe Gardeni is located on D. Aghmanashebeli street in Tbilisi, just behind the Bank of Georgia building. I have been coming to this place for years just to enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee.

Over the years I have learned here are served great homemade dumplings, tasty ice cream and more. 

The owner of this place is a very intellectual Armenian man KamoJan, we have been exchanging views over foreign policy, internal happenings and of course KamoJan knows all the best Armenian jokes. 

Cafe Gardeni in Tbilisi

I know that KamoJan loves to experiment with tastes and he has a great mixture of splendid coffee varieties.

Tbilisoba 2018

7 October, 2018 | Living in Georgia | 15 seen

Tbilisoba or Tbilisi City Festival is an annual October festival which celebrates the diversity and history of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. If you are planning your first trip to Georgia - consider your trip here during the city festival and try local cuisine (horis mcvadi) and that awesome Georgian wine. 

Tbilisoba 2018wase held on October 6-7 in the streets of ..you are right - Tbilisi. This year's Tbilisoba was special for us, as it was the first Tbilisoba we took with us our little baby girl. We went by foot from our apartment to the Rike Park and ending this walk at the right embankment of Mtkvari. My best finds this year was: mcvadi from farmers. 

With the help of the Police, we caught a taxi and safely returned home. Tbilisoba definitely is kids and even infant friendly. 

I made a lot of photos of our little cute one but missed regular photos (without our baby), here is one though:

Tbilisoba 2018

Tbilisoba was first held on October 28, 1979, and has since become an established tradition. The festival features open-air concerts of traditional music and dancing and various cultural events, centered on Old Tbilisi, the historical part of the city. Beyond celebrating the city's past and present, people from all over Georgia represent their region at the fair of the harvest and Rtveli. Awarding honorary citizenship of Tbilisi by the city government also occurs in the framework of Tbilisoba.

Back to Georgia, Back to Gym

6 October, 2018 | Health & Wellness | 10 seen

It has been already 9 days since we have been relocated back to Georgia, and it has been already 5 days I have been back to the gym.

Now this time I returned 120.5kg... that's insane. A year ago my weight was about 102 kilos. On average I have gained 20 kilos in 2018. There are two simple reasons to explain this. First and most important - a newborn baby born. Second - I quit smoking about 4 months ago.

I believe both happenings have a huge impact on my total body weight. Now, I feel really happy holding little toddler on my hands and knowing she will raise a healthy girl free of tobacco smoke. Also, I feel it's time to get back into the shape.

I renewed my membership at Champions Academy (160GEL.mo) and 5 days later have already lost 2 kilos or have got down to 118.5 kg. Still, at least 18.5kilos to lose. I feel this is going to be a tough autumn/ winter season. 

• How I Lost 4.4 Pounds In 5 days In The Gym
• Back to the Gym - Get Under 99kg Beard Challenge

My best result so far has been 97.2 kg on March 23rd, 2017. The worst so far has been recorded on October 1, 2018, at 120.5 kg. 

Tip: Losing weight is a lifetime experience, to stay sharp - access to the gym or a lot of physical activities is a must have.

Actual Price Index at Tbilisi Market - October 2018

5 October, 2018 | Living in Georgia | 8 seen

Three years ago I launched a fun project - Actual Price Index at Tbilisi market, just to document price movements for veggies and fruits in the market, depending on the season. In total I have made two kinds of research for 2015 and 2016, see: Actual Price Index in Tbilisi Market (Georgia) - At Start of October 2015 and Actual Price Index at Tbilisi Market - March 2016

Now, today, three years later I once again decided to measure, how prices have changed in the past three years.

Here is my basket of goods I bought in Tbilisi market on October 1, 2018

Veggies from Tbilisi market

*Prices are from 2016

As you can see there has been some inflation over the years, but also there is some deflation for products like red pepper and watermelon. 

September 2018 Dividend Income Report - $65.33

3 October, 2018 | Investments | 11 seen

Welcome to the seventieth (#17) dividend income report, covering earnings I've made from dividend-paying stocks, peer to peer lending (both fiat and cryptocurrencies) in September 2018. 

In case you are wondering why I'm sharing online my earnings - the answer is pretty simple - I like transparency and these reports help me to observe my progress or bounces. Hopefully, my reports can give some inspiration to you as well. (If so, please leave a short comment below) Also, I have a goal to reach one million dollars in my bank account by the time I will turn 60 (27 years still to go). 

Last September turned worst than expected - mostly because I didn't receive two dividend payments, on the other hand, I will receive them in October, which will boost this year October dividend income report.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to mintos.com peer to peer lending website, by clicking on links on this page and by making an investment on mintos.com, I might earn affiliate income at no cost to you. Also, I'm not a financial advisor and I don't give you any advice, I'm just sharing my own experience. Investments in stocks, funds, bonds or cryptos are risk investments and you could lose some or all of your money. Do your due diligence before investing in any kind of asset. 

Both individuals and entities can invest through Mintos. Individual investors must be at least 18 years old, have a bank account in the European Union or third countries currently considered to have AML/CFT systems equivalent to the EU, and have their identity successfully verified by Mintos. At the moment, US citizens or taxpayers cannot register as investors at Mintos.

Sign up for Mintos.com here. By using my affiliate link for registration both you and I will receive — 1% of our average daily balance which should be paid in 3 installments for the first 90 days.

Interest income in September 2018

From the stocks, Mintos.com peer to peer lending and from cryptocurrency lending on Poloniex.com I got following income last month:

Ticker/ Name

2018

2017

Mintos.com

€37.31

€35.83

EDF

€6.63

€0.00

NHCBHFFT

€6.25

€0.00

CLM

€6.10

€0.00

Poloniex.com

€1.14

€0.84

OLF1R

€0.00

€10.89

Total: €57.35 / $65.33

In total there were 5 great companies paying me us dividends in September, that's 2 more if compared to the previous September. 

The YoY growth rate for my dividend income in September is 16.25%. That's just USD 8.97  more than a year ago. I'll take it, as long as there is growth. 

Monthly income to the date

The cumulative earnings for 2018 are $1,025.26  which is about 85.44% of my goal for 2018 ($1200)

2017 in Review and Financial Goals for 2018

Monthly Income chart as of September 2018

On the average, I should pull about $58.25 each month for the next 3 months to reach my $1200 goal for 2018. Should be easy.

Goals for September 2019

This is my favorite part of the reports - trying to forecast/set goals for the next year. But before setting goals for September 2019 dividend income, let's see what I forecasted for this September:

A year from now I'm looking for a minimum of $110 dividend income in September 2018.

Wait, for the first time this year, I actually didn't reach my goal. It hurts, but I will take it, sometimes you are not achieving your goals, not a problem. When setting goal/forecast for September 2019 I will take that in an account and will set a more humble $120 goal for next year.

HashMart Bitcoin Cloud Mining Review

2 October, 2018 | Crypto | 19 seen

It has been a time since I last time reviewed some of the cloud mining platforms. It was at the end of September when I noticed an ad from HashMart.io and decided to explore more. 

Seems that HashMart.io is a Russian cloud mining company incorporated in Cyprus. 

Disclosure:  This article contains affiliate links to hashmart.io cloud mining website, by clicking on links on this page and by making a purchase on hashmart.io, I will earn a 5% affiliate income at no cost to you. Also, I'm not a financial advisor and I don't give you any advice, I'm just sharing my own experience. Investments in stocks, funds, bonds or cryptos are risk investments and you could lose some or all of your money. Do your due diligence before investing in any kind of asset. 

Hashmart is a small enterprise with a global goal: now that almost everyone on the planet has a smartphone, we want each of you be able to have access to Cryptocurrencies and to the numerous advantages they can bring.   

Now, this goal probably is a bit silly, as for getting a piece of cryptocurrency it's enough to open an account at Coinbase and buy it instantly.

In case you are interested in bitcoin cloud mining for profit, here is what HashMart.io is offering:

HashMart.io bitcoin cloud mining contracts

At the moment, the cheapest bitcoin cloud mining contract (valid for 12 months) cost 21.5USD for 250GH/s and some could expect a return of around 24.9% (nothing is granted, just expected)

At the moment, our service supports only Bitcoin mining using the SHA-256 algorithm. In the future, we are planning to enhance the support of other cryptocurrencies. 

Hmm, let me say this way - 24.9% is great no doubt, it is also risky. Would I personally put my money in such bitcoin cloud mining contract? No! If I did so - I would gamble. Or let's say this - I could easily find some fishy stocks with a dividend yield of 25% and I still believe I would turn out better than a bitcoin cloud mining contract after a year. Or I could go with more safer peer to peer lending platforms and generate income up to 20% annually in national currencies. That's nothing unheard or impossible, just it's riskier or in most cases not profitable.

For example stocks with super high yield tend to depreciate over time - you might get 25% dividend, and you could also lose 50% in value for such a stock. You get the point.

The biggest concern with bitcoin mining is mining difficulty. There are little guarantees that mining bitcoin will be profitable after a year. You might end losing some or all of your investment. We have seen this in the past with HashFlare.io already.

TOP 14 Best Selling 8GB RAM Laptops

1 October, 2018 | Laptop Reviews | 135 seen

There are several parameters and criteria to use for filtering out laptops for your needs. One of the parameters to look at is RAM memory. In today's article, I've listed the top 14+ best-selling laptops on Amazon featuring 8GB RAM memory.

8GB is a decent business class laptop actually, and it's not a surprise seeing that 8GB RAM is accompanied by Intel Core i5  or even Intel Core i7 processors. 

Not to say more, meet the top 14 best selling 8GB RAM laptops on Amazon

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a purchase on Amazon site, I will earn an affiliate income at no cost to you. Prices for laptops listed on this page are retrieved using Amazon Product Advertising API and is updated daily. For actual prices please refer to the product page on Amazon.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop, 14.0" FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage, AMD Radeon 7 Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Abyss Blue

• Powerhouse performance from AMD Ryzen 5 5500U mobile processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD storage, and AMD Radeon 7 Graphics
• The IdeaPad 3 14-inch laptop has 4-side narrow bezels that let you see more of the FHD (1920 x 1080) screen for wider viewing angles and less clutter
• Quieter and cooler with intelligent thermals, plus you can calibrate performance with Q-control, with 3 modes to match your performance needs
• Protect your webcam lens and guarantee your privacy with the built-in privacy shutter
• WiFi 6 (2x2 802.11 ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, plus USB, USB-C, and HDMI ports
• Includes free 3-month trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - Play over 100 high-quality PC games on Windows PC; includes iconic Bethesda games, new day one titles, and the EA Play on PC catalog

List price: [amazon B09BG841VC listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED Ultra-Slim Laptop, 13.3” OLED FHD NanoEdge Bezel Display, AMD Ryzen 7 5700U, 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD, NumberPad, Wi-Fi 5, Windows 10 Home, Pine Grey, UM325UA-DS71

• 13.3 inch OLED 400nits Full HD (1920 x 1080) Wide View 4-way NanoEdge bezel display
• AMD Ryzen 7 5700U Processor (Up to 4.3GHz, 8 cores, 8M Cache) with AMD Radeon Graphics
• Fast storage and memory featuring 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
• Built-in IR camera for facial recognition sign in with Windows Hello
• ErgoLift hinge and backlit keyboard and NumberPad
• Extensive connectivity with HDMI 2.0b, USB 3.2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Type-A, Wi-Fi 5(802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.2, and Micro SD card reader 
• Sleek and lightweight 2.51 lbs for comfortable portability

List price: [amazon B08XGV5GMQ listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021) Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop, 15.6” 144Hz FHD, GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, Intel Core i7-11370H, 8GB DDR4, 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 10, Eclipse Grey Color, TUF516PE-AB73

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 up to 1585MHz at 60W (75W with Dynamic Boost 2.0)
• Intel Core i7-11370H processor (12M Cache, up to 4.8GHz)
• 15.6” 144Hz IPS-Type Full HD (1920x1080) display with adaptive sync
• 8GB DDR4 RAM | 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD | Backlit Precision Gaming Keyboard
• 0.8” thin, 4.4 lbs ultraportable form-factor
• Comes with Windows 10 Home and a FREE upgrade to Windows 11 

List price: [amazon B08XPC3WFQ listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

New Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage) - Space Gray (Latest Model)

• Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
• Get more done with up to 20 hours of battery life, the longest ever in a Mac
• 8-core CPU delivers up to 2.8x faster performance to fly through workflows quicker than ever
• 8-core GPU with up to 5x faster graphics for graphics-intensive apps and games
• 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning
• 8GB of unified memory so everything you do is fast and fluid
• Superfast SSD storage launches apps and opens files in an instant

List price: [amazon B08N5N6RSS listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop, 9th Gen Intel Core i5-9300H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, 15.6" Full HD IPS Display, 8GB DDR4, 256GB NVMe SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Backlit Keyboard, Alexa Built-in, AN515-54-5812

Soar to new gaming heights—anytime, anywhere—with the Nitro 5. This ultra-cool machine is sure to catch your eye with its sleek, mobile design, 15.6” Full HD IPS Display, and a wide range of gaming-rich features to put you in total command of the action. Leveraging the power and speed of its 9th Gen Intel Core processor and high-performance NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics—that’s driven by NVIDIA Turing architecture.

• 9th Generation Intel Core i5-9300H Processor (Up to 4.1 GHz)
• 15" Full HD Widescreen IPS LED-backlit display; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM
• 8GB DDR4 2666MHz Memory; 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD (2 x PCIe M.2 slots - 1 slot open for easy upgrades) & 1 - Available hard drive bay
• LAN: 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port); Wireless: Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11ax
• Backlit keyboard; Acer Cool Boost technology with twin fans and dual exhaust ports

List price: [amazon B086KJBKDW listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

ASUS F512JA-AS34 VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop, 15.6” FHD Display, Intel i3-1005G1 CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint, Windows 10 Home in S Mode, Slate Gray

• 15.6 inch Full HD (1920x1080) 4-way NanoEdge bezel display with a stunning 88% screen-to-body ratio
• Compatible with Google Classroom; run Google Classroom on Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer 11
• Latest 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU (4M Cache, up to 3.4 GHz)
• 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
• Ergonomic backlit keyboard with fingerprint sensor activated via Windows Hello
• Exclusive Ergolift design for an improved typing position
• Comprehensive connections including USB 3.2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Type-A, USB 2.0, and HDMI; Gigabit Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) (USB Transfer speed may vary. Learn more at ASUS website)
• Windows 10 in S mode exclusively runs apps from the Microsoft Store. To install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, simply switch out of S mode in three easy steps. There's no charge to switch out of S mode

List price: [amazon B0869L1326 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

HP 15 Laptop, 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD Storage, 15.6” Full HD IPS Display, Windows 10 Home, HP Fast Charge, Lightweight Design (15-dy2021nr, 2020)

• TAKE IT ANYWHERE – With its thin and light design, 6.5 millimeter micro-edge bezel display, and 82% screen to body ratio, you can take this PC anywhere and see more of what you love (1).
• REVOLUTIONARY ENTERTAINMENT – Enjoy ultra-wide viewing angles and seamlessly perform multi-monitor set-ups with a 15.6-inch, Full HD, IPS, micro-edge, and anti-glare display (2).
• IMPRESSIVE GRAPHICS – The Intel Iris Xe Graphics gives you a new level of performance with crisp, stunning visuals, plus the convenience of a thin and light laptop (3).
• UNSTOPPABLE PERFORMANCE – Get things done fast with the 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which delivers instant responsiveness and best-in-class connectivity (4).
• MEMORY AND STORAGE – Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage and experience improved multitasking with higher bandwidth thanks to 8 GB of RAM (5).
• WORK ON THE GO – Get work done on the go with a long battery life of up to 7 hours and 15 minutes (6), while HP Fast Charge lets you go from 0 to 50% charge in approximately 45 minutes (7).
• OS AND WARRANTY – Do more with greater peace of mind thanks to the familiar feel of the Windows 10 Home operating system and the HP 1-year limited hardware warranty (8).

List price: [amazon B08KGZ79N6 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop, 14" Full HD IPS, AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core with Radeon Graphics, 8GB LPDDR4, 512GB NVMe SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Backlit KB, Fingerprint Reader, Alexa Built-in, SF314-42-R9YN

• AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core Mobile Processor (Up to 4.1 GHz) with Radeon Graphics | 8GB LPDDR4 Memory | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
• 14" Full HD Widescreen IPS LED-backlit display (1920 x 1080 resolution; 16:9 aspect ratio)
• Intel wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11ax | HD webcam (1280 x 720) | Backlit keyboard | Fingerprint reader
• 1 - USB Type-C port USB 3. 2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) DisplayPort over USB Type-C & USB Charging, 1- USB 3. 2 Gen 1 port (featuring power-off charging), 1 - USB 2. 0 port & 1 - HDMI port
• Just 0.63" thin and 2.65 pounds and up to 11.5 hours of battery life

List price: [amazon B086KKKT15 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

Acer Aspire 5 A515-55-56VK, 15.6" Full HD IPS Display, 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1, 8GB DDR4, 256GB NVMe SSD, Intel Wireless WiFi 6 AX201, Fingerprint Reader, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 10 Home

Powerful and portable, the Aspire 5 laptop delivers on every aspect of everyday computing. Featuring the new 10th Gen InteI Core i5 processor offering more possibilities than ever before—via performance, connectivity and entertainment. With advanced capabilities and a finely tuned design, the Aspire 5 supports a media-heavy lifestyle, making it ideal for anyone creating and sharing on the move. It’s the perfect companion for your on-the-go lifestyle!

• 10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 Processor (Up to 3.6GHz)| 8GB DDR4 Memory | 256GB NVMe SSD
• 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED backlit IPS Display | Intel UHD Graphics
• Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax | Backlit Keyboard | Fingerprint Reader | HD Webcam | Up to 8 Hours Battery Life
• 1 - USB 3.1 (Type-C) Gen 1 port (up to 5 Gbps), 2 - USB 3.1 Gen 1 Port (one with Power-off Charging), 1 - USB 2.0 Port & 1 - HDMI Port with HDCP Support
• Windows 10 Home

List price: [amazon B087RTV311 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

2021 Newest Dell Inspiron 3000 Laptop, 15.6 HD LED-Backlit Display, Intel Celeron Processor N4020, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 128GB PCIe SSD, Online Meeting Ready, Webcam, WiFi, HDMI, Bluetooth, Win10 Home, Black

• 8GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 128GB PCIe NVME M.2 Solid State Drive for ample storage space.
• Intel Celeron Processor N4020 (2 cores, 2 Threads, 4MB Cache, up to 2.8 GHz)
• 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) Anti-Glare LED-Backlit Non-touch Display, Intel UHD Graphics with Shared Graphics Memory
• 802.11ac 1x1 WiFi and Bluetooth, 1 x SD Card Reader, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x Wedge-shaped lock slot, 1 x Power, 1 x HDMI 1.4b, 1 x RJ-45, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x Headphone & Microphone Audio Jack, Win10 Home
• Mousepad from PConline365

List price: [amazon B08X1D9WWJ listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop, 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H,NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, 15.6" Full HD IPS 144Hz Display, 8GB DDR4,256GB NVMe SSD,WiFi 6, DTS X Ultra,Backlit Keyboard,AN515-55-59KS

• 10th Generation Intel Core i5-10300H Processor (Up to 4.5GHz)
• 15" Full HD Widescreen IPS LED-backlit 144Hz Refresh Display | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Graphics with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM
• 8GB DDR4 2933MHz Memory | 256GB NVMe SSD (2 x PCIe M.2 Slots - 1 Slot Open for Easy Upgrades) & 1 - Available Hard Drive Bay
• LAN: Killer Ethernet E2600 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN | Wireless: Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax
• Backlit Keyboard | Acer CoolBoost Technology with Twin Fans and Quad Exhaust Ports Design

List price: [amazon B08H2H89K1 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop, 15.6” Full HD, AMD Quad Core R5-3500U CPU, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB PCIe SSD, AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics, Windows 10 Home, F512DA-EB51, Slate Gray

• Powerful AMD Quad Core r5-3500u Processor (2M Cache, up to 3. 6 GHz)
• 14. 1 inch wide, 0. 7 inch thin and portable footprint with a Nano Edge bezel for a stunning 88% screen-to-body ratio
• 15.6 inch anti-glare full HD Wide view display with Asus splendid software enhancement
• 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD; Windows 10 Home. Battery: 37WHrs, 2S1P, 2-cell Li-ion
• Ergonomic backlit chiclet keyboard with fingerprint reader
• Comprehensive connections including USB 3. 1 Type-C (Gen1), USB 3. 0, USB 2. 0, and HDMI; Lightning-fast Wi-Fi 5 (802. 11AC) keeps you connected through any congestion or interference

List price: [amazon B07QQB7552 listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop, 15.6” FHD, Intel Core i3-8145U CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Windows 10 in S Mode, F512FA-AB34, Slate Gray

• 15.6 inch Full HD 4 Way NanoEdge bezel display with stunning 88% screen-to-body ratio
• Intel Core i3-8145U Processor (4M Cache, up to 3.9 GHz)
• 8GB RAM and 128GB M.2 SSD; Windows 10 in S mode (switchable to Windows 10 Home)
• Ergonomic backlit chiclet keyboard with fingerprint sensor activated via Windows Hello
• Exclusive Ergolift design for an improved typing position
• Comprehensive connections including USB 3.1 Type-C , USB 3.1 Type-A, USB 2.0, and HDMI; Gigabit Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)

List price: [amazon B07RK5M35T listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

Asus ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop, 13.3” Full HD Wideview, 8th Gen Intel Core I5-8265U, 8GB LPDDR3, 512GB PCIe SSD, Backlit KB, Fingerprint, Slate Gray, Windows 10, UX331FA-AS51

Designed for effortless portability, UX331 is just 0.5” thin and less than 2.5lbs light, with a slim-bezel NanoEdge display that makes it much more compact than a typical 13-inch laptop with a stunning crystal-like finish and a sophisticated modern design that places it in a class of its own.

• 13.3 inch wide-view Full-HD NanoEdge bezel Display
• Intel Core i5-8265u Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.9 GHz)
• Fast storage and memory featuring 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD and 8GB LPDDR3 RAM
• Extensive connectivity with HDMI, USB Type C, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11AC) and Micro SD card reader (*usb transfer speed may vary. Learn more at Asus website)
• Sleek and lightweight 2.5 lbs aluminum body for comfortable portability
• Windows 10 Home pre-installed

List price: [amazon B07QXKW89P listpriceformattedprice] Buy this laptop on Amazon (Paid link)

New Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB) - Space Gray

• Stunning 13.3-Inch Retina Display with True Tone
• Touch ID
• Dual-core 8th-Generation Intel Core i5 Processor
• Intel UHD Graphics 617
• Fast SSD Storage
• 8GB memory
• Stereo speakers with wider Stereo sound
• Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports

List Price: [amazon B07V1PHKPM listpriceformattedprice]: Buy this laptop on Amazon

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop, 15.6" Full HD IPS Display, 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8265U, 8GB DDR4, 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader, Windows 10 Home, A515-54-51DJ

Powerful and portable, the Aspire 5 laptop delivers on every aspect of everyday computing. Housing an 8th Gen Intel Core Processor, this Aspire 5 can tackle any job no matter how complex. Creativity soars to new heights with sharp, crisp visuals showcased on the 15.6" Full HD IPS screen, while the thin bezel provides you more space to work with wherever inspiration strikes. It’s the perfect companion to take with you wherever you go!

• 8th Generation Intel Core i5 8265u Processor (Up to 3. 9GHz); 8GB DDR4 Memory; 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
• 15. 6 inches Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED backlit IPS display; Intel UHD Graphics 620
• 1 USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1 port, 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Ports (one with Power off Charging), 1 USB 2.0 Port & 1 HDMI Port with HDCP support
• 802. 11AC Wi Fi; Backlit keyboard; fingerprint reader; up to 9. 5 hours Battery Life
• Windows 10 Home

List Price: [amazon B07RF2123Z listpriceformattedprice]: Buy this laptop on Amazon

HP 2019 14" Laptop - Intel Core i3 - 8GB Memory - 128GB Solid State Drive - Ash Silver Keyboard Frame (14-CF0014DX)​

• Windows 10 operating system Windows 10 brings back the start menu from Windows 7 and introduces new features, like the edge web browser that lets you markup web pages on your screen
• 14" Display bright View glossy screen maintains the vivid colors in your photos and videos. Typical 1366 x 768 HD resolution. Wled backlight
• 7th Gen Intel Core i3-7100U mobile Processor smart dual-core, four-way processing performance for HD-quality computing
• 8GB system Memory for advanced multitasking substantial high-bandwidth RAM
• 128GB Solid State Drive (SSD) while offering less storage space than a hard drive, a flash-based SSD has no moving parts, resulting in faster start-up times

List Price: [amazon B07KNLVRJ2 listpriceformattedprice]: Buy this laptop on Amazon

HP 2019 Newest Premium 15.6-inch HD Laptop, AMD A6-9225 Dual-Core 2.6 GHz, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, AMD Radeon R4, WiFi, HDMI, MaxxAudio, Bluetooth, Windows 10

• Intel Dual Core AMD A6-9225 2.6Ghz Base Frequency Burst Frequency up to 3.0Ghz (With DVD Drive, No Touchscreen), AMD Radeon R4.
• RAM is upgraded to 8GB memory for multitasking Adequate high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. Webcam, 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth DVD-RW, 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x RJ-45, 1 x headphone/microphone combo.
• Windows 10 64-bit OS; provide a familiar and productive experience, while delivering enterprise-grade flexibility and security

List Price: [amazon B07QKWTZ4B listpriceformattedprice]: Buy this laptop on Amazon

HP 15.6" HD 2019 New Touch-Screen Laptop Notebook Computer, Intel Pentium Quad-Core N5000 (up to 2.7 GHz), 8GB DDR4, 1TB HDD, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Webcam, Win 10

• With the latest Intel Pentium Silver N5000 Quad-Core Up to 2.7GHz processor you get the reliable performance you need to work and play.
• 15.6-inch diagonal HD SVA WLED-backlit touchscreen display Typical 1366 x 768 HD resolution. The touch display has a basic HD-class picture resolution (sharpness) and TN-class narrow viewing angles. Let You Have a Full Grasp of its Graphical and Visual Excellence
• 8GB system memory for advanced multitasking;Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.1TB hard drive for ample file storage space; Holds a sizeable collection of digital photos, music, HD videos and DVD-quality movies.
• Wifi 802.11ac, Bluetooth, USB 3.0, HDMI output expands your viewing options, Front-facing HP Webcam with integrated digital microphone; Basic Intel UHD 605 integrated graphics. Take advantage of the newest, highest performance, fastest, energy efficient premium CPU, with multi-task capabilities to work through any task at hand
• Windows 10 brings back the Start Menu from Windows 7 and introduces new features, like the Edge Web browser that lets you markup Web pages on your screen.

List Price: [amazon B07S6ZS35Q listpriceformattedprice]: Buy this laptop on Amazon

Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop, 15.6 Inch FHD (1920 X 1080) IPS Display, Intel Core i5-9300H Processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB Nvme SSD, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, Windows 10, 81LK00HDUS, Black

• A new dimension of gaming performance awaits - with 9th-generation Intel Core i5 processors, the IdeaPad L340 gaming has the power you need to outshoot, outrun, and outsmart anyone. Includes 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD
• Take it to the next level - with the latest NVIDIA GeForce Graphics behind you, you can tame the hottest titles with faster, smoother, and more power-efficient gameplay. Plus, the 15.6-Inch Screen delivers a stunning full HD IPS Display with 1920 x 1080 resolution
• A portal to a new sound Dimension - hardwired into every IdeaPad L340 gaming is advanced Dolby Audio technology. Take your mobile gaming experience to another dimension and have a real blast along the way
• Control your own Fate - GAME in 'quick' Mode or work in 'quiet' Mode. It's your call with a simple function setting that lets you shift gears between modes, instantly.
• Final product may vary slightly from image

List Price: [amazon B07VC55LF5 listpriceformattedprice]: Buy this laptop on Amazon

ASUS VivoBook F510UA FHD Laptop, Intel Core i5-8250U, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, USB-C, NanoEdge Display, Fingerprint, Windows 10, Star Gray (F510UA-AH51)

Exceptional performance is at the core of every ASUS VivoBook. Powered by an Intel Core i5-8250U processor, with 8GB DDR4 RAM and Intel UHD 620 graphics, the F510UA delivers ultra-smooth visuals with no hiccups. Ultra-fast dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, lets you enjoy speeds of up to 867Mbps — that’s up to 6x faster than 802.11n! It’s everything you need for performance on-the-go!

• Powerful 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U 1.6GHz (Turbo up to 3.4GHz) processor
• 14.2" wide, 0.8" thin and portable footprint with 0.3" NanoEdge bezel for a stunning 80% screen-to-body ratio
• 15.6" anti-glare Full HD display with ASUS Splendid software enhancement
• 8GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB HDD; Ergonomic chiclet keyboard with fingerprint sensor.Operating System:Windows 10 Pro,Windows 10 Home
• Comprehensive connections including USB 3.1 Type-C (Gen1), USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and HDMI; Lightning-fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi keeps you connected through any congestion or interference
• NOTE: Refer the User Manual before use. For Connecting to wireless network refer Pg. 53-55 from the User Manual.

List Price: [amazon B0762S8PYM listpriceformattedprice]: Buy this laptop on Amazon

Acer Aspire E 15, 15.6" Full HD, 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U, GeForce MX150, 8GB RAM Memory, 256GB SSD, E5-576G-5762

The new Aspire E Series laptops provide a comprehensive range of choices for every-day users, with many appealing features and an attractive design aesthetic that exceed expectations. Incredible performance, fast 802.11ac wireless with new MU-MIMO technology and great battery life make the Aspire E series shine in any situation.

• 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U Processor (Up to 3.4GHz)
• 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED-lit IPS Display
• 8GB Dual Channel Memory & 256GB SSD
• Up to 15-hours of battery life.Adapter: 65 W
• Windows 10 Home

List Price: [amazon B077MMH1D8 listpriceformattedprice]: Buy this laptop on Amazon

Dell Inspiron 13 5000 2-in-1 - 13.3" FHD Touch - 8th Gen Intel i5-8250U - 8GB Memory - 256GB SSD - Intel UHD Graphics 620 - Theoretical Gray - i5379-5893GRY-PUS

Flip into action: With an innovative 360-degree hinge, the versatile and lightweight Inspiron 5000 series 2-in-1 allows you to switch easily between four different modes.

• 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U Processor (6MB Cache, up to 3.4 GHz)
• 8GB 2400MHz DDR4 up to [16GB], (additional memory sold separately)
• 256 GB (SSD)
• 13.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Truelife, LED-Backlit Touch Display with Wide Viewing Angles-IR Camera
• Be more productive. Windows 10 is the best for bringing ideas forward and getting things done

List Price: [amazon B0764LNTCZ listpriceformattedprice]: Buy this laptop on Amazon

ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop, 13.3” Full HD, 8th gen Intel i5-8250U Processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB M.2 SSD, Backlit kbd, Fingerprint Reader, Windows 10, Grey, UX330UA-AH55

With the latest Intel Core i5-8250U Processor, 8GB of LPDDR3 memory and 256GB Solid State Drive, ZenBook UX330 starts up in seconds and keeps moving at a rapid pace as you open anything from web browsers to large programs

• 13.3 Inch Anti-glare FHD 1920 x 1080 Display, Wide View 170 degrees with Windows 10 Pre-installed
• Latest 8th Gen Intel i5-8250U 1.6 GHz Processor (6M Cache, Turbo up to 3.4GHz), Fast storage and memory featuring 256GB SATA 3 M.2 SSD with 8GB LPDDR3 RAM
• Extensive connectivity with micro HDMI/USB 3.1 Type C, 802.11ac WiFi, and SD Card Reader
• Sleek and light weight 2.6 lbs aluminum body for comfortable portability. Battery up to 12 hours web browsing
• Built-in fingerprint reader with one-touch login via Windows Hello feature

List Price: [amazon B075N1YHVK listpriceformattedprice]: Buy this laptop on Amazon

ASUS VivoBook S Thin & Light Laptop, 14" FHD, Intel Core i7-8550U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, GeForce MX150, NanoEdge Display, Backlit Kbd, FP Sensor - S410UN-NS74

• 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8550U (Turbo up to 4.0GHz) quad-core processor and dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics 2GB
• 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD
• 14" Full HD WideView display with up to 178° WideView and ASUS NanoEdge bezel for a stunning 77% screen-to-body ratio
• Slim 12.8" wide, 0.7" thin and portable footprint with metal cover and backlit keyboard with fingerprint sensor
• Comprehensive connections including USB 3.1 Type-C (Gen1), USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, & headphone/mic combo port

List Price: [amazon B07B7VFTN9 listpriceformattedprice]: Buy this laptop on Amazon

New ! 2018 Lenovo Yoga 730 2-in-1 15.6" FHD IPS Touch-Screen Laptop, Intel i7-8550U, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB PCIe SSD, Thunderbolt, Fingerprint Reader, Backlit Keyboard, Built for Windows Ink, Win10

• 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U mobile processor: Ultra-low-voltage platform. Quad-core, eight-way processing provides maximum high-efficiency power to go; 8GB system memory for advanced multitasking: Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once; Solid State Drive (PCI-e): Save files fast and store more data. PCI-e SSDs are great for major gaming applications, multiple servers
• 15.6" Full HD 10-point multitouch screen: The 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity. Touch, tap, glide and make the most of Windows 10. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. Energy-efficient LED backlight; Intel UHD Graphics 620: On-processor graphics with shared video memory provide everyday image quality for Internet use, basic photo editing and casual gaming
• 360° flip-and-fold design: Offers four versatile modes — laptop, tablet, tent and stand. Lenovo Transition automatically switches specific applications to full screen when changing from PC to tablet, tent or stand position; Weighs 4.17 lbs. and measures 0.7" thin: Thin and light design with DVD/CD drive omitted for improved portability. 3-cell lithium-ion battery; HDMI output expands your viewing options: Connect to an HDTV or high-def monitor to set up two screens side by side
• Thunderbolt port for connecting advanced monitors and external drives: This single interface supports both high-speed data and high-def video — plus power over cable for bus-powered devices — ideal for digital content creators; Next-generation wireless connectivity: Connects to your network or hotspots on all current Wi-Fi standards. Connect to a Wireless-AC router for speed nearly 3x faster than Wireless-N
• Built-in HD webcam with dual array microphone: Makes it easy to video chat with family and friends or teleconference with colleagues over Skype or other popular applications; Built-in fingerprint reader: Streamlines security settings for quick, typo-free access; Windows 10 operating system; Basic software package included: 30-days trial of Microsoft Office 365; Additional port: Headphone/microphone combo jack; Note: This laptop does not include a built-in DVD/CD drive

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Acer Aspire 5, 15.6" Full HD, 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U, GeForce MX150, 8GB DDR4 Memory, 256GB SSD, A515-51G-515J

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Lenovo Yoga 710-15 - 15.6" FHD Touch-Screen - 7th Gen Core i5-7200U - 8GB Ram - 256GB SSD - Black

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Lenovo 320-15 - 15.6" HD - AMD A12-9720P - 8GB Memory - 1TB Hard Drive - Gray

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ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop 13.3" FHD Display, Intel 8th gen Core i5-8250U, 8GB RAM, 256GB M.2 SSD, Win10, Backlit KB, FP, Icicle Gold, UX331UA-AS51

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Lenovo IdeaPad 330-17 - 17.3" HD - i5-8250U - 8GB - 1TB HDD - Black

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HP 17.3" HD+ Notebook (2018 New), Intel Core i3-7100U Processor 2.4 GHz, 8GB Memory, 2TB Hard Drive, Optical Drive, HD Webcam, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 10 Home, Pale Mint

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New 2018 Lenovo Yoga 730 2-in-1 15.6" FHD IPS Touch-Screen Laptop, Intel i5-8250U, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB PCIe SSD, Thunderbolt, Fingerprint Reader, Backlit Keyboard, Built for Windows Ink, Win10

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Dell Business Laptop PC 15.6" HD LED-backlit Display Intel i3-7100U Processor 8GB DDR4 RAM 1TB HDD HDMI DVD-RW Bluetooth Webcam MaxxAudio Windows 10-Black

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Kalvene Railway Station

22 September, 2018 | Railway / Bus / Ferry | 14 seen

Kalvene Station is a railway station on the Jelgava – Liepāja Railway.

The station is located in the Kalvenes municipality of the Aizpute district in Latvia. I noticed this railway couple of years ago and was amazed by its impressive heights visible from the road. 

Kalvene Railway Station September 2018

Kalvene Station was opened on September 25, 1929, along with the opening of the railway line Jelgava-Liepaja . The modern type building was built in 1932. Until 2001, the diesel train Riga-Liepaja stopped here. After the cancellation of this train, there is no passenger turnover at the station. The station operates as an intermediate station, it changes the train.

Diesel passenger trains have not been in service since August 15, 2001

Gutmanis Cave in Sigulda

18 September, 2018 | Tourism objects | 24 seen

Gutman's Cave (Latvian: Gūtmaņa ala) is the widest and highest cave in the Baltic countries, located on the Gauja River in the National Park of Sigulda, Latvia.

It started forming more than 10 000 years ago when meltwater eroded the sandstone rock after the Ice Age. It is the oldest tourist attraction in Latvia. On the walls of the cave are inscriptions from the 17th century. 

It is 18.8 meters deep, 12 meters wide and 10 meters high. The cave was formed from the yellow-brown sandstone rock of the Gauja river bank; its formation is due to a millennium-long interaction between the river and an underground spring.

Gutmanis Cave in Sigulda

Many foreign students and romantic couples are heading here. 

The cave is considered the oldest tourist attraction in Latvia because visitors, from even the earliest days, have left “decorations” such as names, initials and the dates of their visits engraved on the walls of the cave. Inside the cave are coats-of-arms and the names of various barons and estate owners. These were made to order for a fee by local craftsmen who would wait for wealthy visitors near the cave armed with tools, stepladders and templates. Writing on the cave walls is no longer permitted as the site is a protected archeological and geological monument.

Panoramic photo from Sigulda

Gutman's Cave is a place of ancient worship. Until the 19th century, people would come to make their offerings to the deities. The place is also renowned for a number of enduring legends.

Cafe Ivetas Ķēķis / Jura Staļļi / Grobiņa

16 September, 2018 | Restaurant reviews | 20 seen

Cafe Ivetas Ķēķis (Iveta's Kitchen) is located in Grobiņa municipality, some 10km from Liepāja, this cafe/restaurant actually is part of another cool attraction Jura Staļļi (George's Stables). From my understanding, it's a family run business. 

It was already past 20:00 and we left Liepāja a little bit hungry and decided to take some quick stop at Caffe Lielā Pietura, but the place was already closed, and we decided to give it a try for Jura Staļļi (as we had heard some good words before about this place)

Now, great was my surprise to find this place was almost booked, there were about 30-40 people on site (we got a lovely table inside the house, next to the kitchen). The next surprise come when the owner of the place recommended us to try their special burgers.

Burgers at Ivetas Ķēķis

Now, this was something great- the very best burgers I have tried in Latvia, and I would even say, the second best after US burgers. The buns are ordered from Poland, this sounded a bit strange to me, as I thought that buns should be made on site, see: How To Make Burger Buns at Home

We also ordered some chicken strips, cheese sticks..ahh almost got that American feeling.

Cafe Ivetas Ķēķis near Grobiņa​​