A stop on Taylor Swift‘s critically acclaimed Eras Tour took an unfortunate turn this past fall. During the Rio de Janeiro stop of the tour, Swift fan Ana Clara Benevides died at 23 years old.
Today (December 27), the Associated Press obtained a report confirming Benevides’ cause of death.
What is the late Taylor Swift fan Ana Clara Benevides’ cause of death?
According to the AP, Benevides died of heat exhaustion. On the day of the Nov. 17 concert, temperatures were reported to be 40 degrees Celsius (105 Fahrenheit). Benevides reportedly passed out as Swift performed “Cruel Summer,” the second song on the setlist, and died hours later at the hospital.
The report notes that Benevides had “serious compromise of her lungs and sudden death.” She reportedly did not have preexisting conditions or substance abuse that could have led to her death. Amid the tragedy, fans and attendees accused organizers of not providing enough water supplies.
Following Benevides’ death, Swift invited members family to her final show in Brazil, where she snapped pictures with Benevides’ family members, who were wearing t-shirts with images of Benevides’ face. She also performed the Midnights bonus track “Bigger Than The Whole Sky” as one of the special songs of the night, prompting fans to believe this was in dedication to Benevides.
Joe Budden’s job basically consists of courting controversy at this point. Once a well-respected rapper, he’s since made headlines mostly thanks to his outrageous takes on the Joe Budden Podcast, which seem mainly to be calling more popular artists’ new music “trash” and demeaning people for having mental health issues (which… have you heard a Joe Budden album?).
Of course, he still seemingly reserves some of his more spiteful views for other folks’ podcasts. In a recent episode of The Pivot Podcast on which he appeared, he accused Maryland rapper Logic of lying about being suicidal, despite previously apologizing for bullying the younger artist.
“Logic is full of sh*t,” he said. “I don’t believe him. You can’t know and you can’t prove it. But Logic is full of sh*t… Logic put out a song with mental health as the phone number –- “1-800-whatever-the-f*ck-that-sh*t-was.” Pandering bullsh*t. Everything about Logic is pandery. So there’s really no way to ever tell what’s truthful and what’s not truthful. And since he said [he had suicidal thoughts] I try to take him off my list of people to speak about because I do have a heart. But I do think he’s full of sh*t.”
That’s a pretty far cry from when he apologized to Logic for calling him the “worst rapper ever.” Budden even blamed his comments on his own poor mental health at the time, saying, “Last week, I came in here feeling pretty tumultuous… just hating myself and life, honestly. Unfortunately, I projected some of that onto you, Lodge. And for that, I want to apologize.”
Of course, a couple of weeks later, he was accusing Logic of “reverse bullying” him, so if there’s anyone here who’s untrustworthy, I think fans can puzzle that one out for themselves.
Bad Bunny recently held his fourth annual Bonita Tradición event through his Good Bunny Foundation, where he gave Christmas gifts to children in Puerto Rico on Saturday (December 23) — just in time for the holiday. Held in Puerto Rico’s Convention Center, a video posted by Akademiks shows Bad Bunny going around to meet kids on the other side of the barricade. Some were even wearing Santa hats, just to keep with the energy.
This year, Bad Bunny didn’t stop his holiday surprises there. He gave a surprise performance as well at the Luis Lloréns Torres housing complex, where he also shared some heartfelt words with the crowd.
“There are few who believe in neighborhood people, in village people,” Bad Bunny said, translated into English, according to a Twitter account. “But great people have come out of the neighborhood where I come from… The government and the people don’t believe in places like these.”
“Son pocos los que creen en la gente de barrio, en la gente de caserío. Pero del barrio de donde yo vengo han salido gente grande. El gobierno y la gente no cree en lugares como estos.”
Some fans posting videos from Bad Bunny’s show also reported that Arcángel was there to perform with him. The two have collaborated quite a few times over the years, including on tracks like “La Jumpa” and “Original.”
Momento cuando Bad Bunny y Arcangel llegaron hasta el “party” navideño del Residencial Luis Lloréns Torres #MoluscoUrbanNews#ElMolu
In recent years, the “Big Energy” hitmaker has become a household name. Because of this, some fans are asking that she work with other top-tier rappers, as opposed to up-and-comers. Earlier this year, Latto dropped the well-received singles “Issa Party” with BabyDrill and “The Grinch Freestyle” with Luh Tyler. Though the songs have received much acclaim, they have left stans divided.
“@latto girl we love you but you need to stop doing collabs with these unknown artists enough is enough,” said one Twitter user, in response to a preview of an upcoming collaboration with Atlanta rapper Anycia, “as fans we want to see you win and this will get you nowhere and a latto feature is losing its value. no more babydrills, luh tylers and whoever this is next era please.”
Y’all be getting besides y’all self..Shawty from the south side & she hard af Idc bout allat. I was an “unknown artist” before and mfs acted too big for me. Stream when we drop https://t.co/fCqVeLDJa8
Latto quickly shut this notion down, hammering home that she seeks quality in her collaborations, not necessarily levels of fame. She came to Anycia’s defense and reminded everyone that she was once an up-and-comer too.
“Y’all be getting besides y’all self..Shawty from the south side & she hard af Idc bout allat,” said Latto. “I was an ‘unknown artist’ before and mfs acted too big for me. Stream when we drop.”
Needless to say, Latto is here to uplift a new generation of rappers.
Instead of watching Elf or listening to Mariah Carey like a normal person, Donald Trump celebrated Christmas by wishing his rivals — especially “Crooked Joe Biden” and various unnamed “THUGS” — would “ROT IN HELL.”
The Truth Social post was roundly criticized (and occasionally praised by MAGA-loving uncles after their third spiked eggnog of the day), including by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI). “Quite frankly, I’m going to tell you that I think it was one of the most pathetic Christmas greetings I’ve heard when a former president of the United States who wants to return tells people on Christmas Day that they can rot in hell,” she said on CNN, according to USA Today. “He is contributing to the divisiveness and division in this country.”
Trump responded to Dingell’s criticisms by mocking her on Truth Social for crying about her late husband’s funeral. Can’t he take just one day off from being comically evil? No? Sigh. OK, carry on.
“Debbie Dingell of Michigan is a LOSER, who is helping Crooked Joe Biden, and his Merry Band of Thugs, to DESTROY our Country with his INSANE Open Borders Policy, Inflation, High Cost Energy, Green New Scam, HORRIBLE WORLD DIPLOMACY, Afghanistan Catastrophe, All Electric Cars, and so much else. Our Country is a NO LONGER RESPECTED MESS, A NATION IN DECLINE, A FAILING, CRIME RIDDEN COUNTRY. When I gave, as President, her long serving husband, the absolute highest U.S. honors for his funeral, a really big deal, she called me, crying almost uncontrollably, to say that she couldn’t believe I was willing to do that for a Democrat. She thanked me profusely. Two months later, she was back on the trail ranting and raving about ‘TRUMP.’ She ought to focus on how badly the Auto Workers of Michigan, and the USA as a whole, are being treated by CHINA, to which Crooked Joe Biden has given this once great industry away!”
This isn’t the first time that Trump has made vile comments about Dingell and her husband, Rep. John Dingell, who died in 2019. “Debbie Dingell, that’s a real beauty,” he said at a rally before suggesting that John is “looking up” from hell. “You brought me down in a way you can never imagine,” she responded to Trump, “and your hurtful words just made my healing much harder.”
Uproxx cover artists Paramore are up to more social media mischief. After breaking out part of their cover story to spark rumors of a breakup, they’ve since changed gears, clearing all the content from their band and solo social media profiles and prompting speculation that they are instead preparing to release a new album. The Grammy-nominated band dropped their sixth studio album This Is Why in February, so if they are planning a new album, it’ll be their fastest turnaround yet.
paramore’s label contract is over they just wiped all socials and their website is down WHAT IS GOING ON pic.twitter.com/QVVCr0D38F
So, how did we go from “Is Paramore Breaking Up” to “Is Paramore Releasing A New Album In 2024?”
Earlier this month, the band’s lead singer (and only constant member) Hayley Williams posted an excerpt of Uproxx’s Paramore cover story on her Instagram Story. In it, author Carolyn Droke writes, “Now that Paramore has spent the year touring behind This Is Why (and making sure to take better care of themselves while they’re at it), a chapter of the band’s career has come to a close. They’ve now fulfilled all label obligations and are effectively free agents. As for the future of Paramore, all three members agreed that there’s a level of uncertainty.”
A number of fans interpreted this excerpt to mean that the band might be splitting up, but many believed that the cropped post was Williams’ way of trolling fans. And although artists often clear their social media as a a way to signal incoming new music, this may likewise have been Paramore just having some fun with their fans. Meanwhile, as one fan pointed out, it appears that their sixth album fulfilled their recording contract obligations, and maybe this is just their way of getting a fresh start.
guys don’t worry paramore wiped all their digital platforms because they’re at a new label or went independent and they want to start with a “clean slate” and they’re gonna use hayley’s birthday tomorrow as the launch for the new era pic.twitter.com/sorNcVdHD3
As 2023 comes to a close, it’s time for everyone to reflect on the “best of”…well, everything they experienced this year. The much anticipated Spotify Wrapped had everyone caught up a couple of weeks ago, while now we’re seeing a continuous scroll of the best destinations visited, International whiskeys tasted, fast food double cheeseburgers eaten, and more.
While our “Hotels We Love” column is unapologetically tailored for the adventurous, the trendsetters, and the Instagram savvy, there are always going to be amazing properties that haven’t landed there yet. Because of this, we tapped electronic artists and travel writers to let us know their absolute favorite hotel they stayed at in 2023.
Add these incredible stays to your personal travel bucket list for 2024!
Chloe Caldwell (@bychloecaldwell): Wakaya Island Resort & Spa, Fiji
CHLOE CALDWELL
My favorite hotel stay of the year (and of all time) was at the Wakaya Island Resort & Spa, a private island resort in Fiji. Wakaya Island truly is the definition of paradise. It only has 10 villas and a max of 32 guests on the 3,300 acres of land with all dining and activities included. Each earthy villa made with wood and straw (called a “bure” in Fijian) has its own private backyard and direct access to the sand and sea, not to mention the luxurious outdoor shower and claw bathtub. But Wakaya isn’t just another gaudy all-inclusive resort with flashy amenities. On the contrary, it’s an intimate, sustainable travel experience off the beaten path. In this way, Wakaya redefines luxury travel through understated and sustainable practices.
40% of the resort’s food is sourced from the island’s farm, many of the property’s design elements are responsibly created from natural resources, and the resort activities emphasize embracing and respecting the island’s jungle landscape. Some activities include a snorkeling tour of the island’s clam farm, hiking, traditional basket weaving, kayaking, dinner on a private beach, and more. My favorite activity was learning how to cook Lovo, a traditional Fijian meal made underground with all-natural elements. Of course, there is no shortage of relaxation, either, with miles of secluded beaches and endless ocean views to explore.
Overall, Wakaya Island is a once-in-a-lifetime type of trip worth saving for.
Close To Monday (@closetomonday): St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: TBD
CLOSE TO MONDAY
St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, is a uniquely atmospheric hotel. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, stepping into the bar feels like being in New York – there’s jazz, dancing people, and a lively, carefree atmosphere. The hotel boasts a distinctive staff; upon arrival, it feels as if you’ve been here a thousand times before — how else would everyone recognize you? Everything in this hotel is simple yet very extraordinary. A unique mix of guests, including those who came to work from the UK and those who came to relax from Japan, among others from 50 countries.
Once, returning to my room tired, I entered the elevator with a hotel employee. She asked if I had a challenging day; I replied, “Yes, perhaps.” Then she inquired if I wanted coffee. I said, “That would be nice, Americano, please” and headed to my room. Within a minute, a cup of hot Americano was brought to my room.
This hotel will give you another reason to love jazz, even if you play electronic rock.
Melanie Gordon (@livinginflowco): Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Rwanda, Africa
MELANIE GORDON
My favorite hotel stay of 2023 is an easy choice: the Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel in Rwanda, Africa. Yeah, it’s chic and sexy and all that jazz, but the real centerfold here is the view. A timeless amenity that you’ve either got – or you don’t. And boy does Cleo have it. The property is perched on a bluff surrounded by soft, purple-flowered trees overlooking Lake Kivu — an African Great Lake.
Sliding open the glass doors to my villa balcony, breathing in the serenity of the lake, I felt like the only person in the world. Correction, the only queen in the world. But just for one night.
Sinca (@sinca_official): citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square Hotel, Seattle, Washington
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Bangalore, India (12/31); Tulum, Mexico (1/20)
SINCA
Last August, I played in Seattle for the first time, and I stayed at the citizenM hotel near Seattle Pioneer Square. First off, the location was great. I mean, right where you can find historic landmarks, but also artsy spots, and cozy coffee shops around every street corner. I remember walking the city for hours from there.
Also, the hotel itself was a great experience, the rooms are small but very well-optimized. The beds are very comfy and every room is so well designed and colorful. Plus, I needed to get some work done, and they had this fantastic area near the entrance – cozy, bright, just perfect to focus. What also made this a good experience was the fusion of tech and human touch. It felt like they figured out how to take care of you efficiently, without losing the friendly vibe.
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Montreal, Canada (12/29); Miami, FL (12/30); Shangai, China (1/20)
NICO DE ANDREA
Montreal is my beloved city. There is an evident contrast between tradition and modernity, and that’s precisely what you’ll find at the Le Mount Stephen Hotel. An old building inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture, constructed in 1883, where you’ll encounter columns, high ceilings, woodwork, marble, period chandeliers, masterpiece paintings, and stained glass. One is captivated by the spirit of the era while enjoying one of the city’s finest cocktails at “Bar George” in front of a fireplace.
Definitely, the best hotel I’ve stayed in this year.
The Sponges (@thesponges): The Savoy Hotel, Nelson, British Columbia
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Louisville, KY (12/29); Calgary, Canada (12/31); Friendship (1/6-11)
THE SPONGES
Located in Southeastern British Columbia Canada, is a beautiful town called Nelson. Within this small town of just under 11,000 residents, lies our pick for our favorite hotel experience of 2023: The Savoy Hotel.
Our music careers have awarded us the extremely lucky opportunity to stay at hotels all around the world this year, but nothing holds a candle to the Savoy! First of all, the hotel is connected to an incredible club called Bloom Nightclub, which we performed at in April. Every local is well aware that Bloom is the best place in Nelson for earth-shattering bass and unforgettable memories.
The hotel itself has beautiful rooms with a warm and cozy wintery vibe. The star of the show in these rooms however (in all seriousness) is the showers. The showers in the Savoy Hotel are literally Hypnotic Water-Pressure Ecstasy Chambers. With about 10 different omnidirectional water spouts, it feels like you are being thrust into an infinity realm of shower heads somewhere between Heaven and Earth. After stepping out of the shower, you are ready to conquer the world- and ready to enjoy the lovely town of Nelson.
Nelson is a place known for its beautiful nature, ski resorts, peaceful atmosphere, and wonderful human beings. For fans of music (and showers), it is also known for Bloom Nightclub and the Savoy Hotel.
Also as a bonus point, Nelson is about a 30-minute drive away from our favorite music festival in the world- Shambhala! Come to Shambhala for a weekend next summer, stay at The Savoy before or after. Boom. If DJing doesn’t work out I will be a vacation planner.
Mikala Lugen (@mikalalugen): ME Ibiza, Ibiza, Spain
I finally made my debut in Ibiza early this summer and ME Ibiza made it even more memorable. Aside from literally having the most breathtaking 360-degree rooftop views of Spain’s “White Island,” ME Ibiza truly lets you feel like you’re the most important person in the room. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with a relaxing vibe and overall sense of peacefulness while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Bohemian decor fills the space, with colorful flares of Spanish contemporary art.
A constant salty breeze emanates through the wide-open, well-lit downstairs area. When I say this property was strategically placed among its settings — it really was. Everything seemed to tie into the environment, which made it feel more natural. Each person I saw on the grounds was young, hot, and wore only the most stylish clothing.
The hotel is located in Santa Eulalia del Río, less than three miles from Ibiza’s city center. While Ibiza is known for its globally recognized nightlife and clubs, ME Ibiza allows you to still get some much-needed R&R during your stay. Several private beach nooks prove perfect for relaxation — then take a quick car arranged by the hotel to bring you downtown to some of the world’s best nightclubs. Located right on the property, the famous Nikki Beach offers a lush paradise tucked away for adults only with a lavish beach club flare alongside international, Spanish cuisine.
It truly was everything and more that you could want and need when staying in Ibiza and I can’t wait to go back.
The pinnacle of my 2023 travels was undoubtedly Our Habitas in Tulum, Mexico. Nestled between the Yucatán jungle and the mesmerizing Caribbean Sea, this sustainable sanctuary stood out as a beacon of luxury and environmental consciousness. The echo tent, a marvel of design, provided a sensory journey through the vibrant sights and sounds of the Mayan jungle.
What truly set Our Habitas apart was the exceptional, unique experience offered in the luxury rooms. My room featured a private plunge pool and an outdoor shower, seamlessly integrated into the jungle surroundings, offering unforgettable moments of relaxation. The main infinity pool, with its breathtaking views of the Caribbean, added even more tranquility and beauty to this already idyllic retreat. Beyond the physical beauty, the resort’s beachside restaurant elevated the culinary experience. Set against the backdrop of the sea, it offered a delicious array of flavors accompanied by tasty cocktails.
The balance between a peaceful paradise and vibrant boho-style parties showcased the versatility of Our Habitas, making it the standout destination among the hotels I experienced this year. This gem in Tulum effortlessly combined luxury, sustainability, and a sensory journey, being on the top of my list for 2023.
Marten Hørger (@marten_horger): The Hazelton, Toronto, Canada
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Shanghai, China (12/16); Bali, Indonesia (12/29); Tomorrowland Winter, France (3/16)
MARTEN HØRGER
One of the hotels that really stuck with me was The Hazelton in Toronto, which is situated in the Yorkville neighborhood. While it looks like just another upscale hotel on the surface, all the magic is in the details. Although it’s right next to a crazy, busy street, once you step in, it feels like someone puts a warm blanket over you. Everything just dims down and becomes quiet.
With my work and schedule, there are a few things that are super important to me: 24-hour room service with options outside of the typical BLT sandwich, so I can eat real food whenever my jet-lagged body wants it. Blackout curtains—mine were controlled right from the bedside. A balcony so I can get sunlight into me without having to leave. A gym that feels like a real gym instead of a hotel gym. And most important: a good bed with great pillows. All of the above was done with excellence at the Hazelton. On top of that, I loved the candied fruits in my room.
Apparently, Justin Bieber agrees with me too, as he’s famous for staying (and partying) here too.
KILIMANJARO (@kilimanjaromusic): Portrait Milano Hotel, Milan, Italy
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Ibiza, Spain (1/1); Stuttgart, Germany (1/12); Porto, Portugal (1/20)
KILIMANJARO
By far, the best hotel I stayed at this year was by far the Portrait Milano Hotel. Part of the Lungarno Collection and housed in one of the oldest seminaries in Europe, the Portrait serves up absolutely stunning architecture alongside audacious attention to detail. From the large and airy, sweet-smelling Milanese rooms, draped in walnut and cardinal red velvet, to the SEVEN different pillow types, it really does feel like you’re living like Italian royalty.
Stepping out of your room onto the walkway that lines the perimeter overlooking hotel courtyard, you’re met with a scene that I can only describe as breathtaking.
DJ Flex (@therealdjflex): Viceroy Hotel Los Cabos, Los Cabos, Mexico
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: TBD
DJ FLEX
This February, I decided to take a trip to Mexico and stay at the Viceroy Los Cabos. This was a bucket list hotel for me due to the unique design and architecture, it almost looks fake as the views of the gulf are picture-perfect. I stayed in a one-bedroom suite with sweeping views of the ocean, marble walls, double-head showers and a plunge pool balcony. 1100SF of distinctive room decor and residence-like features make the hotel feel like you are right at home.
Viceroy customer service makes the stay worth the pricey nightly rate, some hotels are super expensive but don’t live up to the standards of a 5-star hotel. As for the Viceroy chain, they never disappoint when it comes to making the stay super relaxing with concierge there every step of the way. With the pool having direct access to the beach, the servers provided free desserts and snacks which were phenomenal and much needed in the hot sun. The most unique and memorable moment are the bikes that are available for use to take into town. Whether you want to bike it to breakfast or just take a ride and enjoy the cultural scene, the experience itself brings you closer to the Mexican society and traditions which is something I always try to dive into wherever I am in the world.
Aryeh-Or (@aryehsadventures): Hotel Xcaret Arte, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
I’ve stayed at some phenomenal properties in my day, but this year’s favorite sticks out a head above the rest. Hotel Xcaret Arte, a part of the larger Xcaret resort complex in Playa Del Carmen, is a meticulously crafted and curated feast for the senses and a true masterclass in eco-integrated architecture and design. With a seamless blend of natural materials and a clearly expressed sense of reverence for the land itself, the sprawling property almost feels like it grew up from the jungle floor.
Don’t get me wrong, we’re not talking thatched roof vibes. The property is thoroughly modern with every amenity you could ask for. Still, nothing about it felt cold or cliche like so many other cookie-cutter resorts out there. Literally every element, from the smallest detail like the hand-painted tiles in our shower, to the massive murals and sculptural installations easter egged throughout the resort, were carefully interwoven to give a feeling of simultaneous awe and ease.
Their signature hashtag is #stayheretofeel and they’re not wrong. Quite the contrary, Xcaret Arte got it all jussssst right!
KEY AMENITIES:
10 gastronomic experiences
Eco-integrating architecture
All-Fun Inclusive package
Free airport transporation
Inclusion food & drink
On-site cultural workshops
Spa
Private patio and balconies
Curated art collection
Infinity pools
Trails and a functional training circuit in the rainforest
Starya (@iamstarya): The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Austin, TX (12/31)
STARYA
My favorite hotel I stayed in this year was The Venetian in Las Vegas. I stay there every year while I DJ at an annual convention in Las Vegas, and I always look forward to staying there. First of all, the whole place is so over-the-top maximalism. From the real-flame torch sconces and elaborate paintings in the hallways and ceilings to the canal shops that feature romantic canal boat rides under a fake sky that makes you feel like the sun is a little bit out at all times. And of course, this could not be my favorite hotel without having fantastic rooms, each equipped with a full bathtub and makeup vanity.
Pro tip: if you call the front desk, they will send you a bag of bath salts.
Wolfgang Gartner (@wolfganggartner): The Intercontinental, Monterey, California
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: TBD
WOLFGANG GARTNER
California is more a part of my DNA than my eye color, and no place embodies its true essence more than the foggy seaside town of Monterey. It has inspired books, movies, and most importantly; the 1978 solo album by Jazz Crusaders piano-man Joe Sample (if a picture tells a thousand words this LP cover is the Charles Dickens of album art).
So strong is the pull of this central coast hideaway that I find myself vacationing there yearly despite having grown up only two hours away. With at least a dozen of these vacations under my belt I’ve thoroughly earned my guest-artist-travel-writer credentials and feel qualified to recommend The Intercontinental as the best place to stay in Monterey.
This recommendation comes with no qualifiers or asterisks; it’s simply the spot, and budget allowing, would be the best choice for anybody whether their itinerary is 10 pages or a post-it note. Located in the heart of Cannery Row overlooking the ocean, it’s the most central location in Monterey and within steps of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf, and my personal favorite: Oscar’s Playground (a really cool arcade with lazer tag). Life on the road for a touring DJ can be exhausting though and this makes in-house amenities a vitally important factor in hotel choice. The massages I’ve gotten at the Monterey Intercontinental have put The Ritz and Four Seasons to shame, and although the spa area lacks a dry sauna (usually one of my requirements for vacation lodging), the atmosphere and energy more than makeup for it. It’s hard to go wrong eating on The Row but I’ve had meals at this hotel that rivaled Michelin Star fare, followed by a bill that didn’t require me to take out a home equity line of credit.
If you’re planning a trip to Monterey and your budget permits it, The Intercontinental is easily the best place to stay. If you’re not planning a trip to Monterey and you’re looking for somewhere to escape the stress and breakneck pace of modern life, do yourself a favor. But beware, once it’s gotten inside of you, it will keep calling. You may find yourself like me, fantasizing about making it your permanent home.
KEY AMENITIES:
Spa
Coastal views
Restaurant with waterfront dining
Outdoor heated pool
Outdoor hot tub
Fitness center
Valet parking
Business center
Firepits
Free wifi
Trails and a functional training circuit in the rainforest
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Minneapolis, MN (2/3); Washington, D.C. (2/16); Portland, OR (3/22)
JSTJR
The best hotel I stayed at this year was The Standard in London. It was my first time in London and walking out of Kings Cross, I could already see the iconic red elevator against all the old brick buildings. The Standard has such a unique — almost futuristic — take on hotel rooms and we were lucky to look right out onto Kings Cross from our window that took up the entire wall.
The staff treated us like old friends and walked us to the elevator with recommendations for a fun few days in the city and the rooftop bar, restaurant, and lounges were all extraordinary. Modern, friendly, and fun.
Ookay (@ookayx): Hilton Tokyo Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Norfolk, VA (12/16)
OOKAY
One of the best hotels I’ve stayed this year was for sure the Hilton Tokyo Shinjuku. Everything was so easily accessible in terms of food, transportation, shopping, and more. The restaurants were fire! The early morning buffet breakfast had a wide range of options from omelets to unlimited bacon and mimosas (turn up). Might have had the best Eggs Benedict I’ve had this year as well.
Leave it to Tokyo to have some of the nicest services. The gym had literally everything and was pretty tame in terms of occupancy. Highly recommend it for a perfect stay in Japan. Big up Hilton.
Lucille Croft (@lucillecroft): Hotel Chelsea, NY, NY
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: TBD
I first heard of Hotel Chelsea when watching an old movie one night in a different hotel, and there was a scene that mentioned it and made it sound intriguing. The hotel looked like something out of American Horror Story when I googled it, and it’s supposedly haunted, so I booked it immediately for an upcoming stay for one night. It was only when I got there that one of the staff members told me about the wild history of the hotel and its clientele – some of its regulars have included Janis Joplin, Uma Thurman, Thomas Wolfe, and Jimmy Hendrix — to name a few. Staying at Hotel Chelsea made me feel like I was living in a piece of history – all the furniture and decor, even the door handles, had such acute details and character.
It was more of an ‘artist hub’ hotel apparently at some point before it became a luxury hotel, apparently creatives and artists from all over the world were drawn to it and its energy. I loved my stay there – nothing supernatural, but it has a very strange and alluring energy. My favorite thing about it was their golden door knobs that were embellished with ‘HC’.
EDITOR’S PICK: Steve Bramucci (@steve_bramucci): Villa La Valencia, Mexico
Villa La Valencia
As the founding editor of Uproxx’s travel section and the creator of the Uproxx Travel Hot List, I see a lot of hotels. And as a person who spent my 20s traveling very broke, I find that I like a lot of hotels. Generally speaking, I rarely leave a hotel feeling like it was trash. Certainly not someplace that costs upwards of $250/ night in the US or Europe or $120 per night in Mexico, Central, and South America (where most of my travels have been centered the past half-decade).
As we head into 2024, hotels are highly competitive. And the industry is almost inverted compared to so many industries these days — rather than a race to the bottom, with hotels the best user experience (at every price point) wins. The result? There are a lot of great properties out there. Yay for us!
Here’s what I find differentiates various properties these days:
Design. (The argument that because of Instagram people are more design savvy than ever is easily made. Also because of IG, hotel aesthetics are vital.)
Amenities.
Smart touches.
It’s the last point that makes Villa La Valencia my pick for this piece. The Los Cabos, Mexico-based all-inclusive is incredibly good at sensing the needs of those visiting. The small touches and many of the big design elements reflect a deep consideration of their guests.
An example of these smart touches — the property has the longest lazy river in Cabo. It’s very fun. A great place to lounge and laugh and cycle between pools. But lazy rivers attract kids and kids make any hotel less cool. To balance that out, Villa La Valencia’s infinity pool, overlooking the beach, is much more calibrated to adults, much more private, and is paired with one of the property’s best restaurants.
By making sure that adults and couples have a refuge, they make it a lot easier for child-free people to have fun amongst the families. That’s good business.
Want another example in a minor key? Every toilet on the property is a smart toilet. This is the right call. Having your butt washed equals luxury. But also… it just feels newer and cleaner. Toilet paper is archaic. If you are a luxury property and you are not transitioning to smart toilets… get on that right away.
There are excellent food options on-site, particularly Latitud 36.5 — a steak house starring dry-aged chops — and the in-house Mexican restaurant, El Patroń. The breakfast is sprawling and well done, with fresh pastries and custom coffees. Across the property I found the service to be superb. Suites are sprawling and well-appointed — with some of the sexiest bathtubs I’ve ever seen — and the beach is one of the most scenic and least trafficked in the region. I laid down a towel a few hundred yards from where the property set up its chairs and I think three people passed me in an hour.
Taken all around, it’s a beautiful property and an excellent value per dollar. Especially if that long lazy river appeals to your sensibilities.
KEY AMENITIES:
1,114 ft Lazy River
Infinity pool
Beachfront jacuzzis
Pool view, ocean view, and oceanfront hotel suites
We all know how much fun it is to get heavily invested in a plotline, only to have it be interrupted by a 30-second ad for cleaning products. There is nothing quite as liberating as being interrupted when you are trying to enjoy a movie or TV show, or having a commercial for dish soap appear in the middle of Reacher, which is why Amazon is introducing a new feature called “ads.”
Yes, even though you pay the price for Amazon Prime, the company is rolling out ads for its basic subscription. The streamer announced that starting January 29th, there will be “limited” advertisements in Prime Video movies and TV shows, because there is always time to sell you something if you look hard enough.
If you want to keep your ad-free experience, you still can… for another $2.99 a month. The email that Amazon sent out to customers can be read below:
We are writing to you today about an upcoming change to your Prime Video experience. Starting January 29, Prime Video movies and TV shows will include limited advertisements. This will allow us to continue investing in compelling content and keep increasing that investment over a long period of time. We aim to have meaningfully fewer ads than linear TV and other streaming TV providers. No action is required from you, and there is no change to the current price of your Prime membership.
We will also offer a new ad-free option for an additional $2.99 per month* that you can sign up for here. Prime Video customers have the option to pre-register for the monthly ad-free option, but won’t be billed until January 29.
Amazon is just the latest of the streamers to introduce ads after Netflix and Hulu recently raised prices for non-ad plans. We are all so close to reinventing cable, but it will be called something cool and hip, like “CBL.” It will be advertised on Amazon!
By now, we’ve all seen that clip of rapper Waka Flocka Flame turning up at a music festival, after having mistaken a sign language interpreter for a dancer. In a recent interview with HipHopDX, Waka finally explained what happened in that moment, and how he eventually realized the lady on stage was a sign language interpreter.
Never forget when Waka Flocka thought the sign language interpreter was dancing and started dancing with her LMFAO pic.twitter.com/sMLu6YPBZt
“[I realized it was a sign language interpreter] right after the concert,” Waka said. “Yo, shout out to the deaf community as well, man. We actually got a movie coming in the ESPY Awards. We definitely got some sh*t coming. I love that community, by the way. Because that community taught me a lot. Now I know how to get around people that speak other languages.”
Waka didn’t explain what his upcoming film with the deaf community would entail, or how exactly it came about. But he did, however, share that he learned a lot from his viral moment. Notably, why the first rows of the festival audience always seem to be moving.
“I always wondered like why the front two to four rows of every festival be lit,” he added. “They be lit as f*ck, but nobody know by law you supposed to have that for the [deaf] community — so they going off vibrations! That’s why they moving! Oh, I definitely fell in love.”
Ozzy Osbourne hopped on The Osbournes podcast for a New Year’s special. And what better way to bring in a new beginning than by talking about the end? During the discussion, Ozzy discussed how he stumbled across a video of celebrities who had died — and was shocked when he saw his face being included.
“The thing on YouTube, it’s got ‘Celebrities Who Died Today’, and there’s a picture of me,” he said before making a reference to Monty Python. “I’m not dead! I’m not really dead, just a little flesh wound.”
“I’m not dead, I’m not going any-f*cking-where,” Ozzy added, making it very clear that he isn’t planning on being in those types of videos anytime soon. “And I’m gonna go and do some more gigs before I’m finished, anyway.”
His wife, Sharon, also stepped in, to call the creators of those hoaxes and videos about death speculation some “sick f*ckers.”
In their defense, Ozzy is 75 years old, so whoever made the video just very well could not have known. Although they probably should’ve done a quick Google search, it could have been just a case of mistaken memory.
Check out the video of Ozzy discussing his death hoax above.
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