Even when you’re staying at one of the best hotels on the planet, it can be the view that leaves the most lasting impression. From Patagonian peaks to iconic landmarks, these are the best hotel views in the world.
Awasi Patagonia, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park is one of those landscapes you can never forget, with jagged mountains, serene glacial lakes, pasture and forest on a scale of such immensity it’s hard to comprehend. Awasi Patagonia is in a private reserve overlooking this national park, with huge windows opening each of the 14 villas up to the views. At the main lodge you can take these views in from the comfort of the cozy lounge and while dining on accomplished cuisine incorporating fresh, local produce.
Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
Lauded by many as the hotel with the best view in Paris, this palatial Shangri-La property is in just the right position for stellar views of the Eiffel Tower and surrounding cityscape – a view that’s even more spectacular by night. See the tower sparkle on each hour after dark from the balcony of your suite or one of the hotel’s panoramic terraces. Stay in La Suite Gustave Eiffel for its corner terrace overlooking the city’s most famous landmark, or Le Suite Shangri-La for its vantage point on the top floor – from the suite’s sprawling terrace, spot sites like the Sacré-Coeur, Notre-Dame and the Panthéon, as well as the tower people come here for.
Image: Instagram @shangrilaparis
Prince Park Tower Hotel, Tokyo
With countless skyscrapers punctuating Tokyo’s urban sprawl, Japan’s exciting capital has an abundance of hotels with spectacular views. The Prince Park Tower Hotel stands out in particular for its Tokyo Tower outlook. Even with the arrival of the new landmark Tokyo Skytree, which exceeded Tokyo Tower in height, the 1958-completed observation tower, which is distinguished by its red and white Eiffel Tower-like design, is still one of the city’s favored sites. The Royal Suites at the hotel come with impressive views but it’s the panorama from Sky Lounge Stellar Garden that really has people talking.
Image: Instagram @won.hani
The Samling Hotel, Windemere, UK
A new Unesco World Heritage Site – the English Lake District is one of the UK’s most spectacular places. Windermere is the largest lake in the area, affording expansive views along its wooded shoreline to mountains beyond – all to be enjoyed from the discreetly elegant Samling Hotel. Georgian Gothic meets contemporary architecture to provide luxurious facilities, where expansive lake views provide the backdrop to Head Chef Peter Howarth’s exceptional Fine-Dining.
Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
When a hotel has its lobby on the 102nd floor, you know the views are going to be pretty special. The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong takes up the upper floors of the city’s tallest building, the International Commerce Center. As you enter the lobby the panoramic view is what immediately creates an impression and is a dominant factor throughout the entire stay. For the best view, stay in the Deluxe Victoria Harbour Suite, dine in the Michelin-starred restaurant Tosca, and swim laps in the pool of the 116th floor’s spa.
Image: Instagram @ritzcarltonhongkong
Corinthia Hotel London
The Corinthia London is among London’s most breath-taking hotels and the Penthouse Suites here have some of the city’s best views – each of these uniquely decorated suites comes with a panoramic terrace. We love the Royal Penthouse for its terrace taking in the River Thames and landmarks including the London Eye, and the Musician’s Penthouse for its distinct rooftop lounge (pictured). The interiors of these exclusive suites as captivating as the views.
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York
Choosing a hotel in New York can prove challenging but if you’re looking for a place to stay with a stellar view in mind, it’s hard to beat The Pierre. This landmark hotel sits on Fifth Avenue, right across from Central Park – a privileged position that gives its rooms and suites especially remarkable views. Stay in the Tata Presidential Suite, which overlooks Manhattan and Central Park from its position on the 39th floor – it’s said you can see beyond the George Washington Bridge on a clear day.
Image: Instagram @thepierreny
InterContinental Sydney
Right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD and rising up to 31 stories, InterContinental Sydney offers spectacular views across the picturesque sprawl of its surrounding neighborhoods, pockets of greenery including the Royal Botanic Gardens and, most notably, the waterfront that’s distinguished by the presence of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. These views are at their best from the wraparound balcony terrace of the 31st floor’s Club InterContinental, but the luxurious suites here also come with a spectacular view of this city’s landmarks – stay in the Australia Suite or Governor Suite for the most panoramic views.
Image: Instagram @intercontinentalsydney
Hotel Grand Bretagne, Athens
With its position right on Syntagma Square, the balconies of Hotel Grand Bretagne’s sumptuous suites look directly onto one of the most prominent hubs of the city. But it’s at the top of the grand hotel that you’ll encounter the most impressive views. At GB Roof Garden, a fine dining restaurant and cocktail bar with indoor and outdoor space separated by expansive windows, you’re met with breath-taking views of the city, its surroundings, the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill, whether you’re savoring breakfast or taking it all in after dark with a cocktail or two.
Image: Instagram @hotelgrandbretagne
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Canada
This Fairmont property is located within the Unesco World Heritage Site, Banff National Park, on the eastern shore of Lake Louise. You can head out into these spectacular surroundings or you can simply marvel at the sight of the soaring mountains, Victoria Glacier and tranquil lake this hotel lies alongside. Enjoy these mountain and lake views from the comfort of your elegant suite or in the hotel’s Lakeview Lounge where afternoon tea is served each day.
Image: Instagram @fairmontcll
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Machu Picchu, Peru
Just moments away from Machu Picchu, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the perfect base to explore the ancient citadel from, with the added appeal the natural beauty of its surroundings provide. Here in the Andes you’re surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and verdant greenery from the hotel’s lush gardens to the forested mountains that continue as far as you can see. Dine with a view at Peruvian restaurant Tampu and relax in the garden facing Huayna Picchu between expeditions to the fascinating sites this region is home to.
Image: Instagram @belmondsanctuarylodge
One&Only Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a remarkably scenic city with its coastline, harborfront and backdrop of the Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain. One&Only Cape Town is among the best places to take these views in from as it overlooks the water, across the city and over to the mountains from its position in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The names of the hotel’s suites gives you a clear idea of the views they take in – Marina Rise overlooks the waterside, and the Table Mountain Suite faces out towards its namesake. The Presidential Suite provides the best views though, taking in both the mountains and waterfront from each corner of its interiors and from its large outdoor terraces.
Image: Instagram @ooresorts
Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland
Fogo Island Inn is among the most striking hotels you’ll encounter worldwide, pairing its unique contemporary structure with the remote location it’s in – the rocky shores of the largest island off Newfoundland, right on the edge of the North Atlantic. The hotel is characterized by this wild and remote setting and the outdoors is brought into its modern interiors through the integration of expansive windows. There’s plenty to discover on the island but you can also enjoy the landscape and sea from various areas of the hotel. Head up to the rooftop deck to soak in one of the two outdoor hot tubs.
Image: Instagram @fogoislandinn
Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy
When you think of Italy’s idyllic Amalfi Coast, it’s likely to be the iconic views seen from Positano that first come to mind. With colored houses clinging to hillside that runs down to the Tyrrhenian Sea, it’s become an iconic coastal view. Take these vistas in while staying at the five-star hotel Le Sirenuse, which is perched on the hillside for uninterrupted views out to sea and of the fascinating coastline. Savor the views from your own private balcony, the panoramic terrace of the Michelin-starred restaurant and open-air bars or while cooling down in the outdoor pool.
Image: Instagram @lesirenuse