5 Best Hotel Views in the World
By Tim Cotroneo
In the hierarchy of priorities on a guest’s hotel wish list, a “room with a view” often reigns supreme. An ocean view, a mountain view, or a cityscape are just a few of the images that a traveler dreams about before signing his or her name on a hotel reservation dotted line.
The international competition for the best hotel room view is fierce. Then again, each guest has a unique desire as to what stirs lasting memories that endure long after one’s stay.
Let’s take a look at five hotel views from around the world that offer guests a visual feast for the senses. Buckle up for views that are sure to open your eyes and capture your heart.
Soneva Jani, The Maldives
Your Soneva Jani Resort sky meets the sea setting is positioned on a four-mile-long lagoon featuring 51 overwater bungalows. Choices abound at this secluded resort as you select a residence anticipating a glorious sunrise or witnessing an epic sunset.
Soneva Jani amenities include a star-gazing observatory, an overwater cinema, and a chocolate parlour. Guests will tell you the resort’s ultimate drawing card is the extreme shade or turquoise water surrounding the Soneva Jani lagoon.
Villa fine touches range from a retractable roof in the master bedroom, to private water slides, and a personal butler. Swing-for-the-fences experiences include a twilight dinner cruise led by an astronomer, a castaway picnic on an uninhabited island, and a day-long sail on a luxury yacht.
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
Mingling with an endangered species of giraffes is the main reason for choosing Giraffe Manor. This boutique hotel, with a history dating back to the 1930s, is known as the destination where Rothschild giraffes arrive in the morning and return at sunset. If a hotel window is open, there’s a good chance your breakfast may be shared with a towering breed dubbed the Watchtower of the Serengeti.
With just 12 rooms, many of the guests choose Giraffe Manor as a base while experiencing a safari or simply as a place to recoup after a tour. The rooms at Giraffe Manor are exclusive in that only hotel guests can experience the interchange with the giraffes and other wildlife that call this 12-acre sanctuary home.
Hotel Villa Honegg, Ennetbuergen, Switzerland
The 23-room Hotel Villa Honegg is one of only two hotels in the tiny Swiss town of Ennetbuergen. If an infinity pool is tops on your hotel wish list, then Villa Honegg may be the ultimate choice.
Legend has it that Villa Honegg hasn’t advertised since 2011. That’s when social media began showcasing spectacular views of Lake Lucern from this almost 120-year-old hotel’s infinity pool.
By the way, Villa Honegg is also home to an award-winning restaurant, and the hotel is located just three miles from picturesque Burgenberg Mountain. The scenic drive leading up to the hotel is a thrill, along with the sound of rural cow bells in the distance. Step back in time and enjoy the panoramic views at this iconic hotel.
Ladera Resort, St. Lucia
If becoming one with nature is your ultimate hotel vision, then the Ladera Resort on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia will knock your sandals off. There’s no need to pull back the curtain or open the blinds at this 5-star resort. That’s because each suite features an open western wall.
That’s right, each of Ladera’s 37 rooms and suites is open-air to a magnificent view of St. Lucia’s Pitons, two 2600-foot volcanic spires. To further accentuate this incredible image, each of Ladera’s suites features a private plunge pool, custom woodworking and tile, and an ambiance that is dripping in romance.
Hilton Lake Como Como, Italy
Italy’s Lake Como is one of the most revered travel destinations in the world. This begs the question, “Which Lake Como hotel delivers the best views?”
Positioned amidst the verdant slopes surrounding Lake Como, the Hilton Lake Como hotel provides guests with a magical mix of luxury, convenient access to the train stations, and wall-to-ceiling windows for views that go on forever. A must during your stay is taking a stroll along the Passeggiata di Via Olmo, Como’s stunning lakefront promenade.
Your Room with a View
We’ve searched far and wide for five of the best hotel room views on the planet. Now it’s your turn to choose a favorite. Will it be in The Maldives, Kenya, Switzerland, St. Lucia, Lake Como, or someplace new?
