Whether it's a starry sky over the Chilean desert or a serene, snowy day in the Swiss Alps, many of us travel just to catch sight of iconic and beautiful views. Sometimes you don't have to trek far to see an incredible vista. Many hotels offer breathtaking views of their surrounding landscapes, and, as a bonus, supply guests with top-notch accommodations, unique dining experiences, and more. If you're looking for a great view from the comfort of your own hotel room, check out these hotels with the best views in the world.
Riverside Boutique Resort — Vang Vieng, Laos
As its name suggests, the Riverside Boutique Resort is a delightful hotel on the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng, a small town in central Laos. Upon booking, opt for one of the two exclusive riverside suites, which boast the best views in the resort. There are 32 additional well-appointed rooms on two levels with traditional Lao-inspired decorations and furnishings. Dine with a view at the hotel’s Restaurant du Crabe d’Or, featuring fresh, local ingredients and a diverse international menu, after taking a dip in the outdoor pool, with a view of the rugged limestone mountains and rolling hills of the countryside.
Chetzeron — Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Situated over 6,900 feet above sea level in a renovated gondola station, Chetzeron is one of the most awe-inspiring hotels in Switzerland. It was transformed into a luxury hotel in 2014, boasting four outdoor terraces to eat breakfast and lunch, enjoy cocktails, or relax on a hammock. While the hotel is beautiful during all seasons, it draws crowds in the winter for its ski-in ski-out accommodations just steps from the slopes. During the summer, an outdoor pool overlooks the craggy mountaintops of the Swiss Alps as cows go out to pasture in the grassy hills. Onsite dining and drink options are plentiful, including a seasonal dinner menu and a whisky and cigar lounge.
Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel — Saint Lucia
The Caribbean island of Saint Lucia is a beloved honeymoon hideaway, and Caille Blanc Villa & Hotel is one of its best-kept and most exclusive secrets. Outfitted with just six luxury suites, the intimate atmosphere of this tropical escape makes guests feel right at home. The resort faces the Pitons, two enormous volcanic plugs, providing an award-worthy backdrop, especially from the terrace, which features an infinity pool overlooking the emerald-green mountains. Located directly below the mountainside resort is “snorkel cove,” a beach known for its excellent scuba diving and snorkeling conditions at the nearby reef.
Aman Tokyo — Japan
Aman Tokyo is located in the Otemachi Tower of downtown Tokyo, providing unforgettable views of the city below and Mount Fuji in the distance. Here, modern design melds with Japanese tradition, as seen in thoughtful touches throughout the hotel, including the stone furo baths, ikebana displays (artful flower arranging), and washi paper doors. The common areas and rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure guests won’t miss one minute of the incredible view. Aman offers afternoon tea, an authentic omakase sushi counter, and something unexpected: divine French pastries at La Pâtisserie.
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge — Novo Airão, Brazil
Journey to the depths of the Amazon Rainforest in northern Brazil at Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, situated on the banks of the Negro River, across from Anavilhanas National Park. This eco-friendly resort boasts thatched roofs and 24 airy rooms, ranging from quaint cottages and bungalows to larger, family-size villas. Each room is surrounded by lush rainforest greenery, where the sights and sounds of the jungle are at your doorstep. Hotel staff can arrange various excursions, from sunrise boat rides and guided hiking to riverboat tours to catch a glimpse of rare pink river dolphins.
Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa — Antofagasta, Chile
In the Atacama Desert of north Chile is the Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa, a luxurious resort that overlooks a vast expanse of sand dunes and canyons. These otherworldly views might make guests feel like they’ve landed on the lunar surface. Decorated with traditional Chilean flair, the guest rooms boast private terraces, outdoor showers, and views of the Andes mountains. The nearby Licancabur Volcano is visible around the property, including from the Uma Spa. Enjoy traditional Chilean cuisine in the dining room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows for sprawling desert views, where you might catch a glimpse of local wildlife, including llamas and flamingos. The views don’t end when the sun sets. The low light pollution leads to a dazzling display of stars all night.
The Hilton Moorea Lagoon — Moorea-Maiao, French Polynesia
A romantic tropical adventure awaits at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon on the island of Moorea. With the islands of Tahiti to its east and Bora Bora to the northwest, this resort is situated in one of the most beautiful locations in the Pacific. Guests enjoy views of the shallow blue waters from their overwater bungalows as sharks and other sea creatures swim below. The resort also features the island’s only overwater restaurant, Toatea, offering a surprising style of cuisine: French crepes. There is also fine dining at the open-air restaurant Arii Vahine, offering stunning views of sunsets over the water. End the night with a drink at the cocktail bar on the sandy shores overlooking the bungalows.
Grand Hotel Cavour — Florence, Italy
Enjoy the best of Florence at Grand Hotel Cavour. This hotel’s claim to fame is its sixth-floor rooftop terrace, Divina Terrazza. It provides panoramic views of the Florence Cathedral, including its towers and Brunelleschi’s dome, designed in the 15th century. It is still the largest masonry vault in the world. While taking in the views of the historic skyline, enjoy an expertly made cocktail or sample a local Tuscan wine. Legend says it was at this very mansion (now a hotel) where famed poet Dante Alligheiei fell in love with Beatrice in the 13th century. One of the hotel’s suites is named “Beatrice” in her honor.
Blanket Bay — Glenorchy, New Zealand
This five-star resort is located on Lake Wakatipu on the South Island of New Zealand, with captivating views of the snowy Southern Alps reflecting on the lake. Blanket Bay offers several types of accommodations, including charming rooms in the main lodge, or, for additional privacy and space, there are chalets throughout the property. The estate is part of a working sheep and cattle farm and is conveniently located 45 minutes from Queenstown. Horse riding and fly fishing are among the most popular activities here. When the day is over, wind down at the hotel with a five-course dinner and a glass of the finest Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand has to offer.
Fish River Lodge — Namibia
Fish River Lodge overlooks Fish River Canyon on its western rim in southern Namibia. The 1,800-foot-deep canyon was formed 350 million years ago and is home to an array of plants and wildlife, including the Hartmann’s Mountain zebras, kudus (spiral-horned antelope), Chacma baboons, and cheetahs, which guests can see on a guided tour from the hotel. Back at the lodge, guests can relax in the pool overlooking the canyon rim or enjoy a snack or drink on the deck. After a three-course Namibian dinner, cozy up by the crackling fire as the stars shine over the beautifully barren landscape.
