The Best Hotel Room Views in the World

There’s nothing better than waking up on your holidays, a day of excitement ahead, opening the curtains and feasting your eyes on a glorious view of your surroundings. Whether it’s the crashing waves, a sweep of white sandy beach, a snow-capped mountain or the New York City skyline, a hotel with a view is a coveted thing. So if you’re looking for a hotel with a view to die for, look no further; we’ve scoured the globe for the best hotel rooms with a view:

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi

This five-star hotel is set among the swirling sands of the Rub' al Khali desert in Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter. It boasts 205 rooms, villas and suites, as well as four dining options, a fitness centre, a spa, a swimming pool and a tennis court. But let’s be honest, you’re really here for the fabulous views of the sand dunes. Watch the orange glow of the sunset, look for desert wildlife, observe caravans of camels and admire glittering golden sands as far as the eye can see, all from the comfort of your room.

Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand

Imagine cooling off in your own private pool while gazing out across the deep blue waters of Phang Nga Bay, with an array of emerald green forested pinnacles spread out before you. Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get at the 5* Six Senses Yao Noi. Accessible via speedboat from Phuket or Krabi, this is one of our favourite resorts in Thailand. With sea views all around, even when you’re in bed, you too can wake up surrounded by nature – or even hire a kayak to get a closer look. Better yet, the hotel offers top-notch facilities including spa treatments, beach yoga and a choice of six restaurants, each bursting with Thai flavours.

NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi, Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is surely the most beautiful region in Italy, if not Europe, so where better to soak it all up than at the 5* NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi? This former monastery, which still features an internal cloister, offers sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea from its cliffside location. Check out the panorama from your room, the infinity pool or from the alfresco dining room, where the vista is framed by the bright purple bougainvillea that grows along the terraces.

Jade Mountain Resort, St Lucia

Another five-star hotel, this time in St Lucia, the Jade Mountain Resort offers uninterrupted views of the Pitons World Heritage site direct from the pool. The suites have been designed with no wall at the front, meaning that you can gaze at the surrounding islands while snuggled up in bed. When not admiring the panorama, you can sign up to chocolate-making classes with award-winning chef Allen Susser or indulge with a treatment or two in the spa. Or, if you really want to splash out, get a head start on the scenery by transferring to the hotel by helicopter.

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

Perhaps best appreciated from the Blu Bar on 36 with a cocktail in hand, the views of Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the Shangri-La are second to none. When not admiring the scenery, dine on fresh kingfish ceviche at the Altitude Restaurant or head to CHI, The Spa for a relaxing pampering session. While you’re here, decide for yourself: are the views best in the daytime when the sun glitters across Sydney Harbour or at night when the city twinkles under the stars?

Fairmont San Francisco Hotel, San Francisco

With its commanding location on top of Nob Hill, it’s no wonder the Fairmont San Francisco offers such wonderful views of San Francisco Bay. To top it off, the hotel is just a short cable-car ride from the centre of town and Fisherman’s Wharf, and is the only point in the city where all the cable car lines meet. The views are best soaked up from the Balcony Suites or the extra plush Signature Golden Gate Suites, which come with telescopes to allow you a close-up look at landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Coit Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid.

The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Singapore

Located right on Marina Bay, the Ritz-Carlton offers delightful panoramas of the Singapore skyline and the bay beyond. All rooms offer city views, which are especially good when admired through the famous octagonal windows that adorn the bathrooms. The hotel is decorated with contemporary art, including works by Andy Warhol, so when not gazing out the window, do check out the interiors. The views from the top floor Club Lounge are worth a look too, especially if you’re enjoying a sunset cocktail – a Singapore Sling, of course.

The Peninsula, New York

No list of hotel rooms with views would be complete without at least one from New York City. And what better choice than The Peninsula, a grand old building on Fifth Avenue, which offers picture-perfect skyline views from its guest rooms? The views from the tranquil pool, the rather swanky fitness centre and the sunny terrace are also pretty impressive, but for the best Manhattan-viewing spot of all try the Salon de Ning, a trendy rooftop bar where you can while away the evening watching the hustle and bustle on the streets below.