Hotel rooms with the best views

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Although jet-setters probably prefer to engage with the landscape rather than admire it from afar, most would agree that having exclusive vistas from your bedroom, balcony, or private infinity pool is really living in the lap of luxury.

That said, arresting hotel room views take many different forms. Some feature emerald mountains, turquoise waters, and sun-drenched beaches, while others offer a spectacle of dazzling city lights. But no matter what lies outside your window, the most enchanting views are those you can't find anywhere else. To help you find a glorious scene that's truly one of a kind, U.S. News Travel rounded up some of the most impressive and unexposed hotel room views across the globe.

Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy
Room with the View: Deluxe Sea View Room

Le Sirenuse—a charming hotel in the heart of the Italian village, Positano—lies tucked away in the Amalfi Coast's towering cliffs. From the luxuriant outdoor balcony of the Le Sirenuse Deluxe Sea View Room (sitting about 70 meters above the water), you'll admire unrivaled views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding pastel-washed villas. Complete with hand-crafted marble tiles, a whirlpool bath tub, lavish Italian linens, and Eau d'Italie bath products, this charming retreat has just about everything you could hope for in an Italian escape, down to its stunning vistas from nearly every angle.


Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, Montreux, Switzerland
Room with the View: Lake View Suites

You'll find some of the most spectacular views of the snow-capped Alps from the chateau-like Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, which sits regally above Lake Geneva. Built in 1906, this luxurious retreat features elegant Swiss Belle-Époque architecture as well as contemporary furnishings and amenities, majestic chandeliers, and period artwork. Apart from enjoying your lavish marble bathroom equipped with a Jacuzzi from the Palace Lake View Suite, you'll also marvel at the views from your lofty balcony that leans against the stunning backdrop of the Alps.


Shangri-La Hotel, Paris, France
Room with the View: La Suite Shangri-La

There's something undeniably alluring about Paris: Credit the city's charming streets and cafés, if you would like, but don't neglect its dazzling scenery. From day to night, you can admire magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine River, and the Grand Palais in La Suite Shangri-La. This seventh-floor suite exudes an air of indulgence, with regal blue, gold, and cream hues, natural wood floors, a private terrace, a decadent shower and Jacuzzi, and unparalleled panoramic views of the City of Lights. And if this 2,938-square-foot deluxe suite isn't quite spacious enough, you can always connect to the adjacent 5,382 square-foot apartment.


Molori Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Room with the View: Metsi Presidential Suite

With vibrant African patterns, bright colors, and contemporary accents, the Molori Safari Lodge (which is part of the Kiwi Collection) has perfected the art of creating a unique African oasis. Set in the scenic Madikwe Game Reserve northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, this spectacular retreat offers ample opportunities to relax and savor the surrounding landscape and wildlife. The Metsi Presidential Suite spans 593 acres and is decked out with lavish Ethiopian chairs and elegant African art and artifacts. The suite also features a private infinity pool, Jacuzzi, and indoor and outdoor showers. As an extra bonus, you'll also receive round-the-clock butler service. From this rustic retreat, you'll behold stunning views of the valley and towering South African mountains. As the Kiwi Collection's President and CEO puts it, "Every view is a feast for the senses […] whether it's from your tub, infinity pool, or while on a guided walking tour through the Madikwe Game Reserve."


Jade Mountain, Soufrière, St. Lucia
Room with the View: MOON Infinity Pool Sanctuaries

Few accommodations can rival Jade Mountain's enchanting views. Resting above Anse Chastanet Resort in St. Lucia, Jade Mountain towers over the verdant Piton Mountains and the shimmering Caribbean Sea. Stay in one of the seven MOON Infinity Pool Sanctuaries and you'll have 1,600 to 1,950 square feet of space in which to enjoy the scenery. These rooms feature lavish king-size beds, sleek hardwood flooring, private Jacuzzis, and 450-square-foot, custom-designed infinity pools that overlook the sea. You'll certainly want to savor the extraordinary views during the day, but once the sun goes down, the vantage points are equally bewitching. Bright stars gleam above the mighty Piton Mountain's silhouette in the distance.


The Intercontinental Hotel, Hong Kong
Room with the View: Presidential Suite

With its reigning title as the largest suite in Hong Kong, the InterContinental's Presidential Suite leaves little reason for guests to step outside its opulent 7,000-square-foot retreat. This sprawling duplex includes five bedrooms, a private study, gym, kitchen, infinity pool, Jacuzzi, and a private terrace. Gaze through the room's two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows, and you'll discover stunning panoramic views of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island. Stroll outside and you'll find a private rain shower along with an interior sauna and steam room that also offer impressive vantage points of the harbor. The nighttime views are equally impressive, with bright neon lights shining a different perspective on the skyline.


The Fairmont San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Room with the View: Penthouse Suite

Perched above San Francisco's prestigious Nob Hill neighborhood, The Fairmont San Francisco Penthouse Suite offers some of the most spectacular (if not the most spectacular) city vistas. From this 6,000 square-foot retreat, you'll have 360-degree views of the San Francisco skyline and the bay. And as you admire the breathtaking vistas, you can pamper yourself in one of the room's luxurious marble baths or cozy up at the living room fireplace. The Penthouse Suite boasts three spacious bedrooms, four bathrooms, an airy living area, a dining room, library, billiard room, and a private outdoor terrace. The only enticing reason to step outside your private suite might be to experience the delectable culinary creations from the world-renowned chefs who have flocked to this Fairmont branch. But with a room that accommodates 100 guests, why not bring the meal back to your private paradise?


Wolwedans, Namibia
Room with the View: Dune Lodge

Sitting above a dune plateau, the Wolwedans' secluded Dune Lodge strikes the right balance of luxury and rustic charm with its hardwood furnishings, canvas blinds, and plentiful amenities. From the Dune Lodge, you'll admire sweeping views of the seemingly untouched rolling hills and desert sands of Namibia. This chalet-style lodge contains a private veranda and is just a short walk from the main complex, which boasts a cozy wine cellar, two dining rooms, a pristine pool, two lounges, and a tea deck. The best perk: This retreat is just as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the wallet. Dune Lodge's rates include breakfast and dinner and start at 4285 NAD (about $550 USD) per night, a bargain compared with other rooms on this list.


Hayman, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Best View: Beach House

If you're looking for gorgeous views of azure waters and sun-drenched white sands, you won't want to look past Hayman's Beach House. Facing the Coral Sea, this sprawling villa houses its own courtyard, outdoor deck, private infinity pool, and 24-hour Beach Butler service to indulge your every whim. If you feel the need to leave this luxurious room, step outside and you'll enjoy a lavish outdoor rockery shower and incredible ocean panoramas.


Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay, Lana'i, Hawaii
Room with the View: Prime Oceanfront Suite

Set high above Lana'i's sprawling white-sand beaches and red cliffs, the Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay's views are extraordinary, to say the least. Sprawling across 1,500 square feet, the Four Seasons' Prime Oceanfront Suite exudes opulence with its contemporary tropical and Asian décor, luxuriant bathroom tub, and beautifully crafted wooden furniture. Step outside onto the second floor lana'i (balcony), and you'll behold superior views of the pool and nearby Hulopoe Bay. And if the view from the room doesn't meet your expectations, the outdoor vistas surely will. The hotel flanks a beautiful marine preserve and a world-renowned golf course.

In pictures: Hotel Rooms with the Best Views