25 Amazing Hotels With Eye-Popping Views

A one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring view is a welcome perk at any hotel, but some properties truly outshine the rest when it comes to the surrounding scenery. Fortunately, there are views that appeal to every kind of traveler, whether you want to gaze at mountains, oceans, vineyards, or dazzling city lights. We’ve rounded up 25 of the world’s best hotels that feature stunning views, all of which appear on our 2014 Fodor’s 100 list. Read on to discover amazing properties where you won’t want to close the curtains.

By Michael Alan Connelly

Michael is the Editor of Fodors.com. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram: @malanconnelly.

WHERE: Portugal

Overlooking the Douro River with sweeping views of picturesque Porto, The Yeatman allows guests to enjoy the beauty of the city without actually staying in it. Rooms feature outdoor terraces, but the views from the indoor and outdoor pools are arguably the best.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Porto and the North Travel Guide

WHERE: St. Lucia

The stunning sights of St. Lucia spring to life at Jade Mountain, perched on a mountainside overlooking the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. Each room has one wall that’s entirely open to the Pitons view, meaning you can soak up the scenery while lazing in bed.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's St. Lucia Travel Guide

WHERE: Utah

Revel in high desert splendor at Amangiri, an ultra-luxururious retreat on a 600-acre plot where you’ll see soaring red-rock cliffs and jagged mesas. All 34 suites feature an expansive private terrace equipped with an outdoor fireplace.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Moab and Southeastern Utah Travel Guide

WHERE: Santorini, Greece

The dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters of the Greek Islands look their best from a perch at Esperas Santorini, where homey studios and suites all feature private terraces. The hotel’s location on Santorini is ideally suited for taking in fiery sunsets.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's The Cyclades Travel Guide

WHERE: Turkey

Cappadocia’s one-of-a-kind landscape comes into full view at Argos, which features magnificent views of the unique architecture and Pigeon Valley. Not all rooms have a terrace or balcony, so be sure to request one to maximize your enjoyment of the views.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Cappadocia and Central Turkey Travel Guide

WHERE: Sorrento, Italy

A luxurious retreat perched on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Naples, Bellevue Syrene is one of Italy’s most legendary hotels. Guestrooms, the outdoor pool, and the main restaurant all offer panoramic vistas over the water and the surrounding countryside.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's The Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Naples Travel Guide

WHERE: Los Angeles

Situated on 102 oceanfront acres on the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea offers views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. Every room comes with a balcony where you can take in the splendid scenery.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Los Angeles Travel Guide

WHERE: Botswana

You can get close to nature at Belmond Khwai River Lodge, where the setting is utterly tranquil. If you’re lucky, you might also spot an elephant or two strolling past the viewing deck outside your deluxe tent.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Botswana Travel Guide

WHERE: Alberta, Canada

A grand dame dating back to 1888, the Fairmont Banff Springs offers history, elegance, and, of course, magnificent vistas. From almost anywhere in the hotel, you can see breathtaking views of the Bow River and the Rockies.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Banff National Park Travel Guide

WHERE: Belize

Take in the azure waters surrounding Cayo Espanto, located just off Ambergris Caye, from your private beachfront villa. One villa built over the water also offers a peek underwater via a glass window built into the floor.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's The Cayes and Atolls Travel Guide

WHERE: Hong Kong

In a city where there’s no shortage of great views, The Upper House still manages to stun with its vistas of the Kowloon skyline. Best of all are the window-side bathtubs that encourage extra long soaks.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Hong Kong Travel Guide

WHERE: Costa Rica

Secluded on a narrow, verdant isthmus, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica is one of the most luxurious hotels in the country. It also offers ocean views from just about anywhere on the property, including the 18-hole golf course and screened-in living-room terraces inside the huge rooms.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula Travel Guide

WHERE: Spain

Frank Gehry’s dramatic architecture is a stunning sight unto itself, but step inside Hotel Marqués de Riscal and you’ll gasp at vistas of La Rioja’s oldest vineyards, the town of Elciego, and, in the distance, gorgeous mountains.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Bilbao and the Basque Country Travel Guide

WHERE: Chicago

Located in a Mies van der Rohe-designed skyscraper in the bustling River North neighborhood, The Langham Chicago features 316 rooms where floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to enjoy views of the Chicago River and the surrounding cityscape.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Chicago Travel Guide

WHERE: Singapore

Built entirely over water, The Fullerton Bay Hotel offers rooms that all come equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies for taking in Singapore’s skyline. On the rooftop, there’s an infinity pool and a bar where those view might look even better.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Singapore Travel Guide

WHERE: California

Located on the dramatic coastline of California, The Ritz-Carlton offers unbeatable views of the ocean, beach below, and surrounding countryside. The property’s two main draws, golf and spa treatments, take full advantage of the scenery as well.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's The Bay Area Travel Guide

WHERE: Tokyo

Captured on film in Lost in Translation, Park Hyatt Tokyo is known for it’s “wow”-inducing panoramic views of Shinjuku. The best vistas can be enjoyed from the atrium lounge and the New York Grill.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Tokyo Travel Guide

WHERE: Rhode Island

Sitting on bluffs overlooking Block Island Sound, Ocean House is surrounded by water that appears to have no end. A replica of an 1868 property that stood on the same site, the hotel features more than twice as many windows to maximize the views from inside.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Rhode Island Travel Guide

WHERE: Mumbai

With an unbeatable location, the Taj Mahal Palace offers the best views in the city of Mumbai. The building itself is a Victorian stunner, but so are the views past the Gateway of India to the Arabian Sea.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Mumbai Travel Guide

WHERE: Capri, Italy

Occupying a postcard-perfect location on the isle of Capri, Punta Tragara has a breathtaking location over the famed Faraglioni rocks. Accordingly, the views from the two pools and all outdoor areas are incredible.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's The Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Naples Travel Guide

WHERE: New Zealand

Located in the middle of nowhere (or, at least, 90 minutes from Wellington City), Wharekauhau is a coastal getaway on a 5,000-acre estate. One side you’ll see views of Palliser Bay; on the other, there’s views of the surrounding mountains.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Wellington and the Wairarapa Travel Guide

WHERE: Bora Bora

Enjoy the tropical splendor of French Polynesia from your overwater villa at the St. Regis Resort. Aside from the aquamarine water, there’s also the dramatic sight of Fitiiu Point rising high into the sky.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Bora Bora with Maupiti Travel Guide

WHERE: Italy

Sitting on a rocky promontory above the sea, Villa Las Tronas offers picturesque views of the Mediterranean. Located on the western coast of Sardinia, the hotel’s rooms all come with balconies for enjoying the waterfront setting.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Sardinia Travel Guide

WHERE: Seychelles

Choose between views of the sea and mountains at Raffles Praslin Seychelles. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's Seychelles Travel Guide

WHERE: England

Situated on 90 acres of landscaped parkland, Hartwell House serves up formal luxury in an opulent country setting. Designed for relaxation, the property features soothing views of the surrounding gardens and English countryside.

PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor's The Thames Valley Travel Guide