Image credit: Fairmont Chateau, Lake Louise
There’s nothing like a knockout view to help sell a hotel stay, says Katie McGonagle
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We all dream of waking up in the morning, jumping out of bed and throwing open the curtains full of excitement for a new day – but how often does that ever happen?
The view from our bedroom windows in Blighty might not be enough to tempt us out from under the duvet, but if opening the curtains revealed some of the most magnificent sights in the world, we would no doubt find ourselves feeling rather more enthusiastic.
That’s why these hotels don’t need to explain where they get their wow factor – all you have to do is look.
FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE, CANADA
Say what you see: Lake Louise
Tell me more: It’s one of the most-photographed landscapes in Canada and one glance shows why. In summer, the sparkling turquoise waters of this glacier-fed lake reflect the Rocky Mountains’ snow-capped peaks and lush green forest of Banff National Park, and in winter, it’s even more impressive. The Fairmont is the only hotel with direct lake views and has been enticing travellers to venture west for outdoor pursuits since the early 20th century. Today, they include hiking and horse riding, and canoeing and kayaking on the lake.
Book it: Premier Holidays can include a night in a junior lakeview suite at the five-star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise within a wider Canada tour from £195 in November.
trade.premierholidays.co.uk
0844 493 7444
THE ADDRESS DOWNTOWN DUBAI
Say what you see: The Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain
Tell me more: Stand 124 storeys high on the observation deck of the world’s tallest building the Burj Khalifa and there aren’t many landmarks you can’t see – except one. The Burj Khalifa is an architectural marvel in itself so to get the best vantage point, check into five-star The Address Downtown Dubai opposite. The only thing separating them is the man-made lake that plays host to the enchanting Dubai Fountain, a spectacle of 6,600 lights and 150-metre-high spurts of water dancing in time with music each evening.
Book it: Gold Medal offers three nights’ B&B in a premier fountain view room from £899, including Emirates flights from Gatwick, valid May 16-June 30.
goldmedal.co.uk
0800 014 7777
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, SYDNEY
Say what you see: Sydney Harbour Bridge
Tell me more: It’s iconic enough to tempt travellers halfway around the world, so a quick photo stop isn’t enough to capture this must-see landmark. Clients can get closer, by doing a bridge climb, but nothing beats sitting back and soaking it in from a window seat at the InterContinental, or from the wraparound terrace for club room guests.
Book it: Travel 2 offers a four-day Essential Sydney package including three nights’ room-only at the five-star InterContinental Sydney plus flights, transfers and sightseeing from £1,349 in March 2014.
travel2.com
0800 022 4182
LE PARKER MÉRIDIEN, NEW YORK
Say what you see: Central Park and Manhattan
Tell me more: Getting a good view in New York is easy if your budget is as high as the city’s famous skyscrapers, but how do you satisfy guests whose price range doesn’t extend to the penthouse? Try reminding them of the range of views on offer – Central Park, the Hudson and East Rivers and the Statue of Liberty – or tempt them outside Manhattan to Brooklyn’s brownstones or Jersey City’s Hudson Waterfront to get the full impact of that iconic skyline. If they desperately want to be part of the action, opt for a mid-priced property such as Le Parker Méridien on the edge of Central Park and in the heart of Manhattan.
Book it: Funway offers four nights in a tower park view room flying with Virgin Atlantic on January 16 from £829.
funway4agents.co.uk
0844 557 0626
CHINZOMBO CAMP, ZAMBIA
Say what you see: Giraffe, elephant, buffalo, crocodile, hippopotamus and more
Tell me more: The latest addition to Norman Carr Safaris’ portfolio, this six-villa bush-camp describes itself as ‘wildly luxurious’, which is an apt way to encapsulate its unique location. Its lavish accommodation is on a 60-acre ridge overlooking the Luangwa River and with a private entrance to South Luangwa National Park. Anyone whose idea of camping is a tiny two-man tent would be blown away by these spacious living rooms, luxurious bathrooms, and private plunge pools on their river view deck; there’s even a family villa for five.
Book it: Cox & Kings can incorporate the camp into any tailor-made itinerary to Zambia from £415 per person per night.
coxandkings.co.uk
0845 154 9841
HOTEL DANIELI, VENICE
Say what you see: Grand Canal
Tell me more: Venice needs no introduction, and neither does its main artery, lined with impressive Renaissance and baroque buildings and punctuated only by equally iconic landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge. It is teeming with water taxis and gondolas, so admire it from the calm surrounds of the majestic Hotel Danieli. The five-star property is a mix of hotel, art gallery and living museum, and tops off the canal view with one of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore.
Book it: Citalia offers three nights’ B&B in a deluxe lagoon view room from £569 departing March 9 on easyJet.
citalia.com
0843 770 4443
THE OBEROI AMARVILAS, AGRA
Say what you see: Taj Mahal
Tell me more: This monument to undying love is mesmerising any time of day, but never more than at sunrise when its glittering domes reflect the pinkish tones of dawn. But while hordes of tourists wake up early and queue for hours to get a glimpse, guests at this luxury hotel only have to open their curtains. The best views don’t come cheap, but since most visitors stay only a night or two in Agra during a Golden Triangle tour, they might be willing to splash out for an extra-special experience.
Book it: Every room at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, offers Taj Mahal views, starting at £474 per night, but the ultimate vistas come from fifth floor luxury suites, each with two private open-air terraces plus separate entrance, living and dining room, and four-poster bedroom, at £2,416 per night.
oberoihotels.com
020 7222 0606
SUGAR BEACH, SAINT LUCIA
Say what you see: Pitons and perfect beaches
Tell me more: Between verdant rainforest in the interior and sandy shores around the edges, Saint Lucia always looks good, but visitors will feel they have stepped inside a photograph at this recently-renovated resort. Surrounded by lush green scenery with a classic beachfront setting, it’s a winning combination.
Book it: A week room-only in a grand luxury villa starts at £3,299 with Caribtours, including flights, private transfers and a lounge at Gatwick.
caribtours.co.uk
020 7751 0660
RADISSON BLU METROPOLITAN, PARIS
Say what you see: Eiffel Tower
Tell me more: There’s no mistaking this view – one of the most recognisable icons in Europe, this feat of engineering still stuns even 125 years after it was built. With a top-floor suite devoted to getting the best sightline of the tower, the Radisson Blu Metropolitan is an ideal choice for those who want to gaze out on its simple yet elegant design from a 40sq-metre suite with separate living and bedroom areas.
Book it: Superbreak offers a two-night stay in the Eiffel Suite from £591, including Eurostar travel, valid December-February.
superbreak.com/agents
0871 221 1515
HOTEL DAS CATARATAS, BRAZIL
Say what you see: Iguaçu Falls
Tell me more: These thundering torrents must be seen to be believed. Bigger than Niagara and Victoria Falls and boasting better visibility, the best spot to stare is surely from the window – or in a suite, the balcony – of your own room. Orient-Express property the Hotel das Cataratas is the only one within Iguaçu National Park, offering excursions including a Macuco speedboat ride towards the falls, scenic helicopter flight, or a glimpse of the rare lunar rainbow at full moon.
Book it: Deluxe falls view rooms start at £348 per night, and Cataratas Suites from £876, both B&B for two sharing.
hoteldascataratas.com
0845 077 2222
