Hotels That Offer Views of Iconic Monuments

Sure you’ll plan on visiting iconic monuments when travelling. But what could be more exhilarating that finding a hotel-with-a-view where you can skip the queues and the crowds and take in the signature sights at any time! Added bonus: Enjoy the drama around it with the changing light of the day.

Find one such hotel, and you’ve struck gold. Here are 8 such places, selected on a personal bias.

Golden Gate Bridge from Hotel Vitale, San Francisco

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Standing across from the historic Ferry Building and right on the Embarcadero, Hotel Vitale in San Francisco sure has an envious location. Pick a room with sweeping views of the bay or unwind in the hotel’s private terraces with gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge. What’s more, the hotel has a luxurious penthouse spa overlooking the bridge. Pamper yourself with a massage or a deep soak in the tub bath here, and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon heaven!

When in a mood to explore, just walk out of the hotel and you’ll find yourself in the midst of the city’s best restaurants, world-renowned shopping, and attractions.

Location: 8 Mission Street, San Franciso, CA 94105

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The Great Pyramid from Mena House Hotel, Giza

Set amidst 40 acres of verdant greens, this palatial hotel stands in the shadow of the Great Pyramid of Giza, the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world. An oasis away from the noise and crowds of Cairo, Mena House is yet not far from the city, allowing easy commute to explore both worlds.

The Mena House itself has a rich history to boast of, reflected in its artistic interiors. Book yourself in one of the rooms with a view, and the luxury of your own verandah/balcony opening out to the pyramids, looming barely 700 m away, will have you awestruck. This magical view will enthral you ever so often, as you unwind in the outdoor heated pool or enjoy a meal in the restaurant, taking over the skyline. And will only leave you asking for more.

Lo-and-behold, it even has a golf course! One of a kind with its unmatched location – an ancient heritage structure towering over the greens.

Location: 6 Pyramids Road, Giza, Egypt

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Dome of the Rock from Hashimi Hotel, Jerusalem

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Modest and well-maintained, Hashimi Hotel stands in the heart of the old city of Jerusalem, walking distance from its significant sights and colourful bazaars.

Climb up to the terrace and be regaled with a magnificent view of Temple Mount (Haram Al-Sharif) with the blue-mosaic Dome of the Rock rising from its midst above the flat rooftops. According to Islam, it was from here that Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. For Muslims, the importance of the Dome of the Rock makes Jerusalem the third-holiest city, after Mecca and Medina. For non-Muslims, this UNESCO Heritage sight is a sheer architectural delight, ever so attractive with its brilliance of colours.

Enjoy the terrace views from Hashimi with a cup of tea as you see the dome gleam in sunlight and, later, sparkle with the evening lights.

Pack light, for the hotel, is approached by narrow, winding, cobbled pathways of the old city, though coolie-carts can also be hired.

Location: Souq Khan El-Zeit Number 73, Jerusalem, 00000, Israel

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Colosseum from Mercure Rome Colosseum Centre, Rome

If the Colosseum is the big attraction on your Italian vacation, this is the place for you. A small, no-frills hotel, barely 5-mins walk from the monument, Mercure Rome will take you by surprise with the view it offers of this majestic Roman amphitheatre. The rooms are basic and functional; for its real draw is the rooftop bar and pool overlooking the Colosseum. Imagine sipping on some delicious Italian wine or cooling down with a few laps in the terrace pool while savouring the stately monument lit up in the dark. Needless to say, the hotel, with its central location, is a great base to explore ancient Rome on foot.

Location: Via Labicana 144, 00184 Rome, Italy

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Taj Mahal from Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

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A stone’s throw from the East Gate to the Taj Mahal, Oberoi Amarvilas is designed to offer unrivalled views of this stunning monument from each of its rooms! Draw the curtain or step out into your private balcony and watch the sun rise behind the Taj on misty mornings. Seat yourself at the hotel’s open terrace bar and see how the white marble dons varying coloured tones as the day progresses. Get dreamy and plan a romantic candlelight dinner here, against its soft silhouette.

The hotel provides free buggy rides to the Taj Mahal, as well as sells entrance tickets and offers qualified guides. Part of one of the most distinguished hotel chains, Amarvilas is a bit pricey but oh-so-justified with its luxurious interiors, exquisite food, and attentive service. Keep this one for a special occasion.

Location: Taj East Gate Road, Near Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India

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Eiffel tower from Hotel Raphael, Paris

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A short walk from the Champs-Élysées, as well as the museums, cafes and fashion boutiques, Hotel Raphael is perfect both for its location and for a taste of classic Parisian elegance. Designed especially for a VIP clientele, it remains the meeting place of choice for the elites.

Look up the guest register and you might find that Gregory Peck or Audrey Hepburn had stayed in the same room as yours! Raphael’s rooftop terrace affords uninterrupted views of the imposing Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Get a drink or enjoy a cosy dinner here as you soak in the enamouring view.

Location: 17 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris, France

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Sydney Opera House from Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney

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One of the best-located luxury hotels in Sydney, Four Seasons stands between the cobbled pathways of The Rocks, the ferry wharves of Circular Quay and the bustling Sydney Central Business District. The rooms, designed with warmth and attention-to-detail offer breathtaking views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. If you can tear yourself away, there is the spa, outdoor pool, and a jacuzzi to indulge in. Or sweat a little in the gymnasium, built overlooking the gorgeous city skyline.

Location: 199 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

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Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood from 3 Mosta Hotel, Saint Petersburg

Stylishly done, 3 Mosta Hotel in St Petersburg enjoys an excellent location, a mere 5-min walk from the main street – Nevsky Prospect – as well as the Russian Museum and The Hermitage. However, the feather-in-the crown is its 5^th floor terrace restaurant that affords a clear view of one of the city’s most colourful sights – Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Distinct with its golden turrets and onion shaped domes, this marvellous Russian-style church was built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in March 1881 and continues to draw travellers from across the world.

Location: 3 Moyka Embankment, St Petersburg, Russia 191186

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Now you know what will add that extra bit of sparkle to your next holiday – a hotel with a view!