A picture might be worth more than a thousand words, but an in-person view...priceless! You get the aroma of the sea, the warm touch of the sun and September breeze, and the sound of the gentle waves coming ashore. This was the view from our room at the AKS Hinitsa Bay Resort in Porto Cheli, Greece. When you're deciding where to stay, how important is a room with a view?
Back in January, after launching my blog, I started following and connecting with other bloggers. One of the first I discovered, and really liked (and not just Facebook Liked), was The Nomadic Lifestyle. Today on their Facebook page, they posted a photo of Big Ben in London, and stated, "I never get tired of this view. What an incredible city!" Immediately I thought of the view from our room (below) at the Holiday Inn London, Kensington Forum, where we stayed last August for 3 nights.
I also reminisced about all of the other breathtaking views (and not so breathtaking views) I have had during my travels in the U.S. and Europe. Occasionally, we have looked out our window to find a wonderful view of the building next to us; so close, that if we could open the window, we could probably reach out and touch! But, more often then not, especially in Greece, our views have been awe-inspiring, like these from the Hotel Selenunda (left) on the island of Skopelos, or the Kos Aktis Art Hotel (right) on the island of Kos, summer of 2012. And these views didn't break the bank!
But, every once in a while, you visit someplace extraordinarily special, with family and very close friends, like we did in 2004 on the island of Santorini in Greece. We stayed at the Homeric Poems, and though expensive, it was worth every penny. I would definitely stay there again, if I ever returned to Santorini. Go directly to the Homeric Poems website to see the gorgeous accommodations, and priceless views of the caldera, both from the balconies and infinity pool.
Gorgeous views aren't limited to hotels or resorts. The Vue at Lake Eola condos have an outrageous view of downtown Orlando (right). Many apartments at the Bell at Universal (below) include views of the pool, and nightly fireworks at Universal Studios in Orlando. | Do I recommend that you say "Yes" all the time when the hotel receptionist asks you, "Would you like oceanfront?" Actually, I do not. Sometimes, the price is too prohibitive for the time you actually spend in the hotel. But if you are going to enjoy sunrises, or sunsets, and light or heavy meals on an open-air balcony, you may want to save up and say, "Definitely!" What do you think? Leave a comment below to let me know if you think a room with a view is important during your stay! Where was your most awesome view? |
Note: I received no payment, services, prizes, or bribes(!) for any reviews. All opinions are my own!