What if we told you that you could score a room for less than $200 a night in some of the world’s most popular destinations—think Hawaii, Barcelona, and New York City—and have it come with a stunning view? Read on for 10 properties with postcard vistas that won’t break the bank (plus one splurge that’s totally worth it).
Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, HI
Always dreamed of vacationing in Honolulu with morning views of Diamond Head mountain or Waikiki’s stunning beaches—without blowing your budget? It’s possible at the 645-room Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, located on Kalakaua Avenue (but away from the bustling central tourist zone), where rates regularly start around $179/night for ocean-view rooms.
Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL
Located on a quieter stretch of N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach is across the street from the beach and next to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. All 240 rooms are decorated in a cool contemporary style and feature ocean views for as little as $149/night.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, AZ
The best places to stay in Scottsdale boast views of Camelback Mountain, the area’s most famous landmark. Fortunately, at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, you’ll enjoy panoramas of this red-rock wonder from the inviting pool and many of its 293 rooms, without the inflated price tag. If you can tolerate the desert heat in summer, rates for Camelback View rooms start at $159/night in August and September (and prices dip again starting next June).
Hotel Durant, Aspen, CO
A room with a balcony and a view for less than $200 a night in Aspen? Yes, but only if you visit in early June or in September/October and snag one of the five Balcony Rooms (priced from $185-$189/night) at the intimate, 19-room Hotel Durant, located in the heart of Colorado’s chicest mountain enclave. There’s a hot tub, patio, and cozy lobby fireplace, too.
Z NYC Hotel, Long Island City, NY
For stellar views of the Manhattan skyline at affordable prices, head across the East River to trendy Long Island City, where the Z NYC Hotel offers 180-degree floor-to-ceiling vistas from each of its 100 rooms and its open-air rooftop. Rates start around $165/night.
Suites Avenue, Barcelona, Spain
You won’t believe the views of Antoni Gaudí’s famous Casa Milà (aka La Pedrera) from some of the 41 apartment-like accommodations and the roof deck at the contemporary Suites Avenue, located on Barcelona’s upscale Passeig de Gràcia. Suites with views often start around $250/night, but other spacious apartment suites can be booked for a reasonable $185/night—just pick up a bottle of Spanish wine and enjoy the view from the rooftop at sunset.
Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Why just get a glimpse of Niagara Falls for the day when you can enjoy it morning, noon, and night from the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel? If your travel dates are flexible, check the 669-room hotel’s online booking calendar for dates with the lowest rates on any Fallsview rooms and lock in a rate of $152-$177/night in Canadian dollars; you’ll pay 30-percent less in U.S. dollars (or about $115-$134).
Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino, Puerto Rico
If you’re looking for an easy tropical escape (affordable flights and no passport required) with access to the beach as well as nightlife, dining, and historic sites, check out the 525-room Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino in San Juan’s trendy Condado neighborhood. Just play around with the dates in the online booking calendar and you could score an ocean-view room with a balcony for as little as $193/night.
Paris Las Vegas, NV
It’s not the real deal, but the half-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower—backed by the dancing fountains at the Bellagio across the street—sure looks pretty from a perch in 2,816-room Paris Las Vegas. The hotel’s high-floor Eiffel View rooms can be booked for as little as $105/night (just check the flexible dates button and then check rates for rooms with views).
Hotel Pilatus Kulm, Lucerne, Switzerland
Hotel Pilatus Kulm is pretty unique. It was built in 1890 (and renovated in 2010) at an altitude of 6,995 feet atop Mt. Pilatus; it is reachable via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway and offers incredible, panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. Visit during the shoulder season (April or early November) and rates for a double room with a view can be yours for about $190/night; prices rise to about $220/night from May to October. However, those rates are per person, but it includes the ride up and back, a welcome cocktail, an amazing four-course dinner, a breakfast buffet, and all taxes. Believe us, it’s money well spent.