guest post by Sherry Gray

Hotels have the magical power to transport us away from our humdrum everyday world to some magical realm of beauty and style. Even a local hotel can offer relief from the mundane, as long as it has three things: comfort, service and an incredible view. For some of the finest views the U.S. has to offer, you can’t go wrong with the ocean (over or under), the mountains or, just for fun, the neon lights of a major city.

These hotels offer spectacular views unique to their locations.

Adobe Grand Villas

Adobe Grand Villas

Located at the base of Thunder Mountain in beautiful Sedona, Arizona, the Adobe Grand Villas offer ultimate luxury starting at $400 per night. Amenities include spacious floor plans, in-room fireplaces and such meticulous attention to detail that guests are greeted by fresh bread baking in their room when they check in. But the main attraction lies outside your cozy room, when the last rays of the sun wash over the red rock formations, creating one of the most spectacularly colorful displays of natural beauty on Earth.

Post Ranch Inn

Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur

Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, CA is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the entire Pacific Ocean….or at least it seems that way. Lush landscaping, deluxe accommodations, and even the uniquely rustic elegance cannot eclipse the endless, breathtaking panorama of the Big Sur coastline. Alternate view rooms put you in the treetops with a glorious view of the forest and mountains.

Embassy Suites Niagara Falls Hotel

View of Niagra Falls from Embassy Suites

Embassy Suites Niagara Falls Hotel in Fallsview, Canada overlooks an awe-inspiring view of one of the most incredible sights in the world. The timeless attraction of the rushing waters needs little embellishment, but fireworks and illumination shows light up 50 nights a year, and you’ll have the best view in the house. Starting around $260 per night for a suite with a whirlpool bath built for two, the Embassy Suites Niagara Falls delivers a memorable stay for a relatively reasonable price.

The Overlook Inn Bed and Breakfast

Overlook Inn Bed and Breakfast

The Overlook Inn Bed and Breakfast in Chatsworth, Georgia fits as organically into its surroundings as if grown there. Warm woods and natural stone dominate the construction, giving the inn an atmosphere of homey ambiance, if home was a luxurious mountain lodge. High on Fort Mountain, overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chattahoochee National Forest, the Overlook offers an unparalleled view of nature at its very best, and with prices starting at just $139 a night, you can rough it in grand style without even a tinge of guilt.

Hotels featuring jaw-dropping views exist in every corner of our beautiful land, and narrowing the choice down to just four wasn’t easy. Your idea of the hotel with the best view might be quite different from mine, but wherever you choose to stay, get comfy, put your feet up, and lose yourself in a flight of fancy. Being dumbstruck by the wonders of nature once in a while is good for the soul.

Photos by: Virtual Ern, Steve Newcomb, Embassy Suites, The Overlook Inn