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

Bixby Bridge along Highway 1

Valentine’s Day is coming and what better place to escape to but the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California. This luxurious hideaway is found along a ridge high above the Pacific Ocean and perfect for that quiet and romantic getaway.

The entrance and 98 acre property is hidden or rather tucked out of sight along the western edge of Highway 1 just south of the village and near Pfeiffer State Park.

Big Sur has been attracting creative types to its wild landscape and isolated location for decades, starting with authors Henry Miller, Hunter S. Thompson and Jack Kerouac.

Looking northwest from our room

After Highway 1 was completed in 1937 the area was sought after by Orson Wells and his wife Rita Hayworth, who bought a cabin here in 1944. And one of my favorite Beach Boys album is Holland which features the song “California Saga/Big Sur”, written by Mike Love – it is the best.

Wide open views

Romantics as well as those looking for a peaceful retreat come to this area every year, and with the Santa Lucia Mountain Range dropping almost directly into the Pacific Ocean, secluded bays and unpredictable surf – Big Sur is the perfect secluded location.

The Post Ranch Inn has earned its reputation with the 2008 Traveler’s Choice Award for Best Romantic Hotel in the United States and the Conde Nast Traveler 2008 Gold List for World’s Best 700 Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines. And if that isn’t enough to convince you that this beautiful place is worth a visit, they were named one of the top “Ten Greenest Accommodations in the World” by Trip Advisor.

Private deck for condor watching

When I stayed here, the first thing I noticed was how secluded the property was away from the highway then how well organized it was. We parked our car below, on a lower part of the property and then were driven up to the registration. After checking in we were taken to our beautiful room overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The amenities are very high end and just enough to make you feel pampered rather than overwhelmed and uncomfortable. I loved touches like the little iron tea kettle in the mini-refrigerator, filled with cream for your coffee or tea. The rooms are furnished with fireplaces and a big fluffy beds that have a clerestory window above for star gazing.

I loved the way our Coast rooms were set along the ridge so that you may be close to your neighbor but when you go out onto your deck, you cannot see anyone near by – all you can see is the sunset, maybe a California Condor fly overhead (there are several pairs that live in the area), or possibly whales on their biannual migration north or south.

Sierra Mar Restaurant

During our stay I got up every morning and walked across the property down towards the pool, to the yurt for a yoga session – where we were never more than six guests, that was luxury.

Afterward there was still plenty of time to slowly walk back up the hillside for the free and delicious buffet breakfast in the restaurant. As a guest you will get preferential treatment for all of your meal reservations at their gorgeous Sierra Mar Restaurant – which showcases organic and seasonal foods.

A wonderful surprise treat you will find are the lovely sculptures situated throughout the property, sometimes in unexpected places.

Inside the Sierra Mar Restaurant

And did I mention the rooms do not have a television? This makes the experience even better and very special. Soak up the impressive landscape and views, meditate or read a little, snuggle up with that special someone, walk the uninhabited beaches near by – or if you prefer book some time at the spa.

Big Sur is special place in California and in the United States. Its fragile ecosystem was tested last year when the Basin Complex Fire forced a two week evacuation of the area just before the 4th of July holidays. However, this resilient area is again thriving and ready for visitors whether to stay in this luxurious hideaway or to enjoy the local parks and beaches.

Beautiful sculpture

If you are looking for a unique place to escape to that will rejuvenate you during this unsettled time or a wonderful and romantic getaway for that special Valentine’s Day this year – the Post Ranch Inn is it.

Now I realize this isn’t for everyone but I consider the higher price tag an investment in my well being and spirit – there is something about Big Sur and this part of the California coast that speaks to the artist in me.

Photo credits to sfcphotography