Top 5 city hotels with a view

We usually think of a city hotel as just a place to rest our weary heads after we’ve been exploring the exciting streets, shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Some city hotels are attractions in themselves. I’ve selected five, all very different in terms of location, style and size, but linked by the fact that they’ll all give you superb views. Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa This prestigious hotel sits proudly on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. Its interiors are opulent, even extravagant, but suit the style of the building precisely. As to the view, the main problem will be which way to look! To the back is the iconic Table Mountain, while to one side you can watch the busy working harbour and on the other are the fabulous yachts and super yachts of the rich and famous. The hotel has many terraces where you can sip a cocktail and try some tempting tapas, while enjoying these magnificent views. RAAS, Jodhpur, India THE place to stay in Jodhpur, RAAS is within the walled city and is composed of four historic and three modern buildings which combine to form an immaculate boutique hotel. It’s undeniably stylish, with courtyards and gardens where you can chill away from the bustling city. As for the view, described by Tatler as ‘the most spectacular from any hotel in India, maybe actually the world’, it is the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which dominates the skyline and is visible from many parts of the hotel and from almost every guest room. It’s unmissable, literally. Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Widely considered to be South America’s leading hotel, the Copacabana Palace has been welcoming the cream of society for 90 years. It’s a striking art-deco edifice with a commanding presence which lures you through its doors. As a guest you’ll experience impeccable service. The view, of course, is the 4kms of golden beach that is Copacabana and the vast ocean beyond. Many rooms have ocean views and if you treat yourself to a penthouse suite, you’ll have access to a private rooftop terrace with a pool and bar and the best view in the city. Palais Amani, Fez, Morocco Fez medina is a maze of alleyways, crammed with shops, souks, palaces, mosques and people. It’s fascinating and overwhelming. When you’ve had your fill, what better than to retreat to the peace of your very own riad, Palais Amani. You’ll feel a world away from the bustling medina, though in fact you’re in the heart of the city. And the view is of the lovely courtyard gardens at the heart of the riad, where there are fragrant citrus trees and a mosaic fountain. Sipping a glass of mint tea on one of the many terraces, you’ll soon unwind and succumb to total relaxation. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya Nairobi, the largest city and capital of Kenya, is a lively, vibrant city. It’s got busy markets, a buzzing music scene, some first class restaurants and a national park. Giraffe Manor is not in the city centre, but it’s just a short ride away and I had to include this one. This fine manor house, built in the style of a Scottish hunting lodge, is full of character.  But that’s not all. It’s also got a view you won’t easily or ever forget, as one of the resident Rothschild Giraffes sticks its head and impossibly long neck though the window, to help itself to your breakfast! Now you don’t get that anywhere else. So there you have it, my very personal selection of the top 5 city hotels with a view. Of course, there are lots more, and it just goes to show that, if you search hard enough, you can find something special in whatever city you’re visiting. Amanda Marks is Founder and Managing Director of Tribes Travel. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.