Room With a View

Occupying floors 34 to 52 of London’s iconic skyscraper The Shard, the Shangri-La towers over the city with a bird’s-eye view of the urban skyline and River Thames. All rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows taking full advantage of the hotel’s soaring position. End your day on level 52, where you can sip cocktails at London’s highest bar and, on the weekends, swim in the infinity pool.

With spacious outdoor terraces wrapped around majestic arches, it’s no wonder The Murray, Hong Kong’s architecture has won numerous design awards. From here, you can take in privileged views of the city, Hong Kong Park and Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss the hotel’s rooftop restaurant Popinjays, where wraparound windows showcase Hong Kong’s many skyscrapers.

Located in a Manhattan skyscraper, Sofitel New York’s rooms and suites all offer spectacular views, ranging from Midtown’s busy streets to the Empire State building and Chrysler Building. For extra space, stay in one of the four Prestige Suites on the 24^th floor; a true luxury in New York, they each offer a private terrace spanning at least 500 square feet.

Located on levels 28 to 37 of the Shiodome skyscraper in the Shimbashi business district, Conrad Tokyo’s rooms enjoy tranquil views of both Tokyo Bay and the ancient Hamarikyu Gardens. For even taller windows, visit the elegant TwentyEight bar for afternoon tea or evening cocktails. One level up is also one of the city’s largest spas, where you can have a massage while gazing across Tokyo.

Situated on a half-moon bay in the laid-back Botafogo neighborhood, Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro overlooks painting-like scenery. Depending on your room or suite, you can be gazing at the white sandy beach, Sugar Loaf Mountain or Christ the Redeemer. Make your way to the rooftop, where a 360-degree version can be observed from your poolside cabana while a DJ spins live tunes.

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa’s balcony suites directly overlook downtown’s bustling avenida, but the public spaces are where the most worthwhile views are. The hotel’s Art Deco-style restaurant features a 360-degree vista circling a stunning central bar. But the crowning jewel is the Sky Bar; a natural extension of the restaurant, it boasts far-reaching views of the city and its seven hills.

Featuring suite-only accommodations and private residences, 137 Pillars Suites Bangkok is the pinnacle of luxury in the fashionable Sukhumvit Thonglor neighborhood. This intimate hotel offers only 34 suites located on high floors, each designed with tall ceilings and large windows to guarantee sweeping vistas of the urban skyline. The hotel is also home to Bangkok’s highest infinity-edge pool.

An urban sanctuary in the heart of downtown, Kimpton EPIC Hotel offers a leisurely escape surrounded by Miami’s high-rise buildings and sparkling waterways. A private balcony in every room provides the perfect vantage for watching the city’s golden sunsets. On the rooftop are also two pools to lounge by. Pro tip: book a cabana to enjoy spa treatments without giving up your viewpoint.

Designed by famed architect Andre Fu, each of Andaz Singapore’s guest rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, bringing in natural light and framing the Singapore skyline and Marina Bay. The hotel is also home to some of the city’s best dining, including top-floor views to accompany your meal. Topping it off is the outdoor infinity pool on the rooftop offering an aerial view of the modern city.

Towering over the Burj Khalifa precinct, Taj Dubai’s exquisite Indian-inspired rooms offer views of the Burj Khalifa building or Downtown Dubai. After exploring the city or nearby Dubai Mall, retreat to the hotel’s Renaissance-style deck, an outdoor oasis where you can sip top-rate cocktails away from the hustle and bustle, and take in panoramic views spanning Downtown Dubai to Business Bay.