If you're seeking stunning mountain views for your next vacation, there are plenty of options beyond the typical beach-view hotels. From a Cold War-era observatory in the Pyrenees to a cozy eco-hotel on Europe's highest peak, here are four unique destinations that offer some of the best mountain views in the world:
Observatoire du Pic du Midi, Pyrenees, France
This famous observatory is located on top of a mountain 9,440 feet above sea level, within the Pyrenees National Park. Its observation deck is equipped with telescopes, offering a stargazer's paradise. You can enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner under the stars and spend the night in one of the observatory's cozy accommodations for $473 per couple.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu, Peru
This hotel is the only one located adjacent to the Machu Picchu ruins, with gardens boasting breathtaking views of the Andes mountains and the Sacred Valley. If you want to be the first to take a pre-dawn hike to the Sun Gate, this is the place to stay.
LEAPrus 3912 Alpine Station, Russia
Nestled on the southern glacier of Mount Elbrus in Russia, this eco-hotel was designed by Italian architects and offers a unique experience. Its prefabricated modules contain communal bedrooms and bunk beds, so it may not be quite five-star quality, but it provides a one-of-a-kind mountain getaway.
Hotel Everest View, Namche, Nepal
Standing at the world's highest altitude, this hotel was built over 45 years ago and boasts 12 luxurious rooms with panoramic views of Mount Everest. Its restaurant features an immovable boulder of the mountain ridge as one of its walls, making for a truly unique dining experience.
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a unique adventure, these mountain-view vacation spots offer something for everyone.