When staying at a hotel, there are plenty of rooms types available. One of the most sought after is an ocean view room, and hotels usually charge a premium for the vista on offer.
I think everyone would agree that having a view of the wall of the building next door doesn’t really cut it. That being said, is an ocean view room worth the premium?
Ocean View Rooms
While there is a price premium, it’s often worth it. Nothing beats waking up in the morning and looking outside and seeing the sea. Considering most of us aren’t lucky enough to have a home by the ocean, it’s a real treat to have it in sight.
At the same time, how much time does a person actually spend inside a hotel room? When on holidays, people are usually out and about, doing tours, or lazing by the beach, or eating out.
-
- Hong Kong can be quite overcast, but the view is still lovely!
I once booked a harbour view room in Hong Kong at the InterContinental and in between tours I lazed with a book by the window. I got to enjoy the view and I made a point of it as I was paying extra for it!
The serenity of having something like that outside your window really gives a feeling for being on holidays. You could argue a city view would be just as good. It all comes down to personal preference.
Overall Thoughts
The question remains, is an ocean view room worth the extra cost considering how much time you’ll actually be looking out at it? I think it could be argued both ways.
What type of person are you? Ocean view all the way, or is it something that is just not worth it? Is a hotel a place to lay your head while away or part of the experience?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
Like planes? See my “Does anyone remember” series.
Flight reviews your thing? Mine are all indexed here.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Featured image by Johannes W via Unsplash.
Ocean view? Not worth it. Balcony with ocean view? Usually worth it.
A balcony is always worth it, so I agree with you on that one!
Totally worth it. IF immersing yourself in a vacation getaway is about the experience. We paid extra for a front ocean facing room with jacuzzi balcony in Puerto Vallarta. Was worth every penny having friends over for pre or post dinner cocktails. We overheard people in the lobby and by the pool who were staying on the first floor facing a wall complaining about their view. I guess you get what you pay for!
That sounds lovely actually, the jacuzzi balcony and having friends over for cocktails and what not. Certainly a hell of a lot better than the people who had the wall!! Haha – you definitely get what you pay for. Thanks for that!
I live for the full experience but the view doesn’t really matter to me. Unless its a window seat.
Hahaha yes, two different things altogether 🙂 I’m window seat as much as possible so I hear you on that!
Yes. A view is an important part of the experience. Some people might not spend anytime inside a room except to sleep but many don’t jump out of bed and head out the door. Many relax and enjoy the room. Many enjoy hopefully a nice bath or shower experience. Many come back from touring to catch a rest in the late afternoon before dinner. Those who don’t eat room service will come back in the evening with pastries or chocolates from the small market or bakery and eat in the room. Having a nice view if it is an option… Read more »
That’s very true all round. I always like to enjoy the room – I’m paying for it after all. I think you make some very good points there… there is always some down time, even between going out to eat and whatnot and it’s good to hang out in the room and just be. Sounds like you’ve had some lovely experiences throughout your travels, which is excellent. Thanks for the comment!
Personally, sometimes it’s worth it because I live in Vegas lol. Also, don’t forget hotels close enough to the ocean that is few minutes by foot which seems like good middle ground for me.
Hahaha!!! Yes, having no ocean nearby certainly helps swing things in an ocean view rooms favour. And agreed, they are always walking distance at least. Thanks for the comment!
For me, that depends on which hotel, which city, and what time of year.
The Intercontinental (soon-to-be Regent) HK is especially good for NYE/CNY fireworks as well as the city’s nightly laser show. I have stayed there multiple times for these reasons, but on a normal day, I’m not sure if I would pay the premium.
That’s a very good point you make. For something like that, it would be very well worth the premium – and I imagine it’s even more during events like that. Thanks for the comment!