When traveling to the Caribbean or any beach destination around the world, nothing beats waking up to the view of the ocean. So travelers will often upgrade from the basic room category to a room that gives them a view. However, the last thing you want is to pay for an upgrade and not get the view you expected due to a technicality. I have experienced that and I can tell you that it’s not a great feeling.
Some resorts will offer Oceanview rooms which have a beautiful, or at least acceptable, view of the ocean. However, many resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America have two different categories: Oceanview (cheaper one) and Oceanfront. So, what’s the difference?
An “Ocean-view” simply means you will see the ocean somewhere from your room. It could be a view that includes the pool and/or other buildings of the hotel, and the ocean in the distance. For some travelers that may be acceptable, for others it may not. And other hotels may trick you into paying more for a tropical view with a tiny blue line in the distance. I have also visited hotels which offer Oceanview categories, but the guest must tilt their head to the left or right to see the ocean in the distance, while the rest of the view is a tropical view.
Here are some examples of Oceanview rooms:
Not the view you would expect, is it? Chances are you will go to the front desk and tell them that they didn’t give you what you paid for. Some hotels may be courteous and offer the guest a complimentary upgrade, while others may simply tell them that you can see the ocean, hence it is what they paid for.
So, chances are that the room category was “Ocean-front”. As the name describes, that room is located directly in front of, and faces, the ocean, hence you will have the full view of the ocean as you expected. If you’re choosing your room and the hotel offers this category, chances are an Oceanview will definitely not look out straight at the ocean. If an Oceanfront category is not offered, chances are their Oceanview category is their highest upgrade in terms of view.
Teo’s travel tip: some resorts have palm trees in front of the beach. So, your oceanfront room may be obstructed by palm trees. If you book an oceanfront room, ensure to contact the hotel and request a room that has an unobstructed view. Keep in mind that any requests are not guaranteed, as it depends on availability.
Last but not least, if you enjoy luxury travel and book even higher categories, chances are they must have a view of the ocean considering the amount you’re paying. The best would be to check with the hotel what the view is. Examples of higher categories could include any of, but not limited to, the following names:
- Club Room
- Penthouse 1 Bedroom Suite
- Chairman’s 2 Bedroom Suite
- Presidential 1 Bedroom Suite
Next time you book a trip to a beach destination, look at the price difference. Oceanview rooms typically go for around $50-150 per person more than the lead-in room category for the entire duration (not per night). So, if it looks too good to be true, it most likely is! Make your life easier by contacting a travel agent who has experience traveling to the destination you’re looking at visiting.