When does a room that has a view stop being a room with a view?

Once upon a time, I booked a room with a pool view, but I’m not sure I made the best choice. When I stayed at a Disney All Star Resort, I had a room on the ground floor with a pool view. I was so focused on the convenience and the view that I didn’t consider other things. First off, the noise was a bit of a surprise. Second, the pool view was practically unusable. For us to see the pool, everyone at the pool could see us.

Now, when I book a room, I don’t pick one based on the view anymore. Why pay extra for something you won’t use? Instead, I ask for a room near amenities like transportation and restaurants. Those features can be a very welcome after you’ve walked 15,000 to 18,000 steps around Disney World, taken a long tour, or endured hours of driving.

If I’m looking for a room with a view, I look for a hotel with an interior hallway. When the door faces an interior hall, the window usually faces a green space with no foot traffic. For extra privacy and a better view, I request a higher floor.