Ballpark Estimate: $5,000 to $40,000 per night
If money is no object, you can stay in the most luxurious hotels around the world and enjoy a variety of unusual benefits and services that will make your trip feel like a slice of paradise. How about a private basketball court in your suite of rooms? Or an exclusive pool, gym and even a cinema tucked away in your own private quarters? And of course don’t forget about the butler who will be at your beck and call, 24 hours a day. These are just a few of the options that exist for the wealthiest travelers. Keep in mind that most of the pricey hotel rooms are full suites with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms and most of the amenities of home and then some, including oriental rugs, priceless antiques and large screen TVs, plus exceptional service that can’t be beat.
What a Night of Luxury Costs
The price for such glamour doesn’t come cheap, but some celebrities and well-known guests actually get to stay in the lap of luxury for free, since hotels benefit from the publicity they bring. For the rest of the world, though, the cost to stay in the finest suites can be anywhere from a few thousand dollars on up to a hundred thousand, depending on when and where you travel. Here is a sampling of some of the most expensive hotel rooms that exist and what you get for the money. All prices here are in U.S. dollars, and don’t include extra fees and taxes, which can add another 10 to 17 percent on to your tab. And keep in mind that if you have to ask what it costs, you probably can’t afford it!
10. Peninsula Hotel (Hong Kong)
In Hong Kong, a night in a suite at the grand Peninsula offers the comforts of staying in someone’s magnificent home, including a fully-stocked kitchen and butler’s pantry, private office, three private washrooms and a private gym and two separate sitting areas. You’ll also find extraordinary views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. The cost of such luxury will set you back about $5,000 a night.
9. Lanesborough Hotel (London)
The St. Regis Lanesborough Hotel in London offers a royal experience for guests who stay in its most exclusive suite. Located across from Buckingham Palace, the three bedroom apartment, which is appointed with simple yet elegant furnishings, features floor to ceiling windows, four-poster beds and a marble bathroom complete with a hand-painted cast iron tub. A butler is also available to meet the needs of its occupants 24-hours-a-day. The price for such extravagance is$14,500.
8. Burj Al Arab Hotel (Dubia)
If you’ll be traveling to Dubia in the United Arab Emirates, you may want to check out the Royal Suites at the Burj Al Arab. The two-floor apartments available there offer fabulous views of the Arabian Sea and are decorated with marble floors, mahogany furniture and a private elevator, as well as a marble and gold staircase for guests who prefer to walk. Whichever route you select, it’s worth the effort to get up to the bedroom featuring a rotating four-poster bed. The highlight of your stay, though, may just be a screening in your own private cinema before you go to sleep. The cost for the most expensive suites there is more than $15,000 a night.
7. Ritz Paris Hotel (Paris)
If you’re planning a romantic get-away to Paris, what could be more perfect than a stay at the elegant Ritz Paris? This luxurious hotel first opened its doors in 1898 and over the years has been home-away-from-home for many famous celebrities and dignitaries. The two-bedroom suite there, which is decked out in French 18th century antiques, costs $17,500 for a night. For that price, you can enjoy a sauna and whirlpool in your private marbled bathroom and panoramic views of the city’s landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Paris Opera Garnier.
6. Martinez Hotel (Cannes)
If you plan on staying on the Riviera and you want to entertain during your stay, there are two wonderful penthouse suites available at the Martinez Hotel in Cannes, each featuring a wrap-around terrace that can hold up to 100 guests and a view of the beautiful Bay of Cannes. The decorations are sleek and modern, and guests have access to their own Turkish bath, private limousine, open bar and a private butler on call to accommodate all needs. The cost is $18,000 for one night to live like this.
5. Plaza Hotel (New York City)
New York City is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and the Plaza Hotel is one of the most timeless places to stay. The Presidential Suite in this grand hotel spans the whole 18th floor and includes two living rooms, a library, six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Guests can also enjoy the array of views from four balconies, and experience the services of a private chef who is on call around the clock, as well as a butler and maids ready and waiting to respond to requests. There is even a private chauffer to take guests wherever they want to go in the hotel’s own Rolls Royce. All of these extras are included in the $20,000 a night price tag.
4. Palms Hotel (Las Vegas)
Imagine having your own basketball court right in your hotel suite! This unusual feature is just one of many selling points for guests at the Palms in Las Vegas. The Palm’s Hardwood Suite is two full floors of extras, including a full half-court complete with three Murphy beds right on the floor and NBA memorabilia, private locker rooms, scoreboard, pool table, bar and dance floor. The cost for this experience is $25,000 for a night.
3. Westin Excelsior Hotel (Rome)
If you book a night at the best suite in the Westin Excelsior Hotel in Rome, you can expect the staff to cater to your every desire. You will be greeted with a welcome massage in your suite, and your rooms will be filled with your favorite flowers. The décor is a blend of old-world charm and opulence, from the Italian frescoes to the stained glass windows and walnut-paneled library. The suite also includes a fitness area, Jacuzzi, private cinema and a balcony and sun deck with magnificent views of the nearby shopping area. The price for a one-night stay with all of these details is $29,000.
2. Atlantis Resort (Paradise Island)
If you are heading to the Bahamas, you may want to reserve a night in the Bridge Suite at the Atlantis Resort there, which is located on Paradise Island. This 10-room well-appointed suite comes complete with marble floors, a grand piano and even a 22-karat gold chandelier. Such luxury is pricey. One night in these accommodations costs$34,000.
1. Palms Hotel (Las Vegas)
When it comes to the world’s most expensive suite, there are two top contenders for this position and both are located in Las Vegas. The first is at the Palms, which was also listed in number four for its Hardwood Suite. But the Palms has an even more expensive option, called the High Hefner Sky Villa, which is a two-floor fantasy accommodation that is modeled after the Playboy Mansion and comes complete with all of the bells and whistles imaginable. For instance, guests will sleep in round bed that spans eight feet across and even rotates, and there is a glass elevator, outdoor private pool, private indoor spa, indoor water features, popup televisions and a media room. The price for a night’s stay in this over-the-top place is $40,000.
Also in Las Vegas is the Bellagio Hotel, which reserves its luxurious guest suites for its largest gamblers. These elegant apartments have a contemporary feel and include all of the best amenities. While they are given on a complimentary basis to their highest rollers, they do come at quite a high price anyway. To qualify to stay here, you must place a bet of $100,000 or more, and also have a credit line of $4 to $5 million.