15 Most Expensive Hotels in the World

Written by Veronique Raes
Updated on
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For most of us choosing where to stay when we travel is a balance of budget, location and facilities. Imagine for a second that money was of no concern and allow yourself to follow us on a tour of accommodations that far surpass the term holiday rental.

Here are the 15 most expensive hotels you could choose to drop your bags, admire the view and roll around on bedsheets fit for a king.

1. The Grand Penthouse at The Mark, New York

The Grand Penthouse, The MarkSource: themarkhotel
The Grand Penthouse, The Mark

Designed by Jacques Grange and situated over the top 2 floors of The Mark Hotel in New York’s Upper East Side, this decadent sleek, and modern 12,000-foot square space will set you back close to US$100 000,- a night.

The suite boasts five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a library lounge, two wet bars and a dining room in which you could host 24. The living space can be converted to a ballroom should you wish to invite more people over! City views don’t get much better than this either; gaze out over Central Park and The Metropolitan Museum of Art and enjoy dining on the 2,500 square foot rooftop terrace.

Chef Jean-George is on hand to create menus to tantalise; Frederic Fekkai will tame your tresses and Bergdorf Goodman offers suit tailoring at any time you choose.

2. The Royal Penthouse Suite at the Hotel President Wilson, Geneva

TheRoyalPenthouseSuite, Hotel President WilsonSource: hotelpresidentwilson
TheRoyalPenthouseSuite, Hotel President Wilson

Purported to have hosted Bill Gates, Rihanna, Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson and Michael Douglas who no doubt enjoyed the security of bullet proof glass and the outstanding panoramic views of Lake Geneva that lie beyond them.

Twelve well-appointed bedrooms and their sumptuous marble bathrooms, a billiard room and dining or conference room, gym and jacuzzi and lavish living area fill the entire eighth floor of the Hotel President Wilson.

A huge Bang & Olufsen BeoVision flat-screen TV awaits when you tire of the view.

Tinkle at the keys of the Steinway grand piano and marvel at the artwork for US$60 000,- a night.

3. Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Season Hotel, New York

Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Season HotelSource: fourseasons
Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Season Hotel

52 storeys high and 700 feet above the ground, this opulently styled suite, makes the most of the skyline with floor to ceiling windows and glass balconies.

No expense has been spared styling the interior with artisan materials including Venetian velvet, Chinese onyx, Japanese silk, sinks fashioned from rock crystal and much more.

The suite has just one bedroom and was created by IM Pei and Peter Marino.

It took seven years to complete, costing over US$50 million to build.

A night here will set you back just under US$60 000,- a night and comes with a chauffeured Rolls-Royce Phantom service, personal trainer, spa treatments and unlimited caviar and champagne.

4. Delana Hilltop Estate, Laucala Island, Fiji

Delana Hilltop Estate, Laucala IslandSource: lauca
Delana Hilltop Estate, Laucala Island

You don’t need an invite to stay at this top-of-the-island nest, but you will need approving and be willing to pay the US$ 55 000,-  a night for a minimum of four nights stay.

The whole island was purchased by Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz from the Forbes Media Estate to create a resort island get away.

Of course you can only stay when he isn’t there.

If you’re approved, you will be able to revel in the lush green panoramic views fringed by turquoise waters.

The palatial retreat boats over 120 thousand square feet of space which include guest residences, a panoramic swimming pool, private cook, chauffeur, nanny and the opportunity to scuba dive, hike or learn to ride horses.

If the high price tag isn’t in your summer holiday budget, try one of the luxury villas closer to sea level.

5. The Royal Villa, The Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens

The Royal Villa, The Grand Resort LagonissiSource: lagonissiresort
The Royal Villa, The Grand Resort Lagonissi

Although their website states that price is on application, the word on the street says you’ll pay around US$50 000,- a night to stay in this lap of luxury.

You’d be in good company too; Mel Gibson and Leonardo Di Caprio have stayed here.

Two master bedrooms complete with ensuite marble bathrooms, indoor and outdoor pools as well as large airy living quarters that make the most of the spectacular views beyond.

6. The Penthouse Suite, Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez, Cannes

The Penthouse Suite, Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel MartinezSource: cannesmartinez
The Penthouse Suite, Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez

Although today part of Hyatt Hotels this Art Deco hotel on the Boulevard de la Croisette was opened in 1929 by Emmanuel Michele Martinez.

The seventh-floor location commands stunning views over the bay from the terrace and Jacuzzi.

The suite can offer up to four king sized bedrooms and will set you back around US$40 000,- a night.

7. The Royal Suite at St. Regis Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates

The Royal Suite at St. Regis Saadiyat IslandSource: stregissaadiyatisland
The Royal Suite at St. Regis Saadiyat Island

The Royal Suite at The St Regis spans two floors and takes its design inspiration from oceanic elements.

Light, airy and spacious this suite sleeps 5 and has a private study, spa room, sauna, mini cinema, a billiard table, piano and stunning views from the poolside terrace and of course your very own butler.

For your US$35 000,- a night you can enjoy 2100 square meters of space where ocean views abound.

8. Shangri-La Suite, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul

Shangri-La Suite, Shangri-La BosphorusSource: shangri-la
Shangri-La Suite, Shangri-La Bosphorus

The Shangri-La Suite boasts unparalleled views of the Bosphorus Strait and city skyline from its 6th-floor perch.

Each of the two bedrooms and the living area have their private terrace; their website likens the experience to being on the deck of a ship.

The bathrooms are marble with Bulgari toiletries; the linen has an 800 thread count, and there’s even a 19inch TV embedded in the vanity mirror.

Exchange rate fluctuations make this slice of luxury difficult to rank, but don’t expect change from US$ 30 000,- for one night.

9. Palms Casino Resort Hotel, Las Vegas

Palms Casino Resort HotelSource: palms
Palms Casino Resort Hotel

Vegas Baby! Let’s face it, if you’re going to do Vegas, you might as well do it right.

The Palms offers a dizzying array of suite options which boast basketball courts, bowling lanes, cantilevered pools, rotating beds with mirrored ceilings and stunning two storey glass fronted pads showcasing the strips dazzling lights below.

Love pink? No problem, the hot pink bachelorette pad even features corseted lace-up chairs.

Nightly rates rise to US$ 30 000,- a night.

10. Presidential Suite, St Regis, New York

Presidential Suite, St RegisSource: grandluxuryhotels
Presidential Suite, St Regis

This two bedroom suite takes its design cues from contemporary and classic 5th Avenue Apartment chic.

Elizabeth Taylor has been known to stay here while in New York and most likely enjoyed the view over Central Park.

Of course, you have your own butler and private dining room and kitchen facilities where you can entertain up to 10 guests.

There’s a large walk-in closet and dressing room; if you don’t travel light, then you can have the second bedroom converted to a second walk-in dressing room too.

Again, don’t expect change from US$30 000,-.

11. Presidential Suite, Mandarin Oriental, Shanghai

Presidential Suite, Mandarin OrientalSource: mandarinoriental
Presidential Suite, Mandarin Oriental

Due to currency fluctuations this suite now comes in at just under US$30 000,- a night making it Chinas most expensive suite.

Its 25th-floor station gives stunning views from its two private rooftop gardens on a smog-free day.

Expect a wine cellar and 3m long wine bar as well as a bathroom larger that most Hong Kong apartments.

Interior design is a modern oriental fusion both opulent and sleek.

12. Penthouse Suite, Hotel Cala di Volpe in Porto Cervo, Italy

Penthouse Suite, Hotel Cala di VolpeSource: caladivolpe
Penthouse Suite, Hotel Cala di Volpe

Porto Cervo has long been the playground of the rich so you might expect some beautiful accommodations.

Colourful Sardinian design melds seamlessly with the turquoise views beyond the sweeping terrace which of course comes complete with pool.

This three bedroomed luxury vacation spot incorporates beamed ceilings and terracotta finishes which evoke warm sunny days.

For a little under US$ 30 000,- a night you will enjoy your wine cellar and solarium within your vacation spot.

13. The Royal Penthouse, Corinthia Hotel, London

The Royal Penthouse, Corinthia HotelSource: corinthia
The Royal Penthouse, Corinthia Hotel

From this penthouse’s terrace you can see the sights of London, gaze down The Thames, watch The London Eye move almost imperceptibly and spot Nelsons Column and Big Ben too.

Two floors of opulence, which their website claims is delivered with dignity, include;- an oval 10 seater dining room featuring a Makassar ebony dining table, two bedrooms with bathrooms of honey onyx and Skyros marble, walk-in wine cellar, private spa, hidden den and the option of opening two extra bedrooms if you just need more space.

A snip at around US$ 28 000,- a night.

14. The Apartment at The Connaught Hotel, London

The Apartment at The Connaught HotelSource: the-connaught
The Apartment at The Connaught Hotel

Down in London Town and just under US$25 000,- a night you can enjoy views over Mayfair from The Apartments wrap around balcony.

Designed by David Collins, the penthouse exudes understated finery which combined with an unsurpassed level of discreet service makes this hotel suite feel as close to home as you could imagine.

Their website has many interesting tales demonstrating the level of service one can expect when residing here.

15. The Royal Suite, Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris

The Royal Suite, Hotel Plaza AtheneeSource: dorchestercollection
The Royal Suite, Hotel Plaza Athenee

At just under US$25 000,- a night you can enjoy a romantic Parisian getaway like no other.

Decorated in French Regency style complemented with silk, damask, and gold thread embroidery this suite leaves you in no doubt that you are in France.

Walk onto the balcony and gaze at the Eiffel Tower for confirmation.

As well as a lavish amount of living space, there are four bedrooms, and you can even choose your pillow from the provided pillow menu.



15 Most Expensive Hotels in the World:

  • The Grand Penthouse at The Mark, New York
  • The Royal Penthouse Suite at the Hotel President Wilson, Geneva
  • Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Season Hotel, New York
  • Delana Hilltop Estate, Laucala Island, Fiji
  • The Royal Villa, The Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens
  • The Penthouse Suite, Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez, Cannes
  • The Royal Suite at St. Regis Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates
  • Shangri-La Suite, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
  • Palms Casino Resort Hotel, Las Vegas
  • Presidential Suite, St Regis, New York
  • Presidential Suite, Mandarin Oriental, Shanghai
  • Penthouse Suite, Hotel Cala di Volpe in Porto Cervo, Italy
  • The Royal Penthouse, Corinthia Hotel, London
  • The Apartment at The Connaught Hotel, London
  • The Royal Suite, Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris