David Cumberbatch
The lure of a stay at a luxury hotel to experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous is nothing more than a pipe dream for most of us. Despite the affordability factor, opulence and lap of luxury lifestyle is so enticing to the imagination, it’s hard to resist that mental escape from reality, if just for a moment.
Your odds of winning the lottery might be more attainable than a stay at one of those high-priced luxury resorts. According to Lottery USA, the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302.6 million and the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. Combine those two and the chances of winning both big stakes elevates you to another stratosphere just like your odds of hanging with the mega-rich for a night or two.
Most of you would love to take a stroll down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, or the Champs Élysées in Paris, even if you know before hand you could never buy a stitch of clothing or jewelry in either place. In fact, these places are so expensive they might even charge you just to walk down the street. I’m kidding of course. Far be it from me to shatter your dream.
Would you consider window shopping a hotel? Probably not in person, but you can dream by checking out our sample list of the top 10 Most Expensive Hotels in the World.
This list is fluid and subject to change at a moments notice. Those listed here are in no particular order.
10. Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Set on an island in a striking sail-shaped building, this luxury hotel is a 5-minute walk from Wild Wadi Park and 4 km (2.5 miles) from Mall of the Emirates. The Royal Suite, as of last year went for $24,000 a day.
9. Hotel Plaza Athenèe, France
True to its extraordinary city, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is nor ordinary hotel. Here, on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, the tree-lined boulevard of French fashion, this hotel proudly offers guests the very best of Paris. The Royal Suite costs an impressive $27,000 nightly.
8. Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas
Set across 3 towers, this upscale casino resort is 0.8 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and 4.4 miles from McCarran International Airport. The Empathy Suite Sky Villa tips the scales at $100,000 a night.
7. Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez, Cannes, France
Overlooking the Bay of Cannes, this upscale hotel is 1.2 km (3/4 of a mile) from the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and 2.8 km 1 3/4 mile) from the Musée de la Castre. The Penthouse Suite reportedly goes for over $70,000.
6. Grand Resort Lagonissi Royal Villa, Athens, Greece
The Grand Resort Lagonissi is a 72-acre peninsula and sea front paradise south of the Greek capital. Hospitality is an art at the resort, which offers in spring views and the natural beauty of the Mediterranean. The luxurious Royal Villa goes for a luxurious price—$45,000 per night at last report.
5. Laucala Island Resort Hilltop Estate, Fiji
A private island paradise located near Taveuni in the Fiji Islands, Laucala Island, has been transformed into the ultimate oasis of escape, luxury, sustainability and grandeur. This exquisite masterpiece has been designed with nothing but extravagance and lavish comfort in mind, the resort gives new meaning to ‘all inclusive’ with decadent world class cuisine made with ingredients harvested on the island as well as access to an aquatic playground that only exists in your most vivid dreams. The Hilltop Villa tops out at around $50,000 per night.
4. Raj Palace Hotel, Jaipur, India
The Raj Palace is an imposing palace hotel that holds you spellbound. The oldest mansion in Jaipur, originally called ‘The Chaumoo Haveli’, it was built in 1727. It was named after the last ruler of Chaumoo, Thakur Raj Singh. In 1996, Princess Jayendra Kumari converted it into a luxurious palace hotel. It still retains the splendor and a lot of artefacts from the bygone era.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Ty Warner, New York City
Designed by I.M. Pei and surrounded by upscale shops, this luxury high-rise hotel is a 6-minute walk from Central Park and a 10-minute walk from the Museum of Modern Art. The penthouse goes for about $40,000 a night.
2. Hotel President Wilson Royal Suite, Geneva, Switzerland
Royal Penthouse Suite. Located on the entire eighth and top floor of the hotel with a panoramic terrace with breathtaking view over the lake, the Royal Penthouse rings in at approximately $80,000 per night.
1. Lover’s Deep Luxury Submarine, St Lucia
This underwater luxury hotel is frequently list as the most expensive hotel in the world. Reports have a single night starting at a whopping at $150,000 – $175,000. All you have to do is get there, and of course don’t forget your wallet.
