If you’re traveling on a budget, don’t torture yourself; you may want to read a different article. Here are some of the world’s swankiest and priciest hotel suites:
Even the humblest hotel suites now boast free movies on demand, kitchenettes, and complimentary bottled water. You’ll pay significantly more for suites with walk-in closets, oversized bath towels, plush pillows, and 24-hour concierge service. From there, you enter the realm of the ridiculous.
Royal Penthouse Suite, Hotel President Wilson
Location: Geneva
Price: $80,000 per night
Both Bill Gates and Bill Clinton have purportedly stayed here, but Clinton probably had to save up to afford the most expensive hotel room on Earth.
The word suite has never been more of an understatement. It refers to the entire top floor of this luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. There are 12 bedrooms with grand bay windows. The 12 bathrooms are finished in marble and feature Hermes bath amenities. A spacious living area overlooks a wide terrace. Champagne pairs well with panoramic views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. The private dining room has a spacious pantry, and the table seats 18.
The Hotel President Wilson seems to have thought of everything:
- Top-of-the-line, 103-inch Bang & Olufsen TV
- Jacuzzis, saunas, mirror TVs and rainforest showers in bathrooms
- Steinway grand piano
- Brunswick billiard table
- Private elevator
Ty Warner Penthouse, the Four Seasons
Location: New York City
Price: $50,000 per night
Considering that this penthouse accommodates only two, the Hotel President Wilson, having 12 bedrooms, seems like a bargain. However, 22-karat gold bedspreads don’t grow on trees.
The Four Seasons dreamily beckons you to “your castle in the clouds,” and the suite on the 52nd story lives up to expectations. The 4,300-square-foot mini-mansion was designed by I.M. Pei and features world-class works of art, four separate cantilevered glass balconies, and 25-foot bay windows. If you’ve come for 365-degree views of Manhattan, you won’t be disappointed.
The list of obscenely luxurious amenities goes on and on:
- Your own personal guest relations manager
- Rolls-Royce and personal chauffer on request
- Massages on request
- Library with Bosendorfer piano
- Living room walls with mother-of-pearl inlays
- Chromatherapy infinity soak tub
- Steam rain shower
The Royal Suite, Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Location: Paris
Price: $30,745 per night
Just say “oui” to this romantic retreat in the City of Light.
Marie-Jose Pommereau spared no opulence in designing her classic Parisian masterpiece, which exudes charm and elegance with its plush fabrics, rich colors, commissioned works of art, and priceless antiques.
The four-bedroom, four-bath, fifth-floor suite overlooks Avenue Montaigne. The dazzling Eiffel Tower seems close enough to touch from the private balcony. The balcony, spanning the width of the hotel, is ideal for a candlelit dinner or cocktail party with friends.
The spacious apartment also features two drawing rooms, a kitchen, an office, nine TVs, and plenty of other amenities to make it special:
- In-suite marble bathrooms with generous closets and separate dressing rooms
- Jacuzzis and a steam room
- Guerlain toiletries and essential oils
- Pillow menu
- Gourmet minibar
- Complimentary welcome basket with Champagne and fruit
A word of warning: If you sink into a warm bubble bath, you may never get out.
Sterling Suite, the Langham
Location: London
Price: $30,000 per night
This tiny suite in London’s West End is a study in refined elegance. Dashes of royal blue and majestic gold remind you that you’ve traveled to a monarchy, but overall, the muted color scheme and sleek, bespoke furnishings surprise. There are six bedrooms, a large drawing room, a dining room, a private media lounge, and a bar.
Be sure to enjoy a spot of complimentary afternoon tea and these additional creature comforts:
- 24-hour personal butler
- Full-size desk
- Fireplace
- Privileged access to the Langham Club and free-flowing Champagne
- Bathrobes and slippers
Penthouse Suite, Hotel Cala di Volpe
Location: Sardinia, Italy
Price: $41,177 per night
There are three bedrooms, three baths, and two living rooms, but you’ll probably spend most of your time outdoors.
The enormous private rooftop provides stunning views of the turquoise waters and dazzling white beaches of Costa Smeralda. Distant hills and magnificent sunsets form a most appropriate backdrop for the sailboats drifting lazily on the sea.
The designers brought all the colors of this Mediterranean island indoors. The décor is a pleasing, homey mixture of traditional Italian craftsmanship and heavily textured fabrics. The largely bare, whitewashed stucco walls lend a cheery, informal feel, and much of the furniture is hand-painted.
The conveniences are delightful:
- Dedicated wine cellar
- Multiple balconies and terraces totaling 2,700 square feet
- Private pool
- Alfresco dining space for eight
- Private gym and steam room
- Solarium
- Butler service
Maharaja’s Pavilion Presidential Suite, Raj Palace Hotel
Location: Jaipur, India
Price: $45,000 per night
This is definitely not the place to saunter through the lobby in cargo shorts and flip-flops.
The exceedingly opulent, 16,000-square-foot suite in a restored ancient castle positively glimmers. There are four floors decorated in ivory, gold leaf, silver, and marble. In addition to six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a dining room, a library, and a theater, there’s the colossal bar and lounge where reining maharajas once entertained dignitaries and friends. It overlooks a serene garden and the palace courtyard.
If you want to be awed by the splendor of the Hindu royals, you’ve come to the right place:
- Private museum displaying the old throne
- Kitchen staff on each of the four floors
- Private rooftop terrace with views of the city
- Gold-paneled elevator for moving from floor to floor
- Private pool and Jacuzzi
- Private spa and pleasure pavilion (Use your imagination)
- Gym
- Private staircase and private entrance
The Brando Villas
Location: Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Price: $1,650 per night
If you’re looking for a bargain, strongly consider this secluded retreat 30 miles northeast of Tahiti. The Brando may not be in the big leagues price-wise, but it has as much or more to offer as some of the heavy hitters. The shimmering lagoon, pristine white beaches, swaying palm trees, and abundant flora and fauna will transport you to another world.
Tetiaroa was the favored destination of Tahitian royalty for centuries, and the Brando’s 35 villas are designed to make guests feel positively regal. Here are some features of the three-bedroom accommodations:
- 2,648 square feet
- Large, airy living room
- Private dining area for six
- Wide, two-tiered deck
- Dressing rooms and outdoor bathtubs
- Large private deck and swimming pool
Meander through lush vegetation to get to the spa. The blissful setting and holistic treatments are unparalleled, and the views are breathtaking.
This island paradise is only accessible by private plane.