The Seven Most Luxurious Hotels on The Planet

The Seven Most Luxurious Hotels on The Planet

It’s said that the best things in life are free, but we’re afraid these hotels aren’t on that list. When only the best will do, you need to bust out the limitless credit card, say goodbye to the simple life and break out the champagne and caviar.

We count down seven of the world’s most luxurious (and expensive) hotels in the world:
 

1. Emirates Palace, United Arab Emirates

With a price tag of $3 billion, Emirates Palace was the most expensive hotel ever created when it opened its doors in Abu Dhabi in 2005. The hallways, lobbies and rooms are adorned with more than 1,000 Swarovski chandeliers and the 2,000 square meters of ornate ceiling space are gilded with 22-carat gold and silver leaves.
 

With 394 rooms and suites, a 1.3 km pristine beach, landscaped pools and a private marina, this is less of a hotel as it is an experience in luxury and grandeur, providing all the grand luxury expected by a Middle Eastern Sultan but all the modern amenities to satisfy a millenial’s needs.
 

2. Soneva Kiri, Thailand

Your journey to Soneva Kiri begins with a chartered flight to the resort’s private airstrip and into a world of decadence. Located on Thailand’s fourth largest, but least populated island, Koh Kood, Soneva Kiri is positioned on the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand. The resort has 36 spectacular private villas, each nestled into hillsides blanketed with ancient rainforests and blessed with expansive views of the turquoise waters.
 

Guests are provided with their own buggy to explore the resort, along with an experience guide, on hand to help you with everything from a guided tour through the resort’s gardens (where they grow most of the food prepared on the resort), assisting with Thai cooking classes, through to exploring the universe from the resort’s very own Observatory. Oh, and did we mention there’s a chocolate room?
 

3. The Plaza Hotel, United States

One of the most iconic and luxurious buildings in Manhattan, the Plaza is a glorious testament to the old world glamor and elegance of New York City.
 

When the doors first opened in 1907, it was heralded as ‘the greatest hotel in the world’ and since that time has played host to most of American society’s elites. In 2008, the hotel reopened after a $300 million renovation, but still preserved much of its original feel, with spaces like The Palm Court and elegant ballrooms making you feel like you’re stepping back in time to an era of classics like The Great Gatsby.

For the ultimate in indulgence, you can’t go past the three bedroom Royal Plaza Suite, costing up to $50,000 per night for accomodation fit for a king. The sweeping space unfolds over the whole floor with meticulously crafted abodes, along with a private gym, study, library, expansive living room and fully equipped kitchen.

4. Burj Al Arab, United Arab Emirates

Dubai’s skyline is dominated by the 321 meter white sail of the Burj Al Arab billowing over the coastline. Built on a man-made island reclaimed from the sea, the awe-inspiring hotel is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and the first hotel to put Dubai on the map as a global luxury tourism destination.

Every space is designed to have you feeling like royalty with customized services and experiences on offer like helicopter arrivals or cruises through the Arabian Gulf on a private yacht, 9 signature restaurants, infinity pools overlooking the seas and even an underwater aquarium restaurant.

5. Mardan Palace Hotel, Turkey

There is decadence and then there is Russian oligarch decadence. Constructed in 2009 with a whopping cost of $1.65 billion, the Mardan Palace in Antalya, Turkey, is definitely in the latter category - a sprawling, fairytale of a hotel, anchored in Turkish hospitality.

The hotel sports 560 rooms, a 12,000 square foot spa, a network of Venetian style bridges and gondoliers, the largest pool in Europe, 24-hour butler service, 11 restaurants (including an underwater fish restaurant), 14 bars and cafes, a two-storey jungle nightclub and its own zoo.

6. The Lanesborough, London

Positioned at perhaps the best location of any London hotel, The Lanesborough stands out amongst a city already known for its regal charm. Being situated at the corner of Hyde Park grants the hotel a gaze over Hyde Park to the north, Knightsbridge to the west and the rest of central London and Mayfair to the east.

Step back in time as you wander through the lavish interiors, brought to life with richly upholstered chairs and ottomans and featuring thousands of original pieces of artwork adorning the walls.

7. Hotel President Wilson, Switzerland

The coveted title for the most expensive hotel room in the world goes to Hotel President Wilson in Switzerland. Coming in at a jaw dropping $70,000 per night, the twelve bedroom suite is perched above Lake Geneva, and boasts a range of features that are important when you’re holding that sort of wealth like bulletproof windows, armoured doors and a human sized safe.

The suite has hosted the likes of Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, and Mikhail Gorbachev. The suite, which takes up the entire eighth floor includes its own private elevator, gym, and pool table a Steinway Grand Piano and an entire team devoted to guests staying in the suite including a personal assistant, chef and butler who are available 24 hours a day.