The Most Luxurious Hotel Suites in the World

A night at one of the world’s most expensive hotel rooms puts an emphasis on luxury rather than value and in a few rare cases, offers neither.

The Height of Luxury

The New York Times, London Telegraph and Business Insider agree that the Imperial Suite at the Park Hyatt Vendôme in Paris might just be the height of hotel luxury. The exclusive accommodations provide a panoramic view of the City of Lights from a 645 square foot private balcony, three bedrooms and an in-room spa. This private oasis just steps from the Paris Opera House comes with a hefty price tag. A night in the Imperial Suite can run as much as $20,000 a night.

Rooms with a View — and a Private Chef

While a night in the Imperial Suite might be the benchmark for decadence, the suite is not the most expensive by a long shot. The five bedroom penthouse suite at the Mark in Manhattan runs upwards of $75,000 per night. For that rather steep price, overnight guests can take advantage of more than just the 14th-floor views of the skyline. New York City’s largest hotel suite has a private dining room where up to 24 dinner guests can enjoy a meal prepared by the hotel’s stable of Michelin-starred chefs who can be booked for a private party exclusively for penthouse guests.

Fit for Royals

The iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai bills itself as the “Word’s Most Luxurious Hotel,” so it is to be expected that no expense was spared on the hotel’s 780-square-meter Royal Suite. Amenities like a private movie theater and a dedicated butler don’t come cheap. A night in the Royal Suite can run more than $23,000 a night.

For VIPs Only

Even these impressive overnight addresses cost pocket change when compared to the rates for the Royal Penthouse Suite at President Wilson Hotel in Geneva. The 18,000 square foot suite has its own security team and 12 bedrooms but costs nearly $75,000 per night.

Giraffe Manor

Of course, the sort of jet-set traveler who has the resources to stay in only the very best accommodations will eventually grow weary of Paris, New York, Dubai or Geneva. Giraffe Manor’s locale might offer the perfect solution. The nightly rates at this remote outpost in a giraffe sanctuary in Kenya will run a comparably reasonable $1,130 for the most luxurious accommodations — a price that won’t stop giraffes from poking their heads through a window to help themselves to your breakfast, even on the top floor.

California Is the Place You Ought to Be      

The Airbnb set shouldn’t feel left out of the chance for an ostentatious show of wealth. Online bargain hunters can head to Beverly Hills to see how the one percent lives. A private residence off Mulholland Drive complete with a saltwater pool and celebrity neighbors can be a home away from home for a night. The southern California hideaway was listed on Airbnb for $1,395 per night.

Live Like a King

The often outrageous price for luxury accommodations doesn’t necessarily mean the money spent is going down the drain. CNN reports that travelers paying top dollar to spend the night like royalty are helping to finance the restoration of historic buildings near, and in some cases on the grounds of the Place at Versailles. Because guests are willing to spend just under a $1,000 a night to sleep with a view previously reserved for royalty, owners were able to restore the Hôtel du Grand Controle from a crumbling ruin to its former glory.

Caveat Emptor

The New York Times warns that the definition of luxury suite isn’t always what a seasoned traveler might come to expect. Take the case of the Hilton Chicago O’Hare where the term “Family Suite” refers to a single 485 square foot room a far cry from 24 rooms at the Mark Hotel, but for a fraction of the price.

[Photo: Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome]