Words: Zoe Dickens
What would you expect from a hotel room that costs per night the equivalent of deposit on a not unreasonably sized house? 24-hour butler service? A private swimming pool? A suite the size of a large apartment? Well think bigger. Located in some of the hottest travel destinations, these are the world’s most expensive hotel suites – and they have to be seen to be believed…
Hilltop Estate at Laucala Island, Fiji
If you want to take in the best of Fiji’s lush tropical landscapes you don’t do it from sea level – which is why, when it came to building their star residence, the designers behind Laucala Island chose a sprawling hilltop overlooking this stunning private island. Described as a ‘resort within a resort’, the unusual main villa offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms along with 11,000 square metres of living space, including a library, dining room and outdoor pavilion.
The four acre plot also boasts another two one-bedroom villas, with their own pool and kitchens, as well as a large split level tropical-style pool, hot tub and cabana. Guests at the Hilltop Estate can also take advantage of a private cook, nanny and chauffeur, as well as the main resort’s numerous restaurants and bars. While prices are officially POA, rumour has it off-season rates start at $45,000 (£34,700) per night.
The penthouse at The Mark, New York
You might recognise the palatial penthouse at The Mark – it is famously the suite chosen by the Duchess of Sussex to host her baby shower in 2019. And, spanning 15 rooms and 10,000 square feet, it’s more than big enough for a party. With interiors by designer Jacques Grange, New York’s grandest hotel suite offers three king-size bedrooms, two queen-size bedrooms, six bathrooms, a formal dining room for 12, kitchen, library lounge and conservatory.
If you are planning on hosting a party you’ll be pleased to know there’s also a vast living room with wet bar than can be transformed into a full-size ballroom, as well as a private rooftop terrace without outdoor dining and entertaining areas and beautiful views over the city. Yours for just $75,000 (£58,000) per night.
The Owner’s Villa at Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
Occupying its own one hectare private island accessed only via boat from the main Cheval Blanc Randheli resort, this is LVMH-owned luxury at its finest. Designed by Jean Michel Gathy, the four-bedroom Owner’s Villa sprawls across the island offering incredible living spaces that make full use of its unique location. The villa’s three reception areas, for example, feature masses of windows that can be folded back to bring the outside in while a private bar offers the perfect venue for sunset parties. The villa’s set-up of master suite – complete with dressing rooms, office and lounge – and two guest bedrooms in the main house, plus a separate guest villa, make it ideal for large groups or families.
Elsewhere a 25 metre swimming pool is available for the exclusive use of villa guests while an al fresco dining pergola, meditation pavilion, spa treatment room, fitness centre and screening room mean you really will never have to leave your little slice of paradise. Of course, exceptional service comes as part of the package and, with a dedicated team housed on the island and available 24/7, your every whim is ready to be catered for. As for the cost? Well, it’s strictly price on application of course.
Royal Penthouse Suite at the President Wilson Hotel, Geneva
Asking $80,000 per night (about £62,000), the Royal Penthouse at Geneva’s President Wilson Hotel held the title of most expensive suite in the world for years until being usurped by an American upstart. But, if it’s old world, five-star grandeur you’re looking for, this is the room for you. Occupying the entire eighth floor of the hotel, the 18,000 square foot apartment boasts no fewer than 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms (kitted out with Hermes products, naturally).
Of course, if you’re sleeping 24, you’re going to need big living spaces. Luckily the suite has them in abundance with a 2,500 square foot living room with 103-inch TV, an entertainment area with a 1930 Brunswick billiards table and Steinway grand piano, a 26-person dining room, 16-person meeting room and a private terrace with stunning views over Lake Geneva. The hotel’s proximity to the UN headquarters makes it a favourite for heads of state – Bill Clinton and Tony Blair have both checked-in – and the suite is accordingly fitted with bulletproof glass to protect its high-profile guests.
Empathy Suite at Palms Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
Everything is bigger and better in Las Vegas so it makes sense that it should be home to the world’s most expensive hotel suite. Clocking in at $100,000 (£77,300) per night, the Empathy Suite at Palms Resort & Casino is officially the most expensive hotel room in the world. Room, however, doesn’t quite do this 9,000 square foot space justice. Formerly one of the hotel’s duplex Sky Villas, the suite was reimagined by Damien Hirst and reopened in March 2019 as nothing short of an artwork you can sleep in.
As well as playing host to many of Hirst’s most notable artworks, almost every element of the suite has been reimagined in a classic Hirstian way – including a private pool overlooking the Las Vegas strip that features a custom butterfly motif flanked by colourful dotted pillars. Elsewhere a preserved swordfish hangs above the private wet bar, chairs are decorated with Hirst’s paintings, a pill cabinet in the dining room is filled with diamonds and above each of the two king-size beds hangs an LED continuation of the pool’s butterfly theme.
Available on request – and often reserved exclusively for the casino’s highest rollers – the suite also comes with 24-hour butler service, a behind-the-scenes art tour of the hotel (which boasts one of the best contemporary art collections in America), chauffeur car service, A-list access to the resort’s nightclub, theatre and recording studio and $10,000 to spend at the resort.
Still not luxurious enough? Here are the private islands you can escape to right now…
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