6 of the most expensive hotels in the world

A hotel of epic proportions. Set right on the iconic Croisette in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, which has been a notorious playground of the rich and famous for decades, Hôtel Martinez often acts as a backdrop to many movie-star-laden parties during the illustrious Cannes Film Festival.

As one of the world’s top luxury hotels, it exudes five-star luxury and effortlessly blends the classic art deco styling of 1930s glamour with modern-day design and comforts.

Its 410 guestrooms and suites are all beautifully furnished with a nod to the legendary Riviera style, while the two stunning Penthouse Apartments are among the largest in Europe and enjoy 180-degree views over the bay of Cannes from their panoramic terraces.

Dining here is nothing short of exceptional, with the two-Michelin-starred La Palme d’Or restaurant serving inventive and delicious gourmet cuisine. While the two al fresco venues—La Plage du Martinez and Le Jardin du Martinez—offer a more casual setting topped off with a glorious Mediterranean breeze.

Martinez Bar is next to Le Jardin and is fashioned in a sleek retro theme, with live music, cool cocktails and 22 different gins for your delectation.

Most Expensive Room? You’ll be looking at around $53,000 per night for one of the spacious Penthouse Apartments spread over 1,250 square metres, which are beautifully decorated and inspired by prestigious French cinema

Not only one of the most expensive hotels in the world, but also one of the most recognisable; the towering, sail-like structure of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai is a testament to five-star Arabian fashion and luxury.

Mysteriously and erroneously often referred to as ‘the world’s first seven-star hotel’—though easy to see why—its interiors are bejewelled with more 24-carat gold leaf than is necessary, but the result is magnificent.

Its suites provide an unforgettable stay with sumptuous bedding, rich colours and fabrics, and opulent bathrooms, all with spectacular sea views from their lofty heights.

Sublime hotel dining features a mix of French and Italian cuisine at the one-Michelin-starred Al Muntaha restaurant, casual beachside and atrium eateries, award-winning seafood and Middle Eastern/European fare at Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara and Bab al Yam respectively, plus much more.

For soaking up the Dubai sun outdoors, the Burj Al Arab Terrace is a first-of-its-kind, man-made beach facility with two pools, four Jacuzzis, and a huge white-sand beach and cabana area spreading over 10,000 square metres. And for a little jaunt further afield, rent one of the hotel’s supercars and career around Dubai city for the day!

When your guests are predominantly VIPs, heads of state, royalty, and other high-profile celebrities from around the world, you know you’re doing something right—it also helps that Geneva is the one of the four main offices of the United Nations. 

Hotel President Wilson is spectacularly positioned on shimmering Lake Geneva with the magnificent Mont Blanc as its backdrop, exemplifying the typically Swiss refined way of life. The hotel’s 204 rooms and 22 suites ooze class and feature a host of high-end amenities and technologies to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay.

Michelin-star French fine dining at Bayview heads up the gastronomical delights at the hotel, alongside Middle Eastern cuisine at Arabesque, Mediterranean-inspired lunches and dinners at Rive Droite Restaurant, buffet breakfast at Glowing, plus two sleek bars and lounges.

Most Expensive Room? The Royal Penthouse Suite is Europe’s largest suite and will set you back around $80,000 per night. However, you do get a Steinway grand piano and bulletproof windows thrown in with that price

In a place where more is definitely more, the five-star Palms Casino Resort embodies the hedonistic spirit of Las Vegas and is designed to entice all the senses, offering a uniquely luxurious place to stay and play to your heart’s content—and for a spot of culture it’s got one of the world’s largest art collections outside of a museum.

Two luxury outdoor pools and accompanying cabanas are the place to spend those heated, perhaps convalescent days from the night before, and The Spa at Palms offers signature services and sumptuous treatments.

The expansive casino features hundreds of slot machines, classic table games such as baccarat, roulette, blackjack, poker, craps and more. For the real ballers out there, there’s the dedicated High Limit Room with a more intimate setting, private bars, and higher stakes. 

Most Expensive Room? Stay in the jaw-dropping Damien Hirst-designed Empathy Suite for a cool $100,000 per night (with a two-night minimum stay)

One of New York’s most prestigious hotels, The Mark Hotel is unashamedly lavish and set in the heart of ultra-chic Manhattan in the elegant Upper East Side.

A-listers flock here when staying in the Big Apple and it remains THE place to be before, during and after the infamous Met Gala, not least due to its convenient location a few minutes away from the venue. It’s also close to landmark destinations like Central Park and upscale shopping on Fifth Avenue.

The Mark exudes a boutique hotel style from the moment you step onto its famed black and white striped lobby floor. It features just 141 rooms and suites that display an understated yet elegant vibe, with striking marble bathrooms and top-of-the-range amenities.

The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges is a destination in itself, while The Mark Bar is a classy yet lively spot for an after work or pre-theatre hand-crafted signature cocktail.

Most Expensive Room? The Mark Penthouse is an eye-watering $75,000 per night, but what else do you expect from the suite where the Duchess of Sussex held her baby shower?

This slice of heaven is home to the world’s first undersea residence and is unmatched in its five-star island luxury.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is in the South Ari Atoll, a secluded resort with beach or water villas dotted across two islands—the adults-only Rangali Island or the family-friendly Rangali-Finolhu, which is the livelier of the two—offering enticing indoor-outdoor living with private pools and views of the glorious Indian Ocean as far as the eyes can see.

As expected, there are world-class facilities at the Conrad Maldives including a plush overwater spa, yoga and fitness activities, plus a great kids’ club. And alongside the dazzling white sands there are two outdoor pools: a serene adults-only infinity pool and a pool deck and bar by the kids’ pool on the family island.

Dining here is predictably amazing with the world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa, which is set five metres under the sea and allows guests to dine amid the tropical fish and vibrant coral gardens.

Further fabulous restaurants include innovative Chinese flavours, al fresco seafood dining, ten-course Japanese dishes under the stars, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and many casual restaurants and bars for all-day fare, beachside eating, and intimate evening venues for drinks.

Most Expensive Room? The Muraka is out of this world and a world-first for underwater accommodation. Enjoy two levels of unique luxury submerged 16 feet below the ocean’s surface, with a master bedroom in the 180-degree curved acrylic dome.

The upper level features two further bedrooms and a spacious open-plan living space, as well as large outdoor deck with infinity pool—all for a cool $50,000 per night.