Tens of thousands of dollars could be a down payment on a home - or it could be a single magnificent night in one of the world's most expensive hotel rooms.
To some, any opportunity to stay in a hotel is a luxury. To others, it's not luxury unless it comes with a private jet, an on-call pianist, and unlimited champagne. Those are just a few of the over-the-top amenities offered by the lavish lodgings collected here.
It sounds bonkers until you consider that a few hours kip could cost you an entire year's salary - then you're ready to guzzle all the unlimited champers you can, preferrably by your private pool following a Michelin-starred meal and a steam in your personal sauna.
Start scraping your spare change together and read on for a selection of the world's priciest hotel stays. Suite dreams.
Royal Suite, Hôtel Plaza Athénée | Paris, France
Average price per night*: $27,000
At 450 square metres, the Royal Suite at the Dorchester Collection's Plaza Athénée is the largest hotel room in Paris. The suite blends décor inspired by the 18th century Régence period with high-tech amenities like nine Bang & Olufsen flat screen TVs (two of which are concealed in mirrors), a Jacuzzi, and a steam room. Up to 10 guests can rest easy in its four bedrooms, four bathrooms, dining room, kitchen, and multiple sitting rooms - all while enjoying expansive views of Avenue Montaigne and the Eiffel Tower.
The Apartment, The Connaught Hotel | London, England
Average price per night: $24,600
London's premiere penthouse suite offers the height of Mayfair luxury. Set atop The Connaught, The Apartment was designed by David Collins to invoke the home of an urbane gentleman. The soothing white- and blue-hued space contains specially commissioned furniture and art, limited edition books, and a selection of unique antiques. The Connaught butler is on hand 24 hours a day to attend to your whims, which could include a glass of the Krug champagne that's always on hand or a dinner party with menus designed by a Michelin-starred chef.
Penthouse, The Mark Hotel | New York City, New York, USA
Average price per night: $86,094
The Mark Hotel's spectacular penthouse is a recent addition to the world's most expensive hotel rooms. The 1115-square-metre behemoth boasts five bedrooms, four fireplaces, six bathrooms, two powder rooms, two wet bars, a library lounge, and a living room with 8-metre ceilings that can be transformed into a ballroom. The perks of penthouse living include meals prepared by acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, in-suite hair styling by Frédéric Fekkai Salon, and round-the-clock suit tailoring from Bergdorf Goodman.
Hilltop Estate, Laucala Island Resort | Laucala Island, Fiji
Average price per night: US$55,000
Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz bought Laucala Island from the heirs of publishing magnate Malcolm Forbes in 2003. Since then, he has transformed the island into a private retreat with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. The resort's crown jewel is the Hilltop Estate. The opulent villa commands sweeping views and A-list services like a private cook, a chauffeur, and a nanny. Mateschitz stays in the Hilltop Estate whenever he's on the island and personally vets every guest who requests to stay when he's not around.
Penthouse Suite, Hôtel Martinez | Cannes, France
Average price per night: $41,300
Located on the seventh floor of the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hôtel Martinez, the prestigious Penthouse Suite offers incomparable views of the Côte d'Azur. Making that view even better are the private 290-square-metre terrace, private butler, Turkish bath, on-call car, Art Deco-inspired interior design, and five-star food. There are even original lithographs by the likes of Dufy, Picasso, Matisse, and Stael. Rumour has it the suite is so spectacular that a Saudi sheikh wanted to rent it for five years.
The Sky Villa, Palms Casino Resort | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Average price per night: $40,000
The Sky Villa is what Vegas dreams are made of. The two-floor space offers floor-to-ceiling windows, a glass-enclosed cantilevered pool, and a personal glass lift to make the most of its awe-inspiring views of the Strip. And because this is Las Vegas, nothing is held back. The bedroom is equipped with a rotating bed, two-way fireplace, and an in-room soaking tub. The second floor houses a private massage room. While the Playboy Bunnies aren't included in the package, this outrageous pad still puts the “sin” in Sin City.
Maharajah's Pavillion, Raj Palace Hotel | Jaipur, India
Average price per night: $45,000
Bling is the thing at the Raj Palace Hotel. Inside the Maharajah's Pavilion - a four floor, four bedroom, 1486 square metre presidential suite - you'll find walls painted in gold-leaf and adorned with mirrors, and furniture made from gold, silver, and ivory. Alongside those sumptuous design details are equally-luxe amenities like a private theatre, a library, and a world-class team of chefs and butlers. The Raj Palace actually was a palace before it became a hotel, so expect nothing less than a stay fit for royalty.
The Royal Villa, Grand Resort Lagonissi | Athens, Greece
Average price per night: $47,000
Leonardo DiCaprio and Mel Gibson are both fans of this Athens abode. Stay at the Grand Resort Lagonissi's Royal Villa and you'll be flown in on a private jet, courtesy of the hotel. Upon arrival you'll receive the full celebrity treatment thanks to your butler, private chef, personal trainer, and on-call pianist. Wake up with a session in the fully-equipped gym, while away the afternoon with dips in your indoor and outdoor pools (yes, there's both), then unwind in the evening with cocktails on your terrace and a relaxing knead in the private massage area.
Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons Hotel | New York City, New York, USA
Average price per night: $57,000
Soaring over 200m above the glittering lights of New York City is the Ty Warner Penthouse. The suite, which gets its name from the billionaire owner of the Four Seasons, took seven years and a mindboggling US$50 million to build. And the results? Worth every penny. Guests enjoy one-of-a-kind furnishings, original works by international artists, and a chauffeured Rolls-Royce Phantom should they wish to venture beyond the penthouse's hallowed walls (although the last one is a tough sell, considering that unlimited caviar, champagne, and massages are also at guests' disposal).
Royal Penthouse Suite, Hotel President Wilson | Geneva, Switzerland
Average price per night: $60,000
The Royal Penthouse Suite at the President Wilson Hotel in Geneva may be the world's most extravagant hotel stay. Amongst its many luxuries are 12 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, helipad access, Hermès bath amenities, a Steinway grand piano, a billiards table, bulletproof windows, a private staff, and a terrace with panoramic views over the lake and the Mont Blanc. The big-name guests who have called the Royal Penthouse Suite home reportedly include Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Michael Jackson, Rihanna, and Richard Branson. If it's good enough for a man with a private island, it's good enough for you.
*All prices are in USD and include tax when possible.