Pearl-lined walls, private butlers, unparalleled views and unrivaled access to the best of the best the hospitality industry has to offer; Want it? You can have it, thanks to the suites that make hotels invest so much in, all in the name of luxury.
In Hong Kong, the
Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong adorned the 3,920-square-foot jewel box-inspired Ritz-Carlton suite on the 117th floor with everything from crystal chandeliers to gold-trim rooms and mother of pearl walls. Guests sleep on 600-thread count linens on a king-sized bed, and private butler serves your every whim. A separate shower and whirlpool, plus his and her toilet rooms, ensure that everyone in the suite has their privacy.
The epitome of luxury at the highest hotel in the world not only offers breathtaking views of Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour, but comes with a presidential price tag of about HK $100,000, plus a 10% service charge (approximately $12,500 USD) a night.
The
Chairman's Suite at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore defines the high life. Set on the 53rd and 54th level, and has unobstructed views from three bedroom balconies so you can take in the panoramas of Singapore. There are four bedrooms with walk-in closets, and each bedroom has its own jacuzzi bathtubs and rain showers.
Two living rooms, a dining room, and a state-of-the-art media room and separate games room, a study, private exercise room (complete with steam and sauna facilities, as well as a massage area), and a 24-hour dedicated butler team make this suite so luxurious.
Forbes Travel Guide recently listed the most expensive hotel suites, and the top nods went to Five-Star properties in New York City.
First place went to
The Four Seasons in New York City, where an overnight stay is estimated at $35,000. The room is on the 52 floor and consists of nine rooms and four glass balconies with 360-degree views of Manhattan The living room is decorated with pearls and Thai blankets, spun with gold thread and containing 22 carats of precious metal. You'll be treated to a 24-hour butler, as well as a Rolls Royce at your disposal.
For $22,000 a night, the
St. Regis New York City will give you all the glitz and glamour you could want, including sweeping views of Fifth Avenue and Central Park. The 3-bedroom suite is decorated with marble hallways, wood panels and art nouveau elements, like mirrors that turn into TVs.
Nearby, the
Mandarin Oriental New York presidential suite is a two-bedroom enclave for $18,000 a night. Located on the 53rd floor of the building, the suite features silk and fine fabrics that line the walls, while all the high-tech amenities you can imagine control the atmosphere.
For a complete list of Forbes Travel Guide's most expensive suites, follow the link: forbes.com/sites/forbestravelguide/2012/02/14/top-10-most-expensive-five-star-suites
Will all this luxury at your fingertips, what's the point in the living the room?
Melanie Nayer is a hotel reviewer and expert on luxury travel around the world. She has covered all aspects of hotels including corporate restructures, re-branding initiatives, historical aspects and the best of the best in luxury hotels around the world.
Melanie writes a weekly exclusive column for 4Hoteliers.com