Elite & Expensive Hotels The Well Heeled Travel Set Love To Stay In.
Step into a realm where luxury knows no limits—where the world’s most elite hotels transform every stay into an unforgettable experience of grandeur, exclusivity, and impeccable service.
In 2025, these iconic destinations continue to set the global standard for opulence, offering not merely accommodation but immersive escapes filled with breathtaking architecture, Michelin-starred dining, and world-class wellness.
From soaring city landmarks to serene private islands, the most expensive hotels redefine indulgence at every turn.
Imagine arriving at Dubai’s legendary Burj Al Arab, often hailed as the world’s only seven-star hotel, where gold-plated interiors, Rolls-Royce chauffeur service, and private helipad access create an unparalleled impression of grandeur.
Each suite is a blend of artistry and technology, complete with custom Hermes toiletries and panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Or picture the timeless elegance of The Ritz Paris, nestled in the heart of Place Vendôme, where royalty and celebrities have luxuriated for over a century. Here, guests dine on Michelin-starred cuisine, unwind in storied spas, and stroll through hidden gardens—all framed by iconic Parisian sophistication.
Not far behind are the sprawling penthouses of New York’s The Mark Hotel and Four Seasons Ty Warner, offering vast terraces with skyline views and personal chefs crafting bespoke menus paired with Dom Pérignon and Krug champagnes.
Meanwhile, secluded island retreats like Laucala Island in Fiji and Necker Island in the Caribbean provide private paradises where luxury blends seamlessly with nature, complete with Michelin-star chefs, bespoke wellness treatments, and full staff on call.
For exclusivity at every level, these hotels offer private butlers, curated cultural experiences, and unparalleled privacy, ensuring that each guest’s journey is as unique as it is lavish.
Whether it’s beneath the waves in a Caribbean submarine suite or atop the city skyline in a palatial penthouse, the world’s most expensive hotels promise experiences reserved for the truly discerning.
Discover these extraordinary addresses where money meets magic and every detail is crafted for perfection — the ultimate bucket-list stays for luxury travellers in 2025 and beyond.
1. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai – The Pinnacle of Arabian Luxury
For the world’s elite, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai represents the ultimate symbol of opulence and exclusivity.
This iconic sail-shaped hotel towers 321 meters above the Arabian Gulf, making it one of the most photographed skyscrapers on the planet—and it’s consistently voted the world’s most luxurious hotel. With 199 expansive duplex suites ranging from 170 to a staggering 7,180 square feet, the Burj Al Arab redefines space and comfort. Each suite includes lavish Rain showers, Jacuzzi tubs, panoramic sea views, and 24/7 private butler service, ensuring every guest’s wish is effortlessly anticipated and fulfilled.
Why the Wealthy Choose Burj Al Arab
Billionaires and celebrities gravitate here for the unparalleled personalized service and exclusivity. The hotel offers a fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms for chauffeur-driven transfers and a helicopter pad for VIP arrivals, elevating the luxury experience from touchdown to check-in.
Renowned Michelin-starred dining venues, such as Al Muntaha and Al Mahara, offer gourmet experiences paired perfectly with premium champagnes including Dom Pérignon, Krug, and Bollinger. Guests enjoy access to the private beach, two swimming pools, sumptuous spa treatments at Talise Spa, and an exclusive terrace featuring two infinity pools and 32 luxury cabanas, providing private cabana service all day.
Price Range
Stays start at around AU$1,950 per night for the Deluxe Marina Suite and can escalate to over AU$20,000 per night for the lavish Diplomatic Three-Bedroom Suite or the ultra-glamorous Presidential Suite.
The hotel’s staggering size range and impeccable offerings ensure that no two visits are alike, catering to intimate romantic escapes or grand family vacations alike.
Burj Al Arab is not just a hotel; it’s a living symbol of prestige—a place where luxury meets architectural brilliance and world-class hospitality to create an unrivaled experience for the ultra-affluent.
2. The Ritz Paris – Timeless Elegance and Parisian Prestige
Nestled in the heart of Place Vendôme, The Ritz Paris stands as the epitome of refined elegance and historic grandeur, attracting discerning travelers, global celebrities, and royalty since 1898. Its beautifully restored 142 rooms and suites blend classical French decor with modern luxury, offering plush silk draperies, antique furnishings, and hand-painted ceiling frescoes.
The famed Belle Époque ambiance is complemented by state-of-the-art amenities, including soundproof windows, premium bedding, and bespoke toiletries.
Why the Wealthy Choose The Ritz Paris
The Ritz is not just a hotel—it’s a cultural icon. Celebrities like Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway, and Princess Diana have called it home, thanks to its unmatched privacy and world-class service.
Guests enjoy Michelin-starred dining at L’Espadon, famed for its opulent seafood dishes and impeccable wine pairings featuring grand cru champagnes such as Ruinart and Bollinger. The hotel’s historic Hemingway Bar is a stylish gathering spot, melding classic cocktails with an intimate atmosphere. Wellness seekers indulge at the luxurious Ritz Club spa, offering therapeutic massages, a hammam, and Paris’ largest private indoor pool set to soothing classical music.
Price Range & Unique Attributes
Rooms start around €2,800 (AU$4,500) per night, with suites escalating beyond €30,000 (AU$48,000) per night for the legendary Imperial Suite, which features intricate gilded ceilings, a grand piano, and panoramic views of the Vendôme Gardens. The Ritz offers bespoke concierge services, limousine transfers in luxury vehicles such as Rolls-Royce or Bentley, and an exclusive cooking school backed by Chef Nicolas Sale for immersive culinary experiences.
The Ritz Paris continues to enchant new generations by blending historic charm with contemporary luxury, making it a coveted destination for those seeking an authentic Parisian experience at the pinnacle of sophistication.
3. The Mark Hotel, New York – Bold Luxury in Manhattan’s Upper East Side
Perched at the corner of Madison Avenue and 77th Street, The Mark Hotel exemplifies bold, innovative luxury in the heart of New York City’s most exclusive neighborhood. Celebrated for its sophisticated design by legendary Jacques Grange and an unmatched service standard, The Mark caters to discerning travelers seeking style, comfort, and privacy all wrapped in one exquisite package.
Why the Wealthy Choose The Mark
Guests include global elites who appreciate the hotel’s incomparable Penthouse Suite, spanning 10,000 square feet over two floors.
This sprawling sanctuary offers five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two wet bars, a library lounge, conservatory, grand living room with soaring 26-foot ceilings, and a rooftop terrace complete with outdoor dining and panoramic city views. Valued at approximately $75,000 per night, the penthouse is one of the largest private suites in North America, attracting celebrities, royalty, and business magnates drawn to its exclusivity and privacy.
Signature Amenities & Unique Features
The Mark boasts 153 rooms and suites all designed with ebony, sycamore, nickel accents, Italian linens, and state-of-the-art amenities, including Crestron room controls and HD televisions. Bathrooms feature finely crafted Lefroy Brooks fittings and expansive marble surfaces.
Culinary experiences are a hallmark, with dining options like the Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten serving refined global cuisine alongside a prized selection of rare champagnes and caviar. The hotel also hosts Caviar Kaspia, New York’s first outpost of the famed Parisian institution, featuring premium selections of caviar and seafood.
Additional perks include a 24-hour fitness center, Frédéric Fekkai hair salon, pedicab rides, and curated bicycle tours, catering to every aspect of The Mark lifestyle.
Price Range
Standard rooms begin near $1,500 per night, with suites scaling up to $75,000 for the penthouse, making The Mark a sought-after icon where Manhattan grandeur meets contemporary luxury.
4. Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris – Parisian Splendor at Its Finest
Nestled in the prestigious Golden Triangle near the Champs-Élysées, the Four Seasons Hotel George V symbolizes timeless Parisian elegance blended with contemporary luxury. This palatial hotel boasts 244 lavish rooms and suites, each richly decorated with classic French furnishings, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing stunning city vistas including the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe.
Why the Wealthy Choose George V
The ultra-wealthy prize George V for its discreet yet impeccable service, tranquil ambiance, and access to Paris’s cultural treasures.
The hotel’s signature feature is its extraordinary dining experiences: with three Michelin-starred restaurants—Le Cinq, Le George, and L’Orangerie—offering gastronomy at its peak. Guests indulge in artfully paired wines and champagnes from prestigious houses like Ruinart, Bollinger, and Dom Pérignon. Its spa, complete with a serene indoor pool, steam rooms, and bespoke treatments, provides pure rejuvenation after a day exploring the City of Lights.
Exclusive Suites & Unique Attributes
Suites range in size and grandeur, with the Royal Suite and Presidential Suite offering private terraces, personal butlers, and expansive living spaces exceeding 500 square meters.
Prices start around AU$3,700 per night for standard rooms and soar beyond AU$30,000 for ultra-luxurious suites. Luxury touches include Crestron room control systems, fine Italian linens, and custom fragrances crafted exclusively for the hotel. Chauffeured limousine service in brands like Rolls-Royce or Bentley is available to whisk guests across the city in style.
The Four Seasons George V remains a magnet for royals, celebrities, and discerning travelers seeking French sophistication wrapped in unparalleled luxury.
5. Lover’s Deep Luxury Submarine Hotel, St. Lucia
Starting price: USD $150,000/night (rumored packages up to $222,000+)
Highlight: A bespoke private submarine experience—complete with a personal butler, private chef, and panoramic underwater views—for those seeking ultimate seclusion. Imagine Dom Pérignon as your house champagne and helicopter transfers to remote underwater moorings.
Click here for more on underwater hotels.
6. Banwa Private Island, Philippines
Starting price: USD $100,000/night
Highlight: Private paradise for up to 48 guests; all villas come with a personal staff, round-the-clock chef, and exclusive flight transfers. Sip Krug by the infinity pool or arrive by private jet or helicopter directly onto the island.
7. Hotel President Wilson, Geneva, Switzerland
Royal Penthouse Suite: USD $80,000/night
Highlight: 12 bedrooms, bulletproof windows, 18,000 sq ft of luxury, private terrace, personal staff, and direct helipad access. Enjoy Hermès amenities, a Steinway grand piano, a billiards room and panoramic views of Lake Geneva. The Royal Penthouse is a favorite among heads of state and royalty.
8. Four Seasons Hotel, New York, USA (Ty Warner Penthouse)
Penthouse: USD $60,000–$80,000/night
Highlight: A 360-degree city panorama, Rolls-Royce transfers, and a dedicated chauffeured Maybach. Four Seasons is synonymous with tailored service and elite luxury worldwide, often in partnership with famed champagne houses like Krug.
9. The Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas, USA (Empathy Suite)
Suite price: USD $100,000/night
Highlight: A monumental suite curated by Damien Hirst, boasting 9,000 sq ft of pure extravagance, including original artwork, a private pool, 24-hour butler service, and endless Cristal champagne.
10. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
Top Suites: USD $30,000+/night
Highlight: Newly opened, Atlantis The Royal redefines Dubai luxury with infinity pools, Nobu dining, and exclusive Moët & Chandon partnerships for their world-class caviar and champagne bar.
11. The Plaza, New York, USA (Royal Suite)
Suite price: USD $40,000–$50,000/night
Highlight: Timeless elegance with white-glove service, suite access to a 24-carat gold-plated bathroom, and world-class Champagne by Ruinart on requisition.
12. The Peninsula, Paris, France (Katara Suite)
Suite price: USD $30,000–$38,000/night
Highlight: Owns the largest private rooftop terrace in Paris, with Rolls-Royce transfer, in-suite Dom Pérignon, and Hermès bath products. Private jet charters available on request.
13. Royal Mansour Marrakech, Morocco
Grand Riad: USD $40,000+/night
Highlight: Commissioned by Morocco’s royalty, this palace features private butlers, hammams, lavish courtyards, and elite service. Taittinger champagne flows at the rooftop terrace.
14. COMO Laucala Island Resort, Fiji
Hilltop Estate: USD $45,000–$60,000/night
Highlight: One of the world’s most exclusive island villas with seaplane arrival, private chauffeur, and personal chef. Champagne sabrage sunsets with Veuve Clicquot await each evening.
15. Aman Tokyo, Japan (Aman Suite)
Suite price: USD $12,000–$15,000/night
Highlight: Minimalist serenity with Mount Fuji views, private onsen, and access to the ultra-elite Aman Club. Aman properties worldwide offer Rolls-Royce airport transfers and rare Krug vertical tastings for guests.
16. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand (Royal Suite)
Suite price: USD $18,000–$20,000/night
Highlight: River views, bespoke spa experiences, Dom Pérignon on arrival, and private speedboat access along the Chao Phraya.
17. The Ritz Carlton, Tokyo, Japan (Ritz Carlton Suite)
Suite price: USD $25,000/night
Highlight: 360-degree Tokyo vistas, in-suite sushi experiences, and Krug on demand.
18. St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort (John Jacob Astor Estate)
Suite price: USD $23,000–$40,000/night
Highlight: The largest overwater villa in the Maldives, private pools, butler service, and Dom Pérignon champagne. Seaplane arrival available.
19. Grand Hyatt Martinez, Cannes, France (Martinez Penthouse)
Suite price: USD $53,000/night
Highlight: Glorious sea panoramas, rooftop jacuzzis, and Moët & Chandon at the ready for film festival guests.
20. The Royal Suite, Plaza Athénée, Paris
Suite price: USD $30,000–$40,000/night
Highlight: Dior-influenced interiors with views of the Eiffel Tower, personal butler, and caviar tasting menus with Bollinger pairings.
21. Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives (Owner’s Villa)
Suite price: USD $40,000–$50,000/night
Highlight: Private island, Guerlain spa, coordinated arrival by private yacht or seaplane, unlimited Ruinart champagne, and entire estate exclusivity.
