In these credit crunch times, the majority of us mere mortals find ourselves forced to resort to finding ways to cut costs everyday. Those of us who are lucky enough to be able to afford a holiday are likely using budget airlines and staying in a hotel ranked three stars or less. This is our reality. However, the reality for the elite in society is very different indeed. The well-off in society think nothing of dropping upwards of £10,000 just to spend one night in an elite hotel, experiencing all the luxury that comes with it.
Hotels for the rich and famous seem to be on a mission to outdo one another in terms of their grandiosity. Joe McInerney from the American Hotel and Lodgings Association says: ‘The best suites in the world should have a service protocol that goes along with them. You should have a dedicated person at your beck and call. You can create the most deluxe suite in the world, but you need to have that special service that goes along with it.’
A prime example of this is the Soneva Gili Resort and Spa, which is a private reserve in the Maldives. It will cost you $10,000 a night but you will have two personal assistants residing with you in separate quarters of your suite so that you have someone at your beck and call night and day. The views are stunning - this complex is built over the water - and you can enjoy this sensation through the glass floor. You can also walk through the beautiful private gardens to your shower and bathtub. Everywhere you look you will see stunning views of the Indian Ocean. This truly is luxury at its best – and most extravagant.
Burj Al Arab
However, if you are searching for extravagance within a city – perhaps when going on a business trip - then look no further than the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Their Royal Suite costs $13,600. There are only two suites in the entire hotel. For your money you get two bedrooms with views of the Arabian Sea. The first floor encompasses the decadent lounge complete with leopard print carpets. Ascend the gold and marble staircase to the second floor where you will find the master bedroom with – wait for it – a four-poster canopy bed which rotates. Your marble bathroom is stacked full of Hermes products, the ultimate in luxury, and what suite would be complete without your own personal cinema?
Paris Ritz
One of the more famous expensive hotels is the Ritz in Paris, which has played host to Sir Winston Churchill and King Edward VII to name but a few. This two bedroom suite costs $13,500 per night and is traditionally decorated with mahogany furniture said to emulate the splendour of the Louis XIV era.
Also in Paris and costing $15,500 per night is the Imperial Suite, Park-Hyatt Vendome. The Imperial Suite is in the Haussmanian building and covers an extensive 750 square foot area. As well as encompassing all of the other luxuries that are par for the course in these extravagant suites, this one comes with an in-suite spa, which offers a steam room, whirlpool and massage table. What more could you possibly need?
How about views of the Alps from your balcony? This is what you can have for a mere $17,500 per night. The suite is decked out in gold and mosaics and the terrace alone covers 300 square feet.
If it is essential for you to have you own KGB-approved autonomous energy supply system and five meals a day then you should consider a stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow. For $18,200 you will also receive heated floors, a library and a grand piano while enjoying views of the Kremlin and Red Square.
If you have the money to jet off to a tropical island then you might as well drop $25,000 a night to stay in the Bridge Suite at the Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Previous guests have included Michael Jackson and Oprah Winfrey so you know you are definitely amongst the elite if you book a holiday here.
Atlantis Paradise Island
The Ty Warner Penthouse in New York has been described as floating across Manhattan. This is due to its 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline, it being the tallest hotel on the island. The suite has a massive nine rooms and the walls are decorated with gold, platinum and mother of pearl. Not only that, but the televisions are actually programmed to receive every single television channel in the entire world.
Anything that Hugh Hefner has a hand in will be nothing short of extravagant and probably considerably tacky. The Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at the Palms Casino Hotel in Las Vegas will set you back $25,000 per night. Amenities include a Jacuzzi bath while looking down on the Strip, a butler, gym, poker table and private cinema. And a mirrored ceiling.
Finally, for $50,000 you can stay at the Royal Villa at Grand Resort Lagonissi in Athens. This suite is only available to the most exclusive clients in the world. It comes with its own private beach and where other suites offer you a piano this one actually comes with a pianist. You also have access to your own personal chef to cook whatever your heart desires.