The World’s Most Luxurious Hotels: 29 Addresses That Will Surprise You in 2026

When you hear the words “most luxurious hotel in the world,” most of us picture unreachable palaces for celebrities, where a single night costs as much as a new car. The truth, though, is that the ranking of the planet’s very best addresses hides some enormous surprises. You’ll discover that the 48th best hotel in the world sits just eight hours’ drive from central Europe, and a night there off-season costs about what you’d normally pay in summer for a decent mid-range stay in the mountains.

I’ve pulled together the official ranking of the 50 best hotels in the world for 2025. We’ll go through exactly 29 of them in detail, where you’ll find not only what makes each one exceptional, but above all the real starting rates for the cheapest room. It turns out that five hotels from the global elite start under $500, and, for example, you can bag a legendary hotel in India from just $250.

We’ll also shine a light on the biggest myths of the hotel industry, take a peek inside the most expensive suite that holds a Guinness record, and I’ll show you how to enjoy a slice of this luxury even when you don’t have the budget for a week-long stay in a presidential suite. Get ready for a journey from Parisian palaces all the way to the Maldivian islands, where the rule is: no news, no shoes.

TL;DR

• Winner for 2025: First place this year went to Rosewood Hong Kong, a vertical luxury estate rising above Victoria Harbour.
• The most affordable of the elite: Surprisingly accessible is The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, where a night starts at just $250 (around €230).
• The most expensive in the ranking: By contrast, the priciest base rooms belong to Paris’s Le Bristol Paris, where a single night sets you back at least $3,200.
• Closest to central Europe: The stunning Grand Park Hotel Rovinj (48th place) is in Croatian Istria, while Hotel Sacher Wien (49th place) lies just a short hop across the border in Vienna.
• The smallest boutique gem: South Africa’s Singita lodge in Kruger National Park offers total privacy with just 22 rooms.
• Record-breaking suite: The Guinness record for the most expensive room on the planet is held by The Mark Penthouse in New York, at $114,767 a night.
• The seven-star myth: Dubai’s famous Burj Al Arab officially has only five stars — the “seven-star” label was invented in 1999 by an enthusiastic journalist.

Who Decides Which Hotel Is the Most Luxurious

Determining which hotel is objectively the best is a completely impossible task, because there’s no single global standard. Instead, there are several prestigious rating systems whose results often don’t agree at all.

System	Who rates	Scope 2025
The World’s 50 Best Hotels	Over 800 hotel experts, journalists and travellers, each voting for 7 hotels.	Ranks 1 to 50, announced at a big ceremony (this year in London).
MICHELIN Keys	Anonymous Michelin inspectors, working on the same principle as restaurant stars.	143 hotels with 3 keys, 572 with 2 keys, 1,742 with 1 key out of more than 7,000 rated.
Forbes Travel Guide	Specially trained anonymous inspectors who assess up to 900 strict criteria.	Five Star, Four Star and Recommended categories.
Condé Nast Traveler	Readers vote directly in the Readers’ Choice survey and Gold List.	Rankings are split by individual region.

If you’ve ever heard of a seven-star hotel, let me set the record straight right away: no such official classification exists. This modern legend was born in 1999, when a certain British journalist visited a pre-opening tour of Dubai’s Burj Al Arab and wrote in her article that the hotel was so luxurious it would have to be a seven-star. The term caught on instantly and has taken on a life of its own ever since, even though Burj Al Arab officially has five stars from Dubai’s tourism authority and five stars from the Forbes Travel Guide.

The Ranking in Numbers

The World’s 50 Best Hotels for 2025 brought a few interesting twists, with the absolute winner being Rosewood Hong Kong, which took bronze last year. Last year’s defending champion, Thailand’s Capella Bangkok, slipped this year to a still-lovely third place. Asia dominates overall this year, with 20 representatives in the top 50, while Europe holds 17 spots.

The prices in the table below represent the official starting rate — the cost of the very cheapest room outside high season. For context, we’ve converted the amounts using a rate of $1 ≈ €0.92, but please always treat them as a rough starting point.

Rank	Hotel	Where	Rooms	From (USD/night)	≈ EUR
1.	Rosewood Hong Kong	Hong Kong	413	$650	~€600
2.	Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River	Bangkok, Thailand	299	$450	~€410
3.	Capella Bangkok	Bangkok, Thailand	101	$600	~€550
4.	Passalacqua	Moltrasio, Lake Como, Italy	24	$1300	~€1,200
5.	Raffles Singapore	Singapore	115	$2000	~€1,840
6.	Atlantis The Royal	Dubai, UAE	795	$460	~€420
7.	Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok	Bangkok, Thailand	331	$757	~€700
8.	Chablé Yucatán	Chocholá, Yucatán, Mexico	40	$770	~€710
9.	Four Seasons Firenze	Florence, Italy	115	$1000	~€920
10.	Upper House	Hong Kong	117	$650	~€600
11.	Copacabana Palace	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	239	$300	~€280
13.	Royal Mansour	Marrakesh, Morocco	53	$1900	~€1,750
16.	Claridge’s	London, England	269	$1200	~€1,100
17.	Four Seasons Astir Palace	Vouliagmeni near Athens, Greece	303	$550	~€510
19.	Le Bristol Paris	Paris, France	190	$3200	~€2,950
21.	Cheval Blanc Paris	Paris, France	72	$3000	~€2,760
22.	Bulgari Hotel Roma	Rome, Italy	106	$1600	~€1,470
23.	Hôtel de Crillon	Paris, France	124	$3000	~€2,760
25.	Aman Tokyo	Tokyo, Japan	84	$1800	~€1,660
26.	Hotel Il Pellicano	Porto Ercole, Tuscany, Italy	47	$1000	~€920
28.	Soneva Fushi	Maldives	72	$2800	~€2,580
29.	The Connaught	London, England	115	$1250	~€1,150
30.	La Mamounia	Marrakesh, Morocco	209	$900	~€830
36.	Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo	Monaco	208	$800	~€740
38.	The Taj Mahal Palace	Mumbai, India	285	$250	~€230
40.	Singita — Kruger National Park	South Africa	22	$1900	~€1,750
43.	The Mark	New York, USA	153	$800	~€740
48.	Grand Park Hotel Rovinj	Rovinj, Istria, Croatia	209	$300	~€280
49.	Hotel Sacher Wien	Vienna, Austria	152	$750	~€690

Looking at the hard data, it’s fascinating to see just how huge the price spread is even within the very cream of the crop. While the cheapest hotel in the selection starts at $250, the most expensive kicks off at $3,200, giving us an incredible 1:13 ratio.

Great news for lovers of exceptional experiences is that five of the fifty hotels start under $500. These include India’s Taj Mahal Palace ($250), Brazil’s Copacabana Palace ($300), Croatia’s Grand Park Hotel Rovinj ($300), Thailand’s Four Seasons Bangkok ($450) and the opulent Atlantis The Royal in Dubai ($460).

Another myth is the idea that the best has to be the most expensive. The priciest hotels didn’t rank the highest — Paris’s Le Bristol, at $3,200, ended up in 19th place, while Cheval Blanc and Crillon at $3,000 took 21st and 23rd. These Parisian palaces are noticeably more expensive than the number one hotel in the entire ranking.

It also turns out that a hotel’s size plays no role in the ratings. The winning Rosewood has a massive 413 rooms, while fourth-place Passalacqua on Italy’s Lake Como makes do with just 24. The very smallest is Africa’s Singita in Kruger National Park, with 22 rooms.

If you’re after the absolute best value for money, Asian cities clearly lead the way. The winning Rosewood Hong Kong, like tenth-place Upper House, starts at $650, while the third best hotel in the world, Capella Bangkok, can be had from $600. You get a world-class stay for a sum that in Paris probably wouldn’t even get you into the lobby.

29 of the Most Luxurious Hotels and Resorts in the World

Let’s now take a close look at exactly 29 addresses from the official ranking that redefine the limits of modern hospitality. You’ll find out what won these institutions the hearts of the strictest judges — and how much the cheapest room costs.

1. Rosewood Hong Kong

The best hotel in the world for 2025 and king of the Asian market rises to a staggering 270 metres directly above Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour. Across its 413 rooms, New York designer Tony Chi has created a living fusion of Eastern and Western influences, where you’ll bump into artworks by names like Damien Hirst right at the entrance. One quirk is that the lift lobbies on each floor don’t feel like an ordinary hotel — they’re more like cosy living rooms full of books and art objects.

Base rooms start at a generous 53 square metres, unheard-of luxury in crowded Hong Kong, and feature checked wool wallpaper and marble bathrooms with twin sinks and a freestanding tub. There are an incredible 11 restaurants and bars here, including Michelin-starred venues like The Legacy House and Indian spot Chaat, while cocktails are shaken in the dimly lit Darkside bar. 💡 Tip: If you want a real reset, set aside time for the hotel’s Asaya Spa, which partners with French brand Guerlain and even offers special yoga classes and sound healing. (Hong Kong • 413 rooms • From $650 / approx. €600) check prices and availability

2. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

This sprawling urban retreat sits right on the banks of the famous River of Kings and is a masterful showcase of cascading architecture, designed by Jean-Michel Gathy. With 299 rooms, it feels more like a tropical resort in the middle of an Asian metropolis, where courtyards flow seamlessly into the river and high ceilings are complemented by modern artworks.

The dining scene here is absolutely phenomenal, led by the Cantonese restaurant Yu Ting Yuan and the acclaimed BKK Social Club, a regular on the lists of Asia’s best bars. The setting is full of muted elegance, glass surfaces and soft marble, making this place an oasis of calm in an otherwise bustling city. 💡 Tip: Try the hotel’s traditional long-tail boat transfer and explore the Charoenkrung district, packed with antique shops, galleries and bistros, without wasting time in Bangkok’s traffic jams. (Bangkok, Thailand • 299 rooms • From $450 / approx. €410) check prices and availability

3. Capella Bangkok

Bangkok is amazing, but its noise and traffic can wear you down fast, which is exactly why Capella Bangkok, with its 101 rooms, is the perfect sanctuary of peace and quiet. The design relies on neutral tones and clean lines inspired by Japan, while entry-level rooms boast huge bathrooms, walk-in closets and terraces with comfy loungers.

The hotel is home to the brilliant restaurant Côte, run by famous chef Mauro Colagreco, as well as the wonderful Thai spot Phra Nakhon right by the river. The real trump card, though, is the staff, whose service feels almost telepathic — they anticipate your every wish before you’ve even said a word. 💡 Tip: Make use of the personal guides known as Capella Culturists, who can arrange something like a private meditation with the head monk in a 250-year-old temple. (Bangkok, Thailand • 101 rooms • From $600 / approx. €550) check prices and availability

4. Passalacqua

This gem on the shores of Italy’s Lake Como is set in an 18th-century villa whose walls remember Pope Innocent XI and composer Vincenzo Bellini. The De Santis family has created a boutique paradise with just 24 rooms, where Italian craftsmanship shouts from every detail — from original frescoes and Venetian mirrors to blown-glass chandeliers from Murano.

The grounds offer seven acres of perfectly kept terraced gardens with olive trees and roses that flow gracefully down to a pool shaded by striking parasols designed by JJ Martin. The food from the open kitchen led by chef Viviana Varese is unexpectedly simple and celebrates local ingredients, which you can enjoy practically anywhere in the vast garden. 💡 Tip: The best way to explore the villa’s grounds is to borrow an orange Spiaggina (a vintage roofless Fiat 500), or, after a day on the lake, hide away in the vaulted underground spa. (Moltrasio, Lake Como, Italy • 24 rooms • From $1,300 / approx. €1,200) check prices and availability

5. Raffles Singapore

This legendary hotel is literally the embodiment of the golden age of travel, operating since 1887, with the current neo-Renaissance building opening in 1899. Today you’re welcomed by doormen in traditional Sikh uniforms, and you can stroll along the polished teak verandas that connect its 115 historic suites.

Interestingly, the gardens take up nearly half the entire property, making the hotel a perfect oasis in the heart of modern Singapore. The dining options are endless, from the avant-garde Butcher’s Block to modern Chinese cuisine at Yì, and your comfort is looked after by the famous Raffles butlers with their utterly intuitive approach. 💡 Tip: A visit wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the famous Long Bar, where the world-famous Singapore Sling cocktail was supposedly born. (Singapore • 115 rooms • From $2,000 / approx. €1,840) check prices and availability

6. Atlantis The Royal

If you’re after understated luxury, you’re in completely the wrong place, because Atlantis The Royal in Dubai is a monumental celebration of sheer extravagance. This giant complex with 795 rooms offers 16 restaurants, luxury boutiques and an incredible 90 swimming pools, many of which are part of private penthouses with glass walls high in the clouds.

Unlike the rest of the hotel, the rooms are surprisingly restrained, using light tones and minimalist furniture so as not to compete with the breathtaking sea views. Dining here is overseen by culinary legends like Heston Blumenthal and José Andrés, so you can travel the world through food without ever leaving the grounds. 💡 Tip: Pay for entry to the rooftop Cloud 22 pool, balanced on a bridge connecting the two main towers, and enjoy a drink with views over all of Dubai. (Dubai, UAE • 795 rooms • From $460 / approx. €420) check prices and availability

7. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

On the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this hotel gem has been welcoming guests for nearly 150 years, with names like Graham Greene, Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando passing through its guest books. From an original coaching inn with twelve rooms, it grew into a giant with 331 rooms, yet it still maintains an incredible attention to detail — from silk kimonos to aluminium cases for the toiletries.

The dining offer spans 12 venues, headed by the acclaimed Le Normandie restaurant, recently taken under the wing of famous chef Anne-Sophie Pic. A 24-hour butler for every room is standard, along with advanced lighting controls that change the whole room’s atmosphere at the touch of a button. 💡 Tip: Don’t miss afternoon tea in the iconic Authors’ Lounge, a room of wicker furniture and shutters that breathes Victorian atmosphere. (Bangkok, Thailand • 331 rooms • From $757 / approx. €700) check prices and availability

8. Chablé Yucatán

This top wellness sanctuary lies deep in the heart of the Yucatán jungle, just 25 minutes from the bustling city of Mérida, yet it feels like another world entirely. Forty beautifully appointed villas and casitas offer huge spaces, and even the smallest of them have their own pools and open-air outdoor showers.

The whole concept revolves around Mayan healing traditions, and the spa itself is the first in the world built directly around a sacred cenote (a natural sinkhole). The kitchen, led by chef Jorge Vallejo of Mexico’s Quintonil, makes generous use of produce from its own Mayan gardens, while the Ki’ol venue specialises purely in healthy, balanced dishes. 💡 Tip: After wellness treatments in the traditional temazcal steam house, you can explore one of the world’s largest tequila collections, which the hotel holds. (Chocholá, Yucatán, Mexico • 40 rooms • From $770 / approx. €710) check prices and availability

9. Four Seasons Firenze

This distinctive hotel occupies a beautifully restored 15th-century Medici family palazzo and hides the largest private garden in Florence. All 115 rooms are split between the main Palazzo della Gherardesca and a former 16th-century convent, where guests are greeted by a separate reception with a personal butler.

The entrance hall is a dazzling display of natural light and giant floral installations, with bas-reliefs of mythological creatures emerging from the walls. Also worth mentioning is the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Il Palagio, which gives regional Tuscan recipes an exciting modern makeover, and the gorgeous outdoor pool open all summer. 💡 Tip: Given the hotel’s slightly out-of-the-way location, use the free shuttle service, which whisks you stress-free straight to the sights in central Florence. (Florence, Italy • 115 rooms • From $1,000 / approx. €920) check prices and availability

10. Upper House

This architectural triumph floats high above the Pacific Place shopping centre and is the very first hotel project by acclaimed Asian designer André Fu. Right at the entrance you’re struck by the brutalist facade by Thomas Heatherwick and the minimalist reception concept, where check-in is handled entirely paper-free.

With just 117 rooms and studios, this is an oasis of calm in pulsating Hong Kong, and the room sizes easily put most local apartments to shame. The interiors go for muted shades of cream and stone, freestanding limestone tubs and huge windows that frame the city below like a living painting. 💡 Tip: Head to the rooftop restaurant Salisterra, which offers refined Mediterranean cuisine and probably the best view of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers. (Hong Kong • 117 rooms • From $650 / approx. €600) check prices and availability

11. Copacabana Palace

The brilliant white facade of this legendary 1923 hotel majestically looks down on the most famous beach in Rio de Janeiro, while the statue of Christ the Redeemer watches over it from above. With its 239 rooms, the hotel brought European glamour to Brazil and became the centre of social life, where celebrities mingle with wealthy travellers around the giant pool.

The interiors retain their traditional opulence with spacious living rooms, yet thanks to careful renovations they feel fresh and modern. The property also hides three top-class restaurants, including the Asian-inspired Mee, and the hotel’s management has long been praised for bringing sustainable, eco-friendly practices into the luxury segment. 💡 Tip: If you want to save, choose the standard city-view rooms, which are noticeably cheaper than the famous suites facing Copacabana beach. (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil • 239 rooms • From $300 / approx. €280) check prices and availability

13. Royal Mansour

This project by King Mohammed VI is no ordinary hotel — it’s a physical embodiment of Moroccan heritage, where you won’t find any classic rooms. Instead, the property is made up of 53 three-storey private riads scattered across beautiful gardens, each with its own rooftop pool and personal butler.

What’s truly unique here is the service system, because all the staff move through a network of underground tunnels and enter the riads via hidden doors, so the service is one hundred percent invisible. The kitchens are run by an absolute elite: Massimiliano Alajmo looks after the Italian restaurant Sesamo, while the famous Hélène Darroze conducts the traditional Moroccan menu. 💡 Tip: Experience the city from a different angle and book a personalised tour of the medina, paired with tasting local specialities straight from the vendors. (Marrakesh, Morocco • 53 rooms • From $1,900 / approx. €1,750) check prices and availability

16. Claridge’s

This London gem in Mayfair has hosted British high society ever since it opened in 1856 and is one of the royal family’s favourite luxury hotels in London. Its 269 rooms recently underwent a renovation that further emphasised its signature Art Deco style, combined with calm earthy tones and a regal pale blue.

Between 2015 and 2022, a massive seven-year excavation project took place beneath the hotel, creating five new underground floors that house a Japanese spa, a 25-metre pool and an in-house bakery. The Claridge’s Restaurant serves top-class British gastronomy, and the venue is also famous for a temporary cocktail pop-up by the legendary New York bar Dante. 💡 Tip: Keep your eyes peeled in the lobby, because the hotel is known for its absolute discretion and regularly welcomes the likes of Mick Jagger for lunch. (London, England • 269 rooms • From $1,200 / approx. €1,100)

17. Four Seasons Astir Palace

On the picturesque Vouliagmeni peninsula near Athens sprawls this giant resort with 303 rooms, which defines luxury on the so-called Athens Riviera. Guests have access to gorgeous private beaches, huge pools and interiors kept in soothing light tones that let the turquoise sea shine.

The resort offers everything from top tennis facilities to an extensive spa, with the dining options crowned by the Michelin-starred restaurant Pelagos. The whole complex is designed so you never have to leave during your holiday, offering the perfect balance between relaxation and active downtime with first-class service. 💡 Tip: Prices peak here from May to September, so come in the shoulder months of spring or autumn, when rates are much friendlier. (Vouliagmeni near Athens, Greece • 303 rooms • From $550 / approx. €510) check prices and availability

19. Le Bristol Paris

This Parisian palace, celebrating a full hundred years since it opened in 1925, was a favourite retreat of both Coco Chanel and Pablo Picasso. It sits a short walk from the Champs-Élysées, and its 190 rooms are adorned with period Louis XV furniture, silk drapes and marble bathrooms with luxury cosmetics.

The main draw here, though, is the gastronomy, because the hotel boasts the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Epicure under Arnaud Faye, which serves masterpieces overlooking a flowering courtyard. After a day exploring Paris, guests can unwind at the boat-shaped rooftop pool. 💡 Tip: You don’t have to pay thousands of dollars for a room — just pop into Café Antonia, whose afternoon tea and fantastic pastries are famous all across Paris. (Paris, France • 190 rooms • From $3,200 / approx. €2,950) check prices and availability

21. Cheval Blanc Paris

This relatively new addition to the Parisian luxury scene, owned by the LVMH group, took over the iconic La Samaritaine building right by the Pont Neuf. Across 72 rooms, architect Peter Marino has created a bold mix of Art Deco and contemporary art, dominated in the lobby by a giant photographic installation of the Eiffel Tower.

Most of the light-filled rooms look straight onto the Seine, but the main highlights are the winter gardens at the larger suites. The food here is absolutely phenomenal, whether you choose the famous Milanese seafood restaurant Langosteria or the Plénitude venue by chef Arnaud Donckele, which additionally boasts three Michelin stars. 💡 Tip: Enjoy total freedom thanks to the “carte blanche” service, which lets you order absolutely anything to your room at any hour of the day or night. (Paris, France • 72 rooms • From $3,000 / approx. €2,760) check prices and availability

22. Bulgari Hotel Roma

In the heart of Rome, directly opposite the Mausoleum of Augustus, architects breathed life into a rationalist palace from the 1930s. The interiors of all 106 rooms work with hand-cut marble mosaics and original Murano glass, while a genuine marble statue of Emperor Augustus presides over the entrance hall.

The rooms are divided into four colour moods, and the bathrooms are adorned with rare marble that nods to the Bulgari brand’s jewellery history. The culinary experience is looked after by Il Ristorante under Niko Romito, who gives classic Italian recipes like vitello tonnato an utterly modern, clean twist. 💡 Tip: Skip the standard breakfast and stop by the hotel’s Il Caffè for traditional maritozzi (light, fluffy buns filled with cream). (Rome, Italy • 106 rooms • From $1,600 / approx. €1,470) check prices and availability

23. Hôtel de Crillon

Right on the famous Place de la Concorde stands a building from 1758 that was originally the private residence of the Count de Crillon and, after a four-year renovation, transformed into one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. It hides 124 rooms that masterfully blend antiques with contemporary art and neutral earthy tones.

An absolute one-off here is the rooftop suite Les Grands Appartements, personally designed by fashion god Karl Lagerfeld and furnished with opulent chandeliers and carved doors. Down in the basement hides a photogenic pool clad in golden fluted tiles, and the L’Écrin restaurant offers innovative tasting menus paired with top wines. 💡 Tip: In the evening, be sure to drop into the Les Ambassadeurs bar, where, beneath a historic painted ceiling, you’ll enjoy the most cutting-edge cocktail creations in Paris. (Paris, France • 124 rooms • From $3,000 / approx. €2,760) check prices and availability

25. Aman Tokyo

This heavenly retreat occupies the top six floors of a 38-storey skyscraper in Tokyo’s Otemachi financial district and is the perfect contrast to the noisy metropolis below. The airy entrance hall on the 33rd floor, with its ceiling of white washi paper and water features with flowers, feels like a serene Zen sanctuary.

Thanks to huge windows and a thoughtful layout, each of the 84 rooms feels more like a luxurious private residence than a classic hotel. The spa, spread across two floors, draws on Japanese healing traditions, including Shinto purification rituals, and there’s also a stunning 30-metre pool. 💡 Tip: Definitely make time for a soak in the deep stone tub, positioned right by the window with an unrepeatable view over nighttime Tokyo. (Tokyo, Japan • 84 rooms • From $1,800 / approx. €1,660) check prices and availability

26. Hotel Il Pellicano

This Tuscan gem on the cliffs of Monte Argentario was born in 1965 out of the love of a British aviator and an American socialite, originally as a private club. Today, under the leadership of visionary Marie-Louise Sciò, guests are greeted by 47 gorgeous rooms scattered across terracotta villas among olive trees and flowering bougainvillea.

The magic of the place lies in its perfect preservation of Italian “dolce vita,” where, at the heated seawater pool, figures like Charlie Chaplin and the Agnelli family historically rubbed shoulders. Food made from local ingredients is served at Ristorante Il Pellicano, while the beach club with its signature yellow-and-white stripes is the ideal spot for an afternoon aperitivo. 💡 Tip: If an overnight stay is too pricey for you, the cheapest ticket into the grounds is a lunch reservation, during which you’ll soak up the very same atmosphere. (Porto Ercole, Tuscany, Italy • 47 rooms • From $1,000 / approx. €920) check prices and availability

28. Soneva Fushi

On a remote Maldivian atoll, there’s only one rule: no news, no shoes. As soon as you step off the seaplane, the staff whisk away your footwear, and you move around all 72 villas, scattered through dense jungle, only barefoot or on assigned bicycles. Each villa comes with a personal assistant, the so-called Barefoot Guardian, available 24 hours a day.

This resort popularised the concept of open-air bathrooms, where you shower among rocks and trees, and the villas feature retractable roofs for sleeping under the stars. The resort also grows its own fruit, herbs and vegetables in huge organic gardens, so the venues serve completely fresh, and often meat-free, dishes. 💡 Tip: If you love Asian food, book a spot at So Hands On, an exclusive sushi counter for just six guests. (Maldives • 72 rooms • From $2,800 / approx. €2,580) check prices and availability

29. The Connaught

This prestigious hotel in London’s Mayfair was built way back in 1897 and to this day maintains the atmosphere of an old British club, but with utterly modern service — one of the finest luxury hotels in London. The interiors of its 115 rooms, designed by Guy Oliver, combine traditional elements with art by such greats as Damien Hirst and Barbara Hepworth.

The culinary experience here is looked after by genuine superstars, because the three-Michelin-starred restaurant is run by the fabulous Hélène Darroze, while two other venues are managed by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The hotel is renowned for its impeccable service, which keeps Hollywood actors and fashion designers coming back time and again. 💡 Tip: A mandatory stop should be the famous Connaught Bar, where they mix the iconic martini cocktail right at your table from a legendary rolling trolley. (London, England • 115 rooms • From $1,250 / approx. €1,150) check prices and availability

30. La Mamounia

This Moroccan palace from 1923 underwent a huge renovation that further emphasised its majestic Moorish architecture full of rich colours and mosaics. Its 209 rooms and villas are watched over by staff based in gardens of olive and palm trees that originally belonged to an 18th-century sultan’s son.

The hotel has left an enormous mark on history — Winston Churchill spent his winters here, Alfred Hitchcock filmed here, and Paul McCartney wrote the song “Mamunia” here. Today you’ll find an Asian restaurant and an Italian trattoria by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, as well as famous pastries by Parisian confectioner Pierre Hermé. 💡 Tip: In the evening, discover the new underground wine bar or lose yourself in the stunning dark spa, whose photos have gone all over Instagram. (Marrakesh, Morocco • 209 rooms • From $900 / approx. €830) check prices and availability

36. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Since 1864, this architectural gem has been the absolute ruler of Monaco’s casino square, and its steps remember celebrities from Nelson Mandela to Lady Gaga. After a recent renovation, it offers 208 rooms fitted with light wood and marble, and even the smallest of them boasts its own balcony overlooking the Mediterranean.

The gastronomic pride here is the restaurant Le Louis XV under Alain Ducasse, which was the very first hotel venue in the world to earn three Michelin stars. Also popular is the rooftop Le Grill, with its sliding roof, from where there’s a breathtaking view over three different countries at once. 💡 Tip: The hotel boasts the largest hotel wine cellar in the world, where around 6,000 varieties await, including extremely rare bottles, so a tasting here is an absolute must. (Monaco • 208 rooms • From $800 / approx. €740) check prices and availability

38. The Taj Mahal Palace

This palace opened in 1903 as the very first luxury hotel in Indian ownership, and its iconic red dome still dominates Mumbai’s harbour to this day. With 285 rooms in the historic Heritage wing, it offers an opulent display of hand-knotted carpets, silk drapes and carved furniture inspired by the Rajput rulers.

It combines Indian, Moorish and Renaissance influences, so you’ll stroll along onyx columns and marble corridors that partly serve as a museum. On the roof of the more modern Tower wing, Mediterranean cuisine is served, and by the pool surrounded by rattan furniture, gentle sitar music plays. 💡 Tip: In the evening, be sure to head to the legendary Harbour Bar, Mumbai’s first licensed tavern, where the hotel’s own founder Jamsetji Tata also spent his evenings. (Mumbai, India • 285 rooms • From $250 / approx. €230) check prices and availability

40. Singita — Kruger National Park

The Singita brand follows the philosophy of “touching the earth lightly,” and its two lodges, Lebombo and Sweni, represent the absolute pinnacle of African ecotourism. With just 22 suites perched high above the Sweni River on a huge private concession inside Kruger National Park, guests here experience safari in absolute privacy and without crowds of tourists.

All the suites are glazed from floor to ceiling and feature indoor and outdoor showers, or private wooden decks with daybeds for watching the wildlife. The price of your stay includes not only luxurious breakfasts and lunches, but above all morning and evening game drives in special Land Rovers with the most experienced guides in the country. 💡 Tip: Don’t miss the traditional African boma dinners, served in the open air lit only by stars and lanterns in the canopies of giant trees. (South Africa • 22 rooms • From $1,900 / approx. €1,750) check prices and availability

43. The Mark

This boutique hotel occupies a historic 1920s building on prestigious Madison Avenue and counts as one of the most stylish retreats on New York’s Upper East Side. Designer Jacques Grange kitted out its 153 rooms with a combination of monochrome stripes, earthy tones and striking modern art that gives the hotel an unmistakable avant-garde character.

It’s a favourite haunt of the fashion set, and this is exactly where, before the annual March Met Gala, celebrities including the famous Anna Wintour get ready. The gastronomy is in the hands of star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and there’s even a branch of Paris’s Caviar Kaspia with their acclaimed double-baked potato. 💡 Tip: During the summer months, try the luxury street food that Jean-Georges sells right in front of the hotel from a specially converted hot dog cart. (New York, USA • 153 rooms • From $800 / approx. €740) check prices and availability

48. Grand Park Hotel Rovinj

This architectural jewel with 209 rooms sits in gorgeous Croatian Istria, cascading down a wooded slope directly opposite the historic town of Rovinj. The project by Croatian studio 3LHD and Milanese designer Piero Lissoni masterfully weaves warm tones of wood and stone together with the surrounding century-old pines and green roofs.

Its greatest pride is a huge wellness centre with several saunas and a 50-metre outdoor infinity pool, from which there’s a view straight onto the island of St. Catherine. The hotel also pushes the boundaries of Croatian gastronomy thanks to Agli Amici Rovinj, the first restaurant in the country to earn two Michelin stars. 💡 Tip: Beyond the fine dining, you’ll also find great relaxed bars right by the pool, serving fantastic Istrian specialities with no need for formal dress. (Rovinj, Istria, Croatia • 209 rooms • From $300 / approx. €280) check prices and availability

49. Hotel Sacher Wien

This Viennese gem lies just a short hop from central Europe and has been writing its history since 1876, when it was founded by the son of the creator of the famous Sachertorte. Today you’ll find 152 elegant rooms, whose interiors were designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon and fitted out with velvet, parquet floors and dazzling crystal chandeliers.

The hotel, standing directly opposite the State Opera, has welcomed names like Queen Elizabeth II and J.F. Kennedy, and it’s also famous for the moment when John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their peace press conference in bed here. The dining is split by colour into the Red, Green and Blue bars, and the staff maintain a reputation for absolute Viennese perfection and courtesy to this day. 💡 Tip: If you don’t want to stay over, at least drop into the famous Sacher Café, where, at a table with velvet seats and to the sound of a piano, you’ll enjoy an original slice of the cake. (Vienna, Austria • 152 rooms • From $750 / approx. €690)

The Most Expensive Suites in the World

When we explore the most luxurious addresses, we also have to mention the absolute most expensive suites on the planet. The absolute Guinness record for the most expensive hotel room is held by the luxurious The Mark Penthouse in New York’s The Mark hotel. For a single night here you’ll pay an astronomical $114,767, with taxes and breakfast included. In return you get five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a living room with an almost eight-metre ceiling, a private gym, a library and a breathtaking rooftop terrace.

Also in the very top tier is The Empathy Suite at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, whose price is quoted at around $100,000 a night, with the design here handled by famous artist Damien Hirst. The same price tag reportedly belongs to the monstrous Royal Mansion Penthouse in Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal complex. The long-time record holder was the Royal Penthouse Suite at Geneva’s Hotel President Wilson, where a night comes to around $80,000.

How Much Luxury Really Costs and Where You Can Save

💡 If the one hotel in the whole ranking that tempts you most is the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, because it’s realistically reachable by car from much of Europe, compare the whole accommodation offer in Rovinj here — off-season, the price difference between a top-50 hotel and a regular four-star is surprisingly small.

This exclusive world may seem out of reach, but even here there are clear rules for how to enjoy the best service for more reasonable money. The starting rate listed in the ranking doesn’t represent the amount you’ll necessarily pay, because it applies to the lowest room type and strictly outside high season. During peak times, rates can be several times higher.

Seasonality plays a far bigger role than the number of stars. For example, Croatia’s Grand Park Rovinj has its main rush from June to September, while Greece’s Four Seasons Astir Palace from May to September. Outside these busy windows, prices drop rapidly, so in spring or autumn you can get the same luxury for a fraction of the original amount.

Bear in mind, too, that the very cheapest room is usually without a prestigious view. A great example is the iconic Copacabana Palace in Rio, where the standard rooms face straight into the city. They’re thus noticeably cheaper than the famous suites with a direct view of the beach and ocean.

If you want to experience historic opulence, a great strategy is to book a single night. At palaces like Vienna’s Hotel Sacher, Monaco’s Hôtel de Paris or Grand Park Rovinj, it makes huge sense to take one night as a pure experience. You can then spend the rest of your holiday in much more affordable accommodation nearby.

The very cheapest way to visit these institutions is through their on-site restaurants and iconic bars. You can pop in for the famous Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in Raffles, savour the original cake at Sacher Café, or admire the views from the Cloud 22 bar at Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal, without ever having to stay there.

Sometimes just a lunch is the cheapest ticket into the closed world of luxury. That’s exactly the case at Italian gems like Passalacqua on Lake Como or Hotel Il Pellicano in Tuscany. For the price of a single meal you get exactly the same experience of the place and the impeccable service as guests paying thousands of dollars a night.

Where to Next

Fancy visiting the cities where these iconic hotels stand? I’ve put together practical guides full of tips on what to see, what to do and how to plan your trip perfectly.

If Europe has charmed you, be sure to read what to see in Paris, or get inspired by our pick of places to see in Vienna. For Italy lovers, we have a detailed article on what to see in Rome, along with accommodation tips in the article on where to stay in Rome. Also worth a mention are picturesque Florence and gorgeous Croatian Rovinj.

If you’re drawn more to Asia and the exotic, check out our guides to bustling Tokyo, modern Singapore or plan what your Bangkok holiday could look like. You can also read how to tackle a Dubai holiday or a luxurious trip to the Maldives.

And for those of you drawn to Africa or the American buzz, there’s our huge list of 50 tips on what to see in New York. Wonderful inspiration for Morocco can be found in the guide on what to see in Marrakesh and the detailed article on where to stay in Marrakesh.

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