Living Large: 8 Amazing Suites and Penthouses

Some of us travel on a budget and then there are professional athletes, musicians, royals, diplomats, heads of state, and others who don’t worry about the price of their accommodations.  They just sign the bill and head off on their next journey.  For those who travel in opulent style, there are some really amazing suites to consider when traveling.  Consider the two-story Royal Suite at the iconic Burj Al Arab which goes for $24,000 a night or the Empire Suite at The Carlyle New York with views of Central Park for $15,000 a night.  Yes, one can only dream!!

Here are the suites that I would choose…right after I hit the lottery:

The Alpina Gstaad, Panorama Suite, Switzerland

Gstaad, known as the playground of billionaires, has a luxury suite that is sure to make anyone feel special.  At $21,000 per night in high season, you’ll experience one of the most extraordinary hotel rooms in the world at The Alpina Gstaad.  Set in the beautiful mountain scenery of Switzerland, the suite features stunning woodwork and understated elegance and luxury at every turn.  The second floor has a cathedral ceiling “spa room” with a gas fireplace and a panoramic view of the mountain scenery.  You’ll have your own steam room, sauna, and Jacuzzi on the terrace.  Plus you get your own kitchen and private chef, so you can stay in and enjoy it all!

Aria Resorts, Sky Villas, Las Vegas

Heading to Las Vegas for a little grown-up fun?  Take a few friends and stay at the Aria Resort & Casino where the Sky Villas offer two and three-bedroom retreats with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that feature all the glimmer and glitz of Las Vegas.  The suites feature a golden curving staircase, a gym with a steam room, high-tech toilets, and two around-the-clock butlers to take care of every little detail.   Available from $3500 to $7500 a night, you can enjoy Vegas like royalty.

Burj Al Arab’s, Royal Suite, Dubai

If you’re rolling in money, why not stay at one of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels?  Located in Dubai, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab sets the standard in over-the-top luxury.  I mean really, look at this bedroom in the Royal Suite!!  They say it’s the world’s only seven-star hotel.  For roughly $24,000 a night (3 bedrooms) you get a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce, personalized butler service, 3 opulent bathrooms, 24 carat Gold iPad, selection of 17 different types of pillows, private beach, upstairs and downstairs bars, and your own elevator, library and cinema rooms.  Another highlight is uninterrupted water views from both floors of the suite, of the Arabian Gulf.  Wow doesn’t begin to cover it!

Corinthia Hotel, Royal Penthouse, London

Looking for exquisite luxury with an amazing view of all of London’s best features?  Then look no further than the Royal Penthouse at the Corinthia Hotel.  You’ll feel like part of the monarchy standing on your roof terrace and looking out at this view.  Available at $18,000 per night, there is basically no other hotel in London that can compete with its amazing style and views of Big Ben, Nelson’s Column, St. Paul’s, the London Eye, and the River Thames.  With its own 24-hour butler service, sweeping circular staircase, numerous fireplaces, private spa, ebony dining table, walk-in wine cellar, and elevator, you can enjoy London right from your terrace.

W Singapore, The Extreme Wow Suite, Singapore

Checking into the W Singapore, you’ll have the dilemma of whether to choose the Wow Suite or the Extreme Wow Suite.  Either way, you’ll be transported into a modern and innovative space featuring whimsical design, leading-edge stereo systems, and other electronic must-haves like a 40″ or 55″ LED TV.  The Extreme Wow Suite is for the serious party crowd with its own DJ spinning console to the fully stocked bar and plunge pool on the ocean-view terrace.  The nightly rate is $13,670.  Sounds like a good play to throw an unforgettable birthday party.

Tsitouras Collection, Firostefani, Santorini, Greece

Looking for a little more peace and quiet?  Then the very elegant suites and private villa at The Tsitouras Collection are an excellent choice.  The villa has my vote for exquisite beauty.  Built into the side of a thousand-foot cliff overlooking the sea, the views are some of the best in the Mediterranean.  Available for about $2000 per night, this incredible property is sure to dazzle you with its stunning design, views, and comfortable surroundings.  The highlight is the private terrace with outdoor dining, lounging, and a spectacular pool that seems to merge into the sea.  A little piece of heaven right here on Earth.

Hotel Plaza Athénée, Royal Suite, Paris

Undoubtedly one of the most spacious, luxurious, and expensive hotel rooms in all of Paris, the Royal Suite at the Hotel Plaza Athénée would make anyone feel like a princess.  With breath-taking views including the Eiffel Tower and Avenue Montaigne, you’ll feel like Paris is a few feet from your door.  At $26,000 per night, it is definitely one of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world and during its recent renovation, the nearly 5,000 square foot suite was lavishly upgraded with gold, silk, marble, and antiques from the 1700s.  The largest 4 bedroom suite in Paris is unmatched in prestige, elegance, luxury, and views of the City of Light.

The Carlyle, Empire Suite, New York

Here’s a place that I could just move into if it wasn’t $15,000 a night!!  The Carlyle’s Empire Suite has incredible floor-to-ceiling windows providing magical views (moonset and sunrise) of Central Park and a high-society address that usually takes generations to acquire.  Located on floors 28 and 29, this immaculate space features 2,600 sq. ft. of space, a spiral staircase, cashmere walls, a full kitchen, sitting room, modern electronics, and a private art collection.

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