Travel like a star: The world’s most luxurious hotel penthouses

There’s nothing like unparalleled views, all-inclusive amenities, chauffeur-driven cars, and a 24/7 butler service to show that you’ve ‘made it’. Sitting at the top of some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, these jaw-dropping luxury penthouses will give you a taste of the high life – literally.

Penthouse Suite, The Mark Hotel, New York

Step inside New York’s ‘castle in the sky’ – the city’s largest (at 12,000 square feet) and the world’s priciest hotel suite (US$86,000 a night). This extravagant five-bedroom duplex penthouse is so exclusive it’s not even listed on The Mark’s website.

Boasting eight-foot ceilings and a sprawling living and dining area, the pad includes a grand piano, library, two wet bars, and a 2,500-square-foot rooftop terrace overlooking Manhattan’s trendy Upper East Side.

Treat yourself to chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s exclusive room service menu, 24-hour access to Bergdorf Goodman tailoring, or get a new ‘do in the privacy of your own suite by Frédéric Fekkai Salon.

Royal Penthouse Suite, Hotel President Wilson, Switzerland

A favourite of Albert II, Prince of Monaco and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, not to mention power players like Bill Clinton, Richard Branson and Bill Gates, the Royal Penthouse Suite is king when it comes to luxury amenities and top-notch security.

At 1,680 square metres, it takes up the entire eighth and top floor of Hotel President Wilson, offering unspoiled views of Switzerland's Lake Geneva and the Alps. Coming in at a cool US$61,000 per night, the Penthouse boasts 12 elegant bedrooms, a private chef and butler, a Steinway grand piano, and the world’s largest TV screen – the Bang & Olufsen BeoVision 4-103 home cinema set.

Shangri-La Suite, Shangri-La At The Shard, London

The view from the Shangri-La Suite on the 39th-floor is so panoramic you can almost explore the whole of London without setting foot outside – from Tate Modern and the Tower of London to St Paul’s, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.

Part-Italian and part-Oriental, its interior features a collection of Armani lamps, Rubelli Venezia silk cushions with chinoiserie, Eastern artworks and luxurious Frette linen. Perched atop London’s iconic The Shard, the US$13,500 per night suite can also be connected to an adjacent room, bringing the total living space to 232 square metres.

This exceptional hotel received five stars in the Forbes Travel Guide 2019.

The Royal Bridge Suite, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

The crowning jewel of Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm, the palatial 924-square-metre Royal Bridge Suite spans the entire Royal towers – the exclusive wing sitting atop the hotel’s signature centre arch, 22 stories above the streets of Dubai.

Worth upwards of US$30,000 a night, the suite has hosted the likes of Kim Kardashian, Charlize Theron, Justin Timberlake, Naomi Campbell and the cast of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. With its turquoise-and-gold 16-seat dining room, ornately classical Arabic motifs, and 14-karat gold soap, this palace in the sky screams extravagance.

Ritz-Carlton Suite, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

Sitting on the 117th floor of the highest hotel in the world is the Ritz-Carlton Suite at the lavish 5-star Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. If you can tear your eyes away from the 270-degree panoramic views of iconic Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island, you’ll find a sumptuously-decorated 366-square-metre interior that exudes luxury.

From the dramatic diamond chandelier in the dining room, to the precariously positioned infinity swimming pool and indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis (yes, there’s two), this suite is everything a luxury penthouse should be, and then some. Cruise the city in style in your chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce or have your private butler book in your indulgent daily massage.

The Residence, InterContinental Geneva, Switzerland

Behind elaborate Palace of Versailles-inspired doors is The Residence – an opulent 11-bedroom suite with 360-degree views of the city, Lake Geneva and the Alps. In the East Wing you’ll find the living and dining room, dressing chamber, massage parlour and hamman (or Turkish bath).

Meanwhile, the West Wing includes a fitness room and sauna as well as artworks from George Smith, Moissonnier, Meridiani and Minotti lining the walls. Prices are available on request and you can bet it’s worth a pretty penny (think upwards of US$55,000 a night).

Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons, New York

Upwards of US$50,000 a night, the Four Seasons Ty Warner Penthouse sits on the 52nd floor at one of New York’s most prestigious addresses. A seven-year collaboration between I.M. Pei, Peter Marino and visionary hotel owner Ty Warner, the Penthouse boasts floor-to-ceiling bay windows and four cantilevered glass balconies so you can truly soak up the Manhattan skyline.

Explore the Big Apple in your choice of a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Phantom or Mercedes Maybach, or stretch out on your king bed topped with a 22-karat gold bedspread.

It's no wonder the Four Seasons Hotel New York also received a 5-star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide 2019.

A round-up of the most extravagant multimillion-dollar mansions around the world.