But Does it Have a Gold Toilet Seat? The Most Over-the-Top Hotel Suites in the World
The Royal Bridal Suite at The Toren, Amsterdam. (All photos courtesy of hotels)
By Jane Reynolds
We here at Oyster.com have done all types of travel. We’ve trekked to some pretty far-off places, we’ve slept under the stars, and we’ve pinched pennies at some budget (but nonetheless awesome) locales. But we gotta say, our favorite kind of travel is luxury travel.
Of course, there’s something to be said for roughing it and that whole getting-back-in-touch-with-nature thing, but given the choice between a tent and a massive presidential suite? Um, we’ll take the suite any day—without hesitation. Suites vary from hotel to hotel, and from destination to destination, but throughout our extensive travels we have come across a handful of gorgeous, over-the-top hotel suites that are so luxurious, they’re quite literally mind-blowing. From a Vegas suite with its own pool and mini-golf course to a gigantic ”Sultan Suite” overlooking the Bosphorus in Istanbul, these 10 suites take luxury to the next level.
1. The Royal Bridal Suite at The Toren, Amsterdam
This romantic boutique hotel near the Anne Frank House has historical significance: It was once used as a safe house in WWII. The Toren family bought the property in 1968 and expanded it over time to include additional accommodations along the Keizersgracht canal. Today there are 38 rooms and suites ranging from smaller standard size, to spacious, elaborate options like the Royal Bridal Suite. This over-the-top, dual-level suite promises romance and opulence; it sits in a second building, removed from the main house, for added privacy and features rich decor (such as gorgeous antique furniture, chandeliers, and murals), a fireplace, a deep soaking tub, and a private entrance with a patio.
2. The Villas Villa Suite #2 at The Mirage, Las Vegas
You’d think deciding on the most over-the-top suite in Vegas would be tough, but the exclusive Villas hotel-within-a-hotel at The Mirage made it easy. The Villas are set apart in a separate wing from the rest of the resort by a private gated entrance, and all guests have round-the-clock access to butlers, concierges, and chefs. Along with free access to hotel hotspots like 1OAK, all villas come equipped with iPads, Mac computers, massive flat-screen TVs (even in the bathrooms and backyards), and private pools. Plus, Villa #2 sits alongside its own putting green.
3. The Imperial Suite at Hotel Principe Di Savoia, Milan
Since the 1920s, the Principe Di Savoia has held an undisputed position as Milan’s top luxury hotel. All rooms are luxurious, but the signature suites go above and beyond. Only the Presidential Suite bests the Imperial Suite, a massive multi-room crash pad designed by renowned architect Celeste Dell’Anna. Overlooking Piazza della Repubblica and its public gardens, it features a plush, canopied bed, gorgeous decor accents in rich reds and dark woods, a walk-in closet, and a beautiful modern bathroom with mosaics, a flat-screen TV, a massaging shower, a Turkish bath, and a chrome-therapy system.
4. Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suite at the Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
Rosewood Mayakoba is a gorgeous, peaceful retreat within the resort community of Playa Del Carmen, set on a mile-long stretch of beach. The 128 suites feature attractive contemporary décor—picture clean lines, white walls, and rich woods — as well as high-tech amenities and private outdoor plunge pools. All offer plenty of luxe features, but only the Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suites have swim-up access. Extra overwater suite perks include butler service, boat docks, free tequila, bottled water, and fresh fruit, and sexy open bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and private outdoor patios.
5. The Royal Suite at The Waldorf Towers, New York City
The Waldorf Towers occupies the top floors of the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel in Midtown East. It is an exclusive boutique with 117 classic, individually decorated rooms, some of which have a rich history of famous guests and long-term residents. Most amenities are shared with its sister property—including the great (but pricey) restaurants, high-end Guerlain Spa, and beauty salon—but the hotel has its own lobby, fitness center, elevators, and concierges. The luxurious Royal Suite is a whopping (for New York City, at least) 1,800 square feet and boasts two bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, a dining room, and most important, gorgeous views of Park Avenue and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Former guests include Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor and his Duchess Wallis Simpson.
6. The Penthouse at The May Fair Hotel, London
Known for its celebrity sightings (Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and various high-earning soccer players have been spotted here), its A-list bar, casino, and private theater (which often hosts red carpet events), the five-pearl May Fair is luxurious and prestigious but without the stuffy pomp and circumstance of some of its neighboring competitors. Its 388 rooms and 12 suites are lavish yet playful, including the Penthouse Suite—yes, that is a treadmill you spy in the corner. Nothing has been overlooked in these luxe digs; the two-bedroom suite includes a beautiful balcony, a working fireplace, a walk-in closet, and a massive bathroom with his-and-hers sinks and a deep soaking tub. And for some fun time, one of the beds is circular.
7. Extreme WOW Suite at the W Hong Kong
The 393-room W Hong Kong is a fun, modern hotel in Kowloon, a popular tourist area. In many ways, this W feels like all others, with funky decor and a lively bar. But this W feels a bit more special, and luxurious, than some you might find in the U.S. The Bliss spa is absolutely gorgeous, with beautiful teak tubs and soft lighting, and the stunning rooftop pool on the 76th floor offers poolside service and dizzying views. What else has amazing views of the harbor? The Extreme WOW Suite which also boasts a kitchen, dining area, sexy bathroom, every high-tech gadget you could hope for, and hip decor that makes the space the perfect spot to host a party that’s extremely, well, WOW.
8. The Penthouse Master Suite at Gran Melia Colon, Seville
The luxurious, 189-room Gran Melia Colon is a Seville landmark, steeped in history and tradition but also emphasizing modernity and quality. Melia Colon embraces the culture of Seville’s painters and bullfighters in its architecture and decor. For example, the Penthouse Suite features doors painted to look like framed masterpieces by some of Seville’s famous artists. Oh, and it also features a terrace with a hot tub and gorgeous views, a sexy peek-a-boo bathroom, an aroma menu, large flat-screen TVs with Wii, and amazing perks like a personal butler, free access to the RedLevel Lounge with champagne, coffee, snacks, and in-room breakfast.
9. The Grand Suite at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida Keys
This adults-only boutique property epitomizes tranquility; set on its own private island in the Florida Keys, Little Palm is accessible only by boat or seaplane, and features just a handful of standalone, private villas. The most luxe option is the Grand Suite, which embraces an upscale beachy vibe with teak shutters, crystal chandeliers, and slate floors. The 1,000-square-foot space includes a private deck overlooking the ocean, a bathroom with his-and-hers bathtubs, a spacious bedroom that opens up to an even larger living room with ocean views, an outdoor hot tub, and exclusive beach access with loungers and a fire pit. VIP perks include guaranteed beachfront dining in the restaurant, and champagne and fruit upon arrival.
10. The Sultan Suite at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul
Ciragan Palace Kempinski is the grand dame of Istanbul. It wows guests at every turn, from the sprawling, manicured grounds, to the heated infinity pool right on the Bosphorus, to the refined suites. And considering that the hotel is the former palace of an Ottoman sultan, the over-the-top Sultan Suite is aptly named. One of the largest suites in Europe, let alone Istanbul, this massive suite features a 12-person dining room table, an opulent living room with wood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows framed by luxe curtains, and historic artwork, and two bedrooms (each with their own seating areas) with canopied beds. But the most impressive feature here is the master bathroom, which includes a handmade marble hammam, a steam room, a rain shower with gold-plated faucets, a claw-foot bathtub, and views of the peninsula. The beautiful Bosphorus can also be spotted from nearly every room.
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