Ten Wildest Hotels Around the World

High thread count sheets are nice, but for a luxury hotel to really impress us we want outrageous architecture, decadent decor, and edge-of-the-earth locations. It’s a tall order, but with a search across the globe we’ve found the top hotels that shatter all expectation. So whether you’re planning an escape for a few days or just want to take a virtual trip around the world, check out 11 hotels that bring the best in art, design, and adventure under one roof.

Barcelo Raval Hotel, Barcelona, Spain (above)

The sheer chance to chill in this lobby would be a vacation in and of itself. The flashy new Barcelo Raval in Barcelona is girly and enticing. In the lobby, the hot magenta seating dominates against the dazzling sparkles of the interior column and stark black and white. Rooms start at $139. BarceloRaval.com

Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski, Beijing

Nestled in the Shuiguan Mountains and spread over eight square kilometers along the Great Wall of China, this collection of properties boasts some of the most creative and modern architecture in the area. Each of the 236 rooms and suites scattered across the commune offer views of the Great Wall. This one, the “See and Seen House” by architect Cui Kai, is a bona fide glass masterpiece. Rooms start at $366. CommunebytheGreatWall.com

Ice Hotel, Jukkasjarvi, Sweden

What first opened in 1990 as an exhibit by a French ice artist has since become a magical and rather chilly chance for guests from around the world to experience the feeling of sleeping in an igloo. Crafted from ice and snow, each year Ice Hotel is rebuilt by visiting artists and creators. Though the temperature never drops below 23 degrees Fahrenheit, guests don thermal underwear and hats and slip into a sleeping bag atop blocks of ice, a thick mattress, and reindeer skins. Here, a magical chandelier hangs in one of last year’s halls. Open December 10 to mid-April yearly. Rooms start at $303 per night. IceHotel.com

Boscolo Hotel Exedra, Nice, France

Though the recently opened hotel in France has been built in the Belle Epoque style, the hotel’s interiors are hardly antiquated. The bar, designed by Massimo Iosa Ghini, uses treelike sculptures and scattered lights across the walls and ceilings to create an organic yet futuristic feeling. Rooms start at $325. BoscoloHotels.com

Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Sitting on a man-made island located just off the shore, this modern and fanciful hotel has the effect of a sailboat drifting off to sea. At 321 meters high, this Tom Wright design stands as one of the world’s tallest hotel buildings and has become an icon of the Dubai skyline. Rooms start at $1000. Jumeirah.com

Hotel Fox, Copenhagen, Denmark

Composed of 61 rooms designed and decorated by 21 artists and groups, Hotel Fox takes art, urban living, and personal expression to a whole new level. Some of our favorites are the blue-and-yellow-checked masterpiece by Miami designers Friendswithyou; the playful expanse of aqua walls crafted by France’s Antoine et Manuel; the stark black-and-white words and statistics from E-Types of Denmark; and France’s Genevieve Gauckler's graphic space that literally commands guests to “SLEEP!” Rooms start at $165. HotelFox.com

Poseidon Undersea Resort, Fiji

Nestled in the cerulean waters of a Fiji lagoon and accessible only by elevator are suites submerged a full 40 feet underwater. No oxygen required, it has all the luxuries of an aboveground getaway but with an unparalleled view. A weeklong stay (at the price of $15,000 per head) is split between the underwater suite and beach cabana accommodations so visitors can still fall asleep to the waves and the hotel can handle the high-demand for ocean immersion. Opens in early 2010. Reservations can be made beginning September 15. PoseidonResorts.com

La Purificadora, Puebla, Mexico

Mexican hotelier Carlos Couturier turned a former 19th-century water-purifying center in a colonial city into this minimalist and modern traveler’s space. Here, the juxtaposition of purple modular furniture and an aquarium-esque pool against the traditional Iglesia de San Francisco is just one of the aspects that gives La Purificadora its old-meets-new charm. Rooms start at $155. LaPurificadora.com

Les Cols Pavellones, Olot, Spain

With doors, walls, ceilings, and even floors made completely of green glass and black steel, this surreal space is futuristic, eerie, and intriguing all at once. But though it may seem stark, the glass construction welcomes the influence of nature and adds organic style. Here, a glass floor allows a visitor to view the raw earth beneath. Rooms start at $355. LesCols.com

Hyatt Capital Gate Tower, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

World's Beautiful Tallest Hotels

10.Swissôtel The Stamford. Singapore.
Height: 226 m (741 ft). 73 floors.
Touching the sky, Swissôtel The Stamford is the highest hotel in Southern Asia and the seventh tallest skyscraper in Singapore. The complex was opened in 1986 - when completed, it was the tallest hotel on the globe. It was renovated in 2001 and currently offers 1,263 rooms.

9. JR Central Hotel Tower. Nagoya. Japan.
Height: 226 m (741 ft). 53 floors
Nagoya, the fourth most populous city in Japan, is home to a gigantic JR Central Towers complex. The structure houses a department store, office space and a hotel. The two towers are based on a 20-storey podium that looks like a gateway to the city. This unique entrance has become the city's remarkable icon. The hotel, located in one of the towers, was completed in 2000.
According to Emporis, Oasis Skyway Garden Hotel in Shanghai is also 226 m (742 ft) high and therefore, it shares the ninth place on the list with the Nagoya's complex.

8. Lanko·Grand Hyatt Hotel. Chongqing. China
Height: 258 m (846 ft). 60 floors.
Lanko Grand Hyatt Hotel (unfortunately, no picture available) is the second tallest building in Western China. Its construction was completed in 2004. The hotel is located in Chongqing, largest and most populated municipality in China. The city is one of the fastest developing regions in the country - it has been heavily investing in the construction industry and infrastructure.

7. Grand Lisboa. Macao. China.
Height: 261 m (856 ft). 47 floors.
Shiny Grand Lisboa Hotel, opened in December 2008, towers above Macau, the special administrative region in China. The complex's design is quite "unique" - it resembles the lotus flower, which is the symbol of Macau, although some say it looks more like a Pokemon than a building. Anyway, the hotel was designed by DLN Architects & Engineers, one of the most famous Hong Kong architectural studio.

6. The Cullinan I. Hong Kong. China.
Height: 270 m (886 ft) 68 floors.
The Cullinan I, also called the Cullinan North Tower, is Hong Kong's tallest residential tower. The hotel is part of a complex called the Cullinan (named after the largest diamond in the world). The construction was developed by Sun Hung Kai Properties and it was completed in 2008.

5. Baiyoke Tower II. Bangkok. Thailand
Height: 304 m (997 ft). 85 floors
Baiyoke Tower II, located in the Central Business District of Bangkok, is Thailand's tallest building. Completed in 1997, it is also the highest hotel in the region of Southeast Asia. The 84th floor houses a 360-degree revolving roof deck, open daily from 10.30 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. Baiyoke, as the country's tallest building, will soon be surpassed by the Ocean One Tower (367 m high) that is scheduled to be completed in 2012.

4. Jumeirah Emirates Towers .Dubai. United Arab Emirates
Height: 309 m (1,014 ft). 56 floors
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel is an exclusive business hotel that includes 40 luxury suites, accounting for exactly 10% of the complex's all rooms. The hotel is located in the heart of the city of Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and it is connected with Emirates Office Tower, which is slightly higher than the hotel, boasting the height of 350 m. Both buildings are connected by a podium that houses the Boulevard shopping gallery.

3. Burj Al Arab. Dubai. United Arab Emirates
Height: 321 m (1,053 ft). 60 floors.
Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai's most famous buildings and the country's national landmark. The hotel's unique design resembles the shape of an Arabian sailing ship. The complex stands on an artificial island and is connected to the mainland by means of a private bridge. The hotel is an ultra exclusive complex. It houses eight restaurants (one of them is located 200 m above the Persian Gulf), two-storey suites equipped with Jacuzzi in every bathroom and plasma screens, as well as reception desk on every floor. The cost of the investments is estimated at US$ 650m.

2. Ryugyong Hotel. Pyongyang. North Korea.
Height: 330 m (1,083 ft). 105 floors.
Ryugyong Hotel, located in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, is the country tallest building. The construction of the complex began in 1987 and was stopped in 1992 because of the government's financial troubles. The construction was inactive for 16 years, but it has been restarted in April 2008. Ryugyong is the first complex outside New York and Chicago with more than 100 floors.

1. Rose Tower. Dubai. United Arab Emirates.
Height: 333 m (1,093 ft). 72 floors.
Dubai is definitely a leading destination in terms of world's tallest hotels. Next to Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, ranking 3rd and 4th on the list respectively, it houses the Rose Tower, the world's tallest building used exclusively as a hotel. The construction of the complex commenced in 2004 and was finished in 2007. The official opening of the hotel is scheduled for December 2009.

Luxury Hotel’s ATM Dispenses Solid Gold

http://most-expensive.net/gold-atmLuxury+Hotel%27s+ATM+Dispenses+Solid+Gold2010-05-14+18%3A28%3A11jeremy

Here in the US, the guy on TV wants to get as much of your gold as possible. In the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, though, the patrons are the ones who get the gold—thanks to a very special gold ATM.

The Gold To Go ATM, created by German entrepreneur Thomas Giessler, is updated every 10 minutes with the most current conversion rates and dispenses gold in the form of coins or bars up to 10 grams in weight. The bars are engraved with the Emirates Palace logo, while the coins are stamped with symbols representing major gold producers South Africa, Canada and Australia.

The ATM includes a variety of security measures, most notably anti-money laundering software. The machine will also shut down if it develops a fault.

The gold coins and bars are intended to be used either as souvenirs or, in light of gold’s record high, as a safe investment.

Considering the ATM’s gold exterior, I think we can safely say this is the most expensive ATM in the world.

Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi

Emirates Palace was operated by the luxury hotel group Kempinski Hotels & Resorts. The world’s most expensive hotel was built and is owned by the Abu Dhabi government. The city, which is the United Arab Emirates’ capital makes a great impression on the Middle East corporate tourism being the biggest rival of Dubai. The 3 billion $ cost hotel was opened in 2005 and is a colossal standstone itself.

The seven star hotel shows the beauty of Arabian culture. Traditional decor is used inside mostly in silver, gold, marble and glass mosaics. The chandeliers are made of Swarovski crystal. There are 114 domes (including the Grand Atrium which is higher than the dome of St.Peter’s Basilica in Rome), 200 fountains, the luxurious and technologically advanced Conference Centre, The marvellous Blue Salon and so on. The simplest suite is called Palace Suite. Each of them contains at least three rooms and a 61″ plasma screen.

Located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the magnificent Emirates Palace is a national landmark and one of the most impressive hotels and conference venues ever built. Perfect for corporate and leisure travellers, Emirates Palace offers a variety of luxury services to suit every need, whether you come on vacation with your family or for a business meeting or international conference.

Emirates Palace is second to none in regards to recreational facilities. Unlimited avenues are available whether one is looking for family fun activities or to a more private time alone with ones spouse.

Emirates Palace offers palatial restaurants which bring the world’s finest cuisines. Gourmet meals for example exquisite seafood of the Sayad and magnificent view of the Gulf gives fabulous experience for the visitor. The Caviar Bar is also popular because of its world class champagne menu and caviar selections with live traditional music.

Accessibility
Conveniently located near major business quarters, shopping malls and local attractions, Emirates Palace is the ideal address for your business/leisure requirements during your stay in Abu Dhabi. Leading International Airline carriers operating from most of the major cities across the world have direct flights to Abu Dhabi thus making the emirate of Abu Dhabi easily accessible.

Hotel location
Abu Dhabi Airport 38 km (25 – 30 mins approx)
Dubai Airport 180 km (100-120 mins approx)
Abu Dhabi City Centre 3 km (5-10 mins approx)

Rooms & Suites
Each of the exceptional rooms and suites provides guests with uncompromising indulgence. These include 302 Grand Rooms, 40 splendid Khaleej & Khaleej Deluxe suites, 4 Royal Khaleej suites, 16 three-bedroom Palace Suites divisible into a total of 48 one-bedroom individual suites.

The Grand rooms, Khaleej & Khaleej Deluxe Suites & Royal Khaleej Suites are divided equally within the East & West Wings. Both Wings enjoy their respective Reception area, Beach Access, Swimming Pool, & Fitness Center.

The exclusive Palace suites are located in the centre of the Palace section itself and therefore provide the guest with ideal location whether for business / leisure requirements.

Inside every room & suite, the decor is a masterful blend of Arabian regal splendor and the latest technology. Decoration includes acres of gold leaf and the finest marble. The guest is given command of all room & suite appliances including lights, air conditioning & in room entertainment systems via a touch screen hand held control.

52-inch LCD screens in all room categories
61-inch LCD screens in all suite categories
Language preferences for the interactive LCD screen & hand held control can be set at reception upon check in of the guest
All rooms & suites have private balconies / terraces respectively
All rooms & suites enjoy Private Butler Service
Complimentary wireless internet (WIFI) connectivity up to 10 MB
AED 100 charge/day wireless internet (WIFI) connectivity up to 20 MB
All rooms & suites have personalized check in
All suites equipped with Laptops

Pool & Beach
A 1.3km private beach awaits the guests at the Emirates Palace. The white sandy beach access is only limited to in-house guests thus ensuring privacy and exclusivity.

The East Wing swimming pool is a relaxation pool complete with swim up pool bar, separate Jacuzzis & a covered children’s pool area.

The West Wing swimming pool is an adventure pool equipped with water slides, waterfalls, and a lazy river. A separate covered children’s pool area is also available.

The guests have access to both pools whilst staying at the Emirates Palace and therefore whether they are looking for family fun or secluded relaxation, Emirates Palace is the ultimate resort.

Fitness Suites
Emirates Palace has two Fitness Suites on the ground floor of the East & West Wings. The West has a larger variety of CV and Resistance equipment, together with two “Vibro gyms”, whilst the East has a large exercise floor space where most classes are offered. The predominance of equipment is from the Technogym range.

Being one of the word’s most prestigious hotels, Emirates Palace is a popular place for dignitaries and celebrities.

Most Expensive Hotel Rooms in the World

Most of us have simple demands when it comes to travel lodging at max a bed, a bathroom, a TV and Wi-Fi. There are others, however, whose demands far eclipse the simple convenience of your basic hotel room. When the world’s most wealthy travelers take a vacation for their own, they are treated to suites that cover entire floors of a hotel building, rooms that include a personal butler, hell– some even come with their own private helicopter.

So take a peek into the experience of the world’s most wealthy travelers. Here I have compiled some of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world.

Imperial Suite, Park Hyatt, Paris

Imperial suite is situated on the second floor of the Park Hyatt. This pricey suite costs $15,500 a night. It has high ceilings, a dining room, kitchenette and bar.

Royal Suite, Four Seasons George V – Paris, France

These suites have direct access to a private terrace overlooking the historic Art Deco fountain of the Three Graces. These antique-filled suites feature oversized spaces for entertaining and relaxation. It costs around $16,000 a night.

Royal Armleder Suite, Le Richemond, Switzerland

Le Richmond’s Royal Armleder is a luxury suite bedecked in gold, mosaics and parquet floors and has a 300 square-foot terrace with stunning views of Geneva and the nearby Alps. It costs around $17,500 a night.

Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab – Dubai, UAE

A two-story suite that centers on an epic staircase, this Royal Suite has marble floors, mahogany furniture and a master bedroom with a rotating four-post canopy bed. It costs $18,000 a night.

Ritz-Carlton Suite, the Ritz-Carlton – Moscow, Russia

Floor-to-ceiling windows outline the Ritz-Carlton Suite at the hotel chain’s Moscow location. Imperial furniture fills the 2,500 square-foot suite, which comes with a heated floor, a grand piano and a library. It costs its visitor’s around $18,500 a night.

Bridge Suite, The Atlantis – Paradise Island, Bahamas

The 10-room Bridge Suite at Bahamian resort The Atlantis fills the entire space linking the hotel complex’s two flagship towers. It costs around $25,000 a night.

Royal Penthouse Suite, President Wilson Hotel, Switzerland

Consuming the entire top floor of the hotel, the four-bedroom suite can hold up to 40 guests in its cocktail lounge and is said to be the best digs for heads of state wanting to make an impression when they’re in town on United Nations business. It costs them about $33,000 a night.

Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons – New York

The Ty Warner Penthouse practically floats in Manhattan. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround all sides of the massive suite, surrounding guests in 360-degree views of the city skyline from atop Manhattan’s tallest hotel. It costs $34,000 a night.

Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, Palms Casino Resort – Las Vegas

Hugh Hefner’s Playboy-themed suite at the Palms Casino resort has a $700,000 jacuzzi that cantilevers out above the Las Vegas strip. It costs its visitor’s $40,000 a night.

Royal Villa at Grand Resort Lagonissi, Greece

The Grand Resort’s Royal Villa gives the world’s most exclusive guests a private version of everything imaginable. The only other people lucky guests have to see while secluded in their heated pool, steam room or private beach is the suite’s dedicated butler, chef and pianist. It costs $50,000 a night.

Soviet Mil V-12 Helicopter: First Flying Hotel

A soviet Mil V-12 helicopter has been modified to make it become the world’s biggest helicopter as well as the world’s first flying hotel. The experience is of course 5 star ranging from private entertainment systems to gaming and tea gardens! The specifications for this helicopter will tell you how exactly big this chopper is. It is 135 feet long and 45 feet high. It has the ability to lift a maximum load of 105 thousand kilos off the ground and can reach a maximum speed of 255 km/hour (158 miles/hour). Big is an understatement, I should have used mammoth! The inaugural flight is to take place on the 26th of June and the price is not being disclosed. So will the rich Sheikh who ordered an Airbus A380 for personal use change his mind?

Each soundproofed room is equipped with a queen-sized bed, fine linens, a mini-bar, coffee machine, wireless internet access, and all the luxurious appointments you’d expect from a flying five star hotel. Room service is available one hour after liftoff and prior to landing.”

The Hotelicopter is due to fly maiden journey this summer(June 26th) with an undisclosed price…If you have interesting? There is three fly tour. Inaugural Summer Tour – 14 days (Friday, June 26th, 2009 – Friday, July 10th, 2009)California Tour – 14 days (Friday, July 17th, 2009 to Friday, July 24rd, 2009) Bay/Jamaica, European Tour – 16 days (Friday, July 31st, 2009 to Sunday, August 16th, 2009)

The Specifications

Dimensions Length: 42 m (137 ft)
Height: 28m (91 ft)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 105850 kg (232,870 lb)
Maximum speed: 255 km/h (137 kt) (158 miles/h)
Cruising speed: 237 km/h (127 kt) (147 miles/h)
Original Mi Range: 515 km (320 mi)
Our augmented Mi Range – 1,296 km (700 mi)

Tianzi Hotel - Weirdest Hotel in China

Located in Hebei province, China, the Tianzi Hotel was built sometime in the 2000-2001 period. It is a ten-story high representation of Fu Lu Shou (good fortune, prosperity and longevity) that apparently holds the Guinness World Record for the “biggest image building” whatever that means.

You probably won’t find much more info about the Tianzi Hotel on English websites. Don’t know if it will help, but it’s also known as The Emperor Hotel and Son of Heaven Hotel.