It’s often said a hotel can make or break a holiday. Though when you think of what generally makes for a good hotel you think friendly and attentive staff, clean rooms which are serviced each day and good value for money.
Well, brace yourselves as the world’s most luxurious hotels have a whole idea of what makes for a good hotel. Private zoos, edible gold, tennis courts, helipads and aquariums are the norm.
Our guide to the five most breath-taking hotels in the world will leave even the most well-travelled of you stunned.
Emirates Palace, Dubai
Dubai is known for its luxury shopping, futuristic architecture and its bustling night life. Towering sky scrapers dominate the skyline leaving visitors of the UAE capital gaping in awe.
And with its glamour comes a host of fanciful hotels. The Emirates Palace is just one of them. Boasting 394 rooms and suites, several pools and decorative fountains, a ballroom, shops and 14 restaurants the “Palace” is set in 85 hectares of landscaped gardens on the beachfront.
The 394 rooms and suites are faultlessly furnished offering balconies, gardens, pools, whirlpool tubs, a view of the beautiful Arabian Gulf, or even a section of the beach. The Emirates Palace definitely exceeds 5-star quality, in fact, it is the only 7-star hotel in the world.
Mardan Palace, Turkey
Turkey is a beautiful country and the Mardan Palace certainly compliment’s its nation’s beauty. Built by Russian billionaire Telman Ismailov, the luxury beachfront resort is set in the heart of Antalya and if you visit, you are certain to rub shoulders with the rich and famous.
It’s no surprise that the opening party was attended by such a jaw dropping list of Hollywood names, the gold leaf, crystal and Italian marble interior is enough to make even the richest of celebrities marvel.
The Mardan Palace provides a wealth of entertainment with swanky dining areas, rejuvenating spas, a total of 17 bars and even an aquarium.
The Palace was put up for sale by Telman last year.
The Westin Excelsior, Rome
The Mardan Palace isn’t the only luxurious hotel that has recently been on the market. The Westin Excelsior was recently purchased by Qatari hotel group, Katara Hospitality, for £160 million.
And The Westin Excelsior is more than just a hotel, it is an opulent landmark. The rooms certainly match that opulent exterior with refined rooms each fitted with crystal chandeliers, marble bathrooms and of course, flat-screen TVs.
