You might think the most expensive hotel, and the most sought after in the world, is somewhere princes reside—where dropping $150,000 is simply ‘breakfast’. Somewhere like Dubai, or Cannes.

But it’s not…

The top luxury penthouse in the world is in New York City, and the runner up is Geneva.

And $80,000 to $100,000 a night gets you much more than soft sheets and a bit of leg room: It gets you unimaginable luxuries, discretion and security. The price tag is what allows high-net-worth individuals from royalty and celebrities to high-profile heads of state and flat-out billionaires to travel with a sense of normalcy.

For flying under the public radar, these are the top 5 luxury accommodations for the world’s ultra-wealthy:

#1 The Mark Hotel, New York City

This most-extravagant of hotel penthouse suites, nesting on the top two floors of The Mark Hotel in New York’s Upper East Side, sets its guests back $75,000-$100,000 a night.

But that’s to be expected when it offers cathedral ceilings that overlook five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a 24-person dining room, a living room that can be converted into a ballroom, a conservatory, a library lounge, and a private roof-top terrace with a view to die for.

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Coming in at 12,000 square feet, it’s the biggest and most expensive in the world, and it’s owned by Turkish-born Izak Senbahar’s Alexico Group.

The luxury’s penthouse ‘A-list’ of regular guests has included everyone from Oprah and Russell Crowe to Katie Holmes. And for a host of international high-net-worth individuals, the hotel is the crown jewel of discretion and normalcy.

#2 Hotel President Wilson, Royal Penthouse Suite, Geneva

The Royal Penthouse Suite at the Hotel President Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland offers even more than ballrooms, panoramic views and loads of other amenities. With this approximately $80,000/night luxury stay you are protected by bullet-proof glass. Security is the mantra at this hotel, which is the most expensive in Europe.

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Source: Hotelpresidentwilson.com

This famed penthouse overlooking Lake Geneva also boasts 12 bedrooms, taking up an entire floor of the hotel, and outing The Mark Hotel penthouse by an additional 6,000 square feet. Related: Gold Falls As Stocks Rebound On Strong Jobs Report

Aside from a big roster of heads of state such as Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev, it’s rumored to have hosted everyone from Bill Gates to Richard Branson and Rihanna.



#3 Four Seasons Hotel, Ty Warner Penthouse, NYC

In Ty Warner Penthouse at the Four Seasons Hotel in NYC runs about $50,000 a night, and includes a chauffeured Rolls-Royce Phantom service, personal trainer, spa treatments and unlimited caviar and champagne.

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It took seven years and $50 million to complete the project, and yes, the developer is Ty Warner, of Beanie Babies fame.

#4 Laucala Island Resort, Fiji

It doesn’t get much more exclusive than this private island resort in beautiful Fiji. Hilltop Estate villa at the Laucala Island Resort can run guests around $40,000 a night, and comes with a private chauffeur, chef and nanny, among other luxury amenities. It also offers a ‘mother-in-law’ suite.

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Source: Laucala.la

Reservations are at the discretion of the owner, Red Bull billionaire Dietrick Mateschitz.

‘Undesirables’ not allowed. Prospective guests must fill out an application before being vetted for a personal invitation to inhabit the single exclusive villa for $40,000. (There are 25 additional villas that can be rented by anyone).

#5 St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Royal Suite, UAE

A night at the Royal Suite at St. Regis Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates, cost $35,000, which by now seems like a reasonable rate. It sleeps only five people, but boasts a mini cinema and a private butler, along with all the other expected amenities.

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Source: St. Regis/CNN

By David Craggen for Safehaven.com

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