The Best Hotels in the World: Where “Luxury” Means *I Can’t Afford It, But Let’s Dream Anyway

So, you Googled best hotel in world, best hotels in world, or best luxury hotels worldwide — and here you are, about to tumble down the rabbit hole of over-the-top luxury where room service comes with gold leaf, the bathtubs have views, and one night costs more than your entire vacation budget.

Relax, friend. We’re going to take you on a tour of the world’s most jaw-dropping hotels — no passport or black Amex required.

Why Obsess Over the Best Luxury Hotels Worldwide?

Let’s face it: we all love to window-shop. You may never stay at these places (unless you win the lottery or marry into royalty), but gawking at the best hotels in the world is a sport in itself.

These aren’t your standard “continental breakfast + tiny shampoo bottle” hotels. We’re talking about private butlers, Michelin-starred chefs, infinity pools that defy physics, and bathrooms bigger than your apartment. Basically, these hotels exist to make you feel both amazed and slightly resentful at the same time.

The Top 5 Best Hotels in the World (Prepare to Drool)

Here’s our list of the best luxury hotels worldwide that redefine “fancy” and make us wonder why we even try.

Burj Al Arab, Dubai (UAE)

The self-proclaimed seven-star hotel (because five just wasn’t enough). Shaped like a sail and dripping in gold, the Burj Al Arab offers chauffeur-driven Rolls Royces, private beaches, and suites so lavish they make palaces look basic. Pro tip: bring sunglasses — the opulence might blind you.

The Ritz Paris, France

A hotel that’s so legendary, it basically invented the word “luxury.” Think chandeliers, marble everywhere, and a bar named after Hemingway. If you want to sip champagne where Coco Chanel once roamed, this is your spot. Just don’t check your bank balance afterward.

Aman Tokyo, Japan

Minimalist, serene, and sleek — Aman Tokyo is for people who appreciate the finer things in life quietly. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the city skyline, and the spa? Let’s just say it’s a “leave your worries at the door” situation. (Or your life savings.)

Singita Sabi Sand, South Africa

Want your luxury with a side of safari? Singita delivers. Private villas, gourmet meals, and guided game drives — all in the middle of a private wildlife reserve. You might spot a leopard while sipping your morning latte. Beat that, city hotels.

The Plaza, New York City, USA

An icon. A legend. A hotel where “Home Alone 2” was filmed. Stay here if you want old-school glamour, Central Park views, and a doorman who’s seen it all. The Plaza is where dreams meet reality — and your credit card meets its limit.

What Makes a Hotel The Best in the World?

Good question. It’s not just the marble floors, champagne minibars, or infinity pools (though, let’s be real, those help). The best hotels in the world deliver an experience — the kind that leaves you saying, “I didn’t know life could be like this.”

It’s the personalized service, the attention to detail, the little extras you didn’t even know you wanted (like monogrammed pillowcases or a butler who actually cares if your cocktail is cold).

FAQs About the World’s Best Luxury Hotels

What’s the #1 best hotel in the world?

Depends who you ask — but the Burj Al Arab, Aman Tokyo, and Singita Sabi Sand consistently top international rankings. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them (unless you’re broke — then, yeah, you can go wrong).

Are these hotels worth the price?

If you value Michelin-starred meals, custom spa treatments, and the kind of service where they remember your dog’s name? Absolutely. If you’re just looking for a clean bed… maybe stick with a nice four-star.

Can normal people stay at these hotels?

Technically, yes — but brace yourself. A single night can cost anywhere from \$1,000 to \$20,000+. Maybe start a GoFundMe? (We won’t judge.)

Final Thoughts: Dream Big, Sleep Fancy

Look, you don’t have to actually book a room at the best luxury hotels worldwide to appreciate them. Sometimes, just knowing they exist is enough. Or, you know, maybe you can pop by the bar, sip an overpriced cocktail, and pretend you belong.

Life’s too short not to dream big — and when it comes to the best hotels in the world, the sky’s the limit. (And by “sky,” we mean penthouse suite.