When somebody mentions luxury hotels, the first thing that comes into your mind is a 5-star hotel. Why not? Almost everybody knows that the best accommodation, food, and guest services are rated with five stars. Depending on the location, hotels may have unique sets of standards and definitions of “luxury” and “extraordinary service”. If you’ve stayed at 5-star hotels and resorts before, you might think you’ve experienced the best guest service. But staying at a 7-star hotel will make you think otherwise.
Technically speaking, star ratings only go from one to five stars. Formal rating and assessment organizations can only rate hotels using the widely known and practiced star rating system. From a hotel and travel expert’s point of view, a seven-star hotel is essentially a five-star hotel with superior amenities and services. Staying in a 7-star hotel gives you an elevated experience which is different from the traditional 5-star hotels. They are also some of the most expensive hotels in the world.
Still confused? This article will help give you a clearer concept of 7-star hotels, and how these extravagant hotels vary in terms of price, services, and amenities. We will also introduce you to the world of 7-star hotels, with our list of the best ultra-luxury hotels in the world. Keep reading.
What is a 7-star hotel?
A seven-star hotel offers the highest level of guest service and facilities that exceed the ones offered by hotels with a 5 star rating. 7-star hotels aim to go beyond the formal standards of the hospitality industry when rating a hotel. This type of hotel is also a popular choice for famous people like royalty, celebrities, politicians, and other influential figures.
Do 7-star hotels really exist?
Quick answer, yes. But due to the extremely high standards of guests and industry experts, there is only ONE official and certified 7-star hotel. Most 7-star hotels are simply 5-star hotels with additional premium features managed by international hotel groups. Curious about the sole hotel in the world that is acknowledged with seven stars? Continue reading for the list of 7-star hotels in the world.
If the rating is not given by a formal assessing body, what makes a 7 star hotel stand out among the rest?
In comparison with the majority of luxury hotels in the world, a seven-star hotel stands out in many areas. In fact, a 7-star hotel is often described as the perfect balance of exclusivity and grandeur. Meaning, that the management of this type of hotel knows its market: the rich, powerful, and famous ones.
For a seven-star hotel, providing the most comfortable rooms and incorporating the newest technologies to improve their services is not enough. A 7-star hotel often makes it to the headlines because of these highly extravagant features:
- Different pool and spa sections and classifications.
- Luxury welcome gifts and souvenirs.
- Gourmet food prepared and served by Michelin star chefs.
- Clean and intricately designed rooms.
- Excellent privacy and security measures.
- Has a magnificent view of city lights or nature aesthetic.
To make things extra special for their guests, 7-star hotels also offer helicopter transfers. This is obviously a lot more exclusive and grand than the iconic hotel limousines that a typical 5-star hotel boasts.
Get the finest, most luxurious hotel experience in 12 of the Best 7 Star Hotels in the World.
1. Town House Galleria / Hotel Seven Stars Galleria
The only certified 7-star hotel with warm and nostalgic Italian vibes.
📌 Milan, Italy
Step into the Town House Galleria, also known as the Galleria VIK Milano, and art will come alive throughout the hotel. Besides spacious rooms and great amenities, the Galleria has every single thing that makes a hotel special. Compared to the typical 5 star hotels, it features a wide range of artworks and paintings that grace every facility.
What’s even more enticing is its passion for serving its guests authentic and gourmet Italian food. Dreaming of authentic Italian pizza while relaxing on the rooftop, appreciating the view of Milan? VIK Pelico Otto is an art gallery restaurant that is perfect for all your Italian food cravings and aesthetic dreams.
And for the record, the Hotel Seven Stars Galleria is the one and only official 7-star hotel in the world. Rated by a Geneva-based certification company, the hotel surely has all it takes to get those seven stars.
2. Burj Al Arab Hotel
May not be the “official” 7-star hotel in the world, but definitely beyond 5-stars.
📌 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
You might have seen this beauty on postcards and news, so you might be curious as to why the Burj Al Arab in Dubai is extremely popular. This hotel in Dubai is known for its unique sailboat shape as if it’s heading into the Persian Gulf.
Burj Al Arab’s “7-star hotel rating” started in 1999, when a British journalist visited the hotel before it opened. She described the hotel as “more than anything she has ever seen”. This opulent hotel features a colorful, well-decorated, and massive royal suite which costs a whopping $25,000 per night. The price isn’t a shocker, though, because you get to experience the finest things inside.
3. Taj Falaknuma Palace
Feel like a true royal in this grand, historic hotel.
📌 Hyderabad, India
You can find this luxury hotel 2,000 feet above the city of Hyderabad in India. This hotel was built in 1884 and has survived many storms and historic events. It is now considered the best hotel in India because of its extravagant and unique features. When I say extravagant, I mean royal levels of grandeur.
This beautiful and historic property will make you feel like royalty, with a horse-drawn carriage and a personal butler at your service. The exquisite communal spaces, including marble staircases and 24-karat gold wall moldings, add to the luxury of the experience.
Trivia: The hotel is also known as a museum. It houses some of India’s precious heirlooms, including the chair of Nizam, India’s former monarch.
4. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
A hotel for royalty and for all things golden.
📌 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
As the name suggests, the Emirates Palace is a seven-star hotel that offers luxury in the most flamboyant way. This hotel is located in Abu Dhabi, the richest emirate. It is one of the few hotels worldwide that showcases elegance and royalty. Its exterior is very different from the Hotel Burj Al Arab, which adopts a unique and modern shape.
From its exterior down to its facades, walls, and ceilings, the Emirates Palace is a sight to behold. Especially at night, the well-lit building captures the eyes and hearts of its guests. And did you know that Emirates Palace Hotel is one that’s known for all things dripping in gold? You read that right. The palace includes gold in almost everything that it offers to its guests: 24k gold flakes on coffee, 114 detailed gold domes, and a gold vending machine!
5. Signiel Seoul
Standout hotel in South Korea with a massive champagne collection.
📌 Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is one of the world’s most progressive cities. So, it’s no longer a surprise that the city has the best hotels in the world. Signiel is one of them. Signiel is South Korea’s premier luxury landmark, embodying elegance and sophistication like no other. Located in the Lotte World Tower, the hotel features an ideal balance of relaxation and the speed of modern technology.
It boasts high-speed Wi-Fi, a premium sauna, Michelin star chefs, and a beautiful guest lounge (Salon de Signiel). This iconic property also takes pride in housing the largest champagne bar in Asia, the Bar 81.
6. Laucala Island Resort
Seven-star hotel that offers tranquility and luxury, with phenomenal experience with nature.
📌 Laucala Island, Fiji
Many hotel and resort companies all over the world rely on technology to follow the latest trends in hospitality. This is to ensure that they can continuously cater to the changing needs and wants of their guests. But for some hotel experts, nothing beats the charm and allure of hospitality blended with the beauty of nature.
Laucala Island Resort is a great example of a hotel resort that deserves a 7 star rating.
Located in Fiji, the property boasts an enchanting, almost magical experience of being one with nature and its finest elements. In addition to its beautiful native cottages and villas, guests can also enjoy a farm tour, a relaxing Fijian Bobo massage, mangrove kayaking, and farm-to-table food.
Even their website screams class and luxury, check it out!
7. Pangu Seven Star Hotel
A dragon-shaped 5-star hotel that once hosted the world’s richest man.
📌 Beijing, China
The dragon in Chinese culture symbolizes good luck, strength, and health. So, incorporating this mythical creature into their businesses is part of their long list of traditions. Pangu Plaza is a dragon-shaped luxury hotel that is labeled as a 5-star deluxe. Meaning, its amenities top other luxurious hotels in the world.
This 7-star hotel in Beijing also has an impressive accolade in its belt: In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Bill Gates, who was the richest man in the world at that time, stayed in Pangu. Talk about being a top choice of the wealthy and powerful people.
8. Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel
Superior amenities and excellent service with intricately-designed Rajasthani architecture.
📌 Udaipur, India
Oberoi hotels are known for their distinct and meticulously designed and built buildings that showcase traditional Indian architecture and culture. This hotel in Udaipur is an ideal choice for couples looking for extravagant wedding venues and Indian festivities.
It’s very easy to spot an Oberoi hotel. The colors and patterns that they use in hotels are vibrant but not overwhelming. And most importantly, they take pride in their unparalleled level of service delivered by highly motivated and trained staff.
9. The Centaurus Suites / Royal Apartments
An elevated royal apartment experience with a breathtaking view of Islamabad.
📌 Islamabad, Pakistan
Did you ever wonder how it feels to wake up to a breathtaking view of mountain ranges and hills surrounding centaur-shaped skyscrapers with world-class facilities? That’s what the Centaurus Hotel and Royal Apartments in Islamabad offers to its guests.
The hotel is located at the Centaurus Mall and claims to be the only 7-star royal apartment in Pakistan. It offers excellent amenities such as wellness centers, shopping areas, and business centers, all of which create a comfortable atmosphere. It is an ideal hotel for regular travelers, entrepreneurs, and individuals who are always on the go.
10. Hotel Plaza Athenee
Elegant Parisian hotel offering the finest dining experience and premium facilities.
📌 Paris, France
Paris is known as the city of love, but it is also the home of the biggest fashion houses and world-renowned artists. The Hotel Plaza Athenee is one of the best examples of Parisian architecture made even more superior by time and tradition. A part of the famed Dorchester Collection, it is a five star hotel that offers the ultimate French hospitality that denotes elegance and exquisite taste.
Experience the epitome of luxury at this sophisticated hotel, where Michelin star restaurants, stunning interiors, and an exclusive wellness sanctuary such as the Dior Spa await you. And oh, let’s not forget the fact that this hotel can give you a wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower. That’s worth every star, right?
11. The Mark
Your favorite’s choice.
📌 New York, New York
This hotel needs no introduction because its reputation and branding speak a lot. Located in the city that never sleeps, The Mark takes pride in many things: An impressive location near Central Park, fine dining, and personalized services.
The hotel labels itself as the finest five-star hotel of the 21st century, which might be subjective for some. But when you find out that it’s the favorite spot of celebrities for their Met Gala stay, I don’t think you’ll be shy to admit that they truly know what’s good.
12. Hotel President Wilson
Captivating hotel built with the charm and allure of Lake Geneva.
📌 Geneva, Switzerland
Switzerland as a country is known for its beauty and culture. The same intensity of beauty and charm can be seen in their hotels. The Hotel President Wilson in Geneva is a perfect example of modern architecture meets nature. Its unique location situated against Lake Geneva makes it stand out, especially at night.
The hotel also has one of the most beautiful suites in the world, with views of the lake and the surrounding Alps. If you’re a gourmet food connoisseur, you can enjoy exquisite food items in 6 restaurants and bars which include a caviar bar. And we all know how much caviar costs. Yes.
How much do seven star hotels cost?
As I’ve previously mentioned, there’s only one 7-star hotel in the world acknowledged by hospitality experts and travel enthusiasts. So, to answer this question, seven-star hotels typically have similar pricing to the top five-star hotels in the world. This means that a single night can cost around $1,900 to $18,000.
Extra stars for an extraordinary hotel experience.
Staying at a clean hotel with excellent guest services is every traveler’s dream. But sometimes, we just want to treat ourselves to a more elevated hotel experience. 7-star hotels are the absolute best in the industry, whether you choose small luxury hotels or larger, extremely extravagant ones. They are definitely worth the money.
Keep in mind that paying for these types of hotels means paying for extra stars. So if you want a luxurious experience and services provided by the finest hospitality professionals, increasing your travel budget is a must.
Have you chosen a 7-star hotel for your next trip yet? Follow us here at besthotelsadvisor.com for more travel tips and helpful hacks to make all your trips extra special!
Related article: Hotel Star Ratings Demystified: What Do The Stars Really Mean
