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Courtesy of Park Hyatt Paris1 of 12
Some people backpack the world over, nickel-and-diming in youth hostels, taking in the local culture. And then there's the other side of the spectrum, where the uber-wealthy bend the local culture to their will. Most of us would need to win the lottery or hack a bank to stay in hotel suites with names like Presidential, Royal or Imperial. With their list of amenities (on-call staff, chauffeurs, masseuses, flat-screen TVs, ad nausuem) you'll ask yourself: what is it they don't have? Most are bigger than many people's homes, and are certainly bigger than most wallets. Click ahead for 12 of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world.
Imperial Suite at the Park Hyatt - Paris, France
For that home-away-from-home feel (or mansion-away-from-mansion), this suite is located in the heart of Paris and overlooks the Rue de la Paix. Replete with high ceilings, Jacuzzi, mansard roof (look it up, folks, it's French), and a 60-square foot balcony, it's a bargain at $20,000 per night.
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mil8 via Flickr2 of 12
Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at the Palms Resort - Las Vegas
You know it; you yearn for it. With artwork personally picked out by Hugh Hefner, an indoor waterfall, rotating circular bed and a cantilevered spa with views of The Strip, there is no better place to party. Cost? About $35,000 per night.
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Courtesy of The Westin Hotel Excelsior3 of 12
Villa La Cupola Suite at The Westin Excelsior - Rome, Italy
With a cupola, Jacuzzi, frescoes and stained glass, the suite is almost 7,000-square feet and has even more outdoor space with balconies and terraces. At $30,000 a night, it's nearly 50 percent more than its 2010 price. Recession? What recession?
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Courtesy of Grand Resort Lagonissi4 of 12
The Royal Villa at the Grand Resort - Lagonisi, Greece
A fully equipped gym, steam bath, marble bathroom, heated floors, private beach, even an indoor heated pool. But it's the outdoor view that probably commands such a price. My dreams say this $34,000 per night fantasy might just be worth it.
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Courtesy of Hotel Martinez5 of 12
Penthouse Suite at Hotel Martinez - Cannes, France
Located in Cannes, famous for its annual film festival and gorgeous views, this suite is over 2,000 square feet with everything you can imagine. Most importantly, though, the rooms are soundproofed - the perfect place for legendary parties. It costs $37,000 per night.
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Courtesy of Hotel Cala di Volpe6 of 12
Presidential Suite at Hotel Cala di Vople - Sardina, Italy
At about $34,000 per night, this multiple-level suite has two living rooms, a private swimming pool, a fitness suite and handcrafted Sardinian furniture. Is it worth it, or just an upscale Holiday Inn with a fancy view?
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Courtesy of Atlantis7 of 12
Royal Towers Bridge Suite at Atlantis - Bahamas
Desire, meet Reality: ten rooms, a 1,250-square-foot living room, grand piano, 22-karat chandelier, 12-foot ceilings, a staff of seven, and all with views. This suite overlooks the entire resort and marina, so you can feel like the Great Gatsby. According to Forbes, Michael Jackson, Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey have stayed there. Cost? Around $25,000 per night.
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Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo8 of 12
Ritz-Carlton Suite at The Ritz-Carlton - Tokyo, Japan
Personal concierge, marble bathroom, four-poster king bed, rain shower booths and a view of Mt. Fuji. Considering space in Tokyo is scarce, the price of $25,000 per night seems like a bargain.
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Courtesy of Jumeirah9 of 12
Royal Suite at Burj Al Arab - Dubai, UAE
For only $19,000 per night, guests can stay on the 25th floor with amenities, including a private elevator and cinema, leopard print carpets, marble floor and mahogany furniture. Is anyone else getting an "Ali Baba and Flying Carpet" vibe?
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Courtesy of Four Seasons10 of 12
Ty Warner Penthouse Suite at Four Seasons Hotel - New York, NY
Named after the creator of Beanie Babies, Ty Warner, the suite is the entire top floor of the hotel with 360-degree views through bay windows and four glass balconies. We're all familiar with the crazy prices for apartments in NYC that are the size of a closet. So don't wince when I tell you the price: $41,000 per night.
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Courtesy of The Raj Palace11 of 12
Presidential Suite at The Raj Palace Hotel - Jaipur, India
Rooftop terrace. Swimming pool. Decorated in ivory and gold. The only thing it's missing is a staff of sexy women to fan you and feed you grapes. Only $45,000 per night.
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Courtesy of Hotel Président Wilson12 of 12Next: Very Unique Hotel Rooms
Royal Penthouse Suite at Hotel President Wilson - Geneva, Switzerland
So what makes this four-bedroom suite so special? Aside from a grand piano and panoramic view of Lake Geneva, the Royal Penthouse Suite is known for its security. Seems Geneva attracts heads of state. With bulletproof windows, armored doors and panic buttons, security carries a price tag of $65,000 per night.