What is 7 Star hotel Luxury?
A 7-Star Hotel stands as the pinnacle of luxury and hospitality. While the official hotel rating system from authorities like the Forbes Travel Guide maxes out at five stars, the term “7-star” was coined to describe properties that are so exceptionally lavish they transcend conventional classification.
This guide explores these legendary hotels, known for their unparalleled service, breathtaking architecture, and exclusive amenities.
What is a “7-Star” Hotel? The Story Behind the Label
The term “7-star hotel” is unofficial, originating from a journalist’s description of Dubai’s Burj Al Arab.
So overwhelmed by its opulence,from its personal butler service to its stunning helipad, he felt the standard five stars were insufficient, thus dubbing it a “7-star” property.
This label is not awarded by a formal body but is a marketing and colloquial term for hotels that deliver an experience far beyond even the most stringent five-star criteria.
Key Attributes of the World’s Most Luxurious Hotels
These ultra-luxury establishments share common characteristics that define the 7-star hotel experience:
- Architectural Marvels: They are often landmarks, like the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab.
- Exceptional Service: An extremely high staff-to-guest ratio ensures meticulous, personalized attention.
- Lavish Accommodations: Spacious suites featuring premium materials, advanced technology, and stunning views.
- Unique Amenities: From underwater restaurants and private beaches to fleets of Rolls-Royce cars and private jets.
You might be wondering, How many 7 star hotel in world? & Iconic “7-Star” Hotel Destinations Around the Globe?
While no official list exists, these properties are consistently celebrated for their seven-star-level grandeur.
10. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India

- Price: $890 to $5000 per night
Rising like white marble from Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur epitomizes royal luxury. Called a 7-Star Hotel for its unmatched opulence and service, the 18th-century palace was a summer resort for Mewar kings.
Now managed by Taj Hotels, it seamlessly blends historic grandeur with modern amenities for a once-in-a-lifetime stay.
Is the Taj Lake Palace Really a 7-Star Hotel?
The Taj Lake Palace earns this moniker through its unique floating palace architecture, its profound historical significance, and its legendary commitment to personalized, royal-caliber service. It doesn’t just host guests; it makes them feel like royalty.
Key Features & Luxury Amenities of Taj Lake Palace
This iconic Udaipur hotel is defined by its exquisite attributes and services:
1. Exclusive Experiences: The hotel offers private boat rides on the lake, romantic dinners on the pool deck, and curated cultural experiences that connect guests to the heritage of Rajasthan.
2. Architecture & Design: A stunning example of marble architecture and Rajput design, featuring ornate arches, intricate carvings, and interiors adorned with Bohemian crystal and traditional frescoes.
3. Luxury Accommodations: All 83 rooms and suites offer breathtaking Lake Pichola views and are furnished with Rajasthani royal-style interiors, ensuring sumptuous comfort.
4. Culinary Excellence: Indulge in authentic Rajasthani cuisine at ‘Neel Kamal,’ savor modern European dishes at the open-air ‘Bhairo’ restaurant, and enjoy signature cocktails at the ‘Amrit Sagar’ bar.
5. Jiva Spa: The on-site luxury spa provides rejuvenating Ayurvedic-inspired treatments, massages, and beauty rituals for complete holistic wellness.
Why is the Taj Lake Palace So Expensive?
The premium experience commands a premium price, justified by its unique value proposition:
- World-Class Amenities: From the gourmet dining and luxury spa to the stunning pool and vintage car transfers, every detail is curated for an elite experience.
- Unbeatable Location: Its status as a floating palace in the middle of Lake Pichola is utterly unique, offering unmatched privacy and panoramic views of the City of Lakes.
- Historical Significance: Guests are not just staying in a hotel; they are inhabiting a preserved piece of Indian history, the former home of royalty.
- Operational Costs: Maintaining a centuries-old marble monument and providing a very high staff-to-guest ratio with impeccable personal butler service requires significant investment.
9. Hotel Plaza Athénée, Paris

- Price: from $1200 per night
The Hôtel Plaza Athénée, an iconic establishment under the esteemed Dorchester Collection, is the embodiment of Parisian style and grandeur.
Perfectly situated on the famed Avenue Montaigne, the heart of Haute Couture. This 5-Star Palace hotel offers an unrivaled Parisian experience, complete with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower from its signature red awnings.
Location & Prestige: Avenue Montaigne and The Dorchester Collection
Its address is a key part of its identity. Located on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée provides immediate access to the world’s most famous fashion houses.
This prime location, combined with the impeccable service standards of the Dorchester Collection, positions it as a top choice for discerning travelers seeking the ultimate Paris luxury experience.
Accommodations: Louis XVI Elegance and Art Deco Glamour
The hotel’s 154 rooms and 54 suites are a masterclass in design, split between classic and contemporary themes.
1. Art Deco Suites (e.g., Suite 878): Offering a more contemporary vibe, these suites feature retro furniture in shades of brown, beige, and baby blue. Designed with Art Deco principles, they provide a stylish and modern retreat with iconic views.
2. Classic French Suites (e.g., Suite 361): These spaces exemplify Louis XVI decor with opulent details. Think exquisite moldings, silk curtains, marble-clad bathrooms, and a sophisticated palette of grey and rose-pink. These expansive suites often feature separate living areas and fully equipped kitchens.
World-Class Amenities: Dining, Spa, and Beyond
A stay at the Plaza Athénée is defined by its exceptional amenities:
Dior Institut Spa: For wellness, the in-house Dior Institut offers an exclusive range of high-end beauty treatments and rejuvenating therapies, continuing the hotel’s theme of unparalleled luxury.
Gastronomy by Alain Ducasse: The hotel is a culinary destination, housing Michelin-starred restaurants by legendary chef Alain Ducasse. The famed La Cour Jardin, set in a stunning courtyard, is a Parisian landmark in itself.
8. Hotel President Wilson – Geneva, Switzerland

- Price: $400 to $80,000 per night
Hotel President Wilson is located by the freezing waters of Lake Geneva, offering stunning views of Mont Blanc and standing as one of the city’s top luxury destinations.
A distinguished member of the Dorchester Collection, this Five-Star Palace hotel is globally renowned for one extraordinary feature: housing the world’s most expensive and secure hotel suite, the legendary Royal Penthouse Suite.
The Crown Jewel: The Royal Penthouse Suite
The Royal Penthouse Suite is not merely a room; it is a fortress of luxury occupying the entire top floor. Holding a place in the World Records, this suite is the definitive choice for heads of state, celebrities, and executives requiring absolute privacy and security.
- Unmatched Security: Designed as the ultimate Security Suite, it features armored doors, bulletproof windows throughout, a secure private elevator, and even a panic room.
- Unparalleled Opulence: Beyond security, it offers 12 rooms, a full dining area, an Executive Boardroom for high-level meetings, a grand piano, a billiard table, and a private helipad for direct arrivals.
- The Experience: Priced at approximately $80,000 per night, the suite provides 360-degree panoramic views of Geneva and the Alps, making it a venue for the most extravagant celebrations and secure diplomatic meetings.
World-Class Amenities: Gastronomy and Wellness
While the suite is the headline, the entire hotel delivers a flawless Five-Star Palace experience.
- Michelin-Starred Dining: Under the guidance of renowned chef Michel Roth, the hotel’s restaurant offers exquisite Michelin-starred cuisine, showcasing the best of French and Swiss flavors.
- Luxury Wellness at Spa La Mer: Guests can indulge in the Spa La Mer, featuring signature ocean-inspired treatments, a private spa suite with a Jacuzzi and sauna, and a stunning temperature-controlled outdoor swimming pool with spectacular lake views.
Accommodation for Every Traveler
While the Royal Penthouse captures imaginations, the Hotel President Wilson offers a range of luxurious accommodations. From well-appointed classic rooms starting at $390 per night to other suites, every space is designed with elegance and offers mesmerizing views of Lac Léman or the city.
7. Signiel Seoul, South Korea

- Price: from $1000
Signiel Seoul is located high in the iconic Lotte World Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world, and offers a fresh take on luxury above the clouds.
This flagship hotel from the LOTTE Group offers breathtaking panoramic city views from the heart of Jamsil and is frequently bestowed with the unofficial 7-Star Hotel title due to its unparalleled elevation, exceptional service, and world-class amenities.
A Hotel in the Clouds: The Lotte World Tower Experience
The location is its most defining feature. Being situated in one of the world’s tallest buildings means every aspect of a stay is elevated.
Integrated Luxury: Guests have direct access to the Lotte World Mall and other attractions within the tower complex.
Breathtaking Vistas: Every room, suite, and restaurant offers unforgettable views of the Seoul skyline, making it a destination in itself.
Unmatched Accessibility: The hotel provides exclusive helicopter transfers, ensuring a grand and efficient arrival for its discerning guests.
World-Class Amenities: Gastronomy and Wellness
Signiel Seoul is a culinary and wellness destination, not just a hotel.
- Sky-High Relaxation: Guests can unwind at the luxurious indoor infinity pool and spa facilities, all designed to offer a serene escape high above the city.
- Michelin-Starred Dining: The hotel is home to acclaimed restaurants like Bicena, which holds a Michelin star for its exquisite modern interpretation of Korean cuisine. This establishes the hotel as a serious player in the global gastronomy scene.
- Asia’s Largest Champagne Bar: A highlight for socialites and connoisseurs, the hotel’s stunning champagne bar offers an extensive selection in a sophisticated setting.
Accommodation: Opulence with a View
While competing hotels command higher prices, Signiel Seoul offers remarkable value. Guests can experience its five-star palace luxury, including spacious suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and premium amenities, starting at approximately $1,000 per night.
6. Laucala Island Resort, Fiji

- Price: from $4000 to $55,000 per night
Laucala Island Resort is the ultimate in private island luxury. Once the personal paradise of Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, spread across 3,500 hectares in the heart of Fiji, this breathtaking retreat goes far beyond traditional ideas of high-end travel. It’s not just exclusive; it’s extraordinary.
Operating as a truly all-inclusive luxury escape, it offers an unparalleled level of privacy, adventure, and personalized service, rightly earning its unofficial 7-star hotel status.
Exclusive Ownership & The All-Inclusive Model
What sets Laucala Island apart is its heritage. The vision of billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz ensures no expense is spared. The resort’s all-inclusive luxury model means the significant nightly rate encompasses everything: gourmet dining from the resort’s organic farm, premium beverages, and a stunning array of activities, from world-class diving to golf on its championship-grade course.
Unmatched Accommodations: From Beachfront to Hilltop
Accommodations are sprawling villas designed for absolute privacy and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
- The Crown Jewel: Delana Hilltop Estate: This monumental residence is the resort’s premier offering. Available upon request for around $55,000 per night, it provides breathtaking panoramic views, ultimate seclusion, and is a destination in itself for the global elite.
- Befront Villas: One-bedroom suites with private pools offer direct beach access, starting at approximately $6,000 per night.
Curated Experiences: Adventure, Culture, and Wellness
A stay at Laucala is defined by bespoke experiences. Guests can immerse themselves in Fijian culture and broader Polynesian traditions.
The wellness retreat blends relaxation with nature, offering treatments in breathtaking outdoor settings. One of its standout features is the culinary experience; meals crafted by private chefs and served in unforgettable locations, whether it’s a jungle jetty, a mountaintop, or the comfort of your own villa.
Adventure: The resort features a PADI Dive Center, transparent bottom kayaks, a private submarine, horse riding, and a challenging golf course.
5. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

- Price: $350 to $11,000 per night
The Emirates Palace is more than a hotel; it is a national monument and the defining symbol of luxury in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
While managed to impeccable standards by Kempinski, its identity is rooted in Arabian hospitality and grandeur on an unimaginable scale.
With a legendary $3 billion construction cost, this iconic cultural landmark rightfully earns its unofficial 7-Star Hotel status, offering guests a chance to experience a modern-day Arabian fantasy.
Architectural Grandeur & Lavish Design
Sprawling across 85 acres of lush gardens with numerous ponds and fountains, the Emirates Palace is an architectural marvel. Its design is a testament to excess and craftsmanship:
- Unprecedented Scale: The structure features 114 domes clad in unique marble imported from 13 countries and over 1,000 Swarovski crystal chandeliers.
- Gilded Opulence: True to its name, the interior is adorned with gold furnishings and detailing, including a famous gold-plated vending machine that serves souvenirs and treats.
- Exclusive Amenities: The property boasts a 1.3 km private beach, a stunning private marina, and two iconic swimming pools surrounded by picturesque landscaping.
The Culinary Experience: Dining Dusted in Gold
The opulence extends to every plate and cup. The Emirates Palace is famed for its gold-dusted cuisine, a unique feature that blurs the line between dining and luxury art.
- Iconic Offerings: Guests must try the legendary gold cappuccino, a perfectly crafted coffee sprinkled with edible 24-karat gold flakes.
- Gourmet Restaurants: The hotel houses world-class dining venues, including the exquisite seafood restaurant Sayad and the famous Le Vendôme brunch spot.
Accommodations & Experiencing the Palace
- Luxurious Stays: Suites are affluent and spacious, embellished with gold and marble, with the most exclusive options priced at over $11,000 per night. Every stay provides access to the palace’s vast five-star amenities.
- The Palace Tour: For travelers on a budget, the Emirates Palace tour offers a brilliant solution. This service allows visitors to explore the grand lobby, public spaces, and even enjoy a gold cappuccino at the Pearl Bar without booking a room.
4. Four Seasons Hotel, New York

- Price: from $1,095 to $60,000
Located on the iconic Billionaire’s Row, where Park Avenue meets 57th Street, the Four Seasons Hotel New York stands not just as a place to stay, but as a celebrated architectural masterpiece and a beacon of unparalleled luxury.
As a flagship property of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, it offers an unparalleled base for both business and leisure travelers seeking the very best in Midtown Manhattan, complete with breathtaking Central Park views and legendary service.
An Architectural Masterpiece by Pei and Marino
The hotel’s significance is rooted in its design. It is the collaborative work of two visionaries: The late I. M. Pei, a legendary architect, shaped the building’s striking structure, while renowned designer Peter Marino created its elegant interiors.
This partnership resulted in a AAA Five Diamond-rated property that is both a timeless monument and a serene retreat high above the bustling streets of New York City.
The Crown Jewel: The Ty Warner Penthouse Suite
The hotel’s most famous feature is the Ty Warner Penthouse Suite, a $50 million marvel that consistently ranks among the world’s most expensive hotel accommodations.
- Ultimate Amenities: The suite features a private spa with a chromotherapy infinity soak tub, a tranquil Zen Room with a cascading waterfall, and a sprawling terrace with unmatched panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
- Unrivaled Opulence: Priced at approximately $60,000 per night, the 4,300-square-foot suite occupies the entire 52nd floor. It is adorned with exquisite materials, including Venetian velvet, Chinese onyx, Japanese silk, and sinks carved from a single piece of rock crystal.
World-Class Service and Amenities
Beyond the penthouse, the hotel delivers a flawless Five-Star experience for all guests.
- Luxury Accommodations: Even standard rooms feature elegant design and vintage pine accents, with many offering those iconic Central Park views. The Central Park Suite includes a spacious terrace for private dining.
- Bespoke Services: The hotel provides a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce, access to a personal trainer, and in-room spa treatments.
- Culinary Excellence: Guests can enjoy Michelin-starred dining options and savor meals in the enchanting forest-themed restaurant, surrounded by the twisting trunks of African Acacia trees.
3. Morgan Plaza, Beijing, China

- Price: from $320
The Pangu 7 Star Hotel in Beijing is a modern landmark, renowned for its dragon-inspired architecture. Designed by C.Y. Lee, the architect behind Taipei 101, the hotel is a centerpiece of the Morgan Plaza complex. Its design meticulously incorporates Feng Shui principles to create a harmonious and opulent environment, earning it an unofficial “7-star” status among the world’s most discerning travelers.
An Unbeatable Location in Beijing’s Olympic Green
The hotel’s location is paramount to its appeal. It is strategically situated within the Olympic Green, offering guests unparalleled views and immediate access to one of Beijing‘s most significant modern districts.
Its neighbors include the iconic Bird’s Nest National Stadium, and it is also conveniently close to one of the world’s largest libraries, the National Library of China.
Accommodations: From Standard Luxury to The Sky Courtyards
The Pangu 7 Star Hotel offers a range of experiences, making its luxury accessible to various budgets.
- Lavish Rooms & Suites: All 234 rooms and suites are a masterful fusion of Chinese art and contemporary European design. Standard rooms start at a relatively accessible $320 per night, offering exceptional value in the ultra-luxury market.
- The Iconic Sky Courtyard Suites: The hotel’s claim to fame is its 12 breathtaking Sky Courtyard Suites. These two-story private residences are the reason for its “7-star” moniker. They feature private swimming pools, expansive rooftop gardens, and a stunning retractable glass roof, all adorned with the artwork of the late Sir David Tang.
Design and Philosophy: A Fusion of East and West
Every detail of the hotel reflects a deep philosophy. The dragon-shaped architecture is not just an aesthetic choice but a powerful symbol in Chinese culture.
Inside, the commitment to Feng Shui ensures a flow of positive energy, while the interior design boldly and seamlessly blends traditional Chinese art with sleek contemporary European glamour.
2. Hotel Seven Stars Galleria, Milan, Italy

- Price: €1,500 to €15,000 per night
The Hotel Seven Stars Galleria in Milan holds the unique distinction of being the world’s first and only officially certified 7-star hotel.
This prestigious title was formally awarded by SGS, a rigorous international inspection body. Its certification signifies a level of bespoke service, exclusivity, and personalized attention that surpasses all conventional European Hotel Star Rating criteria, placing it in a class of its own.
The Meaning of an “Official” 7-Star Rating
Unlike other hotels that use “7-star” as an honorary title, the Hotel Seven Stars Galleria’s rating is a formal certification. The owner partnered with SGS, a global leader in verification, to develop a new set of standards that exceed all existing luxury benchmarks. This makes its status unique, verifiable, and a powerful differentiator in the global luxury market.
Unmatched Exclusivity and Bespoke Personalization
With only 20 suites, the hotel is the epitome of exclusivity. A stay here is defined by hyper-personalized experiences meticulously crafted for each guest:
- Tailored Environments: From customized bedroom layouts and curated gourmet cuisine to personalized background music programs designed to aid jet lag recovery, no detail is overlooked.
- Prime Location: The hotel offers direct access to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world’s grandest shopping arcade in the heart of the Quadrilatero della Moda fashion district. Guests also receive privileged access to the nearby Leonardo da Vinci Museum.
- Luxury for All Guests: The hotel’s exceptional luxury pet-friendly service ensures furry companions are pampered with chenille sofas, gourmet treats, and exquisite teacup sets.
For those who accept nothing less than the absolute best, verified by the highest authority, there is no other choice.
1. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

- Price: from the north of $1000 to $ 27,000 per night
The Burj Al Arab is not just a hotel; it is the very definition of modern luxury and the undisputed symbol of Dubai. This iconic sail-shaped hotel, masterfully designed by architect Tom Wright and managed by the Jumeirah Group, stands proudly on its own man-made island.
It is the original 7-Star Hotel, a term coined by an awestruck journalist to describe a level of opulence that shattered all conventional standards of hospitality.
Why is the Burj Al Arab Called a 7-Star Hotel?
The unofficial “7-star” title was born from an experience so comprehensive it defied existing categorization. It’s the sum of its unparalleled features:
- Architectural Marvel: Its stunning sail-shaped architecture is a global icon.
- Unmatched Opulence: The interior is adorned with over 21,000 square feet of 24-carat gold leaf interiors, marble, and luxurious textures.
- Lavish Services: From the moment of arrival via chauffeur service in a Rolls-Royce Phantom fleet, guests are assigned a dedicated 24-hour butler service. The iconic helipad offers dramatic arrivals and photo opportunities.
- All-Suite Luxury: Every one of the 202 accommodations is a duplex luxury suite, featuring lavish amenities like 24-carat gold iPads, Egyptian cotton linens, and whirlpool Jacuzzis.
The Pinnacle of Luxury: The Royal Suite
For the ultimate experience, the Royal Suite represents the apex of indulgence. Priced at approximately $27,000 per night, this two-bedroom palace in the sky includes a private elevator, a personal cinema screening room, a library, and breathtaking 360-degree views of the Arabian Gulf.
World-Class Amenities and Experiences
A stay at the Burj Al Arab is an all-encompassing experience:
- Unforgettable Views: Every suite offers beautiful panoramic views of the clear turquoise-blue Arabian Gulf.
- Culinary Excellence: Dine at sky-high Al Muntaha restaurant or the stunning underwater Al Mahara.
- Leisure and Adventure: Guests enjoy complimentary access to the thrilling Wild Wadi Waterpark and the hotel’s pristine private beach.
The cost to stay one night at the Burj Al Arab varies significantly by room type, time of year, and specific booking, but prices generally start from around AED 4,845.
The Burj Al Arab has become a global symbol of Dubai’s opulent lifestyle and a beacon of modern architectural brilliance and luxury.
Many luxury hotel chains are doing their best to distinguish themselves as 6-stars or 7-stars. Name it competition or the essence of luxury that many 5-star hotels in the world have today.
Luxury is top here, facilities and other services are available here in these hotels. Entering their hospitality is like entering into real-life modern heaven. Who knows whether it will inspire and motivate you to complete any task ahead of you?
For those who appreciate the pinnacle of craftsmanship and status in all its forms, this same ethos can be found in other luxury goods, from hypercars to the world’s most expensive timepieces.
Inspiration is always available for you to absorb the work of world-class architectures as it is always said: “Art gives birth to another art.”
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