While most of the travelers are still scared that the recession might put their travel plans on hold, there are some categories of travelers who don’t need to worry about traveling or the price they pay for a room. They actually help hotels boost the room rates. We are talking, of course, about celebrities, diplomats and pretty much all of the world’s millionaires. Don’t you just “love” them along with their extravagances?!
According to this article published by The Wall Street Journal the world’s most renowned luxury hotels have no issues filling their rooms and even double their room rates.
Luxury suites prices
According to a survey by Wealth Bulletin, the most expensive hotel room in 2009 can be found at the President Wilson Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland. Price tag? $65,000 for its four-bedroom penthouse.
Last year’s winner, the Four Seasons Hotel in New York came only in second with a price tag of “just” $35,000 for its Ty Warner Penthouse. And yes, the price is $1,000 higher than last year. This beautiful nine-room suite comes with an indoor-outdoor Zen garden and a private spa room.
One of the new entries in the list includes the Westin Excelsior in Rome. The price is $31,000 per night for the Villa La Cupola Suite. You can relax in a Jacuzzi, be marveled by the stained glass windows and enjoy the beautiful view from the terraces overlooking Via Veneto.
Another expensive suite can be found at Park Hyatt Vendôme in Paris. The Imperial Suite costs only $20,000 per night and also comes with an in-suite spa.
The alternative
For those of us which get a headache only looking at these prices there’s some good news. The hostels in these beautiful cities are not only cheap but provide enough facilities for the travelers. In New York, bed prices start at $12 per night, in Rome at $1 per night (seriously!) and in Paris at $15 per night. Even budget hotels can be found for decent prices. As it happens, the recession forces most hoteliers to drop the room rates (but, of course, the luxury hotels cater for a different clientele so they did exactly the opposite).
You might want to throw a sauna or massage in your vacation itinerary though. That’s simple and doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg either. Look up some gyms (medium priced) and see what services they offer. Many offer the possibility to purchase a daily access card which comprises quite a lot of services.
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