If you’ve ever browsed through lists of the best hotels worldwide, you’ve likely come across the term “7-star hotel”. It sounds outrageous, doesn’t it? After all, hotel ratings usually max out at five stars — so what gives? Is it just marketing spin, or do these places actually exist?

Let’s unpack what 7-star hotels are all about, where you might find them, and why they’ve become symbols of ultra-premium travel.

What Is a 7-Star Hotel Anyway?

Here’s the truth: no official tourism board or hotel association in the world actually hands out 7-star ratings. The term popped up back in the early 2000s when a travel writer visited the Burj Al Arab in Dubai and called it a “seven-star experience.” The phrase stuck — and frankly, once you’ve seen the place, it’s hard to argue.

These hotels aren’t just places to stay — they’re experiences built for royalty, celebrities, and high-net-worth travelers. Picture 24-hour butler service, custom menus prepared by Michelin-star chefs, and even private jet arrivals for the guests. That’s the level we’re talking about.

Where in the World Can You Find Them?

Although you won’t find an official “7-star” badge on the door, certain hotels around the globe are widely accepted as fitting that description. Here are some that regularly top the lists of best rated hotels.

1. Burj Al Arab, Dubai (UAE)

Often dubbed the first-ever seven star hotel, the Burj Al Arab is the crown jewel of luxury travel. Built on its own artificial island, this sail-shaped masterpiece isn’t just a hotel — it’s an architectural icon. Every suite here is a duplex, adorned with gold leaf accents, Hermès toiletries, and personal butler service. Guests arrive via private Rolls-Royce or helicopter, and dine in restaurants where underwater aquariums replace wallpaper.
If you’re asking “what is a 7 star hotel?” — this is your answer.

• Highlight: Private check-in on every floor
  

2. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi (UAE)

This isn’t just a hotel — it’s more like a royal complex. The Emirates Palace sprawls over a kilometer from wing to wing, with over 1,000 Swarovski crystal chandeliers and gold-infused interiors. Managed by Mandarin Oriental, this place is where royalty and foreign dignitaries stay during high-profile visits.

• Highlight: 24-karat gold cappuccino served at its café
  

3. The Mark, New York City (USA)

If there’s such a thing as a 7 star hotel in the USA, The Mark would be it. Situated just off Central Park, this boutique luxury property is where celebrities like Meghan Markle stay. Its 5-bedroom penthouse is the largest hotel suite in the U.S., complete with a ballroom and a private rooftop terrace with city views. Every detail here — from the custom Frédéric Fekkai hair salon to the designer interiors by Jacques Grange — screams exclusive.

• Highlight: The Mark Pedicab for private Central Park tours
  

4. Hotel President Wilson, Geneva (Switzerland)

This unassuming hotel on Lake Geneva may look discreet, but it hides the Royal Penthouse Suite, one of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world — often booked by heads of state. With 12 bedrooms, a Steinway grand piano, bulletproof windows, and a private lift, it costs around $80,000 per night.

• Highlight: Panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the lake
  

5. TownHouse Galleria, Milan (Italy)

Located in the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this is Italy’s answer to a seven star hotel. It once marketed itself as Europe’s only 7-star hotel, with interiors that mix 19th-century elegance and modern luxury. Here, guests don’t just stay — they are immersed in Italian art, couture, and Milanese culture.

•  Highlight: Private tours of the Galleria after hours
  

 6. Pangu 7 Star Hotel, Beijing (China)

Overlooking the Olympic Park, this lesser-known but highly exclusive property was designed by the same architect behind the “Bird’s Nest” stadium. Its aesthetic draws from traditional Chinese symbolism, while interiors feature fine jade artworks, Italian marble, and handmade carpets.

• Highlight: A library of rare Chinese manuscripts available to guests
  

7. Lover’s Deep Submarine Hotel (Caribbean)

Though not a conventional hotel, this underwater luxury experience is often referenced when discussing the most expensive hotel in the world. Docked off the coast of St. Lucia or at a location of your choice, it offers a private chef, captain, and unmatched privacy — all under the sea. This is next-level seclusion and a favorite among ultra-high-net-worth couples.

• Highlight: Submerged ocean-view master bedroom
  

What Sets 7-Star Hotels Apart?

The appeal isn’t just about gold-plated elevators or marble bathrooms. It’s the exclusivity, attention to detail, and ultra-personalized service that truly sets them apart. Guests expect — and receive — things like:

• Personalized staff assigned before arrival
  
• Custom-curated excursions and dining
  
• Private cinemas, spas, and pools
  
• On-demand luxury transport — from Bentleys to helicopters
  
• Total privacy (no surprise paparazzi here)
  

It’s less “hotel” and more “private kingdom.”

Is There a 7-Star Hotel in the USA?

While American hotels tend to stick to the traditional 5-star system, a few properties easily meet or exceed what international travelers consider “7-star” quality. These include:

• The Mark, NYC – An icon of private luxury
  
• The Post Oak Hotel, Houston – A sleek modern retreat with Rolls-Royce fleet and private art gallery
  
• Amangiri, Utah – Minimalist desert escape favored by celebrities for complete seclusion
  

What’s the Most Expensive Hotel in the World?

If you’re wondering where you can spend more in a single night than most people spend on a car — look no further than the Lover’s Deep Submarine Hotel. A night here runs over $150,000, offering complete isolation beneath the sea, gourmet meals, and of course, personal crew.

Final Thoughts

“7-star hotel” might be an unofficial label, but the properties that carry this title offer something far beyond luxury — they deliver an experience very few ever get to taste. If you’re dreaming of your next extravagant adventure or simply curious about the world of the ultra-wealthy, these seven star hotels of the world are worth exploring — if only from your bucket list.