The World's Most Expensive Hotels in 2012

September 2012 – Sardinia is officially home to the most expensive luxury hotels in the world, a revealing new survey by Luxury-Hotels.com has announced. While global travelers constantly seek the ultimate in five-star opulence across continents, this study highlights that the absolute peak of luxury pricing is often concentrated in exclusive coastal enclaves heavily favored by the international elite.

The comprehensive survey compared luxury hotels globally, ranking them based on their cheapest available double room during the late summer season—traditionally the peak travel window for the world's most affluent vacationers. The findings present a fascinating snapshot of the luxury hospitality industry, underscoring a distinct preference for Mediterranean glamour, remote island retreats, and highly personalized service.

At a staggering minimum nightly rate of $2,494, W Sardinia - Poltu Quatu in Italy leads the ranking. In fact, Italian properties heavily dominate the top of the list. The island of Sardinia has solidified its reputation as a playground for billionaires and celebrities, with four of the top ten most expensive hotels situated along its breathtaking shores in the Costa Smeralda region.

Coming in second is another Sardinian gem, Hotel Cala Di Volpe, with a minimum nightly rate of $2,262. It is followed by the awe-inspiring Royal Mansour Marrakech in Morocco at $1,826 per night. Commissioned by the King of Morocco, this third-place property sets an almost mythical standard for architectural beauty and privacy.

Top 10 Most Expensive Hotels in the World (2012)

Here are the 10 most expensive hotels in the world for 2012. The rates listed indicate the cheapest available price for a standard double room during the late summer season:

Rank	Name of Hotel	Location	Minimum Rate
1.	W Sardinia - Poltu Quatu	Sardinia, Italy	$2,494
2.	Hotel Cala Di Volpe	Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo	$2,262
3.	Royal Mansour Marrakech	Marrakesh–Safi, Morocco	$1,826
4.	Luura - Cliff, Paros, Morgans Originals (Adults Only)	South Aegean, Greece	$1,641
5.	Anandadara Ubud Resort & Spa	Bali, Indonesia	$1,000
6.	Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda	Sardinia, Italy	$987
7.	Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour	New South Wales, Australia	$976
8.	Chalets At Blackheath	New South Wales, Australia	$879
9.	Parco Dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa	Lazio, Italy	$747
10.	Hotel Pitrizza	Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo	$514

The Enduring Appeal of the Mediterranean

The 2012 rankings distinctly highlight the enduring dominance of the Mediterranean region, particularly Italy and Greece, in the ultra-luxury hospitality market. However, the presence of exclusive properties in Morocco, Indonesia, and Australia proves that affluent travelers are also willing to pay premium rates for highly unique, immersive experiences across the globe. Whether it's a coastal Italian haven, an adults-only Aegean cliffside retreat, or a scenic harbor-view suite in Sydney, the ultimate luxury is defined by unparalleled exclusivity and exceptional settings.