A room with a spectacular view doesn’t come cheap, but the feeling of being on top of the world is worth every penny. Plus, with some planning, a little luxury is more affordable than you think.
We’ve done the research for you and found the best time of year to book sky-high hotels in some of the most vibrant cities around the globe.
The best time to stay in high hotels worldwide
Hotel | City | Country | Building Height | Floors | Smart time to stay |
1. The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong | Hong Kong | China | 484m | 102-118 | August |
2. Park Hyatt Shanghai | Shanghai | China | 492m | 79-93 | December |
3. Grand Hyatt Shanghai | Shanghai | China | 421m | 51-87 | August |
4. Baiyoke Sky Hotel | Bangkok | Thailand | 304m | 88 | August |
5. JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai | Dubai | UAE | 355m | 77 | August |
6. Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel | Makkah | Saudi Arabia | 601m | 76 | September |
7. Rose Rayhaan by Rotana | Dubai | UAE | 333m | 72 | June |
8. Burj Al Arab | Dubai | UAE | 321m | 60 | June |
9. Armani Hotel Dubai | Dubai | UAE | 828m | 0-8, 38-39 | September |
10. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago | Chicago, IL | USA | 423m | 27 | February |
1. The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong (Hong Kong, China)
From the top of the International Commerce Centre building, guests have an unrivalled view over Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour while sipping delicious cocktails in the world’s highest bar.
Best average nightly room rate: August / £330
2. Park Hyatt Shanghai (Shanghai, China)
There’s no better place to look out at the fast-changing skyline of Shanghai than from a luxury suite on the 88th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Centre.
Best average nightly room rate: December / £205
3. Grand Hyatt Shanghai (Shanghai, China)
The Grand Hyatt takes up floors 51-87 of the Jin Mao Tower, in the centre of Shanghai’s financial district. The hotel has no fewer than 10 unique restaurants and bars.
Best average nightly room rate: August / £148
4. Baiyoke Sky Hotel (Bangkok, Thailand)
The best value view can be found in the 304m high Baiyoke Tower II, where the Sky Hotel takes up a full 88 floors.
Best average nightly room rate: August / £45
5. JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
Occupying all floors of its distinctive two towers, the JW Marriott has its own Hammam Spa and 14 different dining options. All rooms offer stunning views over the Dubai skyline.
Best average nightly room rate: August / £144
6. Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel (Makkah, Saudi Arabia)
The third tallest building in the world, the Makkah Clock Royal Tower is minutes away from the Kaaba in Mecca and boasts the world’s largest clock face.
Best average nightly room rate: September / £118
7. Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, Dubai, UAE
Taking up all 72 floors of its 333m building, the Rose Rayhaan is within walking distance to the largest shopping centre in the world.
Best average nightly room rate: June / £85
8. Burj Al Arab (Dubai, UAE)
One of the world’s most luxurious hotels, the distinctive sail-shaped Burj Al Arab provides double-story suites for double the views.
Best average nightly room rate: June / £1037
9. Armani Hotel Dubai (Dubai, UAE)
In the world’s tallest building, the 828m Burj Khalifa, the Armani Hotel showcases the designer’s elegant style and allows guests to soak in sweeping views over the city.
Best average nightly room rate: September / £369
10. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago (Chicago, IL, USA)
The Trump Tower in Chicago places guests right in the centre of a city celebrated for its architecture.
Best average nightly room rate: February / £236
High luxury in the UK
It may not reach the same dizzying heights of hotels in Hong Kong or Shanghai, but the Hilton Manchester Deansgate can certainly still give you vertigo. Housed on the first 23 floors of the 47-storey Beetham Tower, the hotel’s popular ‘Sky Bar’ on the 23rd floor provides panoramic views over Manchester and the English counties.
The best time to sleep with your head in the clouds is in January, when the average nightly room rate at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate is £146. The peak month is September when the prices climb to around £207 per night.
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