Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
Hong Kong, China
1,607 feet
The gleaming International Commerce Centre (ICC) towers above Hong Kong’s hectic streets and jam-packed waterways. Still partially under construction, the new Ritz occupies the ICC’s topmost floors. When completed, it will be the highest hotel in the world. The hotel will boast 312 rooms, several trendy restaurants, a rooftop bar and an infinity pool–but, of course, the best amenity is the panorama out the window. It opens in December, but Forbes got a sneak peak at the views.
Park Hyatt Shanghai
Shanghai, China
1,358 feet
Park Hyatt Shanghai, which currently holds the world’s-highest-hotel honors, occupies the 79th to 93rd floors of Shanghai’s tallest building, the towering, bottle-opener-shaped World Financial Center. Luxuriously equipped with a tai chi courtyard and a spa, the hotel is located east of the city’s Huangpu River, in the rapidly developing district of Pudong. It sports views of the European-style buildings across the river as well as the city’s other neon-lit skyscrapers. Enjoy the scene out the window at the bar, which offers free sparkling wine for ladies every Wednesday.
Trump International Hotel & Tower
Chicago, Ill.
1,350 feet
Trump’s 92-story steel-and-glass tiered structure stands on the banks of the Chicago River; rooms overlook that waterway along with the expansive Lake Michigan. A bird’s-eye view of Chicago’s distinctive downtown skyscrapers is an added bonus. The hotel boasts a four-star rating and a 23,000-square-foot spa. A trademark of the Trump brand, the attaché service is tantamount to having a personal assistant during your stay. Three-hundred-plus roomy guest rooms–the smallest is 600 square feet, all with fully equipped kitchens–take up the lower floors, while high-end condos above monopolize the best views.
Rose Rayhaan
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
1,093 feet
This twisty 72-story building offers panoramic views of coastal, dusty Dubai and its other distinctive skyscrapers, like the sail-shaped Burj Khalifa–and is the flagship property of an alcohol-free company. That means the hotel caters to families and business travelers who don’t mind being teetotalers. Named after a mention in the Koran, it boasts 482 modern rooms and suites; each room is equipped with its own kitchenette. Though it just opened in December of 2009, the owners are plotting a renovation that would boost it to five-star status.
Armani Hotel Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
1,053 feet
Fresh from its grand opening in January, the sleek Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world. While the hotel itself occupies levels five through eight as well as 38 and 39, the structure itself skyrockets up to 160 floors. Along with other tourists, hotel guests can also check out the At.mosphere restaurant and observation deck on the 122nd and 124th floors, respectively. Because it is fashion icon Georgio Armani’s first hotel, the designer himself oversaw many aspects of the luxurious design.
Baiyoke Sky Hotel
Bangkok, Thailand
1,014 feet
This gray tower is equivalent to the height of 182 people standing on top of each other, according to its website. Of the hotel’s 658 rooms, a special block is reserved for women. That floor offers increased security and high-class services–appropriate, given the recent spate of protests in Thailand.
Four Seasons Hotel Miami
Miami, Florida
787 feet
Located in the middle of the financial district, this art-deco hotel takes up 22 levels in a 50-floor tower. Above the hotel are luxury residential units and office space. Amenities include three pools and an all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet. A block from the blue waters of Biscayne Bay, it is also just a 10-minute drive from Miami’s aquarium and the Cuban enclave, Little Havana. The hotel also promises easy access to Miami’s signature shopping, golf and beaches
Q1
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
771 feet
This sleek skyscraper towers above the other high rises of Australia’s Gold Coast, a city renowned for its omnipresent sun, sand and surf. It contains 526 apartments both for residents and vacationing guests, with glassed-in balconies that offer both inland and ocean views. With a slanted, curved roof meant to resemble both the Olympic torch and Sydney’s iconic opera house, Q1 was designed so that it doesn’t cast shadows on its surroundings.
Grand Lisboa Macau
Macau, China
748 feet
This hotel boasts three Michelin-starred restaurants under the one roof. Known for its distinctive shape, which resembles a blossoming flower, the hotel showcases a 218-carat diamond in the lobby. It’s called "The Star of Stanley Ho," after the casino mogul who is also the hotel’s owner. When not playing table games or trying their luck at the slot machines, guests can stay in one of over 400 rooms; each of is lavishly equipped with a rainforest shower, Turkish steam bath and Jacuzzi.
Swissotel The Stamford
Singapore
741 feet
The tallest hotel in Singapore has a total of 73 floors, 1,336 steps and 1,261 guestrooms. Located along the F1 racing track, this five-star hotel provides an aerial view not only of Singapore’s distinctive harbor but also Malaysia and Indonesia. Guests can also revel in the hotel’s 16 restaurants and bars–one of which, Jaan par Andre, was just included on the just-released San Pellegrino ranking of the world’s best and Asia’s expensive restaurants.
