If you haven’t been living under a cave the last six months or so, you probably know that Prince William got married to Kate Middleton, and they’re now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

What you may or may not know, though, is that the royal couple will be spending July 8-10, 2011 in California on a post-honeymoon vacation. To be specific, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles.

Presidential Suite at Beverly Hills Hotel

To be even more specific, they’ll be staying in the hotel’s 1932 square foot Presidential Suite.  Here’s what the hotel has to say about this opulent suite:

“classic wood furnishings and is bathed in soft tones of peach, mauve, sage, yellow, and beige. The suite has one king-size bed, full vanity and dressing area, gas fireplace, a spacious living room with dining area, den, and 1½ marble bathrooms with bidet, jacuzzi tub, and two stall showers. There is a full kitchen and access to a restaurant-size banquet kitchen across the hall, a grand piano, private balcony, and a top-floor view towards downtown Los Angeles. Approximately 1932 square feet.”

One more tiny detail the hotel left out – the suite is going to set the royal couple back $10,800 per night.

After all, The Pink Palace, as it is known, is an iconic luxury five-star hotel on Sunset Boulevard. The building is set within 12 acres of lush gardens and private walkways.

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We all, at least I, dream of staying in the Presidential Suites in the best hotels. It’s the ultimate in luxury. Because it is a top international travel destination, Orlando does not lack in the luxurious possibilities of staying in an upscale hotel suite.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel Presidential Suite

Boasting EIGHT Presidential Suites, the Swan and Dolphin Resort sets itself apart. Each of the eight suites features a parlor measuring over 1000 square feet, two-story suites (Dolphin), and a “Personal Pantry” from which to order so you’re stocked up in your suite before you even arrive.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin | 1500 Epcot Resorts Boulevard | P.O. Box 22653 | Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
888-828-8850
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Just off Michigan Avenue, the Four Seasons Chicago offers the luxury you want

Hotel Site

Dr. House, anyone?

Celebs Spotted: Demi Moore, Madonna, John Cusack, Nicole Kidman, Gary Busey, Diana Ross, Elton John, Hugh Laurie, Victoria Beckham, Drew Barrymore

Chicago is in the news lately, a hopeful for the 2012 Olympics. (This just in: they didn’t make the bid.) Even President Obama has been there. And he’s not the only celebrity spotted in the Windy City. Lots of stars spend time in Chi-Town, and the Four Seasons is one of their favorite places to stay.

Come on up, the opulence is fine

Located right off Michigan Avenue (shopping, anyone?), the Four Seasons Chicago has over 300 rooms with amazing views of Lake Michigan and that spectacular Chicago skyline. You’ll find French decor all over the place. Oh, style, thy name is Four Seasons!

The Conservatory for a nice cup of tea

Demi Moore stays at the Four Seasons, as does Nicole Kidman (who reportedly sends 800-thread-count sheets ahead so they’re there when she arrives, ooh la la!) and Elton John. In fact, there are a couple of ex-Four Seasons concierges who wrote a book about the famous people at the Four Seasons, complete with tantrums and outrageous demands. The book was pulled by the publisher before it went on sale, but still. Juicy stuff.

Check out that view

Chicago skyline looks lovely

Every room has LCD flat screen TVs, wifi, DVD players, and in-room safes. Mix that up with refrigerated private bars, luxurious terrycloth bathrobes, twice-daily housekeeping service, and even a Bedtime Stories Butler for the kiddos. No kidding, the Four Seasons has a special butler that comes to your room to read bedtime stories to the kids! I kind of want one of those myself.

The Spa offers everything from manicures to massages and wraps

There’s also a fantastic spa – you can have a massage in your own room if you prefer – and a fitness room, including locker rooms, sauna, and an indoor 50-foot pool.

Glass dome ceiling, 50-foot pool

A bit sunny for my taste, but you just know that bed is comfy

A Moderate Room starts at $395 a night. The Four Seasons Executive Suite is $560/night. But if you think that’s where Hugh Laurie and Drew Barrymore stay in the Moderate Room, you’re insane.

It’s all about the Presidential Suite, baby. Oh yeah! 2,315 square feet of glamor and opulence, the Presidential Suite sits at the corner of the 46th floor of the Four Seasons. Enough room to seat nine guests in the living room, a dining room that’ll handle eight people.

Have 9 or 10 friends over for dinner

Two private bars, surround-sound stereo, four-poster bed in the master bedroom. Two – yes, TWO - marble bathrooms. Deep pink marble soaking tub, shower enclosed in glass, and a flat-screen TV…in the BATHROOM. If they deliver room service in the tub, I might never have to leave the water.

Presidential Suite

And that, my friends, will set you back $4,300 a night. But hey, if you want to pretend you’re Madonna or Victoria Beckham, that stuff costs.

Drew Barrymore

Fine dining, too, of course. The Seasons Restaurant is beautiful and offers a hybrid French-North American cuisine. A grand marble fountain and a wonderful comfy lounge on the 7th floor ensures that you’ll not only enjoy the food, but the ambiance, too. You may have to provide your own company, though.

And every Thursday through the end of this month, you can enjoy Dine Without Whine. For grownups and kiddies both, there are seasonal food items that will delight your tastebuds. For the children, there’s a special buffet near the adults, where they’ll love the movies, activities, and video games…all with a licensed babysitter. Did I mention the babysitter is free for parents? Yeah. Just in the restaurant, mind you…there are babysitters available in your room, too, but that’ll cost you.

Or spend time at the Chef’s Table for an incredible culinary experience. You and up to five others sit in the kitchen with the Executive Chef and watch your courses fixed right in front of you. A four-course meal starts at $85 a person, $125 with wine.

Chicago is magnificent, particularly this time of year. Loads of restaurants nearby, the Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo. Enjoy it all while bathing yourself in luxurious comfort at the Four Seasons Chicago. And bring me along, eh? I’m tons of fun and will be a gracious accepter of your hospitality. Seriously, I will. I’m the graciousest.

What? That’s totally a word.

I’m always interested in hotels that might fit into the Celebrity Hotel of the Week feature. If you know of any, please email me. southernyank01 at gmail dot com. Thanks.

Photo Credits

Hotel Photos: Four Seasons web site

Hugh Laurie: Celebutopia.net

Drew Barrymore: Zimbio.com

Did you know that prices at the best hotel suites have gone up by 10% this year? Apparently, the super rich have a lot more free time on their hands, what with the recession and all. And do you know which are the 10 most expensive hotel suites in the world this year? 

Burj Al Arab, Dubai

As per Wealth Bulletin’s 2009 survey, the Royal Penthouse Suite at the President Wilson Hotel in Geneva is the world’s most expensive hotel suite at $65,000 per night.

The President Wilson Hotel won out over last year’s winner – The Ty Warner Penthouse on the 52nd floor of the Four Seasons Hotel in New York, which charges $35,000 per night and offers 360-degree view of the city.

And here’s the full list of the world’s 10 most expensive hotel suites for 2009:-
1. Royal Penthouse Suite, President Wilson Hotel, Geneva ($65k/night)
2. Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons Hotel, New York ($35k/night)
3. Presidential Suite, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smerelda, Sardinia ($34k/night)
4. Villa La Capula Suite, Westin Excelsior, Rome ($31k/night)
5. Presidential Suite, Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo ($25k/night)
6. The Bridge Suite, The Atlantis, Bahamas ($22k/night)
7. Imperial Suite, Park Hyatt, Vendôme, Paris ($20k/night)
8. Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai ($19.6k/night)
9. Royal Armleder Suite, Le Richemond, Geneva ($18.9k/night)
10. Ritz-Carlton Suite, Ritz-Carlton Moscow ($16.5k/night)

Here’s a  few more gorgeous pictures of some of these expensive suites and the 10 hotels which house them.

 The Royal Penthouse, President Wilson Hotel, Geneva - Offers dramatic views of Lake Geneva through bulletproof windows and complete privacy including your private elevator.

Penthouse Suites - Presidential Wilson Hotel Geneva & Ty Warner, Four Seasons New York

Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons Hotel, New York – Magnificent 9-room suite atop New York’s tallest hotel with cantilevered glass balconies and floor-to-ceiling bay windows offering a breathtaking 360 degree view of the City.

Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smerelda, Sardinia

 Presidential Suite, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smerelda, Sardinia – Located in the hotel tower, this multi-level Presidential Suite boasts 250 square metres of light-filled space with 2 living rooms, 3 bed rooms and 3 bathrooms, and also your own private swimming pool on the rooftop terrace.

The Westin Excelsior, Rome

 Villa La Capula Suite, Westin Excelsior, Rome – Seven terraces, a selection of  160 imported wines while relaxing in the magnificent tapestry-hung drawing room, and a study/library covered in hand-carved wood paneling and featuring numerous original works of art.

Presidential Suite, Ritz-Carlton Tokyo

 Presidential Suite, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo – 3300 sq ft of pure luxury with a stunning four poster bed in the master bedroom. The suite is located on the 53rd floor of the hotel with a spectacular view of Tokyo including Imperial Palace outer gardens and Roppongi Hills.

The Bridge Suite, The Atlantis, Bahamas

The Bridge Suite, The Atlantis, Bahamas –  16 stories high and bridging the distance between the Royal Towers, this suite offers sweeping views from an 800 square foot balcony, with a 360 view of the water, lagoons and pools in Paradise Island. 

Imperial Suite, Park Hyatt Paris - Vendôme

 Imperial Suite, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, France - A 2nd floor palace all by itself, the Imperial Suite houses a full featured in-suite spa with whirlpool bath, steam room shower and a dedicated massage table.

Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai – The last word in luxury with a marble and gold staircase and leopard print tufted carpets, this 25th floor suite has it’s own private elevator, a private cinema, and a master bedroom with a rotating four-poster canopy bed.

Royal Armleder Suite, Le Richemond, Geneva

 Royal Armleder Suite, Le Richemond, Geneva – The floor-to-ceiling bullet-proof windows are surrounded by beautiful terraces which offer stunning views over Lake Geneva, the Alps and Geneva’s Old city and the Cathedral.

Ritz-Carlton Suite, Ritz-Carlton Moscow

 Ritz-Carlton Suite, The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow – Floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Christ the Savior Cathedral.  Classic Russian Imperial furnishings and a spacious living room with a grand piano and dining area, library, office room and boardroom.

Photos courtesy Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corp., Kerzner International Holdings, Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, Ritz-Carlton Moscow, and Rocco Forte Hotels. Ty Warner Penthouse photo by Durston Saylor, courtesy Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.