Do you have several thousand dollars lying around to spend on an extravagant night of pampering?  Me neither.  But someone in the United States is enjoying the life of luxury.

Here’s where they’re doing it…

10 Most Luxurious Hotels in the US

Enjoy everything from camping to beachfront property at the nation’s top luxury hotels.

1. Palms Casino Resort – Las Vegas, NV

Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at Palms in Las Vegas

The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas has built a reputation as the decadent playground for celebrities in Las.  At $40,000 a night, their Hugh Hefner Sky Villa provides the ultimate luxury for playboys and playgirls alike.  Or, for a mere $4,000 per night, you can connect with your inner child in the Barbie Suite.

2. The Peninsula Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills, CA

The Peninsula Beverly Hills (image courtesy of The Peninsula Hotel Group)

Naturally, one of the world’s most luxurious cities needs a place for the visiting Pretty People to lay their head.  The Peninsula Beverly Hills property offers simple luxuries – like complimentary wireless internet and private poolside cabanas.  Of course, Pretty People shouldn’t be expected to rely on front doors – which is why several of the rooms here come with private entrances and guaranteed “discretion”.

3. Halekulani – Honolulu, HI

Halekulani in Honolulu Hawaii - the Vera Wang suite

I suspect everything in Hawaii feels luxurious.  But if you want to step it up a notch, pick a hotel whose name means “house befitting heaven”.  You can go big with an ocean view suite, or settle for a basic room at the Halekulani for just a little over $400 per night.

4. The Peninsula Chicago – Chicago, IL

Private rooftop terrace at Peninsula Chicago

The most luxurious street in Chicago is Michigan Avenue, and The Peninsula Chicago is located in the heart of the famed Magnificent Mile.  The hotel’s restaurants and bars provide gourmet dining and a chance to rub elbows with Chicago’s elite.

5. The Peninsula New York – New York, NY

A dining room inside a hotel room at The Peninsula New York

Are you getting the impression that The Peninsula Hotel Group specializes in luxury hotels for the privileged masses?  The New York property is no exception.  Everything about this hotel says luxury – from it’s prime 5th Avenue location and glass enclosed rooftop pool, to the oversized rooms (unheard of in Manhattan) and 450-count linens.

6. Mandarin Oriental – New York New York, NY

Mandarin Oriental and Central Park in New York City

A suite with a connected room at the Mandarin Oriental will cost you about $3,000 per night.  What you’ll get for the money is the opportunity to enjoy sweeping views of Central Park, 5-star customer service, and access to a world-class spa and fitness center.

7. Four Seasons New York New York, NY

Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons New York

New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so it’s no wonder that it’s home to so many luxury hotels.  And it doesn’t get more luxurious than the Four Seasons.  Guests who stay in the Ty Warner Penthouse will pay $34,000 a night to enjoy a view from the top of the city as well as a personal trainer, butler, therapist and a private chauffeur.  Of course, a chauffeur isn’t much use without a car – so the hotel throws in unlimited use of either a Rolls Royce or Mercedes Maybach.

8. The Setai – Miami Beach, FL

The Setai - Miami Beach, FL

The Setai is located in Miami’s famed South Beach district and offers privileged sun worshipers luxury on the beach.  The Setai is a favorite destination for celebrities visiting South Beach.  An ocean front suite will run you about $2,400 per night.  Throw in “complimentary breakfast” and you’ll spend $3100.  I assume the eggs are magnificent.

9. The Point – Lake Placid (roughly), New York.

The Point - former Great Camp of the Rockefellers

Guests of The Point enjoy luxury before they even arrive in the form of a ride from a private jet.  If you’d prefer to drive, you’ll need to wait until you’ve paid for your stay to receive directions to this exclusive hideaway.  The Point was originally built as a Great Camp for the Rockefeller family – and it retains that prestige and opulence to this day.

10. Mansion at MGM Grand Las Vegas

Mansion at MGM Grand Las Vegas

Need a break from home but can’t bear to live without the familiarity of a full staff?  Then the Mansion at MGM Grand is the perfect hotel for you.  Enjoy celebrity neighbors, personal butlers, and an indoor swimming pool while you’re being pampered in the lap of luxury.  Oh – and leave behind $5,000 for the night when you go.

What are the odds I can save some money by booking one of these hotels on Priceline?

Are you one of the lucky rich folk who have so far remained unscathed by the economic downturn? If so, then you practically owe it to yourself to celebrate with a stay at the best hotel in the country.

And what great timing! Forbes just announced this year’s winner of the official bragging rights honorific “Top Hotel in America”: the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.

San Ysidro Ranch Resort, Montecito, California

The grounds are simply gorgeous. The Ranch is located in Montecito, in the wine country just south of Santa Barabara in the Santa Ynez Mountain Range foothills. It’s so romantic that John and Jackie Kennedy chose the resort for their honeymoon.

Cottage at San Ysidro Ranch

The property is made up of 41 suites and cottages, each with a king sized bed, luxury linens, robes, slippers, baskets of goodies, maid service twice a day, private entrance, fireplace and/or patios.

The Stonehouse Restaurant at San Ysidro Ranch

As you would expect from the Top. Hotel. In. America., the restaurant is world-class. Chef John Trotta uses vegetables and herbs grown on site, and (as all good hotels should) The Stonehouse has a full bar.

Interesting side note: Billionaire owner Ty Warner is the guy who owns Ty Inc., the company that makes Beanie Babies. So in a way, this hotel is supported by children who collect stuffed animals.

What about rates? Well, it’s a luxury resort, so brace yourself. The lowest rate I saw was $650/night, when you book for multiple nights. Single nights in the suites were in the $1,000+ range, but again: this is The Best.