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Have you got a head for heights? Viewing a new destination from a skyscraper is often the best way to secure your bearings and discover everything the city has to offer, not to mention the stunning panoramic views and excellent photo opportunities. What better way to begin your exploration than from one of the world's tallest hotels, offering a bird's eye view over the bright lights of your destination.
Hotel comparison website trivago.co.uk has compiled a list of ten of the tallest hotels from around the world, offering unparalleled luxury at heights of up to almost 500 metres. From the 261-metre Grand Lisboa in China's Macua to the vertigo-inducing Park Hyatt Shanghai at 494 metres, these hotels are not for the faint-hearted. Sip cocktails from the tallest building in Thailand, or swim in the highest hotel infinity pool at Hong Kong's Ritz-Carlton. Not only do these Asian and Middle Eastern skyscrapers boast unsurpassed views, but are also renowned for their groundbreaking architecture, elegant interiors and exemplary hospitality.
The World's Tallest Hotels
494 Metres: Park Hyatt Shanghai, Shanghai, China(01 of10)
Part Hyatt Shanghai occupies floors 79 to 93 of the Shanghai World Financial Center, also known as ‘The Vertical Complex City’ due to the inclusion of a hotel, offices and ground floor shopping malls within the skyscraper. Guests can opt for the ‘View’ guest rooms, which guarantee picturesque views over the Bund and heart of Shanghai. The bathrooms are this hotel’s best feature, complete with flat screen televisions, deep-soaking bath tubs, heated floors and separate oversized rain showers. The Park Hyatt also plays host to eight world-class restaurants, a Western whiskey bar with live music, a Tai Chi courtyard, and numerous elegant function spaces.
484 Metres: The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong(02 of10)
The 312 room Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is housed in the top 16 floors of the International Commerce Centre at 484 metres, making it the highest hotel in the world. Guests staying here can enjoy 42 inch LCD televisions, iPod docking stations, marble bathroom floors, as well as unbeatable views of the island and city port. A stay at this five star Ritz-Carlton is incomplete without a visit to the top floor infinity pool and outdoor terrace lounge, each the highest of its kind in the world. Rejuvenate with your head in the clouds in the 800 square-metre spa, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and traditional Asian healing treatments.
442 Metres: The St. Regis Shenzhen, China(03 of10)
The St. Regis Shenzhen is a landmark on the skyline of Shenzhen’s famed Caiwuwei Financial District, ideally located amongst exclusive shopping boutiques. This luxurious hotel occupies the top 28 floors of the Kingkey 100 building, boasting a bird’s eye view over the bright lights of Shenzhen. St. Regis prides itself for its commitment to bespoke hospitality, offering a 24-hour Concierge Desk and a choice of three first-rate dining venues. Each of the 257 guest rooms and 33 suites boast 3D LCD televisions and signature St. Regis beds. Guests can also enjoy the indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and Iridium Spa at over 400 metres.
438 Metres: Four Seasons Guangzhou, China(04 of10)
The Four Seasons Hotel in Guangzhou is located in the top third section of the 103-floor Guangzhou International Finance Center, an elegant and stylish skyscraper in the Pearl River New City district. Inside are 344 of the most spacious rooms in the city, featuring custom-designed beds, walk-in showers and floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed views over the Pearl River Delta. The 69th floor horizon-edge indoor pool allows guests to swim among the clouds, enhanced by computer-controlled lighting and in-pool speakers. Guests can choose between fine Cantonese, Italian or Japanese cuisine across four restaurant and lounges, including contemporary seafood specialties at the 100th floor Catch restaurant.
420 Metres: Grand Hyatt Shanghai, China(05 of10)
The Grand Hyatt Shanghai, located within the Jin Mao Tower, has held a Guinness World Record since 2000 as one of the tallest hotels in the world. The 555 elegant rooms are spread across 34 floors, each furnished with traditional Chinese elements and boasting an unsurpassed view of the city and 33-storey atrium well. This five star hotel offers an onsite shopping arcade, indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and the acclaimed Club Oasis Spa. Within the Jin Mao Tower are nine drinking and dining options, including the popular Cloud 9 Bar, offering 360 degree views, inspired décor, eclectic entertainment and creative cocktails.
355 Metres: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, United Arab Emirates(06 of10)
This stratospheric structure standing at a height of 355 metres, comprised of 77 floors, over 800 rooms and 14 restaurants and bars, is bound to satisfy the most demanding of tastes. The rooms and suites have been furnished with the highest quality materials in a modern and minimalistic style. Each room has a stunning view overlooking the city, primarily of Dubai’s popular financial district. Don’t miss a trip to the majestic 4,200 square-metre Saray Spa, where hotel guests will be pampered with local treatments and ancient healing techniques that will transport them out of the hustle and bustle of Dubai.
328 Metres: Baiyoke Sky, Bangkok, Thailand(07 of10)
Located within the iconic Baiyoke Tower II, Baiyoke Sky Hotel offers a choice of 658 spacious rooms lying between the 22nd and 73rd floors. The modern décor incorporates Asian touches, and each room contains an iPod docking station and pillow menu. The 83rd floor houses the Roof Top Bar, an unrivalled opportunity to sip cocktails whilst gazing down from the tallest building in Thailand. Elsewhere in the Tower, eight other restaurants offer a variety of Thai, Chinese and International cuisine. Guests should not miss the Baiyoke Floating Market restaurant, where an acclaimed Thai buffet is served from authentic Thai long tail boats.
322 Metres: Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates(08 of10)
Continuously voted as the world’s most luxurious hotel, Burj Al Arab is a landmark of modern Dubai, casting a distinct sail-shaped silhouette on the coastline. At 322 metres, it is also the world’s fourth tallest hotel. Accessible by bridge from the mainland, guests have the option of being chauffeured via Rolls Royce, Mercedes or even helicopter. This exemplary hotel boasts unrivalled hospitality and services, including four swimming pools and a private beach. Burj Al Arab is an all-suite hotel, ranging from Deluxe One Bedroom to Royal Two Bedroom Suites, featuring 780 square metres of extravagant furnishings, a rotating bed and a private cinema.
309 Metres: Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates(09 of10)
Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel hits the skyline at 309 metres, making it the third tallest all-hotel building in the world. Together with the sister Emirates Office Tower, the Emirates Towers complex form an architectural masterpiece on Dubai’s horizon. Guests may never want to leave this lifestyle destination, which contains 400 rooms and suites, 16 dining and nightlife venues and exclusive shopping and styling at The Boulevard. Vu’s Bar and Vu’s Restaurant offer international cocktails and award-winning contemporary cuisine accompanied by panoramic views from the 50th and 51st floors. Guests are granted complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark and the private beach at sister hotel Jumeirah Beach.
261 Metres: Grand Lisboa, Macau, China(10 of10)
This 261-metre all-hotel building is best viewed at night, boasting the largest LED Dome in the world of over one million LED lights. The extraordinary exterior design houses 58 floors of over 400 rooms and suites, nine dining options and one of Asia’s largest and finest casinos. 24 hour entertainment, including Parisian cabaret and other live performance, means guest will never be bored at the Grand Lisboa. Each of the rooms and suites are equipped with their own Jacuzzi and Turkish steam bath. Guests should not miss the three Michelin-starred Robuchon au Dôme restaurant, run by French celebrity chef Joel Robuchon.