The UK has some of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels, where impeccable hospitality and unrivalled grandeur will make you feel like royalty for the day. However, these top-end stays come with a hefty price tag, with many suites setting you back tens of thousands of pounds for just one night. So how do cruise ship suites compare?
With luxury cruise lines seeking to give their guests the ultimate in opulence during their time at sea, cruise suites can certainly rival those found on land. The good news is the price is much lower, and you get to see some spectacular destinations along the way, too.
So, if you’re keen to learn what is the most expensive hotel suite and what you get in a cruise ship suite, read on below as we share five of the most expensive UK hotel suites and the cruise suites we think are better!
The Royal Suite at The Lanesborough Hotel
Approximate cost – £26,000 per night
The Lanesborough Hotel, situated on Hyde Park Corner, just a few minutes from Harrods, holds the accolade of having the most expensive hotel suite in the UK – the Royal Suite. At 4,845 square feet, it has seven bedrooms and bathrooms, two living rooms and a dining room that can accommodate up to 12 guests.
Inside, the décor is exquisite, with fine British artisanship, antique paintings and intricate period details. The service is equally outstanding, with a 24-hour dedicated butler and use of the hotel’s chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Cruise comparable – Regent Suite, Regent Seven Seas
Approximate cost – $15,000 per night per suite (based on double occupancy)
Regent Seven Seas set out to create the most lavish accommodations at sea with their Regent Suites, found on Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer. However, while these may be the most expensive cruise ship suites at sea, the cost of $15,000 a night (around £12,400) is less than half that of its land equivalent.
With an incredible 2,917 square feet and an added 958-square-foot balcony, this top-of-the-ship suite has more space than the average apartment! You’ll get two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a living room and dining room and two private balconies with a heated MiniPool Spa.
And it doesn’t end there; other cruise ship suite perks include an in-suite spa with sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, personal butler services, and an in-suite Steinway Arabesque piano worth $250,000 to serenade your loved ones!
Compared to luxury land hotel suites, it sounds like a fantastic deal!
The Shangri-La Suite at The Shard
Approximate cost – £9,7000 per night
Is there a 7-star hotel in the UK? It’s a common question, and while officially this rating is not possible (internationally recognised classification only goes up to 5 stars), the Shangri-La Suite at The Shard has been billed as a 7-star hotel suite by many in the media.
For this ultimate title, the Shangri-La promises uncompromising luxury. As the Shangri-La Suite comes with a spacious living room, separate dining area and kitchenette, ensuite bedroom with a marble-clad bathroom, a walk-in rain shower and hot whirlpool, it is well and truly living up to this claim. Butler service is available upon request, and there’s also the option for transfers from London airports.
The Shangri-La Suite is found on Level 39 of The Shard, so it is also one of the highest hotel rooms in the UK, giving you a spectacular panoramic view of the iconic London landmarks, including St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern.
Cruise comparable – Owner’s Suite, Silversea
Approximate cost – $7,000 per night per suite (based on double occupancy)
One of the most luxurious cruise ship suites, rivalling that of its land-based 7-star equivalent, is the sumptuous Owner’s Suite on Silversea. At approximately £5,8000 per night, it offers a private veranda and Italian marble bathroom with a walk-in rain shower.
As standard, it offers a generous 1,055 square feet of space. However, if you need more, there is the option to include the next-door suite and enjoy two bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Amongst the modern amenities, you can enjoy four large HD televisions and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. Other cruise ship perks include a luxuriously deep bath, dual sinks, a vanity table, and Bulgari White toiletries.
The Royal Suite at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Approximate cost – £18,000 per night
Located overlooking Hyde Park, the stunning Royal Suite at the Mandarin Oriental includes three ensuite bedrooms, a kitchen and dining room for up to 10 guests. There’s also plenty of space to relax in the stylish living area, where guests have access to a balcony that extends the entire length of the suite.
The décor in the Royal Suite is contemporary yet unquestionably beautiful, with Maya Romanoff wallpaper, a bespoke rock crystal chandelier and a vanity area in the main bedroom framed by Lalique crystal lights. You can also enjoy personal butler service, an in-suite steam room and a restored original fireplace.
Cruise comparable – The Haven Garden Villa, Norwegian Cruise Line
Approximate cost – $4,000 per night per suite (based on double occupancy)
With Norwegian Cruise Line, you can enjoy a three-bedroom suite with a gorgeous outdoor terrace at less than half the price per night compared to the Mandarin Oriental. With a contemporary, chic design, wall of windows, spacious living room and private dining area, it is undoubtedly one of the best cruise ship suites at sea.
As a cruise guest in The Haven Garden Villa, you’ll also have access to butler service, limo service from and to the airport, unlimited drinks and use of The Haven, an exclusive area for suite guests that includes The Haven Lounge, The Haven Restaurant and private sundeck.
Royal Suite at The Goring
Approximate cost – £9,000 per night
As the name suggests, The Royal Suite at The Goring is fit for royalty. Princess of Wales Kate Middleton reportedly stayed here the night before her wedding to Prince William, and the hotel was also known to be favoured by the Queen Mother.
At 1,194 square feet, including a balcony, The Royal Suite comprises a bedroom with an ensuite and double shower, a sitting room and a dining area.
Luxury through and through, the walls of the main bedroom are lined with exquisite silk, the same used in the First Class Dining Room of RMS Titanic 1912. Meanwhile, the Georgian glassware, collection of royal artefacts and the life-size portrait of Her Majesty Queen Victoria add to the opulent, regal feel.
Guests can enjoy daily treats from the Pastry Chef, a fully stocked bar, and dedicated footman services.
Cruise comparable – Queens Grill Grand Duplex
Approximate cost – £1,350 per night per person (based on 7-night Transatlantic Crossing)
Cunard Cruises is renowned for its royal connections, so it’s unsurprising that its Queens Grill Suites offer that same feeling of splendour. The Queens Grill Grand Duplex is a spacious 2,249 square feet comprising a living and dining area, balcony and guest bathroom.
Climb the Art Deco-inspired spiral staircase to the second floor, where you’ll find two main bedrooms, or enjoy the incredible views from its two-storey glass wall.
These cruise ship suites exude grandeur, with cruise ship perks including personal butler service, turndown service, fully stocked minibar, replenished fresh fruit and exclusive access to the fine dining Grill Suite Restaurants. It’s an experience fit for a king but at just a fraction of the price of comparable land-based suites.
Manor House Suite at Rosewood London
Approximate cost – £20,000 per night
In High Holborn, you’ll discover a delightfully restored Edwardian mansion, where its presidential Manor House Suite is rumoured to be the most expensive one-bedroom hotel room in London. At 1,991 square feet, the space also includes a sitting room, dining room and powder room.
The suite offers intrigue, furnished with trinkets, sculptures and curiosities. However, it also provides modern tech with a Geneva sound system and a 52-inch LED television.
With a butler service, a personal bar, a Nespresso coffee machine and a walk-in shower and bathtub, it has everything needed for a luxurious stay despite its smaller size.
Cruise comparable – Mini-Suite, Princess Cruises
Approximate cost – £360 -£450 per night per person (based on 12-14-night cruises with two people sharing)
The small but luxurious equivalent at sea is Princess Cruises’ Mini-Suites. Although just 323 square feet in size, the cruise ship suite perks of staying in a Princess Cruises mini-suite are excellent.
Designed with luxury in mind, a Princess Cruises Mini-Suite with a balcony is much larger than their standard staterooms. It has a separate sitting area, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and a bathroom with a bathtub and massage shower head.
Opting for a mini-suite, you’ll be greeted with a glass of bubbly and enjoy 24-hour complimentary room service. The mini-suite also comes with two flat-panel televisions, a refrigerator, luxury bedding and a spacious closet.
