If you're short on time, here's a quick answer to your question: officially, there is only one 7-star hotel in the world, which is the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. However, a few other hotels unofficially claim this prestigious title too.
A seven-star hotel exceeds even the luxury and premium service required to attain a five-star rating from an official body. These hotels offer something above and beyond a five-star experience, catering to a highly wealthy clientele. They're courting celebrities, captains of industry, and major political figures.
One of the main rules for a seven-star hotel is that it must be located inside an iconic structure of the city. Without this, no hotel can be a seven-star. Also, a seven-star hotel should have more suites than rooms.
Five stars: high-end, luxury hotels get five stars. There will be a nice bar and restaurant on-site, as well as a spa, gym, big bathrooms, and comfortable beds.
How much is a night at Burj Al Arab hotel? Nightly rates at Burj Al Arab hotel start at AED 4,500 (about $1,225) during the low season but keep in mind that during that time, you'd experience the sweltering summer heat.High season rates can be AED 8,000 (about $2,175).
The iconic 5-star resort has a prime location at the top of Palm Island, an island known for its glamorous hotels and upmarket restaurants. The resort is overflowing with first-class facilities, from the world's largest waterpark to celebrity chef restaurants.
The rich and famous in the Bahamas love The Cove At Atlantis. This luxury resort offers its guests the creme de la creme of amenities, including a private beach, a beautiful exclusive pool area, a variety of sumptuous dining and vast shopping options.
Officially, a 7-star rating is impossible. Across the world, fairly uniform hotel classification systems are used, particularly in instances of international standardisation, such as the European Hotelstars Union (HSU). According to these systems, the maximum rating a hotel can achieve is officially 5-stars.
The Burj al Arab is a private resort, and it's closed to non-guests. However, you can visit if you have a dining reservation at one of the restaurants.
But there's only one, and that's the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, UAE. The Burj Al Arab oozes luxury and glamour, and comes with a hefty price tag per night. The hotel is one of the most photographed buildings in Dubai, and is firmly lodged on the bucket lists of many travellers. For most, that's where it will stay.