No surprise that one of the world's most expensive cities, host to presidents and United Nations meetings, should boast one of the world's largest and most secure suites – and certainly the most expensive. About $72,000 a night bags you 12 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and your own fitness centre in the Royal Penthouse Suite. For entertainment, the latest from Bang & Olufsen, a Steinway piano and a billiards table await. The penthouse takes up the entire top floor of this lakeside hotel, with a 1680-square-metre terrace providing superb views over Lake Geneva towards the snow-capped French Alps.

Regular rooms from $565. See hotelpresidentwilson.com

Cannes Hotel Martinez, Cannes

Not satisfied just with the Michelin-starred restaurant and private beach at this hotel in the stylish Mediterranean haunt of movie stars? Then lash out $55,000 a night for a seventh-floor Penthouse Suite, where you'll think you're in seventh heaven. On-demand butler service, a hammam and sauna, and panoramic views over a sparkling blue sea are only the start of the attractions in this 1000-square-metre retreat. You also get two dining rooms, silk curtains, teak furnishings, a collection of porcelain vases and original lithographs by Picasso and Matisse on the walls.

Regular rooms from $395. See cannesmartinez.grand.hyatt.com

Westin Excelsior, Rome

If you want to enjoy the dolce vita at its best, check into the $30,000-a-night Villa La Cupola Suite in the heart of Rome, the largest in Italy. Gorgeous wrap-around terraces provide views over the beautiful city's domes and towers. The two-story interior is inspired by baroque Roman palaces, and is an equally marvellous display of art and artistry. Frescoes, stained glass and marble culminate in your living room cupola. You also get an oak-panelled study, dining room with private wine cellar, surround-sound cinema room and a Jacuzzi luxurious enough for an emperor.

Regular rooms from $339. See westinrome.com

Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas

Get wafted aloft in your private glass elevator to this splendid, two-story Sky Villa with chin-sagging views over the twinkling lights of Las Vegas through its floor-to-ceiling windows, or outside from expansive terraces and stunning swimming pool. The pool is cantilevered over the edge and not for the faint of heart. Round-the-clock butler service, fitness and massage rooms, dry sauna and media room are part of amenities that cost $40,000 a night. The Sky Villa sleeps 12, but has the capacity to host 300 guests for your ultimate Vegas bachelor party.

Regular rooms from $73. See palms.com

Grand Resort Lagonissi, Athens

Economic crisis belt-tightening appears to be an unknown concept here in the $37,000-a-night Royal Villa at this seaside resort outside Athens, which comes with a private chef, butler and fitness trainer. The two-bedroom villa has fireplaces, walk-in closets, marble bathrooms and artworks on the walls, as well as its own private deck over the sea. When it's time to relax, slip into the indoor pool, the heated outdoor pool or the steam bath, or head to the massage room – or just ask your personal pianist to serenade you on the ivory keys.

Regular rooms from $344. See lagonissiresort.gr

The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

If you're beginning to think $29,000 a night sounds like a bargain, check into the Ritz-Carlton Suite, which covers 306 square metres (extravagantly large for Tokyo) atop a skyscraper, from which you can gaze over the imperial palace towards Mount Fuji on the horizon. There are two bedrooms, an oversized marble bathroom complete with television for bubble-bath entertainment, and an indoor pool and fitness studio. As you sink into the four-poster bed in your master bedroom, snuggling into the best Frette bed linens, the only thing you'll have to worry about is the bill.

Regular rooms from $587. See ritzcarlton.com/tokyo