Most luxurious hotel to be built t in Antalya

An hotel being constructed by in southern province of Antalya's Aksu region is set to surpass world's most luxurious hotel in Dubai namely Burj al-Arab.

Mardan Istanbul Palace is expected to re-define the concept of luxury in hotels throughout the globe.

Rooms in Mardan Istanbul Palace will be rented for fees ranging from 400 USD to 20,000 Euros.

The hotel will have 500 rooms. 70 percent of all rooms will be 60-70 square meters large. Standard rooms will be 45-50 square meters large while double-bedrooms will be 200 square meters large.

In addition, there will be 20 villas each 100 square meters large and king suites on top floor of the hotel, each 2,500 square meters large.

The swimming pool, which will resemble the Istanbul Strait –Bosphorus, will be 24,000 square meters large and will be the world's second biggest swimming pool. The pool will be surrounded by restaurants.

Interior decoration of the hotel is being made by Zeynep Fadillioglu. All decorative materials resemble historical artifacts from the Ottoman era. Ismailov paid 80,000 Euros for a single sofa dating back the Ottoman era.

While the main body of the hotel will resemble the Dolmabahce Palace, the garden floor will resemble the Covered Bazaar.

The most luxurious train in the world - Beijing to Lhasa

China is launching "the most luxurious train in the world" to Tibet's capital, Lhasa on September 1.

The Tangula Express will run regular trips from Beijing to Lhasa, traversing the world's highest railway through the spectacular scenery of Tibet.

"The interior of the train will be decorated according to the standards of a five-star hotel, making it the most luxurious train in the world," said Zhu Mingrui, general manager of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway Corporation.

"Such a train can only seat 96 passengers. The fare would be about 20 times the normal price(2,000 Yuan - £180) and also much more than an airline ticket," he said.

Each of three trains will have 12 passenger cars, two dining cars and a sightseeing car. Each passenger car will have four 10-square-metre suites featuring a double bed, a living room and bathing facilities to accommodate its guest during this 5 days long journey.

Although Chinese authorities present this 1142-km railway as an important means in modernising and developing Tibet, critics warn against flooding Tibet with Chinese Han majority, which may lead to destruction of the local culture and acceleration of environmental degradation of the region

Travelling on a shoestring, Monolo's shoe that is.

Ever wonder if luxury hotels offer bargains? It seems they do, well kind of. The Business Week has compiled a list of the cheapest rooms in the priciest hotels.

1. Four Seasons, New York
Most expensive: $30,000 *
Cheapest: $755

The architects designed the Tower to set back as it gently cascades down to the 90 foot street wall of East 57th Street. The 367-room hotel has a variety of guestrooms from the one-bedroom suites to the most luxurious accommodations, which is the 4,000-square-foot, two bedroom presidential suite, which occupies the entire top floor of the hotel. This Presidential Suite has 14 foot coffered ceilings, a formal dining room for entertaining, and bathrooms that have saunas and steam rooms.

2. Ritz-Carlton , Tokyo
Most expensive: $18,773
Cheapest: $625

The Ritz-Carlton occupies the top nine floors of the 53-story Midtown Tower, the tallest building in Tokyo, and provides stunning views of the city. Opened in March, 2007, the high point of Frank Nicholson's dramatic classic design is the magnificent 81-meter-high sky lobby on the 45th floor.

3. Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Moscow
Most expensive: $17,555
Cheapest: $1,370

The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow lies at the edge of the famed Red Square - site of countless coronations, conflicts and celebrations Featuring the most spacious guest room in Moscow, it is also home to three-star Michelin chef Heinz Winkler's new venture, Jeroboam.

4. Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai
Most expensive: $14,974
Cheapest: $2,314

This all-suite hotel reflects the finest that the world has to offer. A chauffeur driven Rolls Royce, discreet in-suite check in, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers will make sure you will have luxurious and unforgettable stay.


5. Le Bristol, Paris
Most expensive: $12,055
Cheapest: $951

Hotel Le Bristol Paris is situated in the prestigious Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. Considered by many to be the most elegant, refined, and quietly dignified hotel in the world. Filled with soft hues, refined woodwork and sumptuous fabrics, they all feature a separate entrance hall and generous marble bathrooms. Raphael Courant, two Michelin stars Restaurant Manager, welcomes guests every day for lunch and dinner.

6. Claridge's Hotel, London
Most expensive: $10,642
Cheapest: $939

The art deco jewel of Mayfair, the home to visiting royalties oozing of style and grandeur. Allegedly, in 1947, just before the wedding of then Princess Elizabeth, a harassed diplomat telephoned Claridge's and asked to speak to the King. "Certainly, sir," was the response. "Which one?"

7.Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
Most expensive: $5,938
Cheapest: $283

With memorable views of the Bund and the Huangpu River, the award-winning Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai is the city’s preeminent luxury hotel, offering warm and attentive Shangri-La service and world-class dining. The recently opened Grand Tower contains 375 luxurious rooms and suites, with the Premier rooms, at 54 square meters, being the largest in Shanghai and offering panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views of the historic Bund.

8.Raffles Hotel, Singapore
Most expensive: $5,209
Cheapest: $830

Declared a National Monument in 1987, the hotel has grown from strength to strength. It was named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. Raffles Singapore Hotel offers hotel guests an experience that embodies absolute comfort and old world charm.


9. Island Shangri-La Hotel, Hong Kong
Most expensive: $4,103
Cheapest: $339

Known locally as "Island Shang"—because there is another Shangri-La on Kowloon—this elliptically shaped building has become a Hong Kong icon. Located in the heart of the city's Central district, its 56 floors offer stunning views of The Peak, Victoria Harbor, and the distant mountains of China.

10. The Setai Hotel, Miami
Most expensive: $3,870
Cheapest: $715

Its design vision artfully combines the rich architectural history of the neighborhood and its cultural diversity with the International Art Deco movement, particularly its influence in Asia. Infused with natural materials, space and light, The Setai bears the unmistakable imprint of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha.


Cheap as chips, don't you think?!

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*Note, all prices are per night