Luxury Bus

A Luxury Bus that you won't believe until you see these pictures! Remember the bus off 'meet the fockers'? Well that bus has nothing on the luxury this beauty has to offer. Travel in sheer luxury in this cool bus. Check out the pictures.

Futuristic Luxury Hotels

The most futuristic hotels and concept hotels that are the future of the luxury hotel industry.

The fast changing modes of travel would certainly one day make a big dent on the hotel industry. Only those will survive who have something special to offer or, at least, I would never settle down at a place with belts of my flying car or jetpack intact.

The designers of the hotels of tomorrow, perhaps, have kept this in mind while creating futuristic hotels to lure the global nomads.

Here are ten futuristic hi-tech luxury hotels which are a living proof of the remarkable change we?re witnessing. Welcome aboard!

Commercial Space Station Skywalker:
The Inflatable Space Hotel

• Designer: Bigelow Aerospace, Las Vegas
• Location: 515-kms above Earth
• Status: The human space complex will be accessible by 2015
• Estimated project cost: $500 million
• Cost per person: $1 million a night

Certainly, we?ll have to stop this constant to and fro journey and make space our permanent base. And to make this a reality, the assembling of ?CSS Skywalker? kicked off with the launch of ?Genesis I? from Russia mid last year. Solar cells will power the inhabitable complex made of various sections that will inflate to take their real form in space. The sections or rooms of the CSS will allow rockets to dock. In future, the modules will be used as basis for space yachts and moon cruisers.

With a volume of 1,500.00 m3 and mass of 100,000 kg, the CSS Skywalker will have a maximum diameter of 30.00 m (98.00 ft).

The concept is a big challenge while it tests inflatable technology and fights to survive in hazardous conditions. Hope it?s made to face the wrath of the meteorites, though the hull of each module is made of three protective layers with an outer 18-inch-thick shield made of alternating woven graphite composite and foam to protect against orbital debris. (Photo Credit: CNet)

Galactic Suite
Designer: Xavier Claramunt of ADD+ARQUITECTURA
Status: On hold, prototype is ready

Designer Xavier Claramunt has tried to imbibe things especially to whet a adventurer?s dream with the Galactic Suite which will have around 22 rooms, measuring 7X4 meters, free of straight lines or angles and huge windows. It is termed as the first global project of its kind, next to Robert Bigelow?s space hotel. Different capsules will act as bars, restaurants, reception, and more. The prototype is still waiting for investors to shell out their fortunes to make this project a reality.

Aeroscraft
The flying luxury hotel of tomorrow

Designer: Igor Pasternak (Worldwide Aeros Corporation), Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG)
Status: Prototype under development

The ?Aeroscraft? is a gigantic 400-ton blimp designed to carry passengers in its spacious luxury cosmos onboard. The flying hotel with an area equal to two football fields hangs in air with 14 million cubic feet of helium, huge electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered propellers and six turbofan jet engines. The hotel can accommodate 250 passengers driving them at a speed of 174 miles per hour up to 6, 000 miles.

Flying 8,000 feet above in the air, the 165�244x647 feet airship will provide tourists hi-tech amenities including casino, restaurants and staterooms.

Designer Igor Pasternak has also plans to float a cargo-carrying version too once the project takes off. (Photo Credit: WATG)

The Lunatic Hotel
Hotel on the Moon
Designer: Hans-Jurgen Rombaut, Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG)
Status: Blueprint ready, will take real shape by 2050

Orbiting in space seems more thrilling but Moon brings in a nostalgic aura. Perhaps, the Lunatic Hotel concept will serve it all with spectacular views sprinkled with joys of low gravity and an alien feeling. Designer Hans-Jurgen Rombaut of the Rotterdam Academy of Architecture in the Netherlands is quite optimistic to complete the dream project by 2050.

The ?sensation engine?, as the designer calls it, will allow tourists to indulge in low-gravity games with the help of two 160-meters high slanting towers. The towers will be equipped with teardrop-shaped ?habitation capsules? which will serve as spaceship like suits for tourists.

The 50-cms thick hull made of Moon rock and layers holding water will protect inhabitants from the harsh lunar environment including extreme temperatures and lethal cosmic rays and solar particles. If the whole concept comes out successful, we can expect a real lunar village too. (Photo Credit: NASA)

The Hydropolis
A self-acclaimed 10-star underwater hotel



Location: Dubai
Designer: Joachim Hauser, Crescent Hydropolis Resorts
Estimated project cost: $500-million

The Hydropolis Undersea Resort, especially designed keeping in mind that we?re around 60% water, endeavors to deliver the serene beauty of the ocean in its true colors. The one of its kind resort will encompass a whopping 1.1-million-square-foot of area offering shopping mall, ballroom, island villas, restaurant, high-tech cinema and surprisingly, a missile-defense system for your security 60-feet underwater.

Tourists can enjoy their stay in 220 theme suites within the submarine leisure complex. It is one of the largest contemporary construction projects in the world, covering an area of 260 hectares, about the size of London?s Hyde Park.

The resort is designed with a petal-like retracting roof to organize open-sky events.

Around 150 firms are involved in the project, which is expected to complete this year if all technical, land, and financial challenges are met, but it?s delayed as per the latest reports. Following the line and determined of the success of the Hydropolis, Crescent-Hydropolis is now planning a chain of underwater hotels around the world.

The Poseidon Undersea Resort

Location: Fiji, The Poseidon Mystery Island
Designer: Bruce Jones
Status: Under construction, will be completed by September 2008
Estimated project cost: $105 million
Cost per person: $15,000 per week

Our pursuit of unique spaces now goes straight 1,200-square feet under the sea in the lap of Poseidon undersea resort. The world?s first underwater resort will be ready by the end of next year with breathtaking coral reefs where you can literally immerse yourself.

Surrounded by 5,000-acre lagoon, the Bruce Jones? Poseidon Mystery Island offers luxurious 550 square feet large suites.

Not only this, the Poseidon Resorts website says, ?the first 1,000 guests will have their names permanently inscribed on two monuments one on the island, and one on the floor of the lagoon.? Now, that?s incredible!

Tourists can indulge in submarine piloting, deep reef excursions, scuba diving, sea track on the sea floor, water sports, para-sailing, cave exploration, and much more.

Waterworld


Location: Songjiang, China
Designer: Atkin?s Architecture Group
Status: Concept

This spectacular design by Atkin?s Architecture Group deservedly won the first prize award last year in an international design competition. The 400-bed resort hotel features underwater public areas, guest rooms, cafes, and restaurants. The major attraction is the extreme sporting facilities including a luxurious swimming pool, rock climbing and bungee jumping.

What more to say, the pictures are screaming BLISS. (Photo Credit: TheCoolHunter)

The Hotel Burj al-Arab

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Designer: Tom Wright (WS Atkins PLC), Khuan Chew
Status: Complete
Estimated project cost: $650 million
Cost per person: $1,000 to over $28,000 per night, $75 to have a glimpse from inside

Considered, unofficially, the world?s first and only 7-star hotel, the Burj al-Arab is a truly the most luxurious hotel imaginable and hence we couldn?t help including it in this list of futuristic hotels, which also perhaps triggered architects around the world to look beyond the fence.

The tallest, 321-metres (1,053 ft), hotel, designed as a sail of a dhow, is constructed on an artificial island 280-metres (919 ft) out from Jumeirah beach. The hotel boasts of the world?s tallest atrium, which is 180-meters (590 feet) tall.

The suspended helipad on the top adds to the grandeur of the hotel. The lavish interior skillfully mingles the best of design ethics from both the east and the west. The 8,000 square meters of 22-carat gold leaf and 24,000 square meters of 30 different types of marbles give the hotel an enigmatic touch.

The 28 double-story floors of the hotel accommodate 202 luxury suites with prices ranging from $1,000 to over $28,000 per night (for the Royal Suite). The hotel also features 8 restaurants, including bars and lounges, latest business, conferencing, fitness and recreational facilities. Carved in the midst of white beaches and the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the Burj Al Arab is a dream come true.

Foldable Hotel Pods

Designer: m3 Architects, London
Estimated project cost: $72 to $104 million

The foldable and fully transportable pods are for those traveling geeks who find it hard to shun all the amenities of their luxurious life. You can move the pods to exotic locations around the world and the amazing concept abodes will come with ?Active? walls and floors where guests can focus images of their choice and a disposable unit to care of all waste. (Photo Credit: m3architects)

The Apeiron Island Hotel

• Designer: Sybarite
• Status: Concept
• Estimated project cost: $500million

The ?Apeiron? island hotel is a seven star resort with a total floor area of 200,000m. It is 185-m high and boasts of over 350 luxury apartment suites.
The hi-tech futuristic hotel screams of luxury and comfort with its own private lagoon, beaches, restaurants, cinemas, retail shopping, art gallery, spas and conference facilities. Its out of the world design is magnetic enough to deliver a spell-bounded experience to visitors. (Photo Credit: Sybarite)

One last cool hotel to mention is the Diamond Ring hotel which is just a concept right now but looks impressive!

For cool travel stuff, visit travelphant.com - cool travel tips and stories.

5 Star Hotels

The words '5 star' and 'luxury hotels' conjure up images of pure pleasure, indulgence in the finest of everything. Put the two phrases together and you get '5 star luxury hotels'. Here we look at the top five star hotels in the world.

Avenida Palace ? Lisbon, Portugal
At this luxury hotel, you stay in the city?s only palace. Built in 1892, this magnificence hotel features elegant rooms with marble bathrooms, a Jacuzzi and spectacular view of St. Jorge Castle and Marques de Pombal Square are the epitome of luxury.
Located in Restauradores Square, you?re but a few moments away from the heart of the city?s cultural district. The Avenida Palace is truly a place fit for royalty.

Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof ? Frankfurt, Germany
The Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof hotel in Frankfurt is ranked among the top 100 hotels in the world. The Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof is located in the city centre, moments away from Frankfurt's shopping areas and cultural treasures.
The hotel is considered to be a living monument to the five-star hotel industry and is luxuriously furnished and fitted with modern communication and entertainment facilities.

Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa ? Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
The setting is spectacular: vibrant gardens surrounded by dazzling waterfalls and pools, and white sand beaches that seem to go on for days. Each room has a private terrace overlooking either the Indian Ocean or the mesmerizing lakes and hills.
The discreet service is five-star, the cuisine is incomparable, and you can pamper yourself silly with an array of Zen-inspired spa treatments to de-stress and detox. Definitely a place to luxuriate.

Marco Polo Parkside Beijing ? Beijing, China
This grand jewel of the East shines with it all: two club lounges, a four thousand square meter spa, a gym, a sauna, an indoor pool, five restaurants, two ballrooms, and all on five-star property that is as close as you can get to the Summer Palace.
Each room has an East-West stylistic fusion that is a haven in this busy city, and the luxury suites are unforgettable. The Marco Polo is also a perfect choice if you?re headed to the Olympics in 2008; the hotel is just a short walk from the Olympic Main Stadium.

Grace Hotel Sydney ? Sydney, Australia
You have heard the rumors that the Grace Hotel has the most comfortable beds in Sydney, and after you spend a night on the feather pillows under the feather comforter, you?ll know why.
An art deco luxury hotel built in 1930; this hotel was restored with original features, so you?ll walk down wide hallways over marble floors under pressed-metal ceilings alongside masterful ironwork. It?s an easy walk to the Darling Harbour and King St. Wharf, not to mention the fabulous shopping at the Queen Victoria Building. Say, "yes" to a stay at the Grace, and you may never want to go home!

Warwick New York Hotel ? New York City, United States
When you arrive at this historic landmark built in 1927 by William Randolph Hearst for his lover, you will be greeted with chilled champagne and chocolates. The spacious rooms offer marble bathrooms and twenty-four hour room service, and the restaurant features more than fifty stunning murals.
Whether you want to go to Central Park, Fifth and Madison Avenue for shopping, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square or Rockefeller Center, you don?t have far to walk. That Cary Grant lived here for twelve years says it all.

Al Manshar Rotana Hotel ? Kuwait, Kuwait
Designed to be in keeping with traditional architecture, this modern nineteen-floor, five-star luxury hotel has a pool on the roof that allows you to swim amid a scintillating view of the Kuwait Harbor and radiant Gulf.
Or you can relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi, the sauna or steam room, or while you?re getting an incredible massage. World class shopping is right outside the door, and each of the two hundred luxurious rooms is fully equipped with a kitchenette. There is also a poolside snack bar and an elegant in-house restaurant that provides incomparable cuisine all through the day and night. No matter what you want, this place has it.

Royal Windsor Grand Palace ? Brussels, Belgium
Because this hotel offers a selection of rooms individually designed by famous fashion designers, your choices are incredible.
Imagine sleeping in one room with frescoes painted by an Italian artist on the walls and floors of ceruse wood and Roman stone, or lapping up the luxury in another room that has a sofa covered with fuchsia velvet and a bed covered with a high couture patchwork quilt. The best location in town, this luxury hotel is one street away from the Grand Palace and a heartbeat away from the Sablon Antique Square. It?s not called a palace for nothing.

Silken Puerta America ? Madrid, Spain
Eighteen world famous architects and designers combined efforts to create this dream luxury hotel. Each of the twelve floors is truly unique, and exquisite attention has been paid to the smallest detail in every room.
Gracefully situated on a quiet, residential street, it is only a five minute-walk to the world famous Avenida de America and its access to all the city?s best sites. The hotel also sits just a short walk away from the exclusive shops of Serrano Street.

Grand Rotana Resort and Spa ? Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
`While staying in this luxury hotel by the sea, you can snorkel, windsurf, ride horses or camels, take a desert safari or visit the ancient sites; you even have your own private beach. The hotel boasts seven restaurants and bars including Ramses for local cuisine.
Swim on the private beach, or the lagoon-style pool that is the size of three Olympic pools; there?s even a kids private club and pool. It?s little mystery why we think this the best luxury hotel in the world.

Most Expensive Hotel Rooms

Pictures of the worlds most expensive hotel rooms around the world as Reported by Forbes.

Two Story Sky Villa, The Palms Fantasy Suites, Las Vegas
$25,000 per night
View the Two Storey Sky Villa website.

Here are more pictures of the stunning Two Storey Ski Villa

Bridge Suite at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas
$25,000 per night
Royal Penthouse, President Wilson Hotel, Geneva, Switzerland
$23,000 per night
Hans Badrutt Suite, Badrutt's Palace, St. Moritz
$16,700 per night
Presidential Suite, Mandarin Oriental, New York City
$15,00 per night
Grand Suite, Grand Wailea Resort, Hawaii
$15,000 per night
Coral Suite, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico
$15,000 per night

Royal Suite at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai
$13,600 per night
The Imperial Suite, Ritz Paris, Paris
$13,500 per night
Private Reserve, Soneva Gili Resort & Spa, Maldives
$10,000 per night
So why do these hotels cost so much money per night?
The cost of the furniture in the rooms, building costs i.e. architecture/remodeling costs, ;location, prestige, service and history.

Who stays in these luxury hotel rooms? Government dignitaries spending taxpayers money perhaps or celebrities that earn millions. Parties would be a popular choice where the cost is divided up bringing the price down. You could have a party with 25 rich people and already your cost is down to just $1,000 per person which is an acceptable price for such a cool venue!