Airbnb. The scourge of the hotel industry now has over 1.5 million listings in 34,000 cities and 191 countries. For most, staying in someone's home is a cost-saving measure, but that's not to say there aren't a wealth of eye-popping luxury listings on the site. Below, ten lodgings that are among some of the most expensive accommodations in the world. (Why not make a stay #51 on this list of 50 Things to Do Before You Die?)
Villa Semaphore, France
What has eight bedrooms, 13 beds, a heated infinity pool and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean? Why, Villa Semaphore on France's stunning Cote d'Azur. It can be yours (for the night) for $10,265, though you'll need to put even more than that down (10,000 Euro) as a security deposit, just FYI.
Baja California Yacht
Airbnb isn't just for landlubbers. If you have $10,300 at the ready and are kicking it in the Baja California area of Mexico, you and five friends could charter the Panache, a 112-foot luxury yacht for the night. (Not for you but craving an aquatic getaway? Book one of the 5 Best Luxury Sightseeing Cruises in the World.)
Il Tesoro, Italy
If you've got $8,876 burning a hole in your pocket and 15 friends who want to join you for a night's stay in Umbria, Italy, why not have yourselves a night at Il Tesoro, "a country inn". It means "the treasure," which is fitting, because you'll need molto oro if you're planning on footing the bill alone. An excerpt of the description, courtesy of Google Translate: "Convinced of flavors and rich taste of tradition, served in the inn by a given food. The tranquility of a swimming pool set in a garden with many species of trees, ideal location to enhance relaxation."
Beyoncé/Bieber Favorite
If you and each of your nine fellow guests were to evenly split the nightly fee of this "contemporary masterpiece" with views of the San Francisco Bay area, you'd each be on the hook for a cool grand per night. But that might be worth it to say that you've slept on the same bed as Beyonce, or Justin Bieber; just two of the A-list celebs who have Instagrammed pics of themselves at this impressive pad. (While you're getting out your gold card, check out this list of the 25 Things 1%-ers Always Do.)
Hotel de Monaco
The Monaco Grand Prix is a big deal for Formula One fans, but only a select few would be able to enjoy the event while staying at the 10-bedroom boutique Hotel de Monaco. The whole place could be yours for the entirety of the five-day event for 49,900 euro (at the time of this writing, about $55,000).
Park City Lodge
If you're rubbing shoulders with celebs at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, wouldn't it be swell to suggest that the party continue back at your swanky, modern five-bedroom mountain retreat. Well, you can — if you plunk down $10,000 per night for it. Looking for a warm-weather alternative? Try one of these Best Luxury Summer Vacations.
New Orleans Mansion
Laissez les bons temps rouler! That means "let the good times roll" in French, and that's what you might exclaim when you swing open the door of this baroque historical mansion in New Orleans' Garden District. Of course, the good times would've had to have been rolling for some time before you and your friends turned up: The place is $10,000 per night, accommodating 4.
Oriana Yacht
The Oriana is a Vancouver-based luxury yacht that sleeps up to eight people and will set you back around $7,876 per night. The guy slinging the place is Mark Sager, formerly the mayor of West Vancouver. If you're seeking something more permanent, place an order for The Newest Mercedes-Benz: A Yacht.
Lake Como Villa
George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Sting, Helen Mirren. All of these celebs have homes on Italy's Lake Como. If you're willing to throw down the $10,637 it takes to get you a night at the stunning Villa Benessere, you may bump into any one of them when you're at the store buying milk.
Mediterranean Resort
The storied party island in the Balearics is all about hedonism. What could be more more hedonistic than calling "the most desired VIP villa" your home during your time there? It'll set you back $9,672 per night and sleeps 16. (Just note: In July and August, the place goes for $77,500 per week.)
Cash flow low? Did Jay-Z book your first choice? Check out these less expensive alternatives to bliss: 25 Ways to be Happier Now!
