The 48 most expensive hotel rooms in America

48. Thompson Chicago – Chicago, Ill. One of the Windy City’s most trendy hotels, the Thompson has six handsome Penthouse Suites that cost between $2,000 and $5,000 nightly.  

 All of the bi-level, loft-style suites feature comfy amenities and modern technology; some feature terraces with sweeping city views.47. Andaz Maui – Wailea, Hawaii. Andaz Maui’s multi-bedroom residential villas start at $2,500 a night and require a 3-night minimum stay.Guests enjoy stylish amenities and easy access to one of Maui’s best beaches. 

 46. Four Seasons Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nev. The Four Seasons's Strip View Presidential Suite fetches $3,000 per night.
 The sleek, Art Deco-inspired design scheme distracts guests from the floor-to-ceiling, wrap-around windows and 60-inch television. 

 45. ARIA – Las Vegas, Nev. Located within the ARIA’s jaw-dropping Sky Suites, the ARIA Sky Villas ($3,500 to $7,500 per night) range in size from 2,000 to 7,000 square feet.
 Each one features panoramic windows with unbelievable views of The Strip, innovative in-room technology, private sauna, billiard room, and luxurious kitchen.

 44. Fairmont Orchid – Waimea, Hawaii. The only Fairmont on the Big Island sports two Presidential Suites, which garner between $3,900 and $4,200 per night. These luxurious two-bedroom oceanfront suites overlook the resort’s beautiful white sand beach, swimming lagoon, and the Pacific Ocean.43. Auberge du Soleil – Rutherford, Calif. Starting at $4,000 a night, The Private Mansions at Auberge du Soleil offer some of the Napa Valley’s most luxurious accommodations.42. Post Ranch Inn – Big Sur, Calif. The Post Ranch Inn’s newest accommodation, the Post House, offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Lucia Mountains.The 2,220-square-foot complex (around $4,000 per night) features natural and sustainable materials and reclaimed wood, and is filled with custom furniture and original Post family heirlooms.
 
41. The Ranch at Rock Creek – Phillipsburg, Mont. One of Montana’s premier lodging options, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers the incredible Sweet Grass Tent for $4,200 a night.
 This two-bedroom luxury tent is located on the scenic banks of Rock Creek, and includes an outdoor cedar soaking tub and master living area.

 40. Windsor Court Hotel – New Orleans, La. The Windsor Court Hotel’s spacious Presidential Suite (from $4,500 per night) on the 22nd floor is a preferred stop for celebrities and dignitaries visiting the Crescent City.t 2,700 square feet, the two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath Penthouse Suite features beautiful furnishings, original artwork, a baby grand piano (played by the likes of Billy Joel) and two private landscaped terraces.39. Conrad – New York, N.Y. Designed by Jill Greaves, the Conrad Suite ($4999) is one of Downtown NYC’s top luxury options.Guests enjoy Shanghai Tang and Tara Smith amenities, three flat-screen TVs, and a Jacuzzi tub.38. Venetian – Las Vegas, Nev. Running up to $5,000 a night, the Venetian's Penthouse Suites are yet another in-demand Vegas luxury destination.The 18 suites are approximately 2,900 square feet in size. Each contains two bedrooms, an Italian marble foyer, fireplace, and huge bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs. 37. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Chicago – Chicago, Ill. One of Chicago’s most tony addresses offers a newly redesigned Presidential Suite. Starting at $5,100 a night, the classy two-story spread resides on the 25th and 26th floors. 36. The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation – Greensboro, Ga. The Presidential House at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation is a 5,400 square foot, private house.
Ideal for big families and groups, the spread ($5,500 per night) includes a pool, four master suites with baths, a formal dining room for 16, a game room, gourmet kitchen, and more
 35. Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta – Atlanta, Ga. The Mandarin Atlanta’s Mandarin Suite ($6,000 a night) resides on the 15th floor, boasting high ceilings and 2,340 square feet of luxury.Guests enjoy dramatic views of the Atlanta skyline from two balconies.

 34. Hotel Casa del Mar – Santa Monica, Calif. One of Southern California’s leading beachfront properties, Casa del Mar impresses with its Presidential Two Bedroom Suite (starting at $6,000 a night).The 1900 square feet of ocean-view luxury features a king size bed in each of the two bedrooms. Located on the seventh floor, this suite directly faces the Pacific Ocean.  33. The Langham, Chicago – Chicago, Ill. For $6,000 a night, guests can enjoy one of Chicago’s newest luxury options.The Langham, Chicago's Infinity Suite clocks in at 2,700 square feet, with lots of area for entertaining and a dining room that can accommodate up to ten. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer expansive views of the city. 32. St. Regis Aspen Resort – Aspen, Colo. One of the premier addresses in America's toniest ski town, the St. Regis offers a troika of Presidential Suites ($6,670 per night) with mountain views. Each unit sports high ceilings, designer furnishings, and an elegant marble bathroom.

 31. Halekulani – Honolulu, Hawaii. Waikiki’s foremost name in luxury, the Halekulani offers three incredible premier suites (up to $7,000 per night) that feature expansive space and exceptional viewsThe Royal, Halekulani, and Orchid Suites exude class and style, with a variety of modern amenities.30. Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel at Mauna Kea Resort – Kohala Coast, Hawaii. When it comes to Hawaiian luxury, the Hapuna Beach Prince’s Hapuna Villa is hard to top. The 8,000-square-foot villa costs $7,000 per night and overlooks one of America’s highest-rated beaches. Guests of the villa enjoy private limousine service, four expansive bedrooms (each with its own private bath and lanai) ... 

 As well as a private swimming pool and a gourmet kitchen. Also included is professional butler service and 24/7 personalized attendants.

 29. Bellagio – Las Vegas, Nev. Bellagio’s Chairman ($7,000) and Presidential ($6,000) Suites come in at 4,075 square-feet each, with excellent views from their perch atop the Spa Tower. 28. Mandarin Oriental, Miami – Miami, Fla. For $7,500 (and up) a night, guests can experience either of the Miami Mandarin’s two show-stopping suites.
 The Oriental Suite features a private media room, and sprawling terrace; the Mandarin Suite contains a spa serenity room with a 24-hour on-call therapist, as well as a gourmet kitchen.

 27. Four Seasons Hotel Chicago – Chicago, Ill. Starting at $7,800, the Four Seasons Chicago’s Presidential Suite occupies a corner of the hotel’s 46th floor. Guests enjoy magnificent views, contemporary design, and a private fitness room. 26. The Joule – Dallas, Texas. This neo-gothic landmark from the 1920s has been transformed into a five-star hotel at the epicenter of downtown Dallas. As the saying goes, everything's bigger in Texas, and the hotel's 2,500 square foot Penthouse Suite ($8,000 a night) is perfect for entertaining large groups.From an eight-person dining room and fully-stocked bar to a pool table, the penthouse is ideal for a big celebration. Along with a pair of bedrooms, the suite also includes two balconies with scenic city views.25. Langham Place, New York – New York, N.Y. Starting at $9,000 per night, the Langham Place’s Empire Penthouses feature floor-to-ceiling windows with unparalleled views of the Empire State Building
 24. The Peninsula Beverly Hills – Beverly Hills, Calif. A favorite luxury option among visitors to Los Angeles, The Peninsula Beverly Hills attracts industry titans with its Peninsula Villa ($9,700 per night).A grand double staircase leads up through the hotel garden to the private entrance of this 2,336 square foot, bungalow-style space. The two-level terrace features a mosaic-tile-backed hot tub. 23. Casa Madrona – Sausalito, Calif. The Mansion at Casa Madrona houses the breathtaking Alexandrite Suite ($10,000 per night).The 5,000-square‐foot, two-bedroom suite (named after the rare gemstone) can be expanded to include an 11-room mansion that’s a popular option for corporate retreats and destination weddings.

 22. MGM Grand – Las Vegas, Nev. MGM Grand’s SKYLOFTS, which range in size from 1,400 to 6,000 square feet, cost up to $10,000 per night.

 21. Ojai Valley Inn & Spa – Ojai, Calif. Privately situated on more than an acre of beautifully manicured space, Casa Elar is a 10,000 square foot, Italian-style villa situated on the property of the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. 
 For up to $10,000 per night, guests enjoy a pair of suites, each featuring carved limestone fireplaces and an outdoor covered porch with fireplace. A barbecue terrace includes a stone pizza oven, gas BBQ, and built-in seating.


20. The Chatwal – New York, N.Y. The Chatwal’s Barrymore Suite offers the exclusive use of the penthouse floor in the hotel’s landmark Stanford White-designed building for just $10,000 a night.


19. Four Seasons Denver – Denver, Colo. From its 16th floor perch, the Four Seasons Denver's Presidential Suite ($10,075 per night) provides stunning mountain views.

 18. The Royal Hawaiian – Honolulu, Hawaii. The Royal Hawaiian’s signature Royal Hawaiian Suite starts at $10,800 per night.
 17. Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas – Las Vegas, Nev. One of Vegas’s foremost names in luxury, the Mandarin wows with its three presidential suites. 
 The Emperor, Mandarin, and Taipan Suites ($15,000 a night) each sport a different design, but all contain a similar, over-the-top layout. 
 16. Mandarin Oriental – Washington, D.C. Not far from the White House, the DC Mandarin’s Presidential Suite is fit for, well, a president
 At $15,000 nightly, the suite offers panoramic views of DC spreading across to Maryland and Virginia, perfect for politicians, dignitaries, musicians and celebs visiting during cherry blossom 
season.
Located on the ninth floor, the three-bedroom suite features striking modern design with decorative Asian touches such as a troika of handsome Chinese compasses.


15. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai – Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. With direct walk-out access to the beach, the Hawaii Loa Presidential Villa ($15,045 nightly) is the most expensive option at the only Four Seasons on the Big Island.
 Guests in this majestic, three-bedroom oceanfront suite enjoy watching sunsets over the Pacific as well as the seasonal migration of humpback whales. 



 The interior contains traditional, Hawaiian-made feather cloaks, capes, and helmets, and the expanded lanai includes a private hot tub.

 14. Four Seasons Resort Maui – Wailea, Hawaii. For $16,500 per night, guests can experience a night in one of the Four Seasons Maui's two presidential suites.


 The Maile and the Lokelani Suites each contain three bedrooms and, at more than 5,000 square feet of living space, are the largest suites on the island

 The Maile and the Lokelani Suites each contain three bedrooms and, at more than 5,000 square feet of living space, are the largest suites on the island.13. Hotel Bel-Air – Los Angeles, Calif. The $17,000 per night Presidential Suite spans 2,265 square feet and features a handsome wood-burning fireplace, a huge private courtyard, and a 15-by-22 foot swimming pool. 

 12. Beverly Hills Hotel – Beverly Hills, Calif. Anyone can feel like a movie star with a stay in one of the hotel’s two Presidential Bungalows, which cost between $19,100 to $22,000 per night. 
Guests have use of three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, a professional chef’s kitchen, landscaped private gardens, fireplaces, and a pool with waterfall features and underwater speakers.
 11. Mandarin Oriental, New York – New York, N.Y. The NYC Mandarin’s $20,000 a night Presidential Suite offers awesome Central Park views from its perch atop the 53rd floorKey features include a media room, private kitchen, and a spectacular master bath that’s encased in honey onyx walls.10. The Pierre, A Taj Hotel – New York, N.Y. The $20,000 a night Tata Suite at The Pierre includes two bedrooms.The 2,088 square foot suite, named for the founder of Taj Hotels, offers sweeping views of Central Park, as well as Tata family artifacts and books that chronicle the history of India’s premier business group.  
9. New York Palace – New York, N.Y. The New York Palace throws its hat into the luxury ring with its two specialty triplex suites, The Jewel Suite by Martin Katz and The Champagne Suite.

 The two 5,000 square foot suites ($25,000 a night) sit 53 stories above Manhattan at the top of the hotel’s exclusive hotel-within-a-hotel, The Towers.Guests of the suites enjoy Maybach house car service

 8. Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace – Las Vegas, Nev. Located inside Caesars Palace, the world’s first Nobu Hotel is home to the world’s largest Nobu Restaurant as well as the show-stopping Nobu Villa.
 This $25,000 per night, 10,300 square foot villa boasts a 4,700 square foot outdoor terrace overlooking the Las Vegas Strip.

 Standout features include a signature omakase sushi bar, modern media and game rooms, gym and massage room, and an art gallery.
 7. Beverly Wilshire, Four Seasons – Beverly Hills, Calif. The Penthouse Suite at Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills is the largest hotel suite in Los Angeles. 


 Located on the private, 14th floor of the Beverly Wing, this three-bedroom, 5,000 square foot suite offers panoramic views from its spacious terrace.

 Visitors accustomed to Beverly Hills' high price tags won't wince at the $25,000 nightly rate.
 6. The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, W.V. The Greenbrier is one of the country's most famous destination resorts, nestled in the scenic foothills of West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains.The Greenbrier is renowned for its incredible Presidential Suite. The two-floor, seven-bedroom spread, which costs $25,000 a night, contains a library, grand piano, and private patio.5. The Plaza – New York, N.Y. A big name on an island full of big names, The Plaza throws its hat into the luxury ring with its opulent, three-bedroom Royal Plaza Suite ($30,000 a night)Overlooking Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain, the suite contains an assortment of rooms filled with gorgeous furnishings and touches inspired by the royal court of Louis XV. 


 
 4. Park Hyatt New York – New York, N.Y. A newcomer to the NYC hotel scene, the Park Hyatt impresses with its 2,239-square foot Presidential Suite.

For $30,000 (and up) per night, guests relax while surrounded by natural stone floors, museum-quality artwork, and panoramic views of 58th Street.3. The Setai – Miami, Fla. Situated on one of America’s most famous hotel streets – Miami Beach’s Collins Avenue – The Setai stands out thanks in part to its opulent oceanfront penthouse.At 10,000 square-feet, the jaw-dropping accommodations take up The Setai’s entire 40th floor, offering 360-degree city and beach views. The $32,000 a night spread include four bedrooms, gourmet kitchen, and large dining room, as well as a 3000 square foot rooftop tropical sanctuary.2. The Palms – Las Vegas, Nev. In a city full of high rollers, The Palms lures big-wigs off of the Strip thanks to its over-the-top offerings. At $35,000 a night on the weekends, the two-story sky villa comes in as Las Vegas’s most expensive option for an overnight stay.Highlights include a glass-enclosed cantilevered pool, private terraces, massage and fitness rooms ... And even a dry sauna. 

 
1. Four Seasons Hotel New York – New York, N.Y. While its regular rooms aren't too shabby, the Four Seasons has cemented its commitment to luxury by offering North America's most expensive hotel suite. 

Google invests $300 million in SolarCity fund

SAN FRANCISCO — Renewable energy is hot with technology giants.
Google (GOOG)  has invested nearly half the funding for SolarCity’s new $750 million fund to finance about 25,000 residential solar projects.
SolarCity (SCTY) will use the money to put solar panels on homes. Homeowners pay a monthly fee to lease the panels from the company.
Google’s $300 million stake is its largest single backing yet of renewable energy investments.
The fund is the largest ever created for residential solar systems, according to SolarCity.
Apple said earlier this month it’s spending $848 million on a First Solar (FSLR) farm to power its operations in California.
This is the second time Google has made an investment with SolarCity.
In 2011, Google set up a $280 million fund which is backed by Tesla Motors founder Elon Musk.
SolarCity shares were up slightly to $52.63. Google shares rose nearly 2% to $553.09.

If You're Reading This It's Too Late (2015) By Drake

On February 12, 2015, Drake dropped this surprise mixtape/album to follow up his short film “Jungle”, released earlier that day. It is a precursor to Drake’s fourth album Views From The 6, set to drop later in 2015.
This album features common collaborators Lil Wayne and PARTYNEXTDOOR, but also introduces a new face to the world of the 6 God: Travi$ Scott.
It was also released with a thank you note, hand written by Drake himself.

If Average Moviewatchers Picked The Oscars

On February 17, 2015, HitFix published an article that asked an important question: what would happen if you let the moviegoers pick Oscar winners instead of the Academy? I felt it would be more interesting to put the power in the hands of everyone who watched movies and came up with my own list.

 Hitfix recently ran an article titled “The People’s Ballot: If Average Moviegoers Picked The Oscars” which I enjoyed. It drew attention to the growing disconnect between moviegoers and the Academy, focusing especially on the rise in artistic merit of superhero movies, popularity of comedies, and impact of the box office, all of which I agreed were valid points. Where I disagreed was in their claim that basing their picks off of box office stats would "settle the sometimes hostile rift between audiences and critics".

Times have changed. Not only has technology and mass media made it so that those who attend the theater no longer represent the moviegoing public, it means that "average" is way more impressive than it used to be. There certainly was a point in time where any movie that couldn't afford an impressive marketing campaign complete with Happy Meal toys would get swept under the rug for the film nerds to uncover, but that's not the case in 2015. You don’t need to keep your nose to the grindstone to google “Whiplash”, see that it has a 95 on Rotten Tomatoes, and check it out On Demand when you have 2 hours to kill. So, in keeping up with the times, I'm going to focus on the average movie watcher instead. This includes those who still go to the movies, those who buy it later On Demand or on iTunes, those who stream it on their laptop, and those that bought a Jerry Seinfeld bootleg on the street; all that matters is that they watched.

Best Director - Wes Anderson (HitFix pick: Clint Eastwood)Anderson would win this category because he’s popular and acclaimed enough for people to feel he’s overdue for the award, but not so popular that it stops being the “cool” pick. Combine this with his many perceived snubs in this category, how easy it is to identify a “Wes Anderson movie”, and the fact that The Grand Budapest Hotel truly is a well-executed and highly entertaining movie and we have a winner.

 

 

Best Picture - Interstellar (HitFix pick: American Sniper)

Escapism is still highly popular amongst average movie fans, and Interstellar is the only one that took us to another world in more than one sense. Already ranked in the top 25 of IMDB’s 250 greatest movies of all time despite its panned reception in most published syndicates, Interstellar’s claim to this category is bolstered by the number of angry fans that pointed to this snub as an example of why the Academy is not to be taken seriously. Add in the cinematography that even the strongest Interstellar bashers were stunned by, a recognizable cast, and the Dark Knight snub, and Interstellar seems the most obvious option on the Peoples Ballet.

Best Actor - Bradley Cooper (HitFix pick: Chris Pratt)

 
Hitfix recently ran an article titled “The People’s Ballot: If Average Moviegoers Picked The Oscars” which I enjoyed. It drew attention to the growing disconnect between moviegoers and the Academy, focusing especially on the rise in artistic merit of superhero movies, popularity of comedies, and impact of the box office, all of which I agreed were valid points. Where I disagreed was in their claim that basing their picks off of box office stats would "settle the sometimes hostile rift between audiences and critics".
Times have changed. Not only has technology and mass media made it so that those who attend the theater no longer represent the moviegoing public, it means that "average" is way more impressive than it used to be. There certainly was a point in time where any movie that couldn't afford an impressive marketing campaign complete with Happy Meal toys would get swept under the rug for the film nerds to uncover, but that's not the case in 2015. You don’t need to keep your nose to the grindstone to google “Whiplash”, see that it has a 95 on Rotten Tomatoes, and check it out On Demand when you have 2 hours to kill. So, in keeping up with the times, I'm going to focus on the average movie watcher instead. This includes those who still go to the movies, those who buy it later On Demand or on iTunes, those who stream it on their laptop, and those that bought a Jerry Seinfeld bootleg on the street; all that matters is that they watched.

Best Director - Wes Anderson (HitFix pick: Clint Eastwood)

Anderson would win this category because he’s popular and acclaimed enough for people to feel he’s overdue for the award, but not so popular that it stops being the “cool” pick. Combine this with his many perceived snubs in this category, how easy it is to identify a “Wes Anderson movie”, and the fact that The Grand Budapest Hotel truly is a well-executed and highly entertaining movie and we have a winner.

Best Picture - Interstellar (HitFix pick: American Sniper)

Escapism is still highly popular amongst average movie fans, and Interstellar is the only one that took us to another world in more than one sense. Already ranked in the top 25 of IMDB’s 250 greatest movies of all time despite its panned reception in most published syndicates, Interstellar’s claim to this category is bolstered by the number of angry fans that pointed to this snub as an example of why the Academy is not to be taken seriously. Add in the cinematography that even the strongest Interstellar bashers were stunned by, a recognizable cast, and the Dark Knight snub, and Interstellar seems the most obvious option on the Peoples Ballet.

Best Actor - Bradley Cooper (HitFix pick: Chris Pratt)

While it really is impossible to ignore the statement American Sniper made at the box office, it’s equally impossible to ignore the ensuing controversy that made AS too divisive in the eyes of an average viewer to take home Best Director or Best Picture. But the performances can be separated from the politics even if the movie can’t, and almost no one would argue that Cooper wasn’t captivating as the sniper Chris Kyle. From his spot on Texas accent to the pounds of muscle he put on for the role, Cooper came the closest of any actor to “becoming” their character. This, and the fact audiences love actors that put effort into transitioning from comedy to drama, makes Cooper a safe choice.
 

Best Actress - Jennifer Lawrence

 This is the first category HitFix and I agree on, and it makes perfect sense. Jennifer Lawrence already has won a Best Actress Oscar and deserves to win more, so it stands to reason for people to expect her to win for her most prominent role. Lawrence is aided by the fact that outside of Rosamund Pike most of the Best Actress candidates acted in movies that most average fans actually did not see, so the cultural influence of The Hunger Games is enough to give her this category.

 

Best Supporting Actor - J.K. Simmons (HitFix pick: Dave Bautista)

This one was more difficult than the other categories considering most popular movies either had no viable options or had viable options drenched in make-up or covered up by CGI. This means that the two strongest options here are Edward Norton for Birdman or Simmons for Whiplash. What gives Simmons the edge, though, is that Norton's relatively limited screen time means that the audience has to be familiar with the meta elements involving an actor who is reportedly difficult to work with playing an actor who is difficult to work with to fully appreciate the performance. Simmons isn't a no-name, but you didn't have to know who he was to love Terence Fletcher. He was there from start to finish, dominated every scene, and was more important in making Whiplash what it was than many Best Actor candidates can even claim about their respective movies.

Best Supporting Actress - Emma Stone (HitFix pick: Jillian Bell)

Stone did so well opposite of veterans Edward Norton and Michael Keaton in Birdman that she actually has a decent chance at the real Supporting Actress Oscar. This means that her likability and strong past performances in fan favorites like Superbad and Easy A is more than enough to catapult her over the rest of the field -- especially considering Meryl Streep’s award wins/nominations are becoming a punchline more than anything.

Best Animated, Original Song - The LEGO Movie

This one doesn’t require as much explanation, as The LEGO Movie was considered by many to be the Academy’s biggest snub despite Best Animated Feature being a less prominent category, and “Everything Is Awesome” was both clever and infectious.

Best Costume Design, Makeup - Guardians of the Galaxy (HitFix pick: Maleficent)

Maleficent was a good choice, but if we’re really basing this list off of popular opinion, Guardians of the Galaxy would likely win simply on the virtue of being seen and loved by many more people.

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Obviously neither of these lists are going to be perfect, as no one person can encapsulate the entire world’s preferences in one list. But I felt that the previous list unintentionally diminished the power of the people by focusing on the minority that still consistently go to the theater rather than the multitudes of non-critics that are watching more movies than ever before. And even if I’m wrong and misjudged or overestimated taste more than the previous list underestimated them, I’d still like to offer this up and get people talking about our exposure to media in the 21st century and how it relates to the notorious Academy.

-Nick Ferguson