There are two schools of thought when it comes to hotel rooms. Some believe the size and appointment matter not one jot, because they intend to spend as little time in them as possible. A second group feels that the room should be a destination in its own right, the perfect overture to any holiday. I throw my cap firmly into the ring with the latter.

To my mind, a trip can suffer irreparable damage from those first few moments you are shown into your sleeping quarters and realise you have a view of the airshaft, a chorus of grumbles from the lift shaft, a mean bathroom or even twin beds. That's when you find yourself trying to make the best of it or calling the front desk and demanding to be moved. Not an auspicious beginning.

Of course, those who insist on the finest room in the house rarely find themselves in that position. A suite is still seen as a terrible extravagance (as indeed it is sometimes — the new Four Seasons New York Penthouse opening later this year will cost $19,000 a night), but there is something about having the very best on offer that lifts the spirits even while it depresses the bank balance.

Nothing beats the combination of a great view, lovely bed, decadent bathroom (if it isn't better than your one at home, then move) and excellent facilities — from state-of-the art hi-fis and plasma TVs to Jacuzzis in turrets (see the Palace hotel, Gstaad). Here are 13 of the rich list's favourite bed and breakfasts, or boltholes, designed to make you smile the moment you step over the threshold.

1. Hotel Cipriani, Venice
£4,480 per night

Bellinis on arrival set the standard for the palatial Palladio suite, which overlooks the Grand Canal. Our Cipriani guinea pig, Terry Venables, wanted to sign up Vecchio Palazzo until he realised it just meant Old Palace. The former England manager found his surroundings so comfortable and romantic — with private terrace and swimming pool — that he felt it hard to budge. The church of Santa Maria della Salute? Piazza San Marco? Harry's Bar? They'll have to wait.

Who: Donatella Versace, Johnny Depp, Salma Hayek.

Palladio suite from £4,480 per night. Standard rooms from £1,995 for seven nights, based on two sharing, including British Midland flights from Heathrow. Elegant Resorts European. Tel: 01244 897777; www.elegantresorts.co.uk

2. Hôtel de Crillon, Paris
£4,980 per night

Had you been here in autumn 1793, you would have had a ringside view of Marie Antoinette's execution. Louis XVI and his queen lost their heads in the Place de la Concorde, which the Crillon overlooks. The Bernstein suite, named after the composer of West Side Story, has the best view in Paris, while inside it's all Taittinger champagne and marble bathrooms. Bernstein stayed here working on scores in the day, then giving louche parties. A night here will make you feel you're in your own Eric Rohmer film. A perfect excuse for more louche behaviour.

Who: Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Harrison Ford.

Bernstein suite from £4,980 per night. Tel: 00 33 14471 1500; www.crillon.com

3. La Residencia, Majorca
£1,338 per night