The New Tallest Hotel in the World Just Opened — See Inside

Alex Honnold may have a new building to climb soon. In January 2026, live on Netflix, the singular rock climber free soloed the 1,667-foot Taipei 101 skyscraper, which reigned as the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010. But now there’s a new record-smashing skyscraper in town. Sure, Ciel Dubai Marina doesn’t scrape the sky to the same extent as Taipei 101, but it does climb to a staggering 1,237 feet — making it the new tallest hotel in the world, according to Guinness World Records. Here are all the details, along with a few other lofty hotels where you can wake up above the clouds.

Higher and Higher

Developed by the First Group, the 82-story Ciel Dubai Marina opened its doors in December 2025 and fittingly takes its name from the French word for “sky” or “heaven.” Just up the road is the 2,720-foot-tall Burj Khalifa, the current world record holder for tallest building (hotel or otherwise) — though it may not hold onto that title for long. 

“We knew we wanted to build something spectacular,” Rob Burns, CEO of the First Group, told CNN as part of the grand opening of the Ciel Dubai Marina, “but we certainly didn’t plan on building the tallest hotel in the world.” It wasn’t until blueprints developed and plans changed that it became clear they would be overtaking the four-star Gevora Hotel (1,169 feet), also in Dubai. In fact, seven of the world’s 10 tallest hotels dot the Arabian city’s ultramodern skyline. Here are the rest of the top 10 tallest hotels in the world, as of early 2026:

• 1. Ciel Dubai Marina (Dubai, UAE): 1,237 feet
• 2. Gevora Hotel (Dubai, UAE): 1,169 feet
• 3. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai (Dubai, UAE): 1,165 feet 
• 4. Shimao International Plaza (Shanghai, China): 1,093 feet
• 5. Rose Rayhaan by Rotana (Dubai, UAE): 1,093 feet
• 6. Burj Al Arab (Dubai, UAE): 1,053 feet
• 7. Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel (Dubai, UAE): 1,014 feet
• 8. Baiyoke Tower II (Bangkok, Thailand): 1,014 feet
• 9. Wuxi Maoye City – Marriott Hotel (Wuxi, China): 997 feet
• 10. The Tower Plaza (Dubai, UAE): 995 feet

Over-the-Top Amenities

Though not quite as extravagant as its stature might suggest, especially when compared to some of Dubai’s other high-end lodging, the Ciel still has much to offer in the way of amenities. It has 857 rooms, including 147 suites, spread across 82 floors, as well as a unique architectural feature known as the eye of the needle in its center. The opening is there not just for aesthetics — or even for skydivers to fly through — but rather to protect the building’s structural integrity when wind speeds are high. 

Additionally, there are eight different dining options, the world’s tallest infinity pool, a wellness spa, 24-hour fitness center, kids’ area, and atriums. Some of the restaurants carry fanciful names like House of Dragon (on the 74th floor), House of Koi (76th), and House of Phoenix (81st), and there are two other pools in addition to the headline-grabber. Interested in booking a room? Be forewarned that prices are roughly commensurate with the Ciel’s height, but the experience of staying in the world’s tallest hotel — for now — promises to be memorable. 

Featured image credit: Courtesy of Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection