Las Vegas, Nevada
(4,008 rooms)
When it was built in 1990, Excalibur was the largest hotel in the world by room count. In the 15 years since, it has dropped down the list to #10. Built as part of the "themed resort" trend that was popular in Las Vegas during the 90s, the hotel has recently been renovated to have a more contemporary and understated interior, somewhat surprising considering the outlandish King Arthur theme of its exterior.
Pattaya, Thailand
(4,219 rooms)
The Ambassador City Jomtien is the world's largest beachside hotel, occupying nearly 40 acres just south of the international resort town of Pattaya, Thailand. The hotel has 9 restaurants and bars as well as one of the largest pools in Asia.
(image via Ambassador City Jomtien)
Las Vegas, Nevada
(4,408 rooms)
The most recognizable hotel on the Las Vegas Strip is also one of the largest. When it was built, the Luxor's pyramid was the tallest structure along the Strip. The ancient world theme doesn't stop there, however. There are also two additional hotel towers on the property built to resemble stepped ziggurats.
Las Vegas, Nevada
(4,426 rooms)
As is common with many Las Vegas resorts, there may be multiple hotel "brands" on a single property; however, they are operated as a single unit. Within Mandalay Bay's main tower, the Four Seasons occupies floors 35 through 39. A sister tower across the property houses the newly renovated Delano Las Vegas, where every room is a suite.
Las Vegas, Nevada
(4,750 rooms)
The Wynn, along with its sister tower of all-suites called Encore, is consistently named as one of the best hotels in the world every year since it opened in 2005. It also includes one of the few Michelin-starred restaurants in the United States. The Wynn also features the only golf course on the Las Vegas Strip.
Moscow, Russia
(5,000 rooms)
Built for the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, Izmailovo Hotel was, again, the largest in the world upon completion. However, it was surpassed only a decade later. Four separate towers were built on the former home of the Royal Estate, frequented by Tsar Alexei and his son Peter the Great.
Orlando, Florida
(5,524 rooms)
Disney's All-Star Resorts are a trio of buildings on the southern end of the Walt Disney World Resort property. Closest to Animal Kingdom, the three hotels are decorated according to separate themes: movies, music, and sports...all Disney-related, of course.
(image via Greg Goebel, CC)
Genting Highlands, Malaysia
(6,118 rooms)
This hotel only held the world's top spot for 16 days before it was overtaken by the current #1. First World is currently adding more rooms to its offerings with Tower 2 Annex expected to be completed in 2016. The hotel complex will also soon be home to a 20th Century Fox World theme park.
Las Vegas, Nevada
(6,852 rooms)
The MGM Grand is the largest resort complex in the U.S., but only the second largest hotel by number of rooms offered. The hotel is notable for its statue of Leo the MGM lion at its entrance, the largest bronze statue in the country, as well as the second-largest sports betting area on the Strip.
Las Vegas, Nevada
(7,117 rooms)
Also operated as a single hotel, the Venetian and the Palazzo takes its inspiration from the Italian city of Venice and even features gondola rides along an indoor/outdoor canal. The Palazzo alone has the greatest amount of floor space of any building in the U.S., and it is also the tallest building in the state of Nevada.
