Every late summer, the borough of Queens trades its usual rhythm for the unmistakable thrum of tennis greatness. The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, draws thousands of fans from around the world to Flushing Meadows, and this year’s tournament runs from August 23 to September 13. It’s a three-week festival of blistering serves, desperate lunges, triumphant fist pumps, and heartbreaking losses, with 256 of the sport’s finest players competing under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka return to defend their crowns, joined by mainstays like Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, and Iga Świątek. But while the on-court drama is the main attraction, there’s a parallel competition happening off the court: a battle to see which luxury hotel can offer the most outrageously opulent way to experience the tournament. This year, that contest is especially heated, thanks to an ongoing $800 million renovation of Arthur Ashe Stadium that promises to transform the fan experience with eight new clubs, several bunker lounges, and 2,000 additional courtside seats. For the first time in the stadium’s 25-year history, luxury hospitality suites will sit directly inside the bowl, meaning even the most pampered spectators won’t miss a single point. For most of us, attending the Open means riding the crowded 7 train, sweating through a security line, and paying $20 for a cocktail topped with a honeydew melon ball. But for a certain tier of tennis fan, the subway is never part of the equation. Instead, they’re booking private car services, penthouse suites, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that range from a private lesson with a tennis legend to a diamond bracelet that costs more than most people’s homes. The options are as extravagant as they are imaginative, and they prove that the US Open is no longer just a sporting event—it’s a playground for the ultra-wealthy.
At the very top of the luxury ladder sits The Mark Hotel’s Grand Slam Extravaganza, a package that costs a cool $500,000 and promises an experience so decadent it almost feels like a fever dream. For that astronomical price, up to six guests will enjoy a four-night stay in The Mark Penthouse, which holds the title of the largest hotel penthouse suite in the United States. The suite alone would be enough to make anyone feel like royalty, but the package goes far beyond mere accommodations. It includes six premium tickets to both the Men’s Semifinals and the Men’s Final, putting you and your entourage in the heart of the action for the most anticipated matches of the tournament. And then there’s the private tennis lesson with none other than John McEnroe, the legendary hothead whose on-court explosions and genius-level shot-making made him one of the most iconic figures in tennis history. Imagine being on a pristine court with McEnroe, trying to absorb decades of wisdom while he half-heartedly critiques your backhand—it’s the kind of memory money can’t buy, unless you have half a million dollars lying around. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. Guests also get a private sail aboard The Mark’s 70-foot Herreshoff sailboat, complete with caviar service and bespoke menus crafted by The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges and Caviar Kaspia. A private chauffeur is on hand throughout the stay, whisking you between the hotel, the stadium, and any other destination your whims dictate. It’s a level of service that makes even the most seasoned luxury traveler feel like a VIP among VIPs, and it perfectly captures the spirit of the US Open’s new era—where the action on the court is matched by the spectacle of extravagance off of it.
If half a million dollars feels slightly excessive, perhaps the Lotte New York Palace’s Game, Set, Sparkle Package is more your speed—at a mere $100,000. This high-falutin’ experience is designed for guests who want to celebrate New York’s biggest tennis week with a serious dose of glitter. The package includes a two-night stay in the 5,000-square-foot art deco-inspired Jewel Suite, which can accommodate up to four guests and offers a level of old-world glamour that feels straight out of a classic Hollywood film. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with champagne and canapés on the suite’s expansive terrace, where the city skyline serves as a stunning backdrop. But the real showstopper is the $62,000 12-carat diamond tennis bracelet designed by renowned jeweler Martin Katz. Yes, you read that correctly—a literal tennis bracelet, because nothing says “I love this sport” like a piece of jewelry that costs more than a luxury car. The package also includes four tickets to the exclusive Palace Invitational, ensuring you get your tennis fix in an intimate, upscale setting. And as if the bracelet weren’t enough, guests will enjoy a 30-minute in-suite consultation with Katz himself, giving you the chance to chat with a master jeweler while admiring the sparkle on your wrist. David Shenman, the hotel’s Director of Sales & Marketing, summed it up perfectly: “We want every guest to leave feeling like they’ve experienced something that could only happen at the Palace—where world-class hospitality, iconic New York moments, and a touch of sparkle come together in a truly memorable stay.” It’s a package for people who believe that tennis and diamonds are a natural pairing, and honestly, after seeing the Honey Deuce’s melon ball bobbing in a cocktail, it’s hard to argue.
For those who want luxury with a bit more sporty energy, the Ritz-Carlton NoMad’s Ace the City Package offers a $29,000 experience that blends high-end comfort with actual tennis immersion. The package includes a two-night stay in one of the hotel’s stunning Penthouse Residences, where you can stretch out and recharge after a long day of spectating. A highlight is the in-suite Honey Deuce cocktail class, where you’ll learn to craft the viral US Open signature drink—Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, raspberry liqueur, and a honeydew melon ball that mimics a tennis ball. It’s a fun, hands-on way to get into the tournament spirit without leaving your room. You’ll also enjoy dinner for two at Dahlias Garden and Terrace, followed by a muscle recovery massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, perfect for soothing legs that have been walking around the grounds all day. While the package doesn’t include US Open tickets, it does provide a private round-trip transfer to Flushing Meadows, so you won’t have to worry about navigating public transportation. The hotel has also partnered with the Hudson River Tennis Club, an exclusive members-only facility that bills itself as “the only indoor tennis club south of 42nd Street.” Guests can choose between a private tennis lesson with former professional Noah Rubin or a semi-private clinic, with round-trip transportation between the hotel and the club included. And of course, no $29,000 package would be complete without some branded swag: guests receive caps, tennis balls, a vintage racquet, and a full tennis-inspired look curated by Malbon. It’s a package that understands tennis fans don’t just want to watch the sport—they want to play it, wear it, and live it, all while enjoying the impeccable service of a Ritz-Carlton property.
If you’re looking for a slightly more accessible yet still wildly luxurious option, the InterContinental New York Barclay offers its Barclay Ace Experience for $7,500. As an official sponsor of the US Open, the hotel knows how to do things right. The package includes a stay in the 1,500-square-foot Lexington Suite, which boasts heated marble floors and jaw-dropping views of the Chrysler Building—a quintessential New York backdrop that makes every moment feel cinematic. You’ll also receive two US Open grounds passes for a September 5 match, along with private round-trip transportation to and from the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. It’s a streamlined, elegant offering that focuses on the essentials: a beautiful suite, direct access to the tournament, and no logistical headaches. The hotel describes it as “our most exclusive US Open offering, thoughtfully curated for a single purchaser seeking an unforgettable way to experience one of New York’s most iconic sporting events.” That single-purchaser detail suggests a certain romance—perhaps a tennis-loving couple celebrating an anniversary, or a superfan who wants to treat themselves to a weekend of pure indulgence. Meanwhile, the St. Regis Hotel takes a different approach with its Tennis Butler experience, an add-on available to any guest for $250 per day on top of the room rate. Standard rooms during early September average around $2,200 per night, so this is clearly aimed at travelers who already appreciate the finer things. Created in partnership with Wilson, the Tennis Butler is there to anticipate every tennis fan’s need: complimentary overnight racquet re-gripping or re-stringing, tennis shoe cleaning, professionally steamed match-day apparel, and an in-room assortment of Wilson tennis balls, sunscreen, electrolytes, and energy bites. It’s like having a personal equipment manager for your trip, and it elevates the hotel stay into something truly special. Virginia Weik, the hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing, notes that demand for accommodation during the US Open now rivals Fashion Week, and that the service was inspired by a rise in tennis-specific requests from guests. The St. Regis has historically been the hotel of choice for tennis royalty like Serena and Venus Williams and Aryna Sabalenka, so you might even spot a familiar face in the lobby. To celebrate such a fated meeting, guests can book a private sabrage masterclass—the fine art of opening a champagne bottle with a saber—because nothing says victory like a dramatically decapitated bottle of bubbly.
Finally, for those who want courtside seats without necessarily committing to a week-long luxury stay, The Beverly at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York offers its Penthouse Courtside Experience for $4,700. This package includes a one-night stay in the penthouse, which is already a treat in itself, but the real draw is what comes with it: two courtside tickets to Arthur Ashe Stadium for an evening match on September 6. These are the kind of seats that put you so close to the action you can hear the players grunting and feel the breeze from their serves. The package also includes a personalized video greeting from a professional tennis player, signed memorabilia, a US Open swag bag, breakfast for two, and a pair of Honey Deuce cocktails—the viral libations made with Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur, topped with a honeydew melon ball that pays playful homage to the tennis balls bouncing on the court. It’s a delightful, Instagram-worthy touch that ties the whole experience together. For tennis fans who want to feel like VIPs for a night without emptying their entire bank account, this is arguably the best value on the list. From the $500,000 Grand Slam Extravaganza at The Mark to the $250 Tennis Butler at the St. Regis, this year’s US Open offers a dizzying array of luxury experiences for every level of wealth. But no matter how much you spend, the heart of the tournament remains the same: the thrill of watching the world’s best athletes push themselves to the limit on the hard courts of Queens. Whether you’re sipping champagne in a penthouse suite or clutching a Honey Deuce in the nosebleeds, the magic of the US Open is undeniable—and this year, with its dazzling new renovations and jaw-dropping hospitality packages, it’s more spectacular than ever.
