Uncover the ultimate regal experience with our guide to ten enchanting castles across the globe that have been transformed into luxurious hotels, blending historical grandeur with modern elegance.
Staying in a castle hotel is like stepping back in time but with all the modern comforts.
These grand residences of royalty and nobility have been transformed into luxurious accommodations, offering guests a taste of life in a bygone era.
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Here are ten of the most stunning castles around the world that you can actually stay in, each offering a unique blend of history, luxury, and breathtaking scenery.
1. Ashford Castle, Ireland
Nestled in the lush Mayo countryside, Ashford Castle’s history stretches back to 1228. Once the estate of the Guinness family, it has been expertly restored and converted into a five-star luxury hotel.
With its grand stone façade and 350 acres of woodland, Ashford Castle offers activities such as falconry, horse riding, and river cruising, making it a perfect blend of historical opulence and outdoor adventure.
2. Château de Bagnols, France
Located in the heart of Beaujolais, Château de Bagnols is one of the finest vineyard châteaux in France.
The castle, dating back to the 13th century, features meticulously restored medieval architecture, complete with moats and ramparts.
Guests can enjoy modern French cuisine in the historic dining room overlooking the vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see.
3. Castello di Casole, Italy
This restored Italian castle in Tuscany dates back to the 10th century.
Castello di Casole includes a mix of farmhouse-style rooms and suites spread over 4,200 acres.
The estate offers a serene blend of Italian countryside elegance, with activities such as truffle hunting, wine tasting, and spa treatments that utilize local ingredients like olive oil and rosemary.
4. Schlosshotel Kronberg, Germany
Built in 1893 by Empress Victoria, Schlosshotel Kronberg lies in the heart of the German Taunus region.
This castle not only offers luxurious rooms but also provides a glimpse into the life of European aristocracy with its original furnishings, opulent décor, and family portraits lining the walls. The hotel also boasts a championship golf course on the premises.
5. Dalhousie Castle, Scotland
Just a few miles from Edinburgh, Dalhousie Castle is Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle, dating back to the 13th century.
Now a luxury hotel, it offers themed rooms with four-poster beds and stone walls, alongside a modern spa housed in the ancient dungeons.
Guests can indulge in Scottish traditions such as falconry and archery within the castle grounds.
6. Parador de Alarcón, Spain
Perched high on a rock in the Castilla-La Mancha region, the Parador de Alarcón takes guests back to the 8th century.
This fortress has been transformed into a boutique hotel, featuring eight luxuriously appointed rooms decorated with medieval artifacts and tapestries.
Its remote location makes it an ideal retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.
7. Castle Hotel & Spa, USA
Located in Tarrytown, New York, this Gothic Revival castle was built in 1910 and overlooks the Hudson River.
The Castle Hotel & Spa combines old-world charm with new-world luxury, including a renowned spa and fine dining restaurant.
The lush gardens and spectacular river views make it a popular choice for weddings and romantic getaways.
8. Lough Eske Castle, Ireland
In the northwest of Ireland lies Lough Eske Castle, a restored 17th-century castle surrounded by dense woodlands and the blue waters of Lough Eske.
Today, the castle is a five-star hotel known for its award-winning spa and dining experience, offering a tranquil retreat from the modern world while maintaining its historic charm.
9. Cliveden House, England
Cliveden House, set in the Berkshire countryside, has played host to royalty, politicians, and celebrities.
Built in 1666 and famously associated with the Profumo affair in the 1960s, it is now a luxury hotel with rooms that reflect its storied past, complemented by modern British gastronomy and a spa tucked away in its beautiful gardens.
10. Hotel de la Cité, France
Enclosed within the medieval fortress walls of Carcassonne, Hotel de la Cité stands as a monument to the Middle Ages.
This castle hotel offers guests a unique experience with its blend of gothic architecture and contemporary comfort, stunning views of the fortress’s turrets and ramparts, and a Michelin-starred restaurant that showcases the best of French cuisine.
These castle hotels offer a travel experience that goes beyond mere accommodation. They allow guests to live out a fairytale fantasy, surrounded by the trappings of modern luxury while nestled in the remnants of medieval grandeur.
Whether it’s the rolling vineyards of France, the rustic countryside of Tuscany, or the historic estates of Ireland and Scotland, each castle promises a stay that’s as enchanting as it is unforgettable.
