Experience the Life of Luxury (and a Little Bit of LARPing) at These Amazing Castle Hotels
Castle hotels offer a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers who want to step back in time and immerse themselves in luxury. From medieval European castles to baronial estates in Scotland, these historic properties have been transformed into luxurious castle hotels with stunning accommodations, complete with modern amenities and world-class service.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a one-of-a-kind wedding venue, these castle hotels with overnight rooms offer a range of unique experiences that will leave a lasting impression.
This list will explore some of the most incredible castle hotels worldwide and why they are so awesome.
- Ashford Castle: – Located in County Mayo, Ireland, this 13th-century castle has been converted into a luxurious hotel with 83 guest rooms and suites. The castle boasts a range of amenities, including a spa, golf course, and multiple dining options. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, horseback riding, and falconry.
- Dromoland Castle: – This 16th-century castle in County Clare, Ireland, has been transformed into a luxury hotel with 97 guest rooms and suites. The castle features a range of activities, including golf, falconry, horseback riding, and archery. Visitors can also enjoy the castle’s award-winning restaurant and spa.
- Bovey Castle: – This 20th-century castle is in Devon, England, and features 60 rooms and suites, a golf course, a spa, and outdoor activities like archery and clay pigeon shooting. The castle also offers a unique experience for visitors with its “Falconry Experience,” which allows guests to get up close and personal with birds of prey.
- Chateau de Bagnols: – This medieval castle in France has been transformed into a luxury hotel with 27 guest rooms and suites. The castle is located in the heart of the Beaujolais wine region and features a Michelin-starred restaurant, spa, and outdoor pool. Guests can also enjoy wine tastings and tours of the surrounding vineyards.
- Schlosshotel Kronberg: – Located just outside Frankfurt, Germany, this 19th-century castle has been converted into a hotel with 62 guest rooms and suites. The castle features a range of amenities, including a golf course, spa, and indoor pool. Visitors can also explore the castle’s museum, which showcases the history and art of the castle’s former owner, Victoria Empress Friedrich.
- Neuschwanstein Castle: – Located in Bavaria, Germany, this 19th-century castle was built by King Ludwig II and inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. The castle offers guided tours during the day, but visitors can also stay overnight in one of the castle’s exclusive suites, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Castello di Vicarello: – This 12th-century castle in Tuscany, Italy, has been transformed into a boutique hotel with seven guest rooms. Vineyards and olive groves surround the castle, and visitors can enjoy cooking classes, wine tastings, and other culinary experiences.
- Warwick Castle: – This medieval castle in Warwickshire, England, offers a range of overnight accommodations, from glamping tents to luxury lodges. Visitors can explore the castle’s history and participate in medieval-themed activities like jousting and archery.
- Chateau de la Treyne: – Located in the Dordogne region of France, this 14th-century castle has been transformed into a luxurious hotel with 17 guest rooms and suites. The castle offers stunning views of the countryside and is surrounded by lush gardens and a moat.
- Lough Eske Castle: – This 17th-century castle in County Donegal, Ireland, has been converted into a luxurious hotel with 95 guest rooms and suites. The castle is located on the shores of Lough Eske and offers a range of outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
- Craigievar Castle: – This Scottish baronial castle is located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and dates back to the 17th century. Visitors can stay in one of the castle’s three guest rooms, decorated with antique furnishings and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Chateau de Mercues: – This 13th-century castle in Cahors, France, transformed into a luxury hotel with 30 guest rooms and suites. The castle offers a range of amenities, including a gourmet restaurant, wine cellar, and outdoor pool. Visitors can also explore the castle’s surrounding vineyards and participate in wine tastings.
- Kinnitty Castle: – Located in County Offaly, Ireland, this Gothic revival castle dates back to the 13th century and offers 37 guest rooms and suites. Visitors can explore the castle’s history and participate in outdoor activities like falconry and horseback riding.
- Castello di Petroia: – This medieval castle in Umbria, Italy, has been converted into a boutique hotel with 19 guest rooms and suites. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and features a range of amenities, including a restaurant, pool, and spa.
- Castillo de Monda: – This 9th-century castle in Andalusia, Spain, has been transformed into a luxury hotel with 26 guest rooms and suites. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and features a range of amenities, including a restaurant, pool, and spa.
Did you know?
Castle hotels around Europe are rumoured to be haunted! For example, Chillingham Castle in Northumberland, England, now one of the most beautiful of castle hotels, is said to be one of the most haunted castles in Britain, with reports of ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and even a “torture chamber.”
Similarly, Castle Stuart in Scotland is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who fell to her death from the castle’s tower.
Of course, these are just rumors and legends, but they add to the mystique and charm of these historic castle hotels.
A little history:
Castle stays have a history dating back centuries. In medieval times, castles were often used as fortifications and defensive structures during the war. As peace became more prevalent and the nobility began to live more lavish lifestyles, castles became symbols of wealth and power.
Many castles were expanded and refurbished during this time to include more luxurious features, such as grand halls, intricate gardens, and ornate furnishings.
Many castles fell into disrepair in the 1800-1900s or were abandoned altogether. However, there has been a renewed interest in preserving these historic properties in recent years, and many have been restored and converted into luxury castle hotels.
Castle hotels are a popular option for travelers who want to experience a taste of history and luxury. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a one-of-a-kind wedding venue, castle hotels offer a range of unique experiences that will leave a lasting impression.
