13 Best Castle Hotels In The World

Staying in an incredible lodge could make you are feeling crucial. But staying in a fortress lodge can make you feel like a royal!

Many castles which have stood for hundreds of years and as soon as housed the VIPs of their eras now function luxurious motels, full with room service, spas, and extra. The greatest ones preserve their wealthy historical past and heritage, combining antiquity with fashionable comforts and facilities. Why keep in an ordinary hotel when your lodging could be such an fascinating vacation spot itself?

As you may think, Europe is the place you’ll discover most of those fascinating properties, due to its abundance of medieval castles and historic manors from centuries previous. However, there are fortress motels around the globe – and we’ve put collectively an inventory of a number of the greatest.

Read on to see a number of the historic castles throughout the globe that now welcome in a single day visitors. We’re additionally together with a number of the nice issues to do round every of them. Enjoy the journey, your Majesty!

The World’s Best Castle Hotels

1. Thornbury Castle Hotel & Restaurant

Address: Castle St, Thornbury, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS35 1HH, England, United Kingdom

Thornbury Castle is one among England’s most historic and interesting lodging. The property has British aristocratic historical past way back to the 12 months 1088, however the precise fortress dates to the early 1500s, when it was constructed by Edward Stafford, third Duke of Buckingham. Shortly after building, he was beheaded for treason for plotting to overthrow King Henry VIII, who took possession of the fortress.

The king and his queen on the time, Anne Boleyn, wandered the very fortress grounds that abnormal visitors can keep in in the present day. This wealthy historical past is maintained within the lodge’s vintage furnishings, like four-poster beds and heavy wood doorways. Traditional afternoon tea with finger sandwiches is served within the award-winning fine dining restaurant, and the attractive grounds and personal gardens are meticulously maintained.

The employees can organize countryside actions like clay capturing, archery, croquet, and falconry for visitors. The fortress’s location simply outdoors Bristol and close to the border with South Wales additionally makes for simple entry to sights like Aerospace Bristol, Stonehenge, and beautiful nature hikes.

See Related: Beautiful Villages in England to Visit

2. Dromoland Castle & Hotel

Address: Dromoland, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare, V95 ATD3, Ireland

The Emerald Isle has its justifiable share of centuries-old castles, too, just like the Dromoland Castle & Hotel in County Clare. This medieval fortress lodge is the ancestral residence of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage could be traced again to one of many final High Kings of Ireland and who’ve been welcoming visitors to their 500-acre property because the sixteenth Century.

In the Sixties, the whole fortress was remodeled right into a luxurious escape whereas rigorously preserving its heritage. Guest rooms have been constructed with lavish interiors and fashionable comforts, a spa was added with an indoor pool, and prestigious govt cooks crafted eating menus. While all rooms are of remarkable high quality, the highest suites have touches like four-poster beds and ornate décor that appears like an Irish royal personally picked them out.

The lodge has a wonderful golf course and actions like clay capturing on-site, however that is the proper location to discover western Ireland from. The beautiful views of the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry are on this aspect of the island.

See Related: Ireland’s Best Coastal Towns to Visit

3. Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Address: Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SN, Scotland, United Kingdom

Tucked within the hills of the Scottish Highlands is the Inverlochy Castle Hotel, which is comparatively younger by European requirements – it was initially in-built 1863! Still, this fortress lodge is steeped in historical past, as Queen Victoria stayed right here for per week in 1873 to do some portray and drawing. She wrote that she “by no means noticed a lovelier or extra romantic spot.”

Therefore, this fortress has develop into an area favourite for romantic breaks within the lovely countryside of Scotland. There are simply 17 visitor rooms, every distinctive, with traditional furnishings, similar to claw-foot bathtubs or canopied beds. Seasgair Restaurant’s tasting menu is very acclaimed, and gents must be conscious {that a} jacket is required.

Outdoor actions are aplenty at this small luxurious lodge. Fishing on the locks, mountaineering or horseback using by the Highlands, and even climbing on Ben Nevis are inside minutes of the property. Plus, the mysterious (and exquisite) Loch Ness is lower than an hour away by automobile – take a sightseeing cruise and see in case you can spot a monster.

See Related: Visiting Scotland’s Iconic Eilean Donan Castle

4. Ashford Castle

Address: Ashford Castle Dr, Leaf Island, Cong, Co. Mayo, Ireland

The 350-acre property that hosts Ashford Castle simply is likely to be located on probably the most lovely spots in County Mayo, alongside a quiet financial institution of Lough Corrib and amongst infinite greenery. Besides its spectacular view, this 800-year-old fortress has hosted royalty and presidents, together with King George V and Ronald Regan.

It has modified palms over the centuries, together with possession by the distinguished Guinness household within the 1800s earlier than its conversion to a lodge within the 1900s. Since then, it has constantly progressed in its status, profitable awards as among the finest motels in Ireland and all of Europe lately. Amenities embody a shocking indoor pool and spa, a luxurious cinema, and even a falconry college.

While the latter exercise is very really helpful, different methods to fill your time at this fortress embody taking part in on the beautiful golf course and cruising on Lough Corrib. The lake produces some wonderful brown trout – guided fly fishing tours can be found.

See Related: Best Cheap Castle Hotels in Ireland

5. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl

Address: Schloss-Straße 4, 5322 Hof bei Salzburg, Austria

In my opinion, Schloss Fuschl is without doubt one of the best castle hotels in Europe, and I’ve visited every time I’ve gotten for the final a number of years. This luxurious lodge is in the Austrian Alps, simply 20 minutes from Salzburg, on the banks of the insanely blue waters of Lake Fuschl.

You may really feel like a von Trapp staying at this place (though the true von Trapps dwell in Stowe, Vermont), and know that you are well and truly in Sound of Music country. So lean into it and book a spot on one of the many Sound of Music tours and see a number of the most lovely websites within the Salzburg space. For additional royal therapy, be sure you additionally cease by the big Hohensalzburg Fortress and attend a Mozart concert and fancy dinner!

Anyway, again to Schloss Fuschl. The fortress was constructed across the 12 months 1450 by Austrian aristocrats who used it as a searching lodge, present process main repairs and restorations to develop into a lodge within the Nineteen Fifties.

My most up-to-date keep was in a tower room within the precise fortress, which gives panoramic views of the lake and a visit again in time; there are rooms in a more moderen constructing and lakeside cabins as effectively. The spa, pool, and lakeside sundeck are pure tranquility.

While this resort was most not too long ago a Luxury Collection property, it’s at present closed for renovations and is to be reopened as a Rosewood Hotel. You can monitor the lodge web site for up to date opening dates, however for now, I like to recommend staying on the Arabella Jaghdof Resort simply up the hill. It’s additionally a really romantic lodge the place you’ll get a personal balcony to benefit from the lake views, and the restaurant and indoor pool are additionally wonderful.

See Related: Best Castle Hotels in Austria

6. Amberley Castle

Address: Church St, Amberley, Arundel BN18 9LT, England, United Kingdom

If you’re searching for fortress hotels near London, Amberley Castle is simply over 2 hours south of town and fewer than an hour from Gatwick Airport. The fortress originated as a searching lodge for bishops through the twelfth Century, rising in dimension and fortification as a manor home and altering palms over the eras till being transformed to a lodge only recently in 1989.

There are simply 19 visitor rooms in Amberley Castle, making for an intimate environment that by no means feels crowded. Activities on-site embody an 18-hole placing course, croquet, tennis, and 12 acres of walled gardens to discover. The restaurant’s eating rooms are over 900 years outdated and keep their antiquity.

Outside the resort, guests can discover the quaint English village of Amberley or go additional into the countryside of West Sussex. South Downs National Park and the beautiful white cliffs of Seven Sisters are inside simple attain.

See Related: How to Take a Day Trip from London to Stonehenge

7. Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort, an Autograph Collection Hotel

Address: Via della Grotta Giusti, 1411, 51015 Monsummano Terme PT, Italy

My spouse and I found this castle hotel in Italy a number of years in the past on a visit for our first anniversary, and we are able to’t cease returning. Grotta Giusti is a nineteenth Century property that belonged to Italian poet Giuseppe Giusti, situated in the Tuscan hills between Florence and Pisa.

In the mid-1800s, laborers broke by rock and found an enormous cave community flooded with heat thermal water. The steam appeared to have therapeutic properties, and folks flocked from throughout to bask within the heat water and air looking for wellness. Mr. Giusti had therapy rooms constructed whereas preserving the pure phenomenon and, ultimately, a wellness lodge.

Today, there are a number of swimming swimming pools fed by the toasty thermal water year-round, in addition to spa services within the precise cave. My favourite half is definitely scuba diving by the community – no wetsuit wanted, as that is like soaking in a scorching tub, and the visibility revealed by your flashlight is unreal. If you’re within the space however don’t wish to keep the evening, day passes could be bought to the thermal sights.

See Related: Best Tours in Italy: Food, Walking & Bike Tours

8. Langley Castle Hotel

Address: Langley Castle Hotel, Langley, Hexham NE47 5LU, England, United Kingdom

Langley Castle is situated within the central a part of northern England, near town of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and inside simple attain of Scotland. The medieval fortress dates all the way in which again to 1350 and was owned by the noble Tynedale Barony till the forces of Henry IV ruined it through the Northern Rising, or “Percy Rebellion.” In the late nineteenth Century, it was bought by a household impressed to revive and protect it, and this venture has been ongoing ever since.

There are simply 9 rooms within the medieval fortress itself. Another 19 rooms are situated in a constructing simply steps away with views of its majesty.

Each retains modern ornament and traditional furnishings, and nightly charges are fairly honest. Carefully crafted dishes are served in two eating rooms each night.

Northumberland is thought for its wonderful fishing, and among the finest locations to solid a line is within the close by Langley Dam. More distinctive British historical past and tradition could be found at Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Castle of Newcastle within the close by metropolis.

See Related: Fascinating United Kingdom Nicknames to Know

9. Castle Hotel & Spa

Address: 400 Benedict Ave, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States

Across the pond might look like an unlikely place to discover a medieval fortress, however there’s one in New York – form of. Castle Hotel & Spa is situated simply north of town in Tarrytown, and whereas it was constructed between 1897 and 1910, its proprietor, General Howard Carroll, needed it designed to resemble the Norman fortifications of Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

The businessman’s household residence was accomplished with 45 rooms and hosted high-profile dignitaries like J.P. Morgan and Andrew Carnegie at events. This success impressed him to proceed increasing the property. In 1981, the native authorities designated the property a historic landmark to guard it, and it grew to become a lodge within the Nineties.

The resort hosts a summertime outside swimming pool and scorching tub, a tranquil spa, and a Forbes four-star and AAA four-diamond restaurant. The lights and attractions of New York City are a brief drive away. Visitors through the fall months get to expertise the spectacular colours of the Hudson Valley – even higher seen from a helicopter foliage tour.

See Related: Best Restaurants in New York City That Locals Love

10. Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

Address: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, United States

The different coast has a fortress lodge, too – the well-known Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. At its opening in 1876, it was a quaint adobe boarding home. Great success led to enlargement throughout the next many years, with wings constructed within the Spanish Mission-Revival model that housed greater than 200 rooms.

The resort is a National Historic Landmark in the present day and an icon of downtown Riverside. Highlights are the grand rotunda, ornate decor and particulars, and cloister eating.

There are six eating places in complete, and the spacious visitor rooms are fashionable and opulent. Kelly’s Spa and an outside pool present rest and aid from the southern California solar.

If you’re within the Riverside space for the vacations, the Mission Inn goes all-out with Christmas decorations – it’s a sight to see, even in case you aren’t staying the evening. The city has some good procuring and museums, however the location can also be good for visiting theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm, simply over half-hour away.

See Related: Where To Stay In Los Angeles: Best Areas & Neighborhoods

11. Landoll’s Mohican Castle

Address: 561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842, United States

If this subsequent place sounds acquainted, you may need seen it earlier than in an episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Hotel Hell. Well, if the critiques are something to go by, outdated Gordon’s adjustments have caught, and enterprise is booming.

Landoll’s Mohican Castle may be one of many latest castles on the planet, having been constructed within the rural hills of Ohio within the late Nineties. Jim Landoll, an Army veteran who served in Europe, fell in love with the continent’s elaborate fortresses a lot that he vowed to construct one among his personal sometime.

After beginning a profitable publishing firm, he did simply that. The fortress was constructed with out blueprints or plans, one room at a time.

It was initially imagined to be an elaborate barn however grew to become a lodge in 1999. The result’s an architecturally spectacular construction that does resemble one thing out of a storybook, standing on what’s technically a mountain.

Activities at and across the resort embody swimming in its indoor pool, {golfing}, fishing, mountaineering, and even ghost searching. Besides these outside actions, the cities of Columbus and Akron are each simply over an hour away and provide much more sights.

See Related: Most Beautiful Fairytale Towns from Around the World

12. Landgoed Kasteel Oud Poelgeest

Address: Poelgeesterweg 1, 2341 NM Oegstgeest, Netherlands

One of the most effective fortress hotels in the Netherlands is Landgoed Kasteel Oud Poelgeest – as tough as that is likely to be to pronounce, guests love this canal-set fortress lodge. It’s in a quiet, inexperienced location between Amsterdam and The Hague and dates again to the seventeenth Century.

The fortress itself sits on a quiet pond among the many canals that cross Holland, whereas visitor rooms are set within the Coach House, in-built 1900. These rooms are fashionable and a bit extra commonplace than many different fortress motels on our record – this contributes to extra inexpensive charges, too! Free parking and an on-site restaurant are additionally obtainable.

If you’re going to remain right here, don’t miss the possibility to visit Leiden, a quaint Dutch metropolis simply down the street that vacationers typically skip. You can even simply visit Amsterdam, The Hague, and the gardens of Keukenhof by automobile or by public transport from this space.

See Related: Best Castles in the Netherlands for History Buffs

13. Château de Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet

Address: 1 Rue Jacques de Boyer, 79600 Saint-Loup-Lamairé, France

The castle capital of France, and doubtlessly all of Europe, is the Loire Valley. This area is located simply southwest of Paris and is thought for its quite a few châteaux. In the southern a part of the valley, Château de Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet is without doubt one of the few which you can keep in.

This large fortress is situated in a strategic spot the place the Thouet and Cébron rivers meet, and it has been referenced as early because the twelfth Century. The present construction dates to the early 1600s and was in-built an enormous “H” to honor King Henry IV. The ornate spires, aged fortifications, and surrounding moats make the property appear to be it got here out of a fairytale.

If you resolve to spend a number of nights in one among its few classical visitor rooms, there is no such thing as a scarcity of issues to do across the Loire Valley. Plan your route rigorously to maximise the variety of different lovely châteax you possibly can hit: Chenonceaux, Blois, Chambord, and Chaumont-sur-Loire are a number of the hottest. If you wish to take your go to to the following stage, see these plus extra, in addition to the attractive countryside, from a hot air balloon.

See Related: Best Wine Tasting in Paris, France (+ Vineyards)

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