Best Castle Hotels In The World: Turn Your Trip Into A Fairy Tale

Staying at one of the best castle hotels is an experience you must try at least once in your life! Not only will you get to enjoy living like royalty, but you will also get to participate in distinguished activities no other hotel can provide. Plus, you might even learn more about the history than you expect.

The biggest question about this kind of accommodation is where to stay. You don’t want to end up in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do and even spooky memories.

So, here are some of our recommendations to enjoy your trip to the fullest. Be prepared to learn some etiquette and start acting like royals in the fairy tales you’ve always dreamed of.

1. Kilkea Castle, Ireland
2. Glenapp Castle, Scotland
3. Thornbury Castle, England
4. Umaid Bhawan Palace, India
5. The Emirates Palace, UAE
6. Como Castello Del Nero, Italy
7. Castell Son Claret, Spain
8. Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa, France
9. Schlosshotel Kronberg, Germany
10. Fairmont Frontenac, Canada
11. Burg Lockenhaus, Austria.

1. Kilkea Castle, Ireland

Kilkea Castle was built in the 12th century with a long history of serving the Royals. Photo by borisb17 - stock.adobe.com

• Location: Kilkea Demesne Kilkea Castle, Kilkea, Ireland 
• Price: From $224/ night
• Website: kilkeacastle.ie

Located near Ireland’s capital, Dublin, Kilkea Castle is a luxurious option for those who want to like a royal. This place was built in 1180, with a long history of serving the Earls and Barons. 

Looking like a fortress, Kilkea Castle covers an area of ​​180 acres, with around 140 bedrooms and a huge campus. Staying here, you can enjoy various outdoor activities such as golf, falconry, riding a horse, etc. You can also experience the local cuisine made of local products or have a sip at the traditional Irish pub at the castle.

While immersed in the ambience of the 12th century, you'll remain seamlessly connected to today's conveniences. Each room is equipped with free wifi, an HDTV and premium interiors. Kilkea Castle has all the modern utilities you’ll need, from a spa to a pool, restaurants and clubhouses.

2. Glenapp Castle, Scotland

Glenapp Castle has a vintage vibe and various activities to explore Scottish culture. Glenapp Castle, Tom Parnell, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr

• Location: Ballantrae, Ayrshire, Scotland 
• Price: From $550/ night
• Website: glenappcastle.com

If you want to find a castle hotel with a stunning sea view, Glenapp Castle is the perfect choice. This place was constructed in 1870, secluded on a total of 36 acres, with many exciting activities.

The place is designed in the Scottish Baronial style, which combines Gothic and Renaissance styles. Nowadays, it has added a touch of modern facilities. Each room is equipped with a TV, radio, trouser press, free wifi, and even a seating area. 

There are many extraordinary activities here besides common fun, such as yoga, jogging, kayaking, etc. You can join a half-day or full-day session of foraging designed just for you under the instruction of Glenapp’s foraging expert. Or discover the South Ayrshire coastline in a coasteering session organised by the hotel.

Moreover, you can sign up for various tours to explore the history and culture of the area, from visiting the Culzean Castle, going to the factory of Alex Begg, or booking your own piper, etc. If you want to stay within the castle campus, you can enjoy various sports like axe throwing, curling, tennis and archery. 

3. Thornbury Castle, England

Thornbury Castle is the only Tudor castle that works like a hotel in England. nick sarebi, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Location: Castle St, Thornbury, Gloucestershire, England
• Price: From $440/ night
• Website: thornburycastle.co.uk

Located in England, Thornbury Castle is popular as the only Tudor castle hotel in the country. This castle was built in the 16th century, covered 15 acres of land and was once owned by King Henry VIII. 

Staying at Thornbury Castle, you will truly live in a fantasy with bedchambers decorated to serve the Royalty. Each room is equipped with premium furniture, a four-poster bed, a delicate fireplace, and a massive bathroom. There are also touches from the modern world with TVs, coffee makers, irons, etc., so there is no need to worry about convenience.

Not only will you stay like Royalty, but you will also entertain like Royalty with fancy sports like longbow archery, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, etc. There are historical and cultural tours that you can join such as Thornbury Castle History Tours, Helicopter Rides, and Horse Drawn Carriage Rides. 

There are also many famous attractions and interesting local places to visit nearby. 

• If you want to learn more about history, you can visit the Roman Bath, The Royal Crescent or Brunel’s SS Great Britain. 
• If you want to connect with nature, you can go to the Wolfridge Alpaca Farm or picnic in the Salisbury Cathedral & Magna Carta.

After a long day of sightseeing, you can come back to the castle to enjoy a delicious meal made of local ingredients produced within the court. You can also experience a royal afternoon tea or have a drink while playing the classic Tudor games once played by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

4. Umaid Bhawan Palace, India

Umaid Bhawan Palace has a signature look similar to the Taj Mahal. Colin Rose from Montreal, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Location: Palace Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
• Price: From $445/ night
• Website: tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/umaid-bhawan-palace-jodhpur

Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the signature castle hotels in India. Constructed in 15 years, from 1928 to 1943, this castle covers 26 acres of land and is now one of the six largest private residences in the world.

Being built in the 20th century, this castle follows the Art Deco style and is decorated with luxury gilt interiors in each room. The highlight of this castle hotel is the architecture using palm court marble - the same material as the Taj Mahal - which creates an iconic look for its ceilings and lobbies.

Staying at Umaid Bhawan Palace is a good option if you are travelling with your kids or simply want a relaxing travel experience in the desert. The hotel offers various activities, from yoga, tennis, and billiards, to peacock feather hunt, horse riding and vintage car rides. You can also book a tour to explore the palace or visit the palace museum to learn more about its history.

For kids, there are cooking classes and treasure-hunting games designed specifically for them. You can choose to participate with your child or leave them to interact with their new friends under the supervisor of the staff.

Besides these, the hotel has 2 swimming pools that you can access anytime, and nearby are many historical attractions that you can discover. The dining options here are also diverse with different restaurants and setups to choose from, all promise a distinguished local cuisine experience.

5. The Emirates Palace, UAE

The Emirates Palace is a paradise castle with signature Arabian designs and luxurious services. Photo by Marla - stock.adobe.com

• Location: West Corniche, F869C3J Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 
• Price: From $610/night
• Website: mandarinoriental.com/en/abu-dhabi/emirates-palace

The Emirates Palace is popular as the second most expensive hotel ever built on earth. Staying here during your trip, you will surely live up to your fantasy of the Arabian night.

Designed to represent Arabian culture, The Emirates Palace is different from any other castle hotel with its modern vibe. The exteriors and interiors here are a combination of elegant lavish, and signature Arabian materials. Every room here is decorated with the latest luxury interior, integrated room control and 24/7 butler service.

There are 2 massive swimming pools besides a gorgeous 1.3km long private beach. Therefore you can expect to enjoy many watersports like scuba diving or wake surfing during your stay here. You can also book a private yacht tour organised by the hotel to enjoy the glorious beach to thesfullest.

For the kids, there are specialised designed activities such as AquaFun Park or Kid Play Zone. Babysitting services, toys and tennis programs are provided by the hotel.

About the cuisine experience, you will be overwhelmed with 14 different luxury restaurants here. Each has its unique vibe, serving from traditional Indian food to multi-national cuisine. Not to mention, there are various cafes, bars and lounges.

6. Como Castello Del Nero, Italy

Como Castello Del Nero is a castle hotel with a signature vibe of Italy.

• Location: Strada Spicciano 7, 50028 Barberino Tavarnelle, Tuscany, Italy
• Price: From $1.000/ night
• Website: comohotels.com/tuscany/como-castello-del-nero/about

Como Castello Del Nero lies in the Chianti wine area and belonged to an aristocratic family in Florence in the 12th century. This place has a vibe mixed between modern and romantic, with cool tone designs and a panorama view of the hill.

The castle hotel has 50 rooms, each decorated with cool tone interior and terracotta floors, creating an elegant yet distinguished atmosphere. Some rooms here still have the Renaissance wall frescoes preserved since the time it was built.

Staying at Como Castello Del Nero, you will get to live like Royalty in Italy. You can go picnicking to enjoy the stunning view of endless green from the hill, lay down under the blue sky to enjoy the sunlight, or dive in the cool water at the 25m outdoor pool of the castle. 

There are many other exciting activities that you can sign up for with the staff, like truffle hunting, wine-tasting or hot-air ballooning. The hotel also organizes various tours for you to explore the culture and cuisine of Italy. You can go on an architectural tour with the local guide, observe the wine-making process or join different cooking classes.

The dining experience here at Como Castello Del Nero is worth looking forward to. The castle hotel has many restaurants, even one with a Michelin star. You can eat outside, in the middle of the garden like a true Italian meal. Or have your food indoors in vintage rooms built in the 12th century.

7. Castell Son Claret, Spain

Each room in Castell Son Claret has a big window to admire the view of La Tramuntana mountain.

• Location: Carretera Es Capedellà-Galilea, Km 1,7, 07196 Es Capdella, Spain
• Price: From $540/ night
• Website: castellsonclaret.com

Castell Son Claret is a castle built in the 15th century. It was renovated in 2013 to serve as a castle hotel and soon became a popular luxury hotel in Mallorca thanks to its beautiful design and prime location.

This castle hotel covers 326 acres of land below the famous La Tramuntana mountain. The location provides Castell Son Claret with a stunning view, fresh air and diverse nature. You can easily access these from the terraces, balconies or patios in your room. 

The accommodations here are furnished with earthy colours in various styles, from modern, Mediterranean style to French style. Each room has luxury amenities, a sofa, a huge bathroom and a balcony or patio so that you can see the surroundings.

This castle hotel is the perfect option if you want to relax to the fullest and chase away all the stress. You can spend your time jogging around the campus, enjoy the premium services at spa Bellesa de Claret or try out the exquisite local cuisine from 2 restaurants in the castle.

8. Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa, France

Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa embraces the beauty of nature and the luxury vibe in every aspect.

• Location: Avenue des Templiers, 06142 Vence, France
• Price: From $800/ night
• Website: oetkercollection.com/hotels/chateau-saint-martin

Visiting France and staying at a castle at the same time, what can be more romantic? Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa was a 12th-century Knight Templar Castle, now one of the Oetker Collection Hotels.

The most impressive thing about this castle hotel is its panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. The rooms here are decorated with beige walls and big windows, allowing guests to enjoy this view to the fullest. Besides the sea view, there are also rooms with a garden view or countryside view where you can see the endless green olive groves.

The Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa offers a world-winning award spa with different services, all up to the standards of the Best Luxury Spa destination in Europe. There is also a Michelin-starred gastronomy in the castle, not to mention the restaurant under the olive groves and the premium bars here.

9. Schlosshotel Kronberg, Germany

The history of Schlosshotel Kronberg is associated with the Prussian and German royal families.  Gjcolan2, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image Resized.

• Location: Hainstraße 25, 61476 Kronberg im Taunus, Germany
• Price: From $300/ night
• Website: schlosshotel-kronberg.com/en/

The Scholosshotel Kronberg was opened in 1954 and has welcomed many nobles. However, the history of the castle itself dates back to 1889, when Victoria, the widowed Empress Frederick and Queen of Prussia, decided to build it. 

The castle was finished in 1893 and then became the inheritance of Princess Margarethe after the Empress passed away. It has witnessed many historical events and yet still stands tall after all, preserving many legacies from its good old days.

Nowadays, if you visit Scholosshotel Kronberg, you can still admire the delicate hand-crafted furniture along with many antiques and paintings of Empress Frederick. And when you finish exploring the history, you can always visit the famous hotel spa and golf courses.

The castle hotel has 64 rooms with different classes and views. Each is decorated with a vintage vibe and modern facilities like TV, air conditioner, etc. There are two other restaurants in the hotel where you can try various dishes from the local cuisine to the global taste.

10. Fairmont Frontenac, Canada

Fairmont Frontenac is a luxury castle hotel famous since the day it was built with a wonderful view. Chateau Frontenac, John Mason, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

• Location: 1 Rue des Carrières, Québec, Canada
• Price: From $200/ night
• Website: fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec

Opened by the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1893, Fairmont Frontenac soon became one of the most popular luxury hotels in the country. This castle hotel is a place where many historical characters visited during World War II.

Fairmont Frontenac has a view of the famous St. Lawrence River. Located on a promontory, it looks palatial with years of history on the outside and luxurious with modern facilities and antiques on the inside.

There are a total of 610 rooms in the hotel, with various options for view and decoration. All are covered in elegant furniture and have a big window along with up-to-date amenities.

Staying here, you will get to enjoy the 5-star spa and pools or join the guided tour to historical attractions. The castle also has 3 different restaurants for you to experience the local taste.

And don’t forget to take lots of pictures, as the view from this castle hotel is amazing. Fun fact, Fairmont Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world!

11. Burg Lockenhaus, Austria

Burg Lockenhaus offers a one-of-a-kind historical experience like no other castle hotels. Arths-at, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image resized.

• Location: Lockenhaus-Schlossberg, 7442 Lockenhaus, Austria
• Price: From $110/ night
• Website: ritterburg.at

Burg Lockenhaus is probably the oldest castle on this list. Built in the 1200s, the castle was originally called Castrum Leuca and served as a fortress to defend against the Mongols. Since then, Lockenhaus Castle has changed hands many times. It has even appeared in myths like the Order of the Templars or Blood Countess Elisabeth Báthory.

Visiting this castle hotel, you can participate in historical tours to explore the legends, experience old sports when joining the medieval club, or participate in interesting workshops. You can also try eating in the historical rooms, just like a knight in a movie set in the medieval time.

Burg Lockenhaus has many room classes for you to choose from. To be honest, the amenities here are not as impressive as the other castle hotels. However, they still meet the basic needs, and the distinguished historical experience will surely make up for them.

Into The Story Tale

Staying at the best castle hotels is surely a one-of-a-kind experience that you should at least try once in your life if you have the chance. Though the services might not seem so much different from other common hotels, the quality lies in the cultural and historical value. Not to mention you will get to live like fairy tale characters in childhood stories.

Have you ever stayed at a castle hotel or are intending to visit one? Comment down below and share your distinguished experience with fellow travellers!

Claire Thuc