If you’ve ever been curious to find out what it feels like to be treated like royalty then the array of super luxe hotels around the world certainly know a thing or two about how to treat their guests with the upmost care and attention. Should you wish to take this a step further, though, why not check in at one of the many actual castles that double up as luxury hotels, so you can really get a feel of what life would be like to be sitting at the very height of society?
By intertwining luxury and history, the below selection of 12 captivating castle hotels will certainly make you feel like a member royalty, if only for a short time.
Amberley Castle, England
This 900-year-old castle in West Sussex, on the bank of the River Arun, is rather small, with only 19 resplendent antique-styled rooms. However, the castle’s charm is undeniable, with a 60-foot stone curtain wall encircling it and a 12-acre territory with beautiful gardens where you can not only walk, but also play croquet and tennis or relax on the perfectly mowed lawn.
Medieval architecture stuns with distinctive traits, such as portcullis, battlements, and crenelations. The Queen’s Room restaurant immerses its guests in the medieval atmosphere created by a barrel-vaulted ceiling that originated in the 12th century. Moreover, you don’t have to go far to experience Amberley Castle’s out-of-time seclusion: it is located only 60 miles from London. The hotel is a multiple award-winner, with the latest award being the One Key award by the Michelin Guide granted in 2024 for its efforts in creating unforgettable experiences for guests.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
The immense castle set next to the picturesque lake Lough Corrib is part of the property spanning over 350 acres. Having been an ancestral home of the de Burgo family 800 years ago, Ashford Castle is now a five-star resort offering a number of exciting activities. Choose from active options like horse riding, falconry, fishing, shooting, and relaxing options which include enjoying a royal-worthy spa or dining at one of five diverse restaurants. Recently, the 13th-century Ashford Castle was included in the Red Carnation Hotel Collection – the opulent hotel has 83 rooms and its interiors combine luxury with traditional Irish hospitality.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Canada
One of the largest castles on the list, Frontenac was opened in 1893 in Quebec City by the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He intended to attract the rich and famous, which happened pretty soon during the Prohibition era when Americans sought a place to have a drink. During WWI, the castle served as a negotiation venue for Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.
Today, the property is owned by the Fairmont chain and offers 611 majestic rooms, a spa, and several restaurants. The elevated position of Frontenac promises excellent views of the St. Lawrence River and the Old Town of the nearby city. This jaw-dropping castle is one of the most photographed hotels in the world, and you can see it for yourself when you visit the charming Quebec City.
Burghotel auf Schönburg, Germany
Germany boasts many magnificent castles, especially sitting on the banks of the stunning Rhine river, and while you can visit many of them, few are available for staying in. According to records, the castle in Oberwesel has existed at least since the 12th century, when it served as a residence for the Dukes of Schönburg. Unfortunately, the building was reduced to ruins during the Nine Years’ War (1688 – 1697). 200 years later, the Schönburg Castle was bought and restored by the Rhinelander family and since the 1950s, the Romanesque/Gothic castle has been operating as a luxurious hotel.
Thornewood Castle, USA
Initially, Thornewood Castle, which is an Elizabethan manor, was situated in England, but in 1907, an American called Thorne bought the house and moved to his homeland, the state of Washington. The moving process was rather daunting, as you can imagine: Thorne had to dismantle the building, ship it across the ocean, and assemble the castle brick by brick.
Thornewood Castle boasts its Tudor/Gothic architecture, 15th– to 17th– century stained glass, and a splendid collection of statues and art. Moreover, the building sits among picturesque English gardens, next to the American Lake. All this makes the castle a popular filming and photo-shooting spot.
Castello di Reschio, Italy
The millennium-old castle in the region of Umbria, set among cypress hills and countryside Italian charm, has been turned into an upscale hotel specialising in spas. It includes a hammam, a sauna, a treatment room, and therapeutic pools. The castle’s restaurant offers local cuisine and uses various products grown on the estate, including truffles. 36 rooms are designed with inspiration taken from famous past residents. The most ancient part of Castello di Reschio is its tower, built in 900 AD; it holds the two-bedroom luxury suite, set over five floors, and features a gorgeous terrace.
Castell Son Claret, Spain
A true gem of the paradise-like island of Mallorca, Castell Son Claret is a fairy-tale venue established in the 18th century. In 2013, it was renovated by the Kühne family and guests can enjoy yoga, tai chi, and meditation. Moorish gardens with pools, fragrant orchards, and exciting views of the UNESCO-protected Tramuntana Mountains invite you to spend some time outdoors.
The 326-acre estate offers guests not only amazing nature, but also an oasis spa, two Michelin-starred restaurants featuring dishes cooked from local ingredients, and much more. Each of the 43 rooms and suites has either private terraces, gardens, or pools. It is interesting to know that Castell Son Claret is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, which ensures that it’s a truly exclusive retreat.
Château Herálec, Czech Republic
The 13th-century castle Herálec is perfect for those wishing to have a break from the bustling city life without going too far: it is just a short ride from Prague, in the Bohemia region. The castle has a rich history, having been an aristocrat’s home, a textile factory, and a school, before being turned into a hotel. Herálec’s architecture and history are not the only draws for luxury lovers: the hotel boasts its L’Occitane spa, featuring a Finnish sauna and Jacuzzi. All these delights can be had in the castle’s tower while admiring the views of the surrounding scenery.
The interiors of Château Herálec are adorned with large installations of elegant artworks both by modern artists and old masters. The castle’s surroundings are a work of art, too: enjoy walks in the English Park with historical monuments and the Czech Highlands region blowing your mind with its breath-taking nature.
Schloss Leopoldskron, Austria
If you want to learn about Austrian history or fancy Rococo architecture, Schloss Leopoldskron should be your choice. In the 1920s, Max Reinhardt, founder of the Salzburg Festival, bought the palace and the park. He found the territory in a dilapidated state and renovated it, only to return to oblivion some years later. It was only in 2020 that the final redesign of the garden began, making it as splendid as ever, with thousands of trees and flowers adorning the grounds. Today, the 70,000 sq-m park is still being redesigned.
Schloss Leopoldskron is within walking distance of the Old Town of Salzburg, so all modern entertainment is right at hand. The castle itself offers only 12 lavish suites; another 55 standard rooms are in the former administration building nearby. The Schloss Park, designed in the neo-baroque style, is a fabulous place to spend time, as it includes views of mountains and the Salzburg Fortress, a serene lake, water channels, a garden theatre with an open-air stage, and plenty of baroque sculptures.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, India
The only Asian castle on the list, Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur used to be a royal residence of Maharaja Umaid Singh since 1943. The palace, built of golden-coloured sandstone and white marble has Art Deco architecture combined with exquisite Indian decorations and stunning Polish frescoes found across 347 rooms and halls. The former royal family still lives in one wing of the palace, but part of the building has been designated as a hotel for everyone wishing to immerse themselves in Rajasthan history.
J Wellness Circle Spa offers a number of healing therapies and treatments, as well as a unique subterranean Zodiac Pool. Seventy rooms and suites amaze with their rich interiors, featuring marble gardens and windows opening at glorious gardens spanning over 26 acres.
Domaine Des Etangs, France
The 13th-century chateau, built by French knights, is set in a place with impressive scenery, including rolling hills, dense woodland, calm ponds, and diverse wildlife. Today’s Domaine Des Etangs is proud to be a sustainable hotel that uses seasonal local products (including those from its own garden) and ecological materials.
Castle territory spans over 1,000 acres, which is more than enough for nature walks and all kinds of outdoor activities. Family men are welcome, and plenty of activities are offered to children and teenagers. Rustic yet exquisite interiors make you feel like a medieval king or a queen, featuring wooden ceiling beams, big stone fireplaces, and lovely garden views.
The location of Domaine Des Etangs makes it a great destination for wine and brandy lovers, with the famous regions of Cognac and Bordeaux a couple of hours away. The accommodation options include not just the castle itself, but also farmhouses that are well suited to families.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu-Dhabi
A one-of-a-kind desert resort, designed as a traditional Arabian fort, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is set at the oasis surrounded by majestic dunes. This castle attracts guests who would like to pamper themselves in an upscale spa with a diversified wellness programme. Qasr Al Sarab offers a choice of rooms, suites, and private villas (a personal Villa Host is included) with sweeping desert views and luxurious options like soap and pillow menus.
The resort features five resplendent restaurants, offering traditional local cuisine and Bedouin-style barbeque dishes, from October to May. Staying here, you can try a whole lot of unique activities, from camel trekking to sandboarding and helicopter rides over the endless carpet of dunes. Moreover, Qasr Al Sarab cares for the environment, bringing with it the gold status in the Green Global Growth Awards.
Final thoughts
If you have decided which of these awe-inspiring hotels you would like to visit on your travels, then head to the hotel price aggregator hotelin.com to find an ideal price option; the website gathers information from dozens of booking platforms. You can customise your search, leaving out only the options that are suitable for you, find the time with the best price, and that’s it – pack your royal bags and get ready to immerse yourself in truly luxurious surroundings.
