Indulge in Royal Treatment: Top 16 Castle Hotels for An Enchanting Stay

Ever daydreamed of sleeping in a castle and waking up like royalty? From fairytale luxury palaces to quirky castle hostels, we’ve rounded up the best castle hotels around the world.

These enchanting stays span ultra-luxe estates and budget-friendly fortresses, all oozing history and magic. Pack your trusty CabinZero backpack (perfect for navigating spiral staircases) and get ready for a lightweight, storybook escape.

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

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.

CabinZero Backpack For Weekend Castle Stays

Staying in a castle calls for a bag that’s as practical as it is stylish. A CabinZero backpack is the perfect travel companion for your royal retreat—lightweight, cabin-sized, and easy to carry through grand halls and countryside grounds. Plus, hauling a backpack up a castle tower is way easier than dragging a suitcase – yet another win for packing light.

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

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. 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.

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

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. Rooms feature plush four-posters, tapestries, and even arrow-slit windows. Thornbury’s storybook charm makes it perfect for history buffs and lovebirds seeking a royal retreat.

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

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.

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

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.

6. Como Castello Del Nero, Italy

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

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.

7. Castell Son Claret, Spain

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

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

12. Ozu Castle, Japan

Your own samurai castle for a night – if you can afford it.

For the ultimate bucket-list castle stay, Ozu Castle in Ehime, Japan offers something truly special: renting out the entire 14th-century Japanese castle tower and two cedar-wood turrets just for you and your party.

You’ll be welcomed as the lord or lady of Ozu Castle, with kimono or ammour-clad attendants attending to every need. Dinner is a private kaiseki feast, and after the castle closes to daytime tourists, you can wander its corridors and watch the moonlight over the castle’s stone moat.

Modern luxuries (like a plush bed and bathroom) have been subtly added, but the experience is tailored to feel authentic and exclusive. However, it carries a royal price tag to match: 660,000 JPY (including tax) per person per night.

13. Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada

A Canadian “castle” hotel amidst the Rockies. Photo by Mumemories - stock.adobe.com

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta isn’t a medieval fortress but it sure looks like one. A grand Scottish baronial-style resort set against towering mountain peaks. This 19th-century railway hotel boasts over 700 rooms, a world-class spa, its own golf course, and easy access to Banff National Park’s natural wonders.

It’s a fantastic choice for families and outdoor adventurers: spend your days hiking mountain trails, skiing, or canoeing, then return to soak in the hot pools or indulge in fondue in the castle-like dining hall. Kids will love the sense of staying in a giant Hogwarts-esque castle (there’s even a bowling alley and games room).

14. YHA St. Briavels Castle, England

A medieval castle hostel that’s big on thrills and tiny on price. YHA in St Briavels Castle by Jaggery, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image resized.

For a truly adventurous yet budget-friendly stay, check out St. Briavels Castle in Gloucestershire, England. This 800-year-old castle is now a Youth Hostel. That’s right, you can bunk in a real castle kept in the 12th century for the price of a hostel bed.

The castle served as King John’s hunting lodge. Nowm you can simply enjoy the Wye Valley countryside and Forest of Dean by day, and then swap travel tales with fellow backpackers by the courtyard bonfire at night. It’s perfect for solo explorers, families on a quirky trip, or any traveler who wants a castle stay on a shoestring. 

15. Warwick Castle, England

A thousand-year-old castle just 1 hour and 40 minutes away from London. Photo by Madrugada Verde - stock.adobe.com

For a true day trip from London, come to one of England's most iconic medieval fortresses. It boasts over 60 medieval-themed rooms, drawing inspiration from the Wars of the Roses. Rooms feature rose motifs, luxurious fabrics, and rustic wooden beams. Rooms start from £159 per night for bed and breakfast for a family of four. Packages including castle entry are available from £199

You can indulge in a hearty feast at the Knight's Village, a medieval banquet hall exclusive to overnight visitors. The dining experience is enhanced by the authentic setting, complete with long wooden tables and flickering candlelight.

16. Lumley Castle, England

A beautiful castle hotel with lots of history. Alison Stamp, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image resized.

This 14th-century quadrangular castle sits majestically overlooking the River Wear. Now a 4-star hotel, Lumley Castle retains its medieval character with four-poster beds, stone-flagged corridors, and suits of armor standing guard. For a truly opulent experience, the King James Suite offers a 20-foot high four-poster bed and panoramic views of the surrounding parkland.

Beyond the traditional hotel stay, guests can engage in activities that bring the castle's history to life. The castle's proximity to attractions like the Beamish Open-Air Museum and Durham Cathedral further enriches the cultural experience.

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