Want To Sleep In A Castle? These 25 Hotels Make It Happen

These are real, centuries-old castles that welcome guests. Some are set in the countryside, while others sit in the heart of bustling cities. Each one offers something your average hotel can’t: unique character and a rich, storied past. Let’s explore these extraordinary stays.

Ashford Castle, Ireland

Nothing screams subtle like a 350-acre estate once owned by the Guinness family. This 800-year-old Irish giant now serves silver service and afternoon tea where armored knights once paced. Guests are inheriting a legacy. Bonus? A resident Irish wolfhound casually roams the grounds like it’s his job.

Chateau Frontenac, Canada

Historic hotels tend to whisper their importance. This one shouts from a cliff above Quebec City. Opened in 1893 and declared a National Historic Site, it once hosted Churchill and Roosevelt during World War II. It has 610 rooms and an unshakable belief in its reflection.

Burg Colmberg Hotel, Germany

Built in the 13th century and looming over Bavaria’s Franconian countryside, Burg Colmberg is the real medieval deal with turrets and timber beams. It once belonged to the Hohenzollern family, but now it’s a hotel with solid Wi-Fi and rooms that mix antique charm with actual insulation.

Thornbury Castle, England

Henry VIII stayed here, probably plotting something unfortunate over venison stew. Located near Bristol and restored to peak Tudor drama, it’s the only Tudor castle in England operating as a hotel. Book the tower room if you want royal views and the kind of echo you only get in castles.

Hotel De La Cite, France

Hotel de la Cite sits inside Carcassonne’s double-walled medieval citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site that looks like it was built for cinema. Spoiler: it kind of was. Opened in 1909, the hotel hosted Hitchcock during “To Catch a Thief” and now serves up Gothic arches and Michelin-starred foie gras.

Dromoland Castle, Ireland

Once the ancestral seat of the O’Brien dynasty, Dromoland Castle has traded clan feuds for five-star finesse. Built in the 16th century and converted into a luxury hotel in the 1960s, it now offers falconry and a championship golf course.

Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Scotland

This isn’t the kind of place you find on the way to somewhere else. Queen Victoria used to say she “never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot.” It’s surrounded by Ben Nevis, stocked with whisky, and casually flaunts three AA Rosettes like it’s no big deal. Spoiler: it is.

Schlosshotel Kronberg, Germany

Originally built in the late 19th century for Empress Frederick (daughter of Queen Victoria), Schlosshotel Kronberg sits just outside Frankfurt. Guests sleep beneath chandeliers and original artworks, some by Gainsborough and Rubens. The staff is exceptionally attentive, ensuring every detail of your stay is nothing short of flawless.

Castello Di Velona, Italy

Set in a 1,000-year-old Tuscan fortress, this castle becomes a thermal spa experience like no other. The sight of its stone walls alone is fascinating, and the view over Val d’Orcia might just convince you to extend your stay. Inside, you’ll find elaborate frescoes and a bold disregard for minimalism.

Ballynahinch Castle, Ireland

This place doesn’t care about turrets or gold-framed mirrors; it’s more fly rod than Faberge. Located in Connemara and surrounded by 700 acres of woodlands, Ballynahinch lures anglers and loners alike. The castle dates back to the 18th century, but the vibe? Fresh and wildly anti-bling. Remember to bring boots.

Parador De Cardona, Spain

Parador de Cardona is historic. Originally built in the 9th century to defend against the Moors, it overlooks the Catalan countryside from a rocky outcrop. Romanesque chapels and a drawbridge still stand. Now, it’s a state-run hotel where you’re welcome instead of repelled.

Castel Monastero, Italy

Castel Monastero sits quietly in the Chianti countryside outside Siena. Monks once prayed here, and now guests sip Barolo and detox in the spa. The property blends stone-walled serenity with Michelin-level dining. The frescoes remain, but now they silently judge your wine choices.

Ruthin Castle Hotel, Wales

Ruthin Castle, built in the late 1200s, has a rich medieval history intertwined with local legends. Located in North Wales, it is famous for its ghostly past. Today, it operates as a luxury hotel featuring modern amenities, including an upscale spa, while hosting themed events such as immersive murder mystery weekends.

Hotel Burg Trendelburg, Germany

For a taste of Rapunzel without the legal drama, this Weserbergland retreat is straight out of a fairy tale. The castle tower and creaky staircases add to the charm, while rooms are cozy with wood-paneled interiors. Forget the drawbridge; here, you’ll indulge in hearty portions of pork and exceptional Riesling.

Chateau De Bagnols, France

Chateau de Bagnols is a 13th-century gem in the heart of Beaujolais wine country. Once a noble residence, it’s now an opulent hotel wrapped in ramparts and Renaissance flair. The interiors have stone fireplaces and original frescoes.

Kilkea Castle, Ireland

Kilkea Castle, built in the 12th century, was once home to Gerald, the Wizard Earl of Kildare, who was rumored to practice alchemy. The castle endured medieval battles and architectural changes before becoming a luxury resort. Today, it features a golf course, lush forests, and historic charm.

Amberley Castle, England

With its 900-year-old defensive walls and fully operational portcullis, this fortress in West Sussex blends medieval grit with modern luxury. While ivy-covered towers and strutting peacocks add charm, the sleek suites offer such refined comfort that they might even make the castle’s ghosts feel a little out of place.

Glin Castle, Ireland

Good luck booking it, as this one’s mostly available for private hire, but it’s worth the scramble. The ancestral home of the Knights of Glin (yes, that’s a thing), it’s draped in Irish aristocratic charm. Velvet chairs and a dining room here say, “We’ve hosted ambassadors and possibly sword fights.”

Castello Di Petroia, Italy

Castello di Petroia sits between Gubbio and Perugia, and yes, it once sheltered Federico da Montefeltro (future Duke of Urbino) shortly after his birth in 1422. The castle spans buildings from the 9th to 15th centuries, restored to glow with torchlight charm.

Schloss Leopoldskron, Austria

The “Sound of Music” was filmed here. Still not over that? Good. Because this 18th-century rococo palace is as cinematic as it gets. Located in Salzburg and once owned by a prince-archbishop, it’s now a lakeside hideaway for writers and anyone who appreciates baroque ceilings and no TV in sight.

Palacio De Luces, Spain

If coastal Asturias hasn’t caught your attention yet, this 16th-century palace will do the trick. Palacio de Luces doesn’t shout “castle” but softly whispers it in five-star Spanish. With stunning Bay of Biscay views and sleek, modern rooms set within a Renaissance-era stone building, it’s pure perfection.

Chateau De Mercues, France

Chateau de Mercues is the vineyard. Overlooking the Lot River, this 13th-century fortress now houses a Relais & Chateaux hotel and a cellar stocked with its own Malbecs. The views stun, the wine flows, and suddenly quitting your job to harvest grapes sounds reasonable.

Castle Hotel Auf Schonburg, Germany

This medieval hilltop fortress was rebuilt from ruins, which is honestly more impressive than most hotel refurbishments. Sitting above the Rhine, Schonburg offers panoramic views and balconies where it’s socially acceptable to drink Riesling at 10 a.m. All rooms are unique. Some even come with crossbows for decorations.

Cliveden House, England

Technically, it’s more manor than a castle, but when you’ve housed royalty and caused political scandals, the labels get blurry. Cliveden once belonged to the Astors and sits on 376 acres of serious privilege. Guests get fireplaces and the subtle thrill of sleeping where Churchill may or may not have gossiped.

Aldourie Castle, Scotland

Located by the banks of Loch Ness, this is exclusive hire territory because nothing ruins castle vibes like sharing. Built in the 17th century and remodeled into baronial grandeur, Aldourie mixes antique drama with modern luxury. Just don’t ask about Nessie—the Loch Ness Monster. The staff won’t indulge. The paintings, however, might blink.