Fairytale castles, built on sprawling estates, have been transformed into luxury hotels that impress with their grandeur.
There are accommodations that offer comfort, and those that deliver unique experiences. With architecture that evokes bygone eras, striking interiors, and gardens that feel straight out of a fairy tale, castle hotels definitely fall into the latter category.
From the romantic ambiance of Burg Wernberg in Germany to the royal history of Dromoland Castle in Ireland, each of these hotels offers an unforgettable escape. Here are 20 of the most beautiful castle hotels in the world, as presented by Architectural Digest.
Château Herálec, Czechia
Housed in a castle with ramparts dating back to the 13th century, Château Herálec transports travelers back in time. The castle has served as everything from a noble residence to a textile school. Indoors, the ceiling frescoes impress.
Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, Germany
Renowned for its Baroque style, it features 77 rooms and 34 suites. Travelers can dine at three restaurants, including the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Vendôme.
Glenapp Castle, Scotland
Built by industrialist James Hunter to designs by architect David Bryce, the 1870 castle blends Gothic and Renaissance elements. Victorian grandeur is evident from the striking turrets to the castle gardens.
Fairmont Frontenac, Quebec, Canada
One of the most photographed hotels in the world, Quebec’s Frontenac was opened in 1893 by the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway. From Prohibition to World War II, when Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt charted their strategies there, the hotel has many stories to tell.
Amberley Castle, United Kingdom
With a history of nearly a thousand years, this West Sussex landmark offers 19 bedrooms, each named after the county’s castles. The hotel is encircled by a 20-meter-high stone wall that helps guests completely forget the outside world.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
Ashford Castle, part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, sits on 350 acres along the shores of Lough Corrib in Ireland. With 13th-century décor, the property’s 83 rooms offer a distinctive blend of luxury and Irish hospitality.
Cliveden House, United Kingdom
This award-winning hotel in the heart of Berkshire has hosted England’s elite for more than 350 years. Set on over 376 acres of verdant landscape, the 17th-century manor exudes luxury and elegance.
Burg Wernberg, Germany
This world-class hotel near Munich features a gourmet restaurant led by two-Michelin-starred chef Thomas Kellermann and offers a culinary experience inspired by the 12th century. From its hilltop, guests savor breathtaking views of the Bavarian countryside.
Dromoland Castle, Ireland
Adorned with stunning antique chandeliers and striking staircases, this famed 16th-century hotel once hosted the OBriens of Dromoland, known throughout Ireland as the Kings of Thomond. It is set within expansive grounds that also feature a golf course.
Fenton Tower, Scotland
This 16th-century tower lies just 19 km east of Edinburgh and offers panoramic views. Nearby are some of the country’s most famous golf courses, including Muirfield, Gullane, and North Berwick, and it has welcomed distinguished guests such as King James VI.
Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Once the home of Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, it passed to King Henry VIII and later to Relais & Chateaux. Built in 1511 in Gloucestershire, it retains few features from that era. However, the Kings Suite is available for a standout stay.
Manoir de Lebioles, Spa, Belgium
At Manoir de Lebioles, architectural allure exceeds every expectation. This striking 18th-century hotel could be called the little Versailles of the Ardennes. The château combines classical Renaissance elements, such as columns, pediments, and arches, with modern facilities and amenities.
Alila Fort Bishangarh, India
The 233-year-old structure perched on a rocky outcrop of the Aravalli range has been transformed into a striking hotel. The larger rooms have become lavish suites, while spaces once tied to warfare have been reimagined as elegant corners for relaxation.
Adare Manor, Ireland
The majestic Adare Manor, which took 28 years to build, features Gothic Revival elements, 365 windows, 52 chimneys, and 4 towers. The building remained in the Earl of Dunraven’s family until 1981 and became a hotel in 1988.
Castello Di Vicarello, Maremma, Italy
Castello Di Vicarello appeals to those seeking a serene stay atop hills and amid olive groves without forgoing modern luxuries. The 12th-century castle is built in the tradition of ancient Italian country architecture, with stone walls, arched entrances, and antique furnishings paired with contemporary touches.
Burghotel auf Schönburg, Oberwesel, Germany
One of Germany’s most striking castles, Burghotel auf Schönburg has been transformed into a luxury hotel with romantic and Gothic architecture. If you find yourself here, don’t miss a stroll through the town’s charming streets, visits to local museums, or a cruise on the Rhine.
Parador de Granada, Spain
The building has a long history, evolving from a 14th-century fortress to a Moorish mansion, then a Franciscan monastery, and now a luxury hotel. Inside, standout features include Arab baths with star-shaped skylights, vaulted ceilings, and arches.
Thornewood Castle, Washington, USA
Thornewood Castle once stood in Elizabethan England and in 1908 was sold to an American, who managed to dismantle it and ship it, square by square, to the West Coast of the USA! Famed architect Kirtland Kelsey Cutter oversaw the construction of this English manor, which is filled with handcrafted glass artworks and a singular collection of statues.
Castello Reschio, Italy
Following in his father’s footsteps, Count Benedikt Bolza restored an ancient castle and transformed it into a stunning 36-room hotel. Dating to 1050, the building sits among the rolling hills of Umbria within the Reschio estate, amid historic houses, a farm, and stables with purebred Spanish horses.
Château de Bagnols, France
France’s Beaujolais region is home to Château de Bagnol, a storybook castle built by Guichard dOingt in 1217. With a history spanning over 800 years, it has today been transformed into a hotel boasting luxuries such as a spa, contemporary suites, and a glass roof over the inner courtyard.
