15 of the Most Enchanting Castle Hotels in the World

Get transported back in time, in an era of chivalry and romance by spending your winter holidays in a former castle hotel. If you have always dreamed of being a prince or a princess living in an imposing castle, now you can indulge in this fantasy and make it come true for the duration of your holidays. As your loyal travelling companion, Travelmyth has found 15 of the most stunning and majestic castle hotels around the world for you to spend your most royal vacation as of yet.

Our journey begins at Amberley Castle in West Sussex, UK, a 900-year-old castle with a uniquely romantic location. Behind the castle's 60-foot-high walls, visitors can discover landscaped gardens and an excellent atmosphere of tranquility, while they can also climb the ramparts, play tennis on site or enjoy the croquet lawn. The 19 rooms of the hotel maintain the historic character of the castle while also offering a luxurious environment that will make everyone feel like royalty.

Situated on a beautiful setting on the River Suir in Ireland, the luxury Waterford Castle Hotel is on a private island on Kings Channel, moments away from Waterford City and completely isolated from the mainland. It is also the ideal venue if you are dreaming of a wedding in an Irish castle. The Castle has a 500-year history and behind its walls visitors can admire the carved stone-and-wood-paneled hall as well as the original tapestries. The decor of the 19 elegant bedrooms reflects the atmosphere of the castle as it used to be some hundred years ago, graciously offering all the modern comforts.

Zamek Reszel Kreativ Hotel is located in Poland and is a 14th-century former brick castle that had been converted into a prison in 1795. However, it was completely destroyed after the big fires of 1806 and 1807. In 1822 there had been some repair works and in the years 1976-1985 the castle had been converted into a place for art workshops and galleries. Since 2001, after the last restoration, the castle houses a hotel with a restaurant, an art gallery and a museum. The mysterious and unique atmosphere of an old castle with Polish Gothic interiors, a beautiful little town at the foot of the fortress and wonderful Masurian landscapes create an aura that can't be easily forgotten.

Built on the hills of Tuscany in Italy, the hotel offers its guests award-winning service in combination with historic luxury experience. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a honeymoon destination or a family vacation, Relais La Suvera is the ideal destination for you. The history of La Suvera dates back to the High Middle Ages, when the castle was owned by the Lordship of Siena. In the 16th century, the Suvera was donated to Pope Julius II of Siena, who entrusted the architect Baldassarre Peruzzi with the transformation of the castle into a Renaissance villa. La Suvera has been passed down through the generations and the current owners are the family of the Marquis Ricci who have turned it into an impressive country estate.

A captivating castle in the heart of Chesire in Northwest England that offers 48 stunning and individually designed rooms, combining luxury and contemporary decor. Its story began in 1840 when John Tollemache inherited 36,000 acres of land that included the villages of Peckforton and Beeston. Since then, the castle was used during World War II as a hostel for physically disabled children evacuated from London. Over the years, Peckforton Castle has been used for many purposes such as a movie and TV show filming location or a venue for business conferences and wedding receptions, until its current owners turned it into the beautiful hotel that it is today.

This imposing stone castle overlooks the medieval village of Alarcón, one of Spain's loveliest villages that has been declared an area of artistic and historical importance. It offers traditional furnishings and original wood beams, while it also combines new and traditional features. Parador de Alarcón is an 8th century castle, positioned next to the Júcar River. Situated 180 km from Madrid, this hotel is the ideal spot to spend a weekend or, ideally, a few days, enough time to become completely immersed in its medieval setting and atmosphere.

Apart from a top summer destination, Greece boasts many cosy accommodations steeped in history, ideal for a winter retreat. One such destination is Kinsterna Hotel which offers boutique accommodation with amazing views over the castle of Monemvasia and the Aegean Sea. The original structure is said to have been built some time during the 17th century and when the Ottoman era ended in 1821, the local owner, Ibrahim Bey, ceded the property to the Ritsos and Kapetsini families. Lina Kapetsini lived in the mansion until the late 1970s and after her death the property fell into disrepair. In 2006, the mansion was restored and it was turned into a boutique hotel in 2010. The Ottoman features of the building, such as the large chimney and fireplaces, are still evident today, fused with Byzantine and Venetian elements.

One does not simply talk about medieval castles without mentioning the beautiful châteaux of France. The Château de Castel Novel is a luxurious hotel, ideal for all you literary souls out there. Positioned in an amazing property of 99 acres, the castle is located merely 10 minutes away from the town of Brive-La-Gaillarde. It boasts 27 rooms and suites, all of high standard and comfort, decorated in various and traditional ways. Château de Castel Novel was built in the 13th century and most of its features date from the 18th century. After changing many owners, it came to the possession of Henri de Jouvenel, a journalist and politician who was married to the famous French novelist Colette. She was so inspired by the atmosphere of the castle that she wrote several of her novels there.

Next stop is the United States, with Castle Hotel & Spa which sits atop one of the highest points in Westchester County, only 30 minutes north of Manhattan. It overlooks the Hudson River amid sprawling acres of manicured gardens and grounds. Boasting more than 100 years of history, it is undoubtedly a sumptuous escape to the enchanted era of America’s Gilded Age. The story of the Castle begins shortly before the end of the 20th century, when General Howard Carroll, a well-respected newspaperman, playwright and businessman, bought the land in order to build a home for his family. After his death in 1916, his widow and two children stayed at the Castle until 1940, when it was rented for a short period to a local school. In 1981, The Castle was designated a historic landmark, its outside structure protected from any future alterations. Between 1994 and 1996, the Castle was transformed into a luxury hotel and in early 2013 it underwent a thorough renovation.

La Mamounia in Marrakech, Morocco, offers gracious hospitality that meets the expectations even of the most demanding guests. This impressive castle was built in the 12th century and it was protected by the medieval ramparts of Marrakesh. During the 18th century, the beautiful gardens which adorn the establishment were given to Prince Al Mamoun as a wedding gift and have been an inseparable part of the castle ever since. The castle's prestigious past and rich Arabic-Andalusian culture are reflected on all its colors, shapes and materials. From 1923 until today, it houses guests from all over the world as well as many famous personalities.

Located on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, Witchery by the Castle is one of the most luxurious hotels in Scotland. The Witchery was established by James Thomson, one of the most famous restaurant owners in Scotland, at a historic building right at the gates of Edinburgh Castle. The hotel took its name from the hundreds of women burned at the stake as witches on Castlehill during the 16th and 17th centuries. It is housed in a substantial 16th century building, Boswell’s Court, named after a former resident, James Boswell. With its antique-filled suites and the dreamy 16th century decoration, guests are swept into an opulent Gothic fantasy that will remain engraved in their memory.

This majestic castle was built in the 13th century and is located in the heart of the beautiful Bavarian countryside in Germany. Hotel Burg Wernberg rises above the beautiful town of Wernberg-Köblitz, within convenient distance from Munich and Nuremberg and was converted into a hotel back in 1953. Guests have been able to enjoy the Gothic charm of the building along with the more contemporary appeal of the cuisine, much of which is reliant on regional produce. Don’t hesitate to grab this unique opportunity to experience this blending of the past with the future in this charming unspoiled landscape that only Hotel Burg Wernberg offers.

Hôtel de la Cité is located in the heart of the medieval citadel of Carcassonne. It was initially built in 1909 and has undergone numerous renovations and changes until today. It is perfectly placed to explore the region’s Cathar castles, the lush vineyards of the Languedoc-Roussillon province and the Canal du Midi, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each of its 47 guestrooms and 13 suites are furnished and decorated with more than a dash of aristocratic style. Several of the rooms and suites have terraces allowing panoramic views of Carcassonne, while others offer vistas of the charming cobbled streets of the citadel, making your transportation back in time complete.

This hotel is a jewel of French heritage hidden in the Beaujolais region. Many people consider the 13th century Château de Bagnols to be the most stunning château-hotel in the world. Positioned in the heart of the Beaujolais, this castle hotel boasts history that spans more than eight centuries. Its fortification has been enriched after each change of owner, finally becoming the residence that it is today. Fortunately, Château de Bagnols still maintains the characteristics of a real castle such as a moat, drawbridge and towers with cruciform arrow holes. Visitors can choose among the majestic suites at the heart of the medieval Château, the garden suites in direct contact with the natural landscape and the cellar suites with their contemporary architecture. What more could you ask for?

Considered one of the 7 wonders of Portugal, Pousada Castelo de Obidos is steeped in centuries' worth of history and is constructed according to the late Gothic Manueline style. Most of the castle's architectural features date from the 9th century and create a fascinating medieval atmosphere. The castle was a wedding gift from King D. Dinis to Queen Santa Isabel and it is still considered one of the most romantic and ideal venues for weddings today. The hotel features 3 suites which are located in the castle's tower and offer guests a uniquely royal experience, while the remaining rooms boast a traditional and cosy atmosphere, fully equipped with a fireplace and all the necessary amenities.

This was just a glimpse into the luxuriously royal world of former castle hotels around the world. Let us guide you in this glorious journey back into the medieval age and help you discover the castle hotel that excites your imagination the most. No matter which country you choose to spend your winter holidays in, check out Travelmyth’s list of former castle hotels that includes more than 300 hotels worldwide and live your most mythical vacation.

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