A luxurious getaway comes in many forms and sizes, but none will match the grandiose of a castle hotel. The embodiment of regality, these manors have spanned centuries to accommodate the finest of royalty. Create your own fairy tales in lavish style with a few nights at a newly-renovated fortress. For a look at our favorites, Chic Icon shares the top castle hotels where you can live like royalty.
Ashford Castle, Cong, Ireland
We begin our list with Ashford Castle, highly acclaimed and ranked one of the best resort hotels in the U.K., this 350-acre estate boasts 63 elegant and traditional suites, six restaurants and 3 bars with world-class chefs and sommeliers, and unlimited spa services, including a sauna, steam room, pool, and treatment room.
Not only does the castle offer indoor amenities, but the 800-year-old estate overlooking the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo also provides an array of outdoor activities, including Ireland’s first and finest falconry school, horse-riding, golf, fishing, tennis, and more.
This surely can’t be one to miss if you’re looking for a multifaceted royalty experience.
Best to go: Between April and September. Book Here
Chateau Herálec, Herálec, Czech Republic
With the availability to land a helicopter on the castle grounds, you know that Chateau Herálec will offer the ultimate luxury experience. Surrounded by an 18th-century English park in the Vysočina region, this manor salvaged the original layout of the castle and offered a collection of exquisite paintings and a gallery concept in every room.
A divine romantic experience, this spacious Bohemian Chateau boasts absolute privacy and undisturbed peace to maximize your relaxation escapades. Enjoy countless spas and fitness amenities or peruse one of the largest unique collections of French wines in the Czech Republic.
Best to go: Romantic Getaways. Book Here
Highclere Castle, Newbury, UK
If you’re a fan of Downtown Abbey, this castle hotel will be one for the books. In fact, Highclere Castle offers guided tours, private showings, and more of the set of the famed television series.
Not only famed for the beloved series, but this enormous estate also offers incredible archaeological scenes, including an Iron Age fort, medieval ruins, trackways, and of course — luscious greenery.
This castle hotel offers two lodges, the London Lodge — a minimum of two nights — and the Grotto Lodge — a minimum of three nights. Keep in mind that you must register before booking. However, the fully restored buildings allowed for a choice between Victorian age architecture and rehabilitated lodge living, both delightfully enticing.
Best to go: Weddings / Events. Book Here
The Castle Hotel, Dalian, China
For a more modern hotel experience, this Chinese ultra-mansion boasts over 290 guest rooms as well as 67 residences, including all the amenities that Marriott’s Luxury Collection can offer. Atop Lotus Mountain, soundproof rooms, and breathtaking seaside views culminate in the perfect resort weekend for two.
Manicured walking trails along the white sand beach will take you to the city of Dalian, which offers many historical sites and museums, top-flight shopping, and China’s largest aquarium.
Best to go: Modern Vacation for a Couple. Book Here
Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron, Salzburg, Austria
The last castle hotel on our list comes with a unique taste of History. Newly-renovated and privately-owned, this grand palace sits nearly 2km from the center of Salzburg and boasts nearby attractions such as the enamoring Schloss Hellbrunn fountain system, the medieval Fortress Hohensalzburg, and the recently-opened Domquartier — a must-see architectural masterpiece.
Of course, you will be dining and sleeping in elegance with the Schloss suites, with the promise of champagne, flowers, and fresh fruit upon arrival and extraordinary views of the Austrian countryside. Not to mention, if you’re a fan of the acclaimed film “The Sound of Music” — you may recognize several set locations on this vast countryside.
Best to go: High-class Indulgence with a taste of History. Book Here
And there you have it! These are our top 5 picks for the best castle hotels in the world. Experience your vacations with grandiose with our suggestions!
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