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- A Relais & Chateaux Hotel 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 & Golf Resort 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 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.

Set in the Veneto region of Italy, near Montagnana, Relais Castello Bevilacqua dates back to the 14th century. Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to war damage—most notably in the 16th, 18th, and 19th centuries—the fortress found new life as a hotel in 1990. Today, it blends ancestral charm with modern comforts, offering unique accommodations that immerse guests in centuries of Italian history. With its timeless elegance and enchanting atmosphere, it also serves as a romantic destination ideal for honeymoon getaways and fairytale-like weddings.

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 Alarcon, 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 Tainaron Blue Retreat, a carefully restored 19th-century stone tower that exemplifies the traditional defensive architecture of Mani.

Once built to protect against hostile forces, these sturdy towers eventually served as peaceful residences. During its transformation into a hotel, the tower’s exterior was preserved, while discreet modern enhancements were integrated. The result is a blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort, allowing guests to experience its original narrow staircases and wooden ladders in a setting that respects Mani’s unique heritage.

Situated in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic hotel, often called Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies,” has been welcoming guests since 1888. It offers a 27-hole championship golf course in the summer, world-class skiing in the winter, a renowned spa, and several distinctive dining options. With 745 rooms and suites adorned in soothing earthy tones, the hotel seamlessly combines its storied heritage with modern luxury, ensuring every guest experiences a regal level of comfort.

Next stop is the United States, with Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate situated in Huntington, New York. Built in 1919 by financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn, it first served as a luxurious summer retreat frequented by heads of state and Hollywood stars. After Kahn’s passing, the property changed hands multiple times—at one point operating as a workers’ retreat and later as a Merchant Marine training school—until the Eastern Military Academy took ownership in 1948. Renovations starting in 1984 restored the estate to its original splendor, and it now holds a place on the National Register of Historic Places while also being a proud member of Historic Hotels of America.

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.

Another remarkable historical retreat awaits in the Glenapp Castle, located in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Boasting an award-winning, five-star reputation, it is surrounded by lush gardens, forests, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Originally associated with the Earl of Orkney, the estate was acquired by James Hunter around 1870, who tasked renowned architect David Bryce with redesigning it in the Scottish Baronial style, an elegant blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements. Featuring turrets, towers, and timeless charm, this luxurious castle stands out as one of Scotland’s most captivating destinations.

Perched high above the Elbe in Dresden, Germany, Hotel Schloss Eckberg is a neo-Gothic castle that was built in the mid-19th century at the request of a wealthy merchant and designed by architect Christian Friedrich Arnold. Over the decades, it passed through various owners and served multiple purposes, ranging from a private estate to a faculty building, before being expropriated after World War II. Following German reunification, the property was returned to private ownership in 1995, extensively renovated, and reopened as a hotel and restaurant.

Hotel de la Cité & Spa MGallery 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 600 hotels worldwide and live your most mythical vacation.

Don't forget to follow us on social media!
Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | TikTok | LinkedIn | Pinterest