Spend a royal vacation in one of the world’s best hotels in castles and palaces. These old ladies make artistic residence with a flair of antiquity. Despite their classist style, not a single chateau fails to provide any modern amenity. A rather flawless concoction of palatial design, unmatched hospitality, and tasteful dining experiences, these stately manors redefine what it means to live life king size.
Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Scotland
Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Scotland
First in our list of luxury castle hotels is the Inverlochy Caste Hotel from the Land of Lochs and Legends. Jotted down as the loveliest and most romantic spot in Queen Victoria’s diary, Inverlochy is a 19th-century highland castle surrounded by vibrant grasslands. It offers dreamy views with a lake, meadows, and a valley of rolling hills in sight. Built in 1863, this grand Victorian edifice comprises of 17 boudoirs. Each of them is decorated in a relatively contemporary style for homelike, snug atmosphere. However, that does not stand in the way of the regal vibe that this castle hotel emanates with its enormous chandeliers and painting ceilings.
The Castle Hotel, Dalian, China
The Castle Hotel, Dalian, China
With its fairy folk appeal and humongous Bavarian-style design, Castle Hotel dominates the Lotus Mountain in Dalian. This beautiful building contains 292 grand rooms and suites in addition to 67 residences. Reimagined by HBA Interior Design, this palatial hotel boasts opulence. Hand-selected stones grace the façade of this hotel as its original exterior remains intact. Inside it are three restaurants serving creative as well as authentic dishes. Its Royal Cellar stocks home-brewed German beer and northern European specialties. Wines and cigars are available in the hotel’s two lounges. Quite evidently, this elegant castle is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that mustn’t go amiss.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
Ashford Castle, Ireland
Nestled amid luscious trees, grasslands, and a lake, Ashford Castle is one with nature. Surrounded by eye-popping views, it houses in a century-old neck-snapping, picture-perfect edifice. Painstakingly restored by the Red Carnation Hotels, the interiors of this hotel showcase museum-quality crystal chandeliers, precious antiques, and old master artworks. The warm welcome ensures the opulence does not detract from the homely feeling. Predominantly Irish, the hospitality here is regarded by many as the country’s best. Within the castle are cinema, billiards room, spa, children’s game room, restaurants, tennis court, golf course, hammam, and sauna.
Thorngrove Manor, Adelaide, Australia
Thorngrove Manor, Adelaide, Australia
Thorngrove Manor is no less than a fantasy version of a European castle tucked out from the pages of a French fairytale. Boasting turrets, towers, and stonewalls amid lush green surroundings, it offers a quiet hideaway from bolstering city life. The interior is bedecked with colorful stain-glass windows, antiques, artworks, fine rugs, baroque details, and carved/timbered ceilings. However, in spite of the enchanting historical theme, the décor does have a contemporary charm that is reminiscent of 5-star boutiques. Guests can opt for private ensuite meals.
Hotel de la Cite, Carcassonne, France
Hotel de la Cite, Carcassonne, France
Next in our list of world’s best castle hotels is Hotel de la Cite. This ancient castle within the old stonewall of the medieval city boasts 52 traditionally-designed rooms and opulent suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant, pretty gardens, and a heated outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the rampart from the garden and rooms of this hotel. The oldest part of this centuries-old building includes a 12th-century tower with a stone staircase. There is a cozy library bar in the hotel with floor-to-ceiling cabinets filled with ancient reads. A secret door opening from the library fulfills the most fantasized bibliothèque dream.
Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey
Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul
Formerly an Ottoman residence, this 19th-century palace in Istanbul is the country’s most luxurious hotel. It is bedecked with opulent public spaces, large arched doors, an infinity pool, and Ottoman-inspired furnishings. Each room comes with a marble-furnished bathroom, while most rooms have balconies overlooking the Bosporus. The on-site restaurant called Tuğra Restaurant serves delicious Turkish and Ottoman specialties to turn meals into royal feasts. Çırağan Palace also comprises of eleven VIP suites, including the phenomenal Sultan’s Suite that costs a staggering €30,000 per night. A vacation seldom gets more luxurious than this. It is definitely one of those must-visit 5 star luxury castle hotels.
Kronovalls Vinslott, Tomelilla, Sweden
Kronovalls Vinslott, Tomelilla, Sweden
Perched amid the area’s natural beauty, this palace houses rooms that are named after their color scheme such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Negroamaro. There are 15 guest rooms, each one with a plush four-poster bed cocooned in cozy 18th-century canopy. Apart from its beautiful exterior, picturesque surroundings, and warm interior, the palace also curates delicious five-course dining experiences paired with just the perfect wines. Since the area does not have many vineyards, guests are treated with award-winning varietals from across the globe.
The Raj Palace, Jaipur, India
The Raj Palace, Jaipur, India
Situated 170km from Jaipur, The Raj Palace is a heritage hotel set in the backdrop of 15acres verdant lawns. This opulent 18th-century palace brims with pomp, artwork, gild, antiquities, and amenities. From a wide selection of heritage suites, palatial rooms, to fitness center and concierge service, The Raj Palace has it all. Even the restaurant, Swapna Mahal, comes bedecked with rare majestic crystal chandelier, genuine gold leaf work, and a crockery museum exhibiting centuries-old collections. The highest point of this palace hotel is its Maharajah’s Pavilion that sprawls for 16000 square feet in a 4-floor apartment immersed in riches galore.
Château de Versailles Le Grand Contrôle, Versailles
Le Grand Contrôle, Versailles
Though yet to be opened in Spring 2020, Le Grand Contrôle is the most anticipated and one of the most (would-be) luxury palace hotels. Realizing the beauty and grandeur of this imperial project is architect and interior designer Christophe Tollemer. It will also be the world’s first hotel stationed within the palatial grounds. The hotel will have 14 rooms and apartments, an Alain Ducasse restaurant, a wellness center, and an indoor swimming pool. Exclusive Château de Versailles access will be made available to the hotel guests.
Four Seasons House of Lion Palace, St Petersburg, Russia
Four Seasons House of Lion Palace, St Petersburg, Russia
This 5-star palace hotel is named after the marble lions sculpted by Paolo Triscorni that guard the entrance. The front entrance is so majestic that it made muse for Alexander Pushkin’s 1833 poem ‘The Bronze Horseman’. The imperial yellow façade and barrel vault ceilings add to the charm of the hotel’s classicist style. Inside it are 183 rooms and suites. Each accommodation is designed to reflect their original 19th-century appeal. The two on-site restaurants are the city’s favorite eating houses. Other facilities in the palace include a spa, a bar, a kid’s club, a fitness center, a grand pool, and a hammam.