The 7 Best Castle Hotels to Stay In Across Europe

Europe is a continent simply brimming with history that dates back to the Middle Ages and beyond, when castles dotted the various kingdoms. While most of these castles are now in ruins, whether through warfare or natural disasters, there are still plenty which have been well-maintained and looked after, meaning that you can stay in them and live like a king or a queen for a night or two.

If you want to live out your fairytale dream, then make sure you book a stay in one of these castle hotels in Europe this summer.

The Best Castle Hotels in Europe for a Royal Getaway

1. Ashford Castle – County Mayo, Ireland

Found in the west of Ireland in County Mayo, Ashford Castle is one of the best castle hotels in the world, without question. This five-star hotel sits inside the castle walls, which were originally constructed in the 13th century but underwent a huge renovation in the 19th century.

Luxury is an understatement – standing magnificently on the shores of Lough Corrib and once home to the Guinness family, this castle hotel simply exudes luxury and royalty, where guests are treated like monarchs.

From the delicately presented rooms featuring huge statement pieces like the mighty four-poster beds to the fine dining restaurant below serving up locally-sourced produce, all you’re missing is a jester to provide the entertainment while you feast like kings!

After a walk around the castle grounds, relax in the award-winning wellness centre, which was voted as Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa for 8 consecutive years.

2. Czocha Castle – Sucha, Poland

Poland might not be the first country that comes to your mind when castle hotels are mentioned, but Czocha Castle, which sits just a few kilometres from the Slovakian border, looks like it has been plucked right out of a fairy tale.

The red-tiled spires make this place look like you’ve stepped right back into the medieval world – but the hotel itself is a beautiful combination of history and modern amenities that you expect from a castle hotel.

Traverse the many secret corridors in the castle and feel like a child at heart, before sitting down to enjoy a meal of traditional Polish cuisine in the original castle’s dining hall, using centuries-old recipes.

Guests are also encouraged to undertake a complimentary tour of the castle, which is a history-lover’s dream.

3. Amberley Castle – Sussex, England

England alone is home to over 4,000 castles, from complete ruins to incredible castle hotels like Amberley Castle, which is found in Sussex.

Built in the 12th century and occupied almost continuously since then, this castle has stood as a fortress but is perhaps more well-known for its royal connections.

Sitting proudly in the Sussex countryside, it’s little surprise that this castle has been favoured by many royals throughout history – it was a favourite getaway place for Henry VIII, and more recently, the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was reported to have enjoyed visiting Amberley Castle for a quiet escape to the countryside.

Guests who stay inside these walls are staying in the very same places that English royalty have stayed in previous centuries – a real touch of luxury and a deep connection to history at the same time.

4. Hotel Schönburg – Oberwesel, Germany

Another country renowned for its incredible architecture and glorious castles is Germany, and Hotel Schönburg in the region of Oberwesel in the west of the country is no exception.

From its prime hilltop location, guests who opt to stay in one of the 30 rooms in the castle hotel are greeted with riverside views and rolling hills covered with lush green forest in the summer, or snow-capped trees in the winter.

The dining room at the castle offers traditional medieval German food with a modern twist, making for a unique culinary experience.

The Tower Museum is also free for hotel guests to enter, which tells the brilliant story of the castle’s 700-year-old history, including how it withstood several sieges during the Middle Ages. We highly recommend climbing the 122 steps to the top of the tower for breathtaking views over the Rhine Valley below.

Finally, the castle gardens are a beautiful, peaceful place to explore during the day, from the treehouse to the hidden springs – this castle hotel really does transport you back in time.

5. Castle Spa Wagenküll – Valga County, Estonia

Found at the top of the Baltic States bordering the Gulf of Finland to its north, Estonia is a country with a rich and complicated history.

However, it is also home to some beautiful castles, and Castle Spa Wagenküll, built in the 16th century castle-turned-mansion-house, Taagepera Castle, in the south of the country, is a prime example of this.

This beautiful hotel is home to a spa (hence the name) that can accommodate an astonishing 150 guests at one time. It prides itself on its sauna culture, much like its northern neighbour Finland, and built into the original castle foundations, this is one of the most unique spa experiences you can ever have.

The castle gardens also host various exhibitions which include artistic displays made with thousands of flowers, ranging from depictions of historical Estonian scenes to contemporary events, such as this year’s, which is a tribute to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. 

The hotel even offers a special ‘courtship package’, which is based around marriage proposals – so if you’re thinking of proposing to your other half, what better place to do so than in a romantic castle hotel?

6. Burg Bernstein – Bernstein, Austria

Central Europe is blessed with some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet, and Austria, which is known for its stunning Alpine landscape, is blessed with views upon views.

Burg Bernstein is the perfect example of an Austrian castle hotel that you’ll want to return to time and time again, if you ever leave, that is! The castle is also over 800 years old, making it over twice the age of the United States, so if you’re really into history, you’ll love it here.

Another advantage that this castle hotel has from its hilltop location is that it overlooks the Hungarian border – so day trips into Hungary are more than possible, meaning that you can visit two countries in the same day, and then return back to the castle for a hearty meal fit for a king after a busy day of exploring Central Europe.

The hotel owners have also taken great care to preserve the castle’s history for guests, so each room is named after a historical figure associated with the castle, while the rooms also feature bits of original furniture – from fully restored centuries-old beds, to dressing tables and more.

7. Château Saint-Martin & Spa – Cote d’Azur, France

Holidays to the French Riviera typically consist of beachside hotels, day trips to the beach, and lively nightclubs.

However, if you want to make your next trip to the South of France much more memorable, then you should opt for a stay in Château Saint-Martin & Spa, one of the best castle hotels in France.

Dating back to 1150, this castle was home to the famous medieval order, the Knights Templar, and is now an ultra-modern, award-winning spa hotel inside the mighty fortress walls.

Set beneath olive trees which have dotted the landscape for almost as long as the castle has, this truly is one of France’s best castles. Enjoy sipping on some locally-produced wine and nibbling on olives that were hanging on trees just metres from your room, less than an hour ago, while admiring the stunning views and basking in the Mediterranean sunshine.

A real paradise for history lovers, and for those who want to make unforgettable memories on their next trip to France.