Stay in a Castle: 10 Fairytale Hotels Straight Out of a Storybook

Everyone wants to be treated like royalty, especially while on vacation. While there are plenty of luxury hotels worldwide, staying in a castle is a foolproof way to feel like a king (or queen).

One castle hotel, in particular, has made a name for itself as a top place for travelers seeking luxury fit for royalty. However, no matter where you wish to visit, we’ve sought out the best properties to turn your next trip into a fairytale adventure. 

1. Crossbasket Castle, an SLH Hotel in Glasgow, Scotland

Starting Nightly Rate: $370

Tucked away in Glasgow, Crossbasket Castle is the kind of castle that makes guests feel like they’ve gone back in time. This property dates back to the 15th century, seamlessly blending its old-world past with modern luxuries. There are only 9 rooms in the castle, so guests can enjoy a quiet, secluded stay that is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Each room is also uniquely styled to suit the needs of virtually any visitor. Lindsay Tower Suite is the most private accommodation option, so it’s particularly popular with couples. The Neilson Small Double Room, on the other hand, offers the coziest stay.

There’s no shortage of things to do on the property, either. Thanks to its sprawling estate, guests are free to wander around and enjoy the ambiance to its fullest. There’s also an on-site spa for a day of pampering and self-care.

Guests at Crossbasket Castle can also book golf experiences, guided tours, and gym-based fitness activities. Throughout the year, the castle hosts a variety of events, including cooking classes and gourmet dining experiences. Additionally, Crossbasket features an adjoining hotel and several lodges on and around the property, but for an authentic royal experience, be sure to reserve your stay at the castle itself.

Hot Tip:

As a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, you can earn Hilton Honors points for your stay at the Crossbasket Castle. Booking a guest room at the connecting hotel typically requires 95,000 Hilton Honors points, while on-site suites demand several hundred thousand points per night, making them a less favorable redemption option.

2. Castello Bevilacqua in Italy

Starting Nightly Rate: $182

Castello Bevilacqua gives guests a dreamy once-in-a-lifetime stay located in an authentic medieval castle. Since there are only 7 suites, staying here is exclusive and luxurious, and each room is uniquely decorated to fit a theme. For example, the Prestige Gaetano II offers a royal experience with ornate frescoes, while the Royal Cardinale Bonifazio is decorated with gilded furnishings.

Castello Bevilacqua’s location also makes it a popular event venue, especially for weddings and banquets. This castle hotel has a full event calendar. Tours, special lunches, dinners, and even themed escape rooms have been held on the property.

The hotel’s on-site restaurant, All’Antica Ala, offers a selection of traditional and contemporary gourmet dishes. It’s open for dinner from Thursday to Tuesday. Lunch is only served on Sundays. 

3. Como Castello del Nero in Tuscany, Italy

Starting Nightly Rate: $870

Como Castello del Nero is a luxury hotel in a noble setting among the Tuscan hills. Originally built in the 12th century, this castle evokes Italy’s history. Renaissance frescoes are paired with sleek and timelessly chic decor to meld old and new-world sophistication.

For the most royal stay, book the Heritage Suite. These rooms are in the main castle and have original frescoes, in-room fireplaces, and ornate furnishings. The sprawling castle setting makes Como Castello del Nero an ideal event venue for parties, weddings, and other ceremonies for up to 120 guests.

This castle hotel embraces Tuscany’s rustic side as well, though. Nature hikes and picnics are just 2 of the activities available to book. You can take a cooking class with the hotel’s chef to learn how to make classic dishes at home.

Hot Tip:

This lavish castle, like several others on this list, is available for booking through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts Collection. Guests can take advantage of exclusive benefits, including a $100 property credit, room upgrades when available, and complimentary breakfast.

4. Domaine Des Etangs in Massignac, France

Starting Nightly Rate: $332

Domaine Des Etangs is a 13th-century chateau tucked away in a scenic forest area, considered one of the best hotels in France.

While Domaine Des Etangs feels like it’s been frozen in history, it offers modern luxuries for maximum comfort. The hotel’s accommodations feature plush bedding and chairs, sleek furnishings, and even full kitchens.

Domaine Des Etangs has several suites and cottages on the property, but to live out your fairy tale dreams, book one of the 7 rooms in the castle. The Mercure Guestroom has even been adapted for guests with mobility concerns.

As a luxury hotel fit for kings and queens, visitors are given numerous options to curate their ideal stay. Special events like wine tastings, guided nature walks, private picnics, and craftsman classes are routinely held on the property.

5. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City, Canada

Starting Nightly Rate: $287

Overlooking Quebec City is the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, a majestic 19th-century castle hotel that’s been one of Canada’s National Historic Sites since 1981.

Though the hotel has 610 guest rooms, it can provide every traveler a luxurious and comfortable stay. Unsurprisingly, celebrities, including Celine Dion, and royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II, have chosen to stay here.

Each room is classically decorated to create a true chateau experience. While there are no bad rooms or suites on the property, book a river-view room if you want to feel like you’re in a fairy tale.

You can also choose a themed suite named after some of the hotel’s most memorable guests. The Roosevelt Suite is stately and sleek, while the Hitchcock Suite tastefully pays homage to the director’s contributions to cinema.

6. Glenapp Castle in Ballantrae, Scotland

Starting Nightly Rate: $487

Glenapp Castle is secluded in the Scottish countryside on a 110-acre estate and surrounded by trees, which helps to highlight the hotel’s majesty. With just a handful of rooms for guests, it’s easy to feel like a king or queen while staying here.

Each room is luxuriously decorated with richly colored fabrics, plush bedding, and antique-inspired furnishings. Rooms also have a sea or garden view, so there’s no such thing as a lackluster vista when staying here.

For the most royal stay, be sure to book a penthouse suite. These sprawling suites, decorated in the same baronial style as the rest of the castle, have 2 to 4 bedrooms, a library, a sauna, a private dining area, and more. They also have a private 360-degree terrace.

7. Inverlochy Castle, an SLH Hotel in Torlundy, Scotland

Starting Nightly Rate: $826

Built in the 19th century, Inverlochy Castle is one of Scotland’s best countryside hotels. Several room types can be booked inside the castle, ranging from small double rooms to luxury suites. There are also lodges available on the property. Each room is uniquely decorated, some taking inspiration from the countryside and others opting for a more opulent and vibrant baronial theme.

Take advantage of the on-site activities to feel like you’re a king or queen on a trip to the country. Guests can access a billiard room, hotel rowing boats, a private boat launch, and surrounding woodland trails.

This castle is also notably family-friendly, and children’s games, books, and videos are available. Be sure to book a luxury meal at the on-site restaurant, which offers individual and shared dining. You can also reserve afternoon tea as well.

Hot Tip:

The Small Walled Garden Room, which can sleep up to 2 guests, can be booked for 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night. If you’re planning a longer stay, Hilton Honors elite status members can take advantage of fifth-night-free pricing on award stays.

8. Kokkedal Castle in Hørsholm, Denmark

Starting Nightly Rate: $116

Kokkedal Castle is a sanctuary for its guests. Tucked away in nature just outside Copenhagen, the 18th-century castle hotel has something for everyone. From relaxing getaways to parties and banquets, Kokkedal is there to make any fairy tale come true.

Pampering yourself is the perfect way to have the royal experience. The on-site wellness center offers a variety of treatments, from massages to facials. There’s also a heated pool. Kokkedal Castle has a golf course on its hilly landscape, so you can enjoy the estate while practicing your swing.

There are 5 room types available, each decorated with simple country manor furnishing that perfectly suits the surroundings. Kokkedal has also made a name for itself as a vibrant party venue. Up to 90 guests can be booked for weddings, banquets, and other ceremonies.

9. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Starting Nightly Rate: $400

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is a desert oasis and palace hotel. Located just outside Abu Dhabi, the hotel is nestled among dunes in one of the world’s largest deserts.

Anyone who stays at this hotel will feel like royalty. For a truly indulgent experience, book the Royal Pavilion Pool Villa. This secluded suite has a private pool, sundeck, and on-demand butler service to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Qasr Al Sarab is a family-friendly resort, so plenty of on-site activities can help your kids feel like princes or princesses. Most adult excursions suit teens, but kids can have fun at cooking classes, treasure hunts, and more. There are 10 impressive dining locations at the hotel, which serve a variety of local and international delicacies.

10. Star Castle Hotel in Isles of Scilly, U.K.

Starting Nightly Rate: $270

Star Castle Hotel is a dreamy coastal getaway destination. The hotel is in a 16th-century castle estate with 4 acres of private gardens, a golf course, a tennis court, a pool, and multiple cottages. The hotel has 38 rooms for guests, though these include the cottages. To feel like royalty, be sure to book a castle room.

The rooms are timelessly decorated with simple country decor that helps create the ambiance of a royal retreat to the coast. For the most privacy while still staying in the castle, reserve one of the 3 guard rooms, which have a private outdoor area and entrance. This hotel is even dog-friendly.

To get the full Star Castle experience, try each of the castle’s eateries, from the Castle Dining Room to the Dungeon Bar.

Final Thoughts

Crossbasket Castle is renowned for its luxury amenities and castle location that can make any vacationer feel like they’re royal for a day. However, it’s far from the only castle location in the world where you can book a stay. These castle hotels offer luxurious experiences, large and small.