It’s hard to find a childhood where fairytales weren’t commonplace, and staying at castle hotels can evoke a sense of living those stories in real life. Castles are a dream for romantics and history buffs alike; many around the world are still standing (and since refurbished) from hundreds of years ago. Some of these time-honored options have benefited from joining forces with modern hotels, or were created by modern architects in the storybook style. But all nine of the castle hotels listed here, whether historic or modern, are sure to fulfill all your dreams of living like royalty—whether you're visiting Sweden, Ireland, or New York.
Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark
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Kilkea Castle, Ireland
A medieval fortress that fits the images of childhood storybook tales, the Kilkea Castle sits on a 186-acre estate only 45 minutes from Dublin. This luxury property features a world class 18-hole golf course, a robust wellness center, and a traditional Irish pub. Outdoor enthusiasts can also sign up for tennis, fishing, archery, falconry, and equestrian activities. Or get your blood pumping while seeing the best of Ireland's nature, with 4x4 off roading through the nearby Wicklow mountains.
Highlands Castle, New York
Perched on a mountain with panoramic views of Lake George, in the Adirondacks, the stunning castle is located only three minutes from downtown Bolton Landing. Guests have access to modern conveniences like gourmet restaurants and shopping along with adventurous activities like kayaking, canoeing, water tubing, and rafting during the warm weather months. The owners, John and Yvonne Lavender, used local granite when building the property in order to create the exterior's intricate stonework—a decades-long process. Guests have five room choices: the Royal Bedroom, King’s Suite, Castle Cottage, Castle Gatehouse, or you can go all out and rent the entire castle.
The Keila-Joa Manor, Estonia
Just a 20 minute drive from the capital of Tallinn, the boutique hotel Schloss Fall (located within the Keila-Joa Manor) sits on the shores of Estonia’s Keila River. Built in 1833, guests can now stroll the manicured grounds of the Neo-Gothic castle as it was previously closed to visitors. Reopened in 2016, the once bare-bones property now boasts amenities like an on-site winery and an elevated restaurant. History buffs can explore the in-house museum, while culture lovers can see performances at the concert hall. Need more space? The adjacent historical manor houses two suites and 14 deluxe rooms.
Romantik Hotel at the Wartburg, Germany
A UNESCO heritage site since 1999, this castle is planted in the scenic destination of Thuringia. Try the Finnish sauna or catch up on a book in the spacious sun room. The imposing and statuesque castle was built around the year 1067 by Louis the Knight. Some of the things to see are the castle museum and the sweeping views of the town of Wartburg from its towers. The history of the place is also fascinating: the reformer Martin Luther translated the New Testament of the Bible into German in eleven weeks at Wartburg Castle in 1521.
Castle in Clarens, South Africa
Rapunzel's Tower might just be in South Africa. Sleeping up to four people in two bedrooms, you'll be treated like royalty with hyper-personalized service. Inside the castle, is gothic-style cupboards and artwork sourced from around the world, which includes tapestries from Dubai and a life sized mural of Rapunzel and prince that covers an entire wall in one of the bedrooms. You can explore the vegetable garden, small pathways, and wake up to views of the Maluti Mountains. Adventure activities in the area include horseback riding, hiking, fly-fishing, and rappelling.
The Kentucky Castle, Kentucky
If you’re looking for an American castle where you can partake in fun activities like goat yoga classes, horseback riding, and garden to table picnics, The Kentucky Castle is just a 20-minute drive from the city of Lexington. The 110-acre estate features something for every type of traveler, but perhaps the most alluring is the on-site restaurant that utilizes vegetables, fruits, and herbs from its no-till farm and greenhouse.
Chateau Herálec, Czech Republic
Whether you decide to arrive in style by helicopter or by the D1 Motorway from Prague or Vienna, the Chateau Heralec in the Czech Republic is worth the stop, with castle walls dating back to the 13th century. Don't miss the spa by L’Occitane that includes four different types of saunas, a hot tub, and fitness center. For extra romance choose a room on ground level for original vaulted arches and classic Czech paintings.