15 Top Castle Hotels in Europe

While owning a castle might be out of reach, renting one—at least for a night or two—is a dream come true for many.

Across Europe, numerous fairytale castles have been converted into luxurious hotels. Here are 15 of the most stunning castle hotels you can stay in:

1. Hotel de la Cite, Carcassonne, France

Few places offer a better base for exploring the enchanting city of Carcassonne than Hotel de la Cite. Nestled inside the fortifications of the UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s the only hotel within the ramparts, and after the daytime crowds have gone, you’ll have the castle almost to yourself.

Sip an aperitif on the terrace as the sun sets over France, soaking in the breathtaking views, before indulging in a gourmet meal at the Michelin-starred restaurant.

2. Swinton Estate, Masham, England

The English may not always be seen as particularly romantic, but their country castles certainly are. Swinton Estate, the ancestral home of the Cunliffe-Lister family, has been transformed into a 30-room luxury castle hotel, complete with turrets, long echoing hallways, and grand staircases leading to spacious, uniquely designed rooms.

This is the kind of place where you’d expect to run into Jeeves and Wooster in the dining room—country living in England at its finest.

3. Hotel Schloss Thannegg, Grobming, Austria

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Hotel Schloss Thannegg is a fairytale escape, especially magical in the snow, making it the perfect winter getaway.

With ceilings dating back to 1150, an 850-year-old wine cellar, and a free ski shuttle to whisk you off to alpine adventures, this whimsical retreat is perfect for both families and couples.

4. Ashford Castle, Ireland

Ashford Castle takes its role seriously, with towering turrets, sturdy ramparts, gleaming armour, oak paneling, Waterford chandeliers, and rococo gilt mirrors.

Its foundation was laid in 1228 by the de Burgo family, and for eight centuries, its residents— including the renowned Guinness brewing family—have gazed out over the stunning blue waters of Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second-largest lake. Today, the castle boasts 83 rooms, a luxurious spa, and 140 hectares of lush parkland.

5. Castel Porrona, Tuscany, Italy

Centuries of history have shaped this place. In a charming village dating back to the 11th century, surrounded by vineyards, sunflower fields, and olive groves, lies Castel Porrona in the heart of Italy’s Tuscan hills.

Each of its 25 rooms offers breathtaking views of the village, the castle grounds, and the expansive Tuscan landscape. In summer, relax on the flower-adorned terrace with a glass of local Tuscan wine.

6. Burg Wernberg, Germany

Built in the 12th century, this castle hotel sits atop a hill, offering sweeping views of the Bavarian countryside. Rich in history, it became the Burg Wernberg hotel in 1953.

Since its transformation, guests have enjoyed the castle’s Gothic allure, paired with modern culinary delights, including regional specialties like game sourced from the nearby forests.

7. Dornröschenschloss Sababurg, Germany

A true-life fairy tale.

What could be more romantic than staying in the castle that inspired the legend of Sleeping Beauty, who is said to have slept here for a century before being awakened by Prince Charming’s kiss?

You can experience your own fairy tale slumber at Dornröschenschloss Sababurg. This 650-year-old castle, nestled in the heart of the Reinhardswald Forest, has been transformed into a magical hotel, surrounded by a towering wall—said to be the very wall of thorns from the Grimms' tale.

8. Pousada de Óbidos, Portugal

There are only a handful of rooms, so plan your getaway carefully. Inside the medieval walls of Obidos lies the Pousada de Óbidos, one of Portugal’s most prestigious hotels and among the first to be transformed into a pousada, a traditional or historic Portuguese inn.

With just nine rooms, the hotel exudes charm and intimacy, though reservations can be tricky, especially in the summer. The tower room is a particularly sought-after choice.

9. Ruthin Castle, Wales

A dungeon and whipping pit are part of the package. Now that’s what we call romance. You can fulfill your King Arthur dreams at Ruthin Castle, nestled deep in expansive parkland and woodlands.

Located in Denbighshire, this castle is steeped in a bloody past, complete with a dungeon, whipping pit, and drowning pool. But those dark days are long behind, and today the castle offers a romantic experience, hosting medieval feasts where you can dine like Henry VIII, who once called this castle home.

10. Abbaye de la Bussière, Burgundy, France

No more monks, just pure luxury and serenity. While the monks have long since left, the peaceful ambiance remains at Abbaye de la Bussière. This 12th-century former monastery is nestled within six hectares of lush Burgundian parkland.

The interiors boast grand vaulted ceilings, towering six-meter stained glass windows, stone balustrades, and a sweeping romantic staircase.

Though the Abbaye’s architecture is undeniably religious, the 11 rooms are more akin to an English country house hotel than a monastery. The food, however, is distinctly French.

11. Amberley Castle, West Sussex, England

The portcullis is never raised these days.

Step into the past at Amberley Castle, a hidden gem for 900 years, nestled near the charming village of Amberley in the rolling South Downs. Pass beneath the towering 18-meter walls and you’ll enter a realm of landscaped gardens, medieval architectural beauty, and an unparalleled sense of peace and tranquility.

The castle is steeped in history, yet the accommodations are far from antiquated; with 19 lavish rooms, many featuring four-poster beds and all equipped with whirlpool baths, you'll be pampered like royalty.

12. Fenton Tower, North Berwick, Scotland

The walls are two meters thick, keeping all the romance within. Fenton Tower is a stunning 16th-century stronghold perched above the lush farmland of East Lothian, offering breathtaking views over the Firth of Forth.

Once a safe haven for King James VI of Scotland, fleeing from a rebellious army, it has now been transformed into a lavish retreat for up to 12 guests. With its devoted staff, the castle offers impeccable service and cuisine, all within a private and secure setting – after all, you’re staying in a fortified tower with two-meter-thick walls.

13. Château de Bagnols, France

Arrow slits included, so Cupid can’t miss. Château de Bagnols is everything a true castle should be, complete with a moat, drawbridge, and towers bearing arrow slits. But it’s also a wildly romantic, five-star destination. Its opulent interiors are a far cry from the sleek, minimalist design of a typical modern boutique hotel.

Each room is a masterpiece – uniquely styled with a stunning collection of antiques and artworks.

14. Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland

After staying here, no other bath will ever feel the same. Though not a traditional castle, The Witchery lies beneath the towering ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, offering the most intimate and romantic setting in the city.

Step into a world of indulgence within this 16th-century sanctuary, where antique-filled suites immerse guests in an enchanting Gothic dream. Oak-paneled walls adorned with tapestries, mirrors, and intricate carvings complement ceilings painted in elaborate gold, creating a truly atmospheric setting.

The Inner Sanctum suite features a majestic four-poster bed, rich red and gold walls, and a cozy sitting room offering views of the historic Royal Mile.

15. Balfour Castle, Shapinsay, Orkney Islands, Scotland

Those from the North know how to do it right.

Known as the world’s most northern castle hotel, Balfour Castle is the ultimate romantic getaway. Picture crackling log fires, walls adorned with stags' heads, Victorian-era antiques, and secret passages hidden behind faux bookshelves in the library – perfect for a private rendezvous.

The Laird’s bedroom boasts a stunning four-poster bed carved with the Balfour family crest. Plus, you can even tie the knot in the castle's intimate chapel, which seats only 20 guests.