Holiday in a Castle: Our Pick of the Best Fortresses, Castles and Chateaus Around the World

Bored with hotels and typical holiday accommodation? Why not treat yourself and stay in a castle? Modern refurbishments mean these castles are less dungeons-and-dragons, and more five star lodgings, whilst retaining their original charm! Our guide to the best in the world is right here for you to pick through, from Casa da Alcáçova in Portugal, to Chateau Colbert in France, you’re certain to find the right castle for you.

Schönburg Castle Hotel, Oberwesel, The Rhine Valley, Germany
Overlooking Oberwesel and the Rhine, this hilltop castle has magnificent views of terraced vineyards stretching out below and the medieval town.
You can sleep in four-poster beds, gaze at the river over breakfas, relax among the splendour of the scenery and enjoy fine cuisine in the knights' dining room.

Casa da Alcáçova, Santarém, Portugal
Right in the historic centre of Santarém sits this hotel and national monument with views of the river Tagus and an expanse of local flora and fauna.
This hotel is the ultimate in historic hostelry, with its own Roman temple from the first century BC. It also has a host of Arabic and medieval relics.

Find more things to do in Portugal by using our Portugal Holiday Guide

Hotel Chateau Gutsch, Lucerne, Switzerland
On a wooded hill above Lucerne, the fairytale Castle Gutsch dominates the view of this beautiful city on the lake Vierwaldstatter See.
The hotel's panoramic restaurant offers the best from kitchen and cellar, with fine cuisine is served every evening. The view from the hotel of the city of Lucerne and its surroundings is stunning.

Chateau Colbert, Vendee, France
Near Cholet, Angers and Saumer in France's chateaux country, the Chateau Colbert was built in 1012 as the home of Count Anjou, and has had only a handful of owners through the centuries.
It was restored in the late 1800s. The modern bathrooms and facilities are its only concession to the 21st century.

Find out more about staying in France by checking out our France Holiday Guide

Amberley Castle, Sussex, England
This is the one hotel in the world that is a medieval castle enclosed by a 60ft crenellated curtain wall and portcullis. After nine centuries, it has been transformed into a luxury 15-bedroom country hotel.
Nestling in the South Downs by Amberley village, it is easily accessible from London, Heathrow, Gatwick and Channel ports.

Prague Castle, Prague, Czech Republic
For long periods in the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance, Prague was the centre of the Holy Roman Empire.
The seat of kings and emperors was Prague Castle, today the residence of the president. As well as catering for guests, it can be rented at short notice for conferences, receptions, banquets and presentations.

Waterford Castle Hotel, Republic of Ireland
This luxury hotel is on its own private 310-acre island in the river Suir, surrounded by woodlands and an 18-hole golf course.
The tasteful detail of the interior reflects the old-world charm of a 15th-century castle. The guestrooms and suites are spacious and well appointed, and each boasts with stunning views of the surrounding estate.

Castle Hornberg, Swabia, Germany
Castle Hornberg is near Neckarzimmern in Swabia, south-west Germany. An 11th-century knight's castle, it stands proudly amid the vineyards high above the romantic valley of the River Neckar.
The grounds and their splendid surroundings are a permanent invitation to walk in the countryside or perhaps make excursions farther afield.

Niedzica Zamek, Niedzica, Poland
Niedzica Zamek is on the Polish-Slovak border. Built in the 16th century, the Renaissance-period castle remains almost fully intact.
The castle overlooks the Czorsztyn hills and a turn in the Dunajec River. and it can be enjoyed as a museum for guests staying in the nearby rooms at the palace.

Dronninglund Castle, Denmark
For more than 800 years this castle has played an important role in Danish history, having been in the possession of various members of the royal family and nobles.
Today it is a well-equipped hotel, catering for those treasuring comfort with pleasant surroundings and created with respect for its architectural heritage.

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