Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin, Ireland Located just 10 minutes from the center of Dublin, the Clontarf Castle Hotel is a stunning 11th cen...
Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin, Ireland
Located just 10 minutes from the center of Dublin, the Clontarf Castle Hotel is a stunning 11th century castle that has been transformed into an ultra-modern hotel that features all the luxury facilities and amenities one would expect from a 4-star rated hotel. The location is famous for being venue for the historic Battle of Clontarf, nearly a century before the castle was built. This hotel features over a 110 rooms, all of which are filled with furniture inspired from the 11th century; plush, loud and majestic. The hotel features a grill-house that specializes in beef and seafood, and an intricately decorated pub called the Knight’s Bar. The hotel also features a trendy drink & dining hall, the Indigo Lounge, which is highlighted with plush sofas and vibrant red chandeliers. Visitors can reach the hotel by cab, or even by bus as the castle hosts a bus stop right outside its gates.
Located just 10 minutes from the center of Dublin, the Clontarf Castle Hotel is a stunning 11th century castle that has been transformed into an ultra-modern hotel that features all the luxury facilities and amenities one would expect from a 4-star rated hotel. The location is famous for being venue for the historic Battle of Clontarf, nearly a century before the castle was built. This hotel features over a 110 rooms, all of which are filled with furniture inspired from the 11th century; plush, loud and majestic. The hotel features a grill-house that specializes in beef and seafood, and an intricately decorated pub called the Knight’s Bar. The hotel also features a trendy drink & dining hall, the Indigo Lounge, which is highlighted with plush sofas and vibrant red chandeliers. Visitors can reach the hotel by cab, or even by bus as the castle hosts a bus stop right outside its gates.
Airth Castle Hotel, Falkirk, United Kingdom
The Airth Castle Hotel is a gorgeous 14th century castle that offers guests stunning views of the village as well as the majestic Forth River in the Falkirk region. Originally owned by Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, the Airth is currently operated as a hotel as well as a luxury spa, with guests coming in from far and wide to enjoy a the facilities of the hotel’s award-winning spa. The hotel has annexed the former horse stable and transformed it into an array of guest rooms, some of which overlook a well maintained courtyard. Located in close proximity to Glasgow and Edinburgh, the Airth Hotel is just a mile from the M876 motorway, making it easily accessible by road.
Thornbury Castle, Thornbury, United Kingdom
Over 6 centuries old, the Thornbury Castle is the only Tudor castle in England, and one of the select few in the world to be transformed and operated as a hotel. This ancient castle used to once house King Henry VII and even Anne Boyle, and is one of today’s most exclusive hotels, with just 27 ultra-luxe rooms that house all the features and comforts that one would expect from such a hotel. The castle is also home to a 500 year old winery that produces Thornbury wine, to this day! The castle hotel features elegant bedrooms that are fitted with era furnishings. A sprawling dining area, soothing fireplaces, and a number of medieval artifacts are other noteworthy aspects of the hotel.
Langley Castle Hotel, Allendale Town, United Kingdom
Built on a 12-acre estate, the Langley Castle Hotel in the town of Allendale in the UK is one of the oldest castles in the country. Eleven rooms in all, this castle was built by Sir Thomas De Lucy in 1350. This proverbial fortress was built as a tower house to keep a watch of the village of Langley, and is now one of the most exclusive castle hotels in the country. The hotel’s in-house restaurant, Josephine’s, has been awarded two AA Rosettes through the AA Rosette scheme and offers the best of local meat and seafood fare. The hotel is equipped with a host of modern amenities, with classic touches like 4-poster beds, and even offers splendid views of the Northumbrian Valley.
Kinnitty Castle Hotel, Kinnitty, Ireland
The Kinnitty Castle Hotel is a 19th-century gothic castle located north of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, in Kinnitty, Ireland. Built in 1213 to replace the castle that was destroyed in 1209, the Kinnitty has had a scarred history right up to 1922, when it was burnt by the Irish Republic Army (IRA) and finally restored in 1928. This historic castle is located on a sprawling 650 acre plot of parklands and forest, and offers the best of luxury accommodations with some of the castles original fittings still in use. Their gourmet restaurant, Sili Dala, offers a host of British and Irish cuisine. The unique Library Bar offers a novel drinking atmosphere.
Leasowe Castle Hotel, Moreton, United Kingdom
Built in 1593 by Ferdinand, the 5th Earl of Derby, the Leasowe Castle Hotel at Moreton, in the United Kingdom is a historic structure that has been the home of royals, a prison, and even the headquarters of a trust. The castle has been used as a hotel since 1891 and has changed many owners since then, before finally being taken over by Lawton Hotels Ltd in 1910. The castle is currently a 3-star hotel with a total of 44 luxurious rooms and offers its guests everything from tea/coffee makers to a trouser press. The in-house restaurant, Portcullis, is specialized in British and French cuisine.
Carberry Tower Castle, Musselburgh, United Kingdom
The Carberry Tower Castle at East Lothian in the UK, is a magnificent 15-century small castle or estate that is set in a 34-acre, lush green parkland estate. The castle and was earlier the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, as well as the site of her surrender to a confederation of lords. Leasowe Castle has a total of 29 guest rooms, all of which are tastefully decorated to retain that royal feel of the place. The hotel can be reached via a 20 minute drive from Edinburg’s city center. The highlight if this hotel is its varied natural features, like free-roaming animals, plenty of hedges and a lush landscape. The castle also features the staircase and fireplace from its original construction.
Dalhousie Castle Hotel, Bonnyrigg, United Kingdom
Converted into a hotel in 1972, the Dalhousie Castle in Bonnyrigg, UK, is one of the most luxurious hotels in the Eastern hemisphere. This 13th century castle was the site of a 6-month siege on Sir Alexander Ramsay by King Henry IV, and is even known to have accommodated King Edward I. The castle operates a full-service spa, and offers leisure activities. Its signature restaurant, The Dungeon, is the recipient of two AA Rosettes, while the other casual dining restaurant, Orangery offers great views of the River Esk. The castle hotel even features a massaging jet pool and steam sauna. The estate also offers a number of optional fun activities such as archery and falconry, if you’re into that sort of thing!
Hever Castle Luxury Bed and Breakfast, Edenbridge, United Kingdom
Hever Castle Luxury Bed and Breakfast is a luxurious hotel that operates in one of the private wings of the majestic Hever Castle. This unique, double-moated castle is a great place for those looking for traditionally luxurious living with modern facilities. The 13th century castle is set in a massive 125-acre garden estate, and features ample parking, outdoor sports activities and even a golf-course right across the estate. The best part about checking into Hever Luxury B&B is that guests are treated to a complimentary guided tour of the castle and its grounds. All of the B&B’s 28 rooms are individually themed and designed, offering a diversity of room choices. The castle is also full of 16th century portraits, furniture and various tapestries. The hotel’s Moat Restaurant is famous for its freshly cooked meals and baked goods.
Amberley Castle Hotel, Amberley, United Kingdom
Dating way back to King Henry I, the Amberley Castle is an ultra-luxury hotel that is backed by over 900 years of history. The Amberley Castle is the ultimate in exclusivity, with a mere 19 guests, each individually named after a castle in the Sussex region. This 12th century castle is built on 12-acres of castle grounds that include a formal garden and high medieval walls. The in-house restaurant, The Queen’s room has been awarded a total of 3 AA Rosettes & 4 AA Red Stars as a testament to the brilliant cuisine served up by them. The castle also features an 18-hole putting course and two lakes, all located within the massive garden area. The highlight of the castle has to be its portcullis that is lowered at night for added safety.
Castello delle quattro torra, Siena, Italy
The Castello delle quattro torra in Sienna, Italy, is a truly upscale bed & breakfast operated within a majestic 14th century castle. It is said that the castle was privy to the horrors that occurred during the war of Siena in 1555. But today, this hilltop castle offers magnificent views of the town of Siena, as well as the surrounding Tuscan countryside. The exterior of the castle is enveloped in olive groves low-lying hills, all of which can be seen in 360 degrees from the top of the castle’s famous Tower Room. The hotel features a relaxing lounge, a serene garden area, as well as a children’s play area. The castle is in close proximity to a number of tourist destinations, and offers optional cooking courses for those that don’t want to venture outside the hotel.
Parador de Carmona, Carmona, Spain
Originally built in the early 14th century as an Arabic-styled structure, Parador de Carmona is one of the world’s best examples of a Moorish fortress. The architecture of the castle is unique, with vaulted ceilings, a central courtyard, and even features most of the original stonework! It features a seasonal pool, a restaurant, and an era-themed pub that is adorned with mosaic and arches. The highlight of this castle has to be its towering, brick Mudéjar fountain, apart from the intricately designed courtyard. The hotel attempts to maintain its 14th century feel by retaining a lot of the antique furniture and fittings. Turismo de Carmona’s, the in-house restaurant, serves up a cocktail of local, seasonal dishes.
Castel Porrona, Porrona, Italy
Situated in the centre of Porrona Village, Castel Porrona is a regal 12th century castle with original Sienese architecture and Gothic Revival elements added to it upon its annexation to the Duchy of Tuscany. The castle and its village namesake are located in the beautiful Tuscan countryside, where it has been operated as a hotel since 1953. The castle is best known for its stunning views of the Tuscan countryside, the olive groves, and sweeping landscapes that seem almost endless. The hotel hosts a total of 26 guest rooms, all of which offer the latest modern amenities, like flat screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and a modern pub. The hotel also features a large wellness centre, with an indoor swimming pool, tennis court, Turkish bath & spa, steam sauna, fully equipped gym, and even a football court.
Hotel Burg Wernberg, Wernberg-Koblitz, Germany
The hotel Burg Wernberg is a super luxurious 5-star hotel that is operated within a 12th century castle that overlooks the quaint town of Wernberg-Köblitz. Overlooking some of Europe’s most scenic forests and calm countryside, this charming castle offers guests some of the best regional cuisine as well as a number of leisure activities. Guests can choose from an array of well-designed and beautifully decorated rooms that a replete with wooden paneling and original stone walled, and furnished with luxurious 4-poster beds. The hotel also offers exclusive access to the Schwanhof Golf Course, which is part of the castle grounds.
Pousada Castelo de Obidos, Obidos, Portugal
One of Portugal’s seven wonders and soon to be a UNESCO world heritage site, Pousada Castelo de Obidos is a massive walled fortress that has been transformed into one of the country’s most exclusive hotels. The castle is the first of its kind to be converted in to a Pousada, traditional hotel. The highlight of this fortress is that it has managed to retain nearly most of its extraordinary design, which includes beautiful stonewalls and canopy beds, all of which only add to the awe of the location. With only 9 rooms on offer, Pousada Castelo de Obidos is the epitome of exclusivity.
