Ever dreamed of living like royalty, even if just for a night? Well, dust off your imaginary crown and polish your make-believe sceptre, because that fantasy can become a reality! Scattered across Europe are ancient castles that have been transformed into luxurious hotels, offering guests a chance to experience a slice of regal life.
From towering turrets to grand ballrooms, these historic fortresses have seen centuries of drama, intrigue, and power plays. Now, they’re opening their doors to travellers seeking a truly unique and opulent stay. Imagine waking up in a four-poster bed, gazing out of arrow-slit windows onto sprawling estates, or dining in halls where kings and queens once feasted.
In this article, I’ll take you on a whirlwind tour of five European castles where you can spend the night and live out your royal dreams.
Óbidos Castle, Portugal
Óbidos is a tiny medieval town just north of Lisbon, Portugal. You can reach Óbidos by bus or car to see the beautiful castle walls and white-washed houses. Especially between spring and autumn, the town is even prettier as the flowers make Óbidos even more colourful. And although most visitors stay a couple of hours, you can also spend the night in an exceptional place!
We visit Óbidos several times a year and sometimes stay the night to enjoy the area or the festivals. Booking a night in town is more than special, as Óbidos Castle is only open for hotel guests! When all day-trippers are gone, you have a narrow street to yourself. Castelo de Óbidos dates back to Portugal’s Roman occupation, but many restorations have been done. The interior is incredible, and the views are even more so.
To stay a night in Pousada Castelo Óbidos usually costs between € 200-650, but it’s well worth staying the night! Did you know, for example, that the castle was once a wedding gift given by King D. Dinis to Queen Santa Isabel, who got married here? You will enjoy a medieval experience from start to finish, including a delicious meal. And remember to walk along the castle walls for the best views over town and the region!
We love staying in Óbidos as there are many festivals throughout the year. The tasty Chocolate Festival, the Medieval Festival, and the Christmas Village are especially amazing. But if you come in winter, dress warm as it can be bitterly cold in Óbidos! Book ahead of time when you decide to book a night at Óbidos Castle, as rooms fill quickly! And the earlier you are, the better the deal.
Click here to see the latest offers and book.
Aragonese Castle, Italy
The magnificent Castello Aragonese on the island of Ischia in the bay of Naples could be one of the most memorable places to stay in Italy. The castle sits dramatically on a rocky islet, connected to the island by a narrow bridge. There’s been a settlement on this rock since the 5th century BC but most of what you see today is a mere 600 years old.
You can visit the Castello Aragonese during the day to see the historic fortifications, the old prison, gardens, galleries and exhibitions, but to experience the castle at its most magical, you should stay overnight.
The hotel in the castle is called Albergo Il Monastero and is set in the old convent buildings, which were used between the 16th and 18th century. Fittingly for a convent, the rooms are quite simple but comfortable and stylish. Many of them have beautiful sea views which look out over the island, and a couple have swoon-worthy sun terraces.
The restaurant at Albergo Il Monastero is particularly special. There are only 10 tables, so be sure to book in advance, but it’s a magical experience. I loved visiting the vegetable gardens during the day, and much of the produce that’s served in the restaurant comes from the garden – even the wine comes from the castle’s own vineyard!
Ischia is a gorgeous island, and Castello Aragonese looks out over one of its most beautiful views. If you can bear to tear yourself away from the castle, you can enjoy thermal spas (I particularly recommend the Negombo thermal park), picturesque villages and world-famous gardens, along with day trips to the neighbouring islands Capri and Procida.
Click here to see the latest offers and book.
Sigüenza Castle, Spain
A unique place to sleep in a Castle in Europe is the sleepy village of Sigüenza in the Castile-La Mancha region of Spain. This historic hilltop castle is blessed with a rich history dating back to the Romans. Today, it is a fabulous Parador Hotel.
The Sigüenza Castle was first constructed as an Arabic Citadel. After the Reconquista in the 12th century, the castle was turned into a Bishop’s Palace. Over time, the castle was also used as a military fortress and even an asylum. Sadly, after the Spanish Civil War, the magnificent castle was destroyed and left abandoned. During the 1970’s the castle was bought and restored to its medieval charm.
Parador Hotels in Spain are known for their luxurious accommodation. Our night stay at the Parador de Sigüenza was no different.
The basic hotel rooms were quite spacious and included extra amenities like a towel warmer, toiletries, luggage rack, air conditioning, a television, and a hair dryer. Another great bonus is the free parking onsite. For me, the best feature of the room was the incredible view overlooking Sigüenza and out onto the iconic Cathedral.
A simple room is more than enough, but for those looking to splurge can upgrade to a Superior Room or a Junior Suite.
As far as Parador Hotels go, the Sigüenza Castle is quite affordable. We stayed in the off-season and paid less than $80 a night. Of course, this price will rise during the peak summer months and on the weekends. The Parador de Sigüenza also offers a breakfast, but that will increase the rate of the room quite significantly. However, the breakfast is a real treat and is a hearty buffet served in a large grand hall.
The Parador de Sigüenza also offers a full-service restaurant and a bar. The bar offers lovely terrace seating in the courtyard next to a fountain.
Staying overnight at the Sigüenza Castle is a highlight of visiting this off-the-beaten-path destination in Spain.
Click here to see the latest offers and book.
Otočec Castle, Slovenia
Located on a small island in the Krka River, Castle Otočec is a hidden gem in Slovenia’s Lower Carniola region. This medieval fortress, dating back to the 13th century, is a stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture that has been transformed into a luxurious 5-star hotel.
Conveniently located, Castle Otočec is just a 45-minute drive from Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, or about an hour from Zagreb, Croatia. Its picturesque setting makes it an ideal spot for both a quick visit and an extended stay.
As part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group, Castle Otočec offers an exceptional experience. The hotel boasts a Michelin-mentioned restaurant, serving exquisite cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Guests can also enjoy complimentary access to a nearby spa, adding to the luxurious experience.
I’ve visited Castle Otočec numerous times, but my overnight stay in December 2021 was truly memorable. Taking advantage of government-issued tourism coupons during the pandemic period, we secured a room for two, including breakfast and dinner, for 500 dollars with a discount.
What sets Castle Otočec apart is the unique experience of sleeping in a medieval castle and waking up to misty mornings on a river island. The amenities are on par with other 5-star hotels, but the historical setting elevates the experience to something truly special.
The dinner was exceptional, showcasing the best of local cuisine in an enchanting setting. The staff struck a perfect balance between professionalism and warmth, making us feel both pampered and at home.
If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend spending at least one night at Castle Otočec. It offers a rare chance to live like royalty in a genuine medieval castle, complete with modern luxuries and impeccable service.
Click here to see the latest offers and book.
Inverlochy Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
Inverlochy Castle Hotel is located close to Fort William in Scotland. The baronial mansion was built in 1863 and it has hosted many famous guests over the years. Even Queen Victoria is said to have spent a week there. It was a private house until it opened as a luxury hotel in 1969.
The hotel has several opulent drawing rooms with open fires, a lovely terrace and a snooker room decorated with antlers on all four walls. For me the highlight of my stay was taking a rowing boat out on the lake in front of the hotel. In the early morning you get fantastic views of the castle’s reflection in the lake. You can also get good views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. The hotel is close to the starting point for the North face hiking routes up Ben Nevis.
There is plenty to see and do in the area but make sure you set aside time to enjoy the hotel. I spent half a day having scones and tea, relaxing in front of the fire, walking around the grounds and having a game of snooker.
Staying at Inverlochy Castle Hotel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people since double rooms start at £410 per night. For breakfast try their porridge with whisky. I loved it despite not being a whisky drinker.
Dinner is a set menu inspired by the famous chef Michael Roux. Dining in the castle setting meant it was one of the most romantic meals I have had. However, given the price of dinner, I recommend going to one of the restaurants in Fort William if you are staying for a second night. My favourite restaurant in Fort William is The Geographer.
Inverlochy Castle Hotel is expensive, but I loved spending a night there and think it was well worth the cost.
Click here to see the latest offers and book.
For more similar articles, check out the recommendations below:
- Fairytale European Castles You’ve Never Heard Of
- The Most Beautiful Castles in Baden Wurttemberg, Germany
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