From medieval exteriors and modern interiors to hotels housed within royal palaces, these luxury stays promise an unforgettable experience. We hand-picked a selection of the world’s best castle hotels and palace accommodations that guarantee an unforgettable luxury experience.
Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey
The Çırağan Palace opened in 1871 as the home of Sultan Abdülaziz and holds a unique history. Napoleon III’s wife, Eugénie de Montijo, Eugénie de Montijo, has stayed here and the palace hosted the Turkish parliament after the country introduced constitutional monarchy. Today, it boasts 315 luxury rooms and suites, five restaurants and lounges and one of Istanbul’s finest spas. From here, on the European side of the Bosphorus, you can watch luxury yacht pass by while sipping on your Turkish coffee.
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Ashford Castle, one of the top castle hotels in Ireland, Cong, Ireland
This legendary castle, dating back to the 13th century, is a three-hour drive from Dublin. Opened as a luxury hotel in 1939, prominent guests have stayed here, including Ronald Reagan, John Wayne and royal families. One of the leading castle hotels in Ireland, Ashford Castle sits in County Mayo on a 350-acre estate along Lough Corrib, with a tranquil lake setting that adds to its appeal among standout hotels in Ireland. In addition to the hotel’s fine dining experiences, cinema, and an award-winning spa, guests can choose from 83 individually designed rooms and suites and enjoy estate activities including falconry, horse riding, golf, and walks through the grounds.
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Gstaad Palace, Switzerland
The iconic Gstaad Palace is one of Switzerland’s premier resort hotels, and among the last family-owned hotel in the country. In the 1960s, Hollywood stars flocked here, and the hotel still exudes elegance. The 104 tastefully decorated rooms are elegant and luxurious, offering spectacular views over the Swiss Alps. The hotel also features two bars and panoramic views across the surrounding mountains.
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Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest, Hungary
Known as one of the most beautiful hotels in Budapest, Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace is an architectural masterpiece located right on the River Danube. The hotel has 179 elegantly decorated rooms, infinity pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, restaurants and bars, with world-class amenities woven into the historic setting. In the true spirit of Four Seasons, guests can expect personalised service worthy of royalty, with a high staff-to-guest ratio and concierge and personalised guest services.
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Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, India
Opened in 1943, one of Rajasthan’s grandest royal residences. The former Jodhpur royal family still lives here today. Parts of the palace were converted into a hotel with 64 luxurious rooms and suites in Art-Deco style. Palace stays like this often also include afternoon tea served in elegant historic-style reception spaces or traditional drawing rooms, adding to the sense of occasion. Enjoy mouth-watering Indian meals in one of the hotel’s three fine-dining restaurants, or take a stroll in the peaceful garden overlooking the city of Jodhpur.
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