12 Places Around the World Where You Can Sleep in a Castle

Ever dreamed of living like royalty, even just for a night? All across the world, historic castles have opened their gates to overnight guests offering the chance to sleep in four-poster beds, wander manicured gardens, and savor gourmet meals in centuries-old halls. These aren’t just hotels, they’re immersive escapes into the past. Whether you’re after the moody elegance of a Scottish loch-side manor or the sun-drenched beauty of an Italian hilltop fortress, these 12 castle stays promise a romantic getaway packed with charm, history, and luxury worthy of a fairy tale.

Ashford Castle, Ireland

This 800-year-old Irish estate delivers world-class luxury wrapped in medieval charm. Once owned by the Guinness family, Ashford Castle features turreted towers, oak-paneled suites, and cozy lounges with roaring fireplaces. Couples can try falconry, enjoy a lakeside stroll, or sip afternoon tea in the elegant drawing room. Every detail from the sprawling gardens to candlelit dinners feels straight out of a royal fantasy. Set in the heart of Connemara, it’s a romantic five-star escape where you’ll be pampered like nobility.

Château de Bagnols, France

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Beaujolais countryside, this 13th-century château blends medieval grandeur with refined French elegance. Couples are greeted with stone archways, frescoed ceilings, antique four-poster beds, and sweeping vineyard views. Dine by candlelight in a vaulted hall, stroll through rose-filled gardens, or sip wine on a private terrace. The atmosphere is serene and storied perfect for romantic escapes that feel both regal and intimate. For those who love wine, history, and slow French afternoons, Château de Bagnols delivers on all fronts.

Schloss Leopoldskron, Austria

Set on a quiet lake just outside Salzburg, Schloss Leopoldskron is a Rococo masterpiece with cinematic charm, it was famously featured in The Sound of Music. Ornate halls, marble staircases, and antique-filled salons give the castle a museum-like grandeur, but guests are welcome to stay overnight in regal comfort. Couples can stroll along mirrored waters with Alpine peaks in the distance, enjoy breakfast in a chandelier-lit ballroom, or simply bask in the refined stillness. It’s a graceful, storybook escape rooted in Austrian history and elegance.

Parador de Cardona, Spain

Towering above a Catalan hilltop, the Parador de Cardona is a 9th-century fortress that covers guests in medieval grandeur. Inside its thick stone walls, you’ll find canopy beds, wrought iron chandeliers, and winding staircases that whisper stories of knights and nobles. Couples can explore ancient watchtowers, dine by candlelight in vaulted halls, or simply gaze out at the vast Catalonian landscape. The atmosphere is quiet, romantic and steeped in history, perfect for unplugging and reconnecting. It’s more than a stay, it’s a step back in time.

Thornbury Castle, England

Walk in the footsteps of royalty at Thornbury Castle, where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once stayed. Tucked in the English countryside of Gloucestershire, this Tudor-era retreat offers richly appointed rooms with stone fireplaces, four-poster beds, and leaded glass windows that overlook manicured gardens. Savor afternoon tea in the courtyard, explore the castle’s historic nooks, or enjoy fine dining in the chandelier-lit banquet hall. It’s a regal yet cozy escape that blends romance, heritage and modern luxury perfect for couples who love their getaways with a touch of royal drama.

Schlosshotel Kronberg, Germany

Once the private residence of German Empress Victoria, Schlosshotel Kronberg now welcomes guests into a world of refined imperial luxury. Located just outside Frankfurt, the castle’s grand halls, antique furnishings, and art-filled walls offer a glimpse into 19th-century aristocratic life. Couples can sip wine in the wood-paneled library, stroll through landscaped gardens, or unwind in stately suites that blend historic charm with modern amenities. It’s quiet, elegant and deeply romantic, perfect for a regal retreat that feels far removed from everyday life.

Castello di Petroia, Italy

Perched in the green hills of Umbria, Castello di Petroia is a medieval stronghold turned romantic retreat. Its weathered stone towers, arched passageways, and lantern-lit suites create an atmosphere of quiet intimacy and old-world charm. Couples can dine on farm-fresh meals by candlelight, soak in panoramic views from the battlements, or simply relax beneath centuries-old beams. The pace is slow, the surroundings serene, and the setting deeply authentic ideal for those craving medieval magic far from the tourist trail. It’s rustic Italy at its most captivating.

Inverlochy Castle, Scotland

Tucked beneath the shadow of Ben Nevis and surrounded by shimmering lochs, Inverlochy Castle captures the quiet romance of the Scottish Highlands. Once visited by Queen Victoria, who called it “lovely and romantic,” the castle remains true to that praise today. Elegant rooms with velvet furnishings, afternoon tea by the fire, and world-class dining create an atmosphere of timeless indulgence. Whether you’re exploring misty glens or simply soaking in the view from a cozy window seat, this Highland retreat offers couples an unforgettable blend of solitude and splendor.

Neemrana Fort-Palace, India

Perched dramatically on the rugged Aravalli hills, Neemrana Fort Palace is a 15th-century marvel transformed into one of India’s most iconic heritage hotels. Just a few hours from Delhi, its tiered architecture, hidden staircases, and hanging gardens create a maze of romance and history. Couples can dine by candlelight with panoramic views, swim in hillside pools, or wander the fort’s courtyards and terraces. Each room is uniquely styled with traditional decor and vintage touches. It’s a colorful, atmospheric escape that delivers royal flair with authentic Indian soul.

Dalen Hotel, Norway

With its turrets, dragon-head carvings, and ornate wooden facade, Dalen Hotel lives up to its nickname, the “fairytale hotel.” Nestled beside Lake Bandak in southern Norway, this 19th-century retreat once welcomed kings and queens seeking alpine serenity. Couples can arrive via vintage steamboat, sip wine on the veranda, and sleep beneath carved ceilings in plush, antique-filled rooms. The atmosphere is calm, romantic, and steeped in Nordic heritage. For a fairytale escape wrapped in fjord-side beauty and old-world elegance, Dalen is as magical as it gets.

Bojnice Castle Hotel, Slovakia

With its pastel spires, romantic drawbridges, and dreamy towers, Bojnice Castle feels plucked from the pages of a fantasy novel. Set amid manicured gardens in central Slovakia, this Neo-Gothic beauty is part museum, part fairytale escape. Couples can explore frescoed halls, attend castle events, and even stay overnight in turreted rooms fit for royalty. Dine beneath hand-painted ceilings or stroll the candlelit courtyards under the stars. Bojnice offers a rare chance to step inside a storybook setting and actually live it, even if just for one enchanted night.

Kawagoe Castle Guesthouse, Japan

Tucked in the Edo-period townscape of Kawagoe, this restored samurai-era guesthouse offers couples a chance to experience traditional Japanese elegance. Designed in the style of a small castle or noble residence, the space features tatami-mat floors, sliding shoji screens, and a serene inner garden. The atmosphere is minimalist yet deeply atmospheric, perfect for slowing down and savoring cultural richness. Just a short train ride from Tokyo, it’s a quiet escape that blends history, romance, and authenticity, offering a gentle window into Japan’s feudal past without leaving the comforts behind.