Europe’s grandest castle hotels invite travellers to step into living history without sacrificing modern comfort. From Scotland’s Glenapp Castle and Ireland’s Ashford Castle to Italy’s Castel Brando and Castello di Gargonza, Germany’s Schloss Frankenberg and Sweden’s Lejondals Slott, these restored fortresses offer gourmet dining, lavish suites, spas and sweeping landscapes steeped in centuries of heritage.
Europe is home to roughly 100,000 to 1,50,000 surviving castles today. While some date back to 46 AD, some are as young as the late 19th century. Once serving as military fortifications, seats of administration, and residencies for nobilities, castles have always stood as a symbol of wealth and power. Over time, many of them have been restored and opened their doors to the public as luxury stays, extending access to hitherto restricted spaces while still maintaining its sense of grandeur and exclusivity. From clifftop fortified enclaves and medieval tower apartments to lakeside escapes and expansive estates, these luxury castle hotels in Europe blend history with luxury, taking you back in time with the comforts of today.
Built in 1870 by celebrated Scottish architect David Bryce, Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland, began welcoming guests in 2000, following an induction into the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Collection. Combining Gothic and Renaissance design elements, Glenapp features soaring towers and turrets, sandstone battlements, manicured gardens, and a stunning seascape surrounding it. Stay at the traditional Baronial style Penthouse Suite which comes with a two or four bedroom option, a library, a sauna, and a private rooftop terrace or pick from one of their 17 lavishly designed Castle Bedroom Suites, with cosy fireplaces and sweeping seaviews. The castle’s dining room offers a daily changing menu spanning between three to seven courses, along with a tasting menu crafted by Executive Chef, Peter Howarth. Meanwhile, you can also relish fresh farm-to-table meals within the 150-foot Victorian glasshouse at The Azalea.
Prices start from Rs. 67,500 per night.
Between the quiet villages of Follina and Cison di Valmarino sits Hotel Castel Brando, one of Europe’s largest and oldest castles. Surrounded by the rolling Prosecco hills, the castle is a national monument, built originally in 46 AD. After years of painstaking restoration projects, Castel Brando was returned to its original splendour and simultaneously transformed into a luxury retreat. Venetian stuccoes, Murano glass chandeliers, and historic furnishings feature across the different rooms, and Alcova del Conte, the castle’s noblest apartment, is the main highlight, along with the 13th century Gaia Tower apartment and the Emperor’s House in the Main Tower. The two restaurants on-site, Sansovino and La Fucina, cater to an exclusive, more relaxed dining experience, respectively, while the 2,000-square-metre spa offers wellness with a side of ancient artefacts and commanding views.
Prices start from Rs. 50,700 per night.
Dating back to 1254, Hotel Schloss Frankenberg lies atop a hill on the periphery of Steigerwald Nature Park, Germany. The castle-turned-hotel is an institution in itself, where legacy and luxury synthesise to offer an experience that stands apart from the rest. Stepping into the castle is like walking through a portal, with 27 uniquely designed suites decked out with period-crafted furniture and decor that tell stories rooted in history. There are two restaurants on the property: the 20-seater Restaurant Le Frankenberg which offers an extensive menu going up to 8 courses was awarded a MICHELIN star in 2024, while Amtshaus celebrates the local Franconian cuisine of the Bavaria region. Schloss Frankenberg's romantic setting also makes it a popular wedding venue, with a historic chapel to take your vows or a grand library for a civil ceremony.
Prices start from Rs. 60,000 per night.
The Ashford Castle in Ireland’s County Mayo once served as the family home to the Guinness family. 800 years and multiple generations later, it is now a part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, boasting a sprawling estate on the shores of Lough Corrib. Check-in to one of the 83 rooms and suites that feature uninterrupted lakeside views, luxe Egyptian cotton bed linen, and bespoke Bayou Ashford Castle toiletries. Chef Liam Finnegan expertly helms the grand George V Dining Room, working alongside Head Sommelier Nicholas Heneghan to pick the perfect wines to complement your plates. Feast on Irish staples within the laid-back setting of Cullen’s at the Cottage or pick from The Dungeon’s bistro-style menu before grabbing a drink at the Prince of Wales Bar. With an award-winning spa and well-appointed fitness and wellness centre, Ashford Castle Hotel makes sure all your needs are taken care of.
Prices start from Rs. 1,34,000 per night.
Located 70 kilometres to the south of Florence, the fortified village of Castello di Gargonza in the Tuscan countryside dates back to the 14th century. Once home to an agricultural community, the castle overlooks the Chiana Valley and is surrounded by a rich 500-hectare wooded estate. Within the castle walls, the houses have been masterfully restored, equipped with modern amenities while retaining its medieval charm. Look out for the Tower Suite and the Tower Room housed in the Tower of Gargonza’s first and third floor, respectively, that come with private terrace access. A grand staircase leads down to the stone-lined swimming pool and the solarium crafted from local Rapolano travertine stone and right outside the village walls lies the restaurant La Torre di Gargonza, which serves seasonal Tuscan favourites.
Prices start from Rs. 30,000 per night.
Located to the north of Stockholm, Lejondals Slott is a late 19th century castle that peacefully sits on the shores of Lake Lejondalssjön. Surrounded by forests, fields, and sculpted gardens, the soft red facade of the castle houses luxe salons, plush pool lounges, and Art Nouveau dining rooms within. The rooms are sprinkled around the castle’s estate, whether it’s the refined Manor House, warm and cosy Country House, or one of the lakeside cottages that come with private patios. The menu is revised every season, prepared with locally-sourced ingredients, and the lakeside verandah makes for an ideal venue for sunny brunches and barbecues. The English garden-style Manor House Pool Lounge is as beautiful as it is relaxing, with a warm indoor pool and hot tub, a sauna, and a lounge looking over the lake.
Prices start from Rs. 16,000 per night.