Former Castle Hotels in the World

This prestigious castle hotel, known as Canada's "Castle in the Rockies", is placed in the centre of an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its construction began in 1887 and the hotel opened one year later. Despite the significant social and historical changes that were taking place, it always managed to offer signature experiences and luxury accommodation to all guests. This elegant castle hotel boasts 745 comfortable guest rooms and suites in earthy tones and provides all the high-level services that will offer a royal treatment.

The moment guests step into the Lough Eske Castle, it feels like they have been transported back in time, into an impressive Tudor-baronial castle. Elegantly refurbished in 2007 to create the modern comforts of a world class boutique hotel, the castle has managed to maintain its ancient roots and splendour, creating an unrivaled atmosphere that welcomes and amazes all guests. It used to be the ancestral seat of the 14th-century clans of Donegal, and after a rather turbulent history, the castle became the hotel that it is today.

This castle was used as a fortress against pirate attacks in the 12th century, while in the 16th century it was mostly used as a convent.

An 18th century castle.

Ideally situated on Lake Maggiore, the castle originally dates back to the 10th century, believed to have been a Roman castle. The castle was rebuilt again in the 12th century by the Visconti family, and it changed owners many times over the centuries. In between its owners, the castle spent many years being abandoned, and so it had to be reconstructed time and again. In the 19th century, it was rebuilt according to the neo-Gothic style and architecture, a design that the castle still retains until today.

Le Manoir Richelieu was originally built in 1899 and later rebuilt in 1929 after being burnt down. The hotel boasts one of the finest Châteauesque-style architecture, a style that was inspired by the French chateaux and became increasingly popular during the Victorian Era. It blends Revivalist and French Renaissance elements with Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture, creating a fairytale-like space truly unique in its area.

Bovey Castle is an early 20th century mansion near Moretonhampstead, Devon, England.

The castle was first built in the 14th century. During the 17th century, it was sold to Mülln Abbey. Archbishop Paris Lodron ordered further fortifications like the Monica gates, Augustinian gates and drawbridges. At some point, it was used by the University of Salzburg as a place of repose for its professors and it was dubbed the "Professors' castle" in the 1600s. A few years later, the castle's tower was used as the astronomy station to observe the stars and planets.

The Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg has a rich and varied past, steeped in historical significance. It began its journey in the late 17th century when Prince-Elector Johann Wilhelm II commissioned its construction as a "Maison de Rétraite". Influenced by the grandeur of Versailles and Winchester Castle, this breathtaking location atop the Bensberg mountain terrace overlooks the cathedral city of Cologne, embodying a blend of majesty and tranquility. Initially intended as a hunting lodge for Johann Wilhelm's second wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, the plan was revised to create an impressive castle after the prince-elector's visit to Versailles. The scale of the castle astounded visitors of the era, among whom was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

However, the castle bore witness to an unfortunate twist of fate. After the prince-elector's death in 1716, without ever having graced his "Rhenish Versailles", his widow returned to Italy, taking along all the artists, plasterers, and painters who were contributing to the castle's completion. As a result, the building remained unfinished, subsequently serving as a military hospital, cadet school, boarding school, and refugee center across different periods. In 1997, a significant turn of events transpired when the Aachener & Münchener life insurance company purchased the dilapidated building. With an investment of 75 million Euros, they transformed the historical edifice into an internationally renowned luxury hotel. In 2000, the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg opened its doors, thus, inaugurating a new chapter in its illustrious history.

The castle was initially built in the 12th century in order to help control the trade. In the 13th century, the castle came to the possession of the archbishops of Salzburg, who used it as a court that was primarily concerned with witch hunt cases. During a war in the 16th century, the castle was completely burned and later was rebuilt to the shape it maintains until today. The rooms might be renovated but they retain their original medieval aesthetic. The light-filled "Schreibzimmer" or writing room is perfect for breakfast and the "Gothisches Zimmer" or gothic room is a go-to for calm nights. When the sun peaks high in the summer, guests can enjoy the courtyard or the panoramic terrace.

The first house to be built on the Swinton Park estate was commissioned in 1695 by the English wool merchant and country gentleman Sir Abstrupus Danby. His successors built a stable block and gatehouse, and in the 1760s planted parks and created a chain of five lakes. In 1882, Samuel Cunliffe-Lister bought the castle at the age of 68. He embarked on an extensive building program, adding a third floor and expanding the dining room. From 1976 to 1998, the castle was occupied by the Lindley Education Foundation, which operated it as a management training center. Mark Cunliffe-Lister, Molly's great-grandson, bought the castle with his mother, brother and sister in May 2000. On June 17, 2000, Mark and Felicity (the current Baron and Baroness Masham) were married and, upon returning from their honeymoon, moved to Swinton to start the family business. The luxurious 32-bedroom castle hotel was opened in 2001 after a major renovation.

Hidden in the tropical rainforest, 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, the Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort was inspired by an 18th century castle in France.

Originally belonging to a valiant Knight from the 13th century, the castle was passed on to different families throughout the centuries. In the 17th century, Charles Galliard inherited the place and expanded the manor house. As time rushed by and fortunes dwindled, it was left battered to the Bon family. Less than 30 years ago, Francoise Bon and her daughter Catherine restored it to its former glory. It was a prized summer getaway among Romantic artists. Nowadays, its artistic decors and furniture are maintained to provide guests a unique old-world atmosphere.

Idyllically located at the shores of Loch Faskally, Fonab Castle Hotel is a grand historic landmark of the area. It was initially built in 1892 in order to be used by port and sherry merchants. Later on, it was used by the Scottish Hydro Power company, until it was purchased by the Clark family in 2002, who turned the castle into a lavish and beautifully restored luxury hotel. Today, Fonab Castle Hotel is renowned for its exquisite accommodation and spa facilities and offers nothing short of a royal stay to every guest.

It wasn’t until the 16th century, when Mateu Vida acquired the medieval castle that now houses the hotel, that the building was baptized. The castle’s subsequent owners, the aristocratic Desmás and Truyols families, kept the castle’s distinctive name, marking the beginning of a proud heritage of elite service, elaborate feasts, and profound relaxation. Near the turn of the 20th century, Fernando Truyols and Despuig undertook extensive and extravagant renovations as a gift to his wife, Magdalena Villalonga. The result was a villa with the look of a castle, complete with a tower. Fifty-seven years later, the Truyols family sold the private Son Vida estate to Steve Krusak, the founder of “Urbanización Son Vida,” and on June 23, 1961, the castle opened its doors as a luxury hotel.

Standing atop an 80m hill, the castle was called Lebenberg from 1500 and on. It was built for Reichertsheimer von Wagrain in 1446. Until late 1800s, the castle housed many noble and royal families, including Empress Maria Theresia and the Red Archduchess Elisabeth Marie – the only child of Crown Prince Rudolf and the favourite granddaughter of Emperor Franz Joseph. Today, its fairytale-like atmosphere makes it one of the most beautiful wedding and romantic destinations on the Tyrolean Alps.

The original castle was destroyed in the 9th century and was home to priests. In 1625, the de Messey family built the chateau to rule as lords on the area and the construction started 5 years later. Throughout the years, the family expanded it by buying more land and surrounding houses. They were the last ones to ever live on the castle. In 2011, Susanne and Jean-Louis Bottigliero took over and renovated the castle, turning it into the hotel that it is today.