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Ever fancied sleeping like royalty and laying down your head for the night in an actual castle? Well it is possible and you don’t need to be a king or queen to do it, as TripAdvisor can today reveal Europe and the UK’s ten best rated castle hotels according to TripAdvisor travellers.
In addition, TripAdvisor gives the lowdown on the best value time to book each hotel this autumn and winter and how much it will cost you*.
The UK is home to Europe’s number one castle hotel, Fonab Castle Hotel in Pitlochry, Scotland and also boasts a further two in the top ten – Rowton Castle in Shropshire and Glenapp Castle in Ballantrae, Scotland which take sixth and tenth place respectively.
“These castle hotels should act as great inspiration for those travellers looking to experience a truly unique and out-of-the-ordinary-type of accommodation,” said TripAdvisor spokesperson, James Kay. “The good news is that savvy travellers don’t need to have a royal budget to live like a king – by researching the cheapest months of the year to visit, and using a price comparison tool like TripAdvisor to compare and book rates, it is possible to bag a great value deal.”
Top 10 best rated European castle hotels
1. Fonab Castle Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland – 5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 718 reviews
Built in 1892, Fonab Castle Hotel is located on the banks of Loch Faskally, Pitlochry, in the heart of Perthshire. This Scottish Baronial castle has been transformed by the Clark family into a 26 bedroom hotel. The interior still retains many period features including a panelled hall, plasterwork and timber and stone fireplaces.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is November when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £241.02 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £308 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "This hotel is true five star Scottish luxury and hospitality at its best. The food, sumptuous rooms, staff, location, spa and value for money make it the best hotel we've stayed in in Scotland. I cannot recommend it more highly.”
2. Castle Hotel Auf Schoenburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany – 5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 474 reviews
This castle hotel is located above the medieval town of Oberwesel in the middle of the Rhine valley in Rheinland-Pfalz. Dating back to 911, the castle was burned down by French soldiers and lay in ruins until its restoration began in 1914. Running as a hotel, the castle offers 22 guestrooms, and a lounge with open fire and library.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is December when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £105.27 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "An amazing experience! From the complimentary sherry and apples in the guest rooms to the breathtaking views of the Rhine and the beautiful gardens, every detail was impressive. Every interaction with staff was pleasant, the food was delicious and the wine selection was delightful. We hope to visit again.”
3. Hotel Castello di Sinio, Piedmont, Italy – 5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 347 reviews
This medieval castle was built by Marchesi Del Carretto in 1142 and is located between the Barolo and Barbaresco wine zones. Opened as a hotel in 2005, Castello di Sinio offers nine suites and five rooms and is ideal for travellers visiting for a wine tasting trip.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is December when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £165.88 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £189.22 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "A beautiful hotel and restaurant in a beautiful part of Italy. The décor is excellent, the rooms very comfortable, and the grounds conducive to relaxing after a 'hard' day of touring. Denise and her staff go above and beyond to ensure that your stay is comfortable and rewarding.”
4. Castello di Petroia, Umbria, Italy – 5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 387 reviews
Dating back to between the ninth and tenth century, Castello di Petroia is situated in the hills of Umbria and comprised of multiple medieval buildings housed within the Castle's walls. Offering 13 rooms, each are individually designed with antique furniture and some boast original features including wooden beams and arches.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is November when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £97.53 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £124.88 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "Castello di Petroia is great for those seeking something different and historical. The service was great, the views over the valley are exceptional, and the pool is a peaceful retreat.”
5. Castello di Monterone, Umbria, Italy – 5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 528 reviews
This castle was originally a military headquarters along the important road connecting Perugia to Rome. Designed to preserve the atmosphere of the castle by blending new and old, the hotel offers 18 guestrooms.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is November when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £85.69 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £139.91 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "After choosing to stay in Italy for our honeymoon, we wanted somewhere special to kick things off and Castello di Monterone did not disappoint! The hotel itself is amazing, the staff are friendly and the food is fantastic. I couldn't recommend this hotel enough.”
6. Rowton Castle, Shropshire, England – 5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 311 reviews
Located in Shrewsbury, this 17th century castle is steeped in history. The castle offers nineteen uniquely designed rooms with period features including the must-have castle accessory – the four-poster bed.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "We have just spent two wonderful nights at Rowton Castle. What a fantastic venue! The rooms were superb, as were the staff, who couldn't do enough to make our stay a memorable one, nothing was too much trouble, in fact the whole experience was just perfect!”
7. Chateau Heralec - Boutique Hotel & Spa by L'OCCITANE, Moravia, Czech Republic – 5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 127 reviews
Located in the Vysocina region, which boasts the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country, this beautiful and romantic castle offers 19 rooms. The hotel also features a spa by L’Occitane.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is December when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £139.37 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £167.32 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "The Castle has been beautifully restored with the upmost care. The restaurant was excellent, with care and attention given to sourcing only the freshest and finest local items and the spa was as relaxing and serene as I could have imagined. Chateau Heralec is an experience not to be missed.”
8. Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland – 4.5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 1,705 reviews
Set in a vast 350 acres of land, Ashford Castle dates back to 1228, founded by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family following their defeat of the native O'Connors of Connaught. Now a hotel and part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Ashford Castle boasts 82 rooms that complement the castle’s original features whilst incorporating today’s modern luxuries.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is November when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £172.14 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £439.65 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "We wanted to stay in a castle during our trip to Ireland and Ashford Castle did not disappoint! From the moment we pulled up to the gates, to the moment we drove away, the staff were outstanding. Our room was beautiful, luxurious and so comfortable, and we loved the view of the lake and grounds from our window.”
9. Castle Durrow, County Laois, Ireland – 4.5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 315 reviews
Located in the heart of the village of Durrow, Castle Durrow was built in 1716 by Capt. William Flower (later to become Viscount Ashbrook). In 1998 the castle was bought by the Stokes family and became the hotel is it today. The hotel boasts 46 rooms, each individually furnished and decorated.
The average monthly rate on TripAdvisor for September is: £157.24 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, " Driving up the entrance to this hotel, you know you are about to stay somewhere special. We stayed in the garden area and it was simply fantastic. The room was spacious, the bathroom was superb and the breakfast the next morning was the finest breakfast I have ever eaten in a hotel.”
10. Glenapp Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom – 5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 187 reviews
Set in 36 acres of gardens and woodland, this castle was built in 1870 for the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire. There are 17 traditionally designed rooms of which some offer stunning views across the Irish Sea to the island of Arran.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is November when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £371.79 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £405.41 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "Wow what a fabulous place. Fay and her staff have got to be the best in the business. Can't rate this highly enough and would love to have a return visit.”
Top 10 best rated UK castle hotels
1. Fonab Castle Hotel, Pitlochry, Scotland – 5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 718 reviews
Built in 1892, Fonab Castle Hotel is located on the banks of Loch Faskally, Pitlochry, in the heart of Perthshire. This Scottish Baronial castle has been transformed by the Clark family into a 26 bedroom hotel. The interior still retains many period features including a panelled hall, plasterwork and timber and stone fireplaces.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is November when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £241.02 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £308 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "This hotel is true five star Scottish luxury and hospitality at its best. The food, sumptuous rooms, staff, location, spa and value for money make it the best hotel we've stayed in in Scotland. I cannot recommend it more highly.”
2. Rowton Castle, Shrewsbury, Shropshire– 5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 311 reviews
Located in Shrewsbury, this 17th century castle dates back to 1234 and is steeped in history having stood in the grounds for nearly 800 years. The castle offers nineteen uniquely designed rooms with period features including the must-have castle accessory – the four-poster bed.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "We have just spent two wonderful nights at Rowton Castle. What a fantastic venue! The rooms were superb, as were the staff, who couldn't do enough to make our stay a memorable one, nothing was too much trouble, in fact the whole experience was just perfect!”
3. Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae, Scotland – 5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 187 reviews
Set in 36 acres of gardens and woodland, this castle was built in 1870 for the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire. There are 17 traditionally designed rooms of which some offer stunning views across the Irish Sea to the island of Arran.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is November when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £371.79 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £405.41 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "Wow what a fabulous place. Fay and her staff have got to be the best in the business. Can't rate this highly enough and would love to have a return visit.”
4. Langley Castle Hotel, Hexham, Northumberland – 4.5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 776 reviews
Built in 1350, during the reign of King Edward III, this fortified castle is located in the South Tyne valley of Northumberland. The castle offers 27 guest rooms, many of which include period features such as a window seat. Mixing in the new with the old, the hotel also offers some rooms with a sauna and spa bath for the ultimate relaxing break.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is December when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £175.21 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £195.35 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "The castle has been beautifully restored and the decor is luxurious and in keeping with a historic building. The staff were all charming and the food was of the highest standard. I couldn't have asked for more.”
5. Sherbrooke Castle Hotel, Glasgow, Scotland – 4.5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 485 reviews
Situated in Pollokshields in Glasgow’s Southside, this hotel built in 1896. Before World War II the Baronial villa transformed into a hotel and today offers a number of rooms in the main castle as well as an annexe and garden suites.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is December when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £163.45 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £165.76 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "From the moment we got out of the car, the service from the staff was impeccable. The owner greeted us, our bags were whisked up to our room and the magic began. The food was amazing, the atmosphere was lovely and relaxing and the room was huge. I would never stay anywhere else in Glasgow!”
6. Kincraig Castle Hotel, Tomich, Scotland – 4.5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 198 reviews
Constructed in the early 1800s, the Kincraig Castle Hotel was once the family home of the Mackenzie clan. Situated in private grounds, the hotel offers stunning views of the Cromarty Firth. Bedrooms and the hotel interior are classically designed to ensure guests get the full castle experience.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is November when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £175.72 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £175.17 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "Kincraig Castle Hotel is one of the most welcoming and comfortable we have ever stayed in. The proprietor and his staff are all extraordinarily friendly, charming, efficient and generous. The food is simply superb. The star ratings can't do this place justice.”
7. Broomhall Castle, Menstrie, Scotland – 4.5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 474 reviews
Originally built in 1874 as a private residence in the style of Balmoral Castle, Broomhall went on to become a Prep School for boys until it was bombed during the war. The castle was then rebuilt in 1985 and run as a nursing home until 2003 when it became the hotel it is now. The hotel is family owned and offers ten bedrooms with solid wooden beds and period features.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is October when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £102.29 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £102.12 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "I had an absolutely amazing night away here. The room was lovely, bed was super comfy and the breakfast in the morning was the cherry on top. Would definitely return and recommend.”
8. Durham Castle, Durham – 4.5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 134 reviews
Dating back to the 11th Century, Durham Castle is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the famous Durham Cathedral situated next door. The castle offers simple university style accommodation within its grounds, ideally suited to travellers on a budget looking to stay somewhere that is out of the ordinary. Guests can experience a truly grand breakfast in the medieval Great Hall.
The average monthly rate on TripAdvisor for September is: £95.04 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "The castle is beautiful to look at day or night and has to be one of the best places I have stayed in. Immaculately clean, every member of staff we met was very helpful and I'm very keen to go back and stay again.”
9. Hazlewood Castle, Hazelwood, Yorkshire – 4.5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 535 reviews
Located in a vast parkland of 77 acres, Hazlewood Castle has been part of the Vavasours family estate since Norman times and was even mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. The hotel boasts thirty two bedrooms and suites – nine situated in the main castle and twelve are in the St Margaret’s court yard area. The rest are located in the keep. All bedrooms are unique in their decoration and both shape and size.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is November when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £132.84 per night. The average monthly rate for September is: £131.69 per night.
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "Every part of Hazlewood castle is superb. All the staff are polite and go out of their way to suit your requests and make you happy. Anybody looking for an excellent meal, secluded retreat or a wedding venue that will blow you away, Hazlewood castle must be at the top.”
10. Castell Deudraeth, Portmeirion, Wales – 4.5 out of 5 average bubble rating on TripAdvisor and 313 reviews
Castell Deudraeth is an early Victorian castellated mansion, mixing gothic and Tudor style. It was originally built as a home before later becoming a prep school and now, following a complete renovation in 2001, stands as a hotel. The hotel offers 11 rooms which mix contemporary comforts with the building’s architectural heritage such as the underfloor heating underneath the original slate floors.
The best value time to book this property this autumn/winter is November when the average monthly rate on TripAdvisor is: £93.82. The average monthly rate on TripAdvisor for September is: £187.70
One TripAdvisor traveller said, "We had a wonderful stay, and wanted to stay another night, but our room was booked! Can't recommend enough! The staff were so helpful and friendly and the food was excellent.”
*Methodology
· TripAdvisor´s list of best castle hotels in Europe and the UK was determined based on a combination of bubble scores, average ratings and number of reviews mentioning “castle” for hotels listed on TripAdvisor, with 2015 reviews weighted more heavily.
· The average monthly nightly hotel rate includes the average cost of one night’s stay in each castle hotel bookable on TripAdvisor (when available), aggregated from hundreds of booking partners, including online travel agencies and direct hotel suppliers. Currency conversion rates were taken from xe.com on 18st August 2015.
· The additional information about these castle hotels is based on data extracted from TripAdvisor and the respective websites of the property.
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