Best Family Friendly Castle Stays - 2023

Most famous former guest: Emperor Napoleon III. Of all Manor Castle’s historic hotel suites the Napoleone Suite at the 16th century Residenza Napoleone III in central Rome, Italy, is the most lavishly beautiful. The interior design is an incredible feast for the eyes and, apart from the obligatory electric lights, as you scan the rooms almost nothing from the 21st or late 20th century seems to intrude, allowing a nicely disorientating sense of immersion in history. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have two self catering apartments for guests, the aforementioned Napoleone Suite, which is a 150 m² apartment consisting of a very romantic double bedroom with four-poster bed, a marble bathroom with bathtub, a large lounge and dining room, a kitchenette and up the wooden stairs a second bedroom with private bathroom with bathtub and a small balcony. The apartment is reached via an old staircase which is lined with marble statues of the Roman emperors Hadrian and Claudius, and Greco-Roman gods; Bacchus and Silenus, Apollo, Mercury and Aesculapius. This sets the scene for this incredibly beautiful historical suite, where the inside is an opulent display of grand chandeliers, frescoes, tapestries, and exquisite art and antique pieces, particularly the many classic oil paintings. READ MORE

Parador de Alcañiz is a stunning hilltop castle overlooking the town of the same name between Zaragoza and the Mediterranean. It has a history going all the way back to the 12th century and some of its original features intact, from that time, from the later medieval period and from after its conversion from a defensive fortress to a monastery and then to a residential Palace in the 18th century. The views from all around are absolutely stunning, you could spend many happy, peaceful hours just wandering the atmospheric grounds. Internally, though renovated on numerous occasions over the years (and centuries!), the castle has a very charming old world feel. Much of the common areas – the dining hall in particular – look and feel tremendously medieval, and the food, mostly local and traditional, is excellent. THE ACCOMMODATION: The castle, despite its size, has just under forty rooms in total and so maintains a quite cosy feel. They range from doubles and twins to triples, with extra bedding being available for children.       READ MORE

The Alchymist, Prague Castle is a quite splendid boutique hotel set in a restored 15th century mansion house just below the castle and it offers a sense of history, culture and romance that few other hotels can match. Having just seven rooms and one suite to choose from the place also feels very exclusive and you will have more the feeling of staying at the home of some newly discovered royal relation than at a hotel. Thus it is well suited for longer stays. The staff at The Alchymist are consistently rated as among the very best hotel staff in the city, their warmth and personalized service enhancing greatly the homelike atmosphere, and you will have a private butler, a tour guide and a concierge at your disposal too. THE ACCOMMODATION: The seven rooms and one suite are spread over three floors of the building and all display much historical detail with some lavishly painted wooden ceilings and various antique and art pieces. The suite (titled the one bedroom apartment on the booking page) is open and bright and lies on the top floor with the original wooden ceiling beams still intact. It has a living room, a kitchen, one bedroom READ MORE

Castello di Velona is a stunning 5 star, 11th century era, castle hotel set high on a hilltop outside Montalcino, Tuscany and comes with panoramic views over the iconic Brunello vineyards of the Val d’Orcia. It is very much an exclusive, luxury retreat, and one which also comes with a hefty price tag. The only negative reviews it seems to receive are, at least in part, in regard to the cost but once you come to terms with that it is a very special place indeed.  The quality of the accommodation and service, the uniqueness, and beauty of the setting, the tremendous spa and wellness facilities – including natural thermal spring baths, and not one but TWO restaurants with Michelin Stars – an outstanding achievement – means it absolutely has to be on our list of the best castle hotels in Italy. They have a great range of accommodation, from basic (relatively speaking of course) double rooms to some enormously opulent suites (one even has a private pool) and some equally opulent and spacious self catering apartments. REVIEWS: “Amazing views of a gorgeous, historical valley as far as the eye can see. We had a huge “Junior” suite with a beautiful READ MORE

Most Famous Former Guests: Oliver Cromwell, George Frideric Handel. The nearest castle hotel to the centre of Ireland’s capital, Dublin, the 4 star Clontarf Castle has luxury accommodation in what is now a blend of 12th-century castle site, 18th-century manor house and 21st century hotel. It takes a lot of good design to get the balance right and Clontarf Castle manages it, with the first sight of the very Celtic Tiger looking glass entrance foyer somehow managing to not look incongruous against the ancient ivy covered tower walls behind. Once inside the theme continues with the bright and bold interiors balancing smartly the old and the new.  In the bedrooms though the relatively modern usually edges it; think old fashioned luxury city hotel rather than classic castle hotel. Relatively modern or not though, they are stylish and chic and all things considered Clontarf Castle makes an excellent luxury city hotel with a historic twist. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation consists of standard double rooms and ‘executive rooms’ i.e. suites which have an adjoining seating area and the extra charm of a four poster bed. Though nothing about the rooms stands out in terms of features, in particular historic features, they are READ MORE

The 4 Star Schloss Waldeck is a stunning hilltop castle overlooking Kellerwald-Edersee Nature Reserve and Lake Edersee itself. It is a jaw dropping sight – it has the look and feel of exactly what is is – a medieval hill fortress protecting this very strategic part of Hesse for nearly a thousand years, as well as the ancient home of the Counts of Waldeck. Externally much of it looks unchanged for centuries and the views from it are simply breath taking. Internally though the design veers towards the modern, though will still many of the old features on display. The rooms are generally sleek and modern too, they feel like those of a boutique luxury city hotel, but with a dash of historic flavour. The restaurant is a classy affair, with modern international and German fare, but in a quite medieval dining room. There is also a stylish, more modern cafe, sleek bar & lounge areas, and spa facilities.   READ MORE

Castello di Pavone is a tremendously authentic, 4 star, castle hotel just outside Turin. Once a medieval hilltop fortress it commands tremendous views over the surrounding little village of Pavone Canavese, the surrounding mountains and the city of Turin. It has twenty seven very atmospheric romantic double or twin rooms and suites to choose from, all of which are enormously comfortable and filled with elegant period furnishings. Modern conveniences are here though too – satellite TV, WiFi, mini bar and air conditioning for example, but don’t seem to intrude very much on the sense of history of the place. The castle restaurant has a great reputation in the Turin area – it has won many awards. The food and service are impeccable and and you have a choice of various dining halls and rooms to appreciate them in, intimate frescoed rooms and large, grand halls.     READ MORE

Most Famous Residents/Guests: Charles I & Zita, Last Emperors of Austria. The family friendly & pet friendly, Schloss Wartegg/Wartegg Castle Hotel has comfortable accommodation in a lovely setting by the shores of Lake Constance in North Eastern Switzerland. The castle dates back to 1558 and was the birthplace of Zita, the last Empress of Austria & Queen of Hungary, in the 19th century but was extensively renovated in the 1990s. The passage of time had resulted in quite a bit of structural damage and so much of the historical fabric was lost during the renovations. This means that the hotel, including the rooms, now looks quite modern internally, which is something of a pity, but it still does retain a certain historical feel. There is a quality organic restaurant at Schloss Wartegg, a luxurious spa, a fun playground for the kids and 32 acres of English gardens and trees, with woodland paths leading down to the lake. ACCOMMODATION: They have 25 rooms and suites at the hotel, from small singles to large family rooms to sleep up to four in two separate sleeping quarters, and junior suites which have a small lounge area. The rooms are modern and come with READ MORE

Just outside the town of Tralee, Ireland, County Kerry’s only castle hotel is the 4-star Ballyseede Castle which has a history dating back to the 16th century and pleasingly blends its many modern comforts with historical grandeur and elegance. It has award winning food, beautiful grounds, and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere throughout. THE ACCOMMODATION: It has a choice of rooms and suites both in the castle itself and in the nearby lodge. Be aware when booking which is which as the lodge accommodation, though pleasant, is a quite different experience. It is near the estate entrance; the site of the old gatehouse and is more of an upscale, modern, B&B, though guests do have access to the main building, the castle, throughout the day. The rooms and suites in the castle are quite lovely, a step ahead really, with the beautifully furnished suites and superior rooms particularly being the height of comfort and space. Check your options on the booking page here. You may find some of the standard double rooms (all are double, no twin rooms) quite small, or let’s say cosy, but they also are nicely furnished and apart from the size should not disappoint in any other READ MORE

Known as one of the most beautiful chateaux in Deux-Sevres, Aquitaine, the majestic Château de Saint Loup, which was commissioned in 1609 to honour Good King Henry; Henri IV of France, is now an intimate boutique hotel. The chateau is a stirring sight, it still has a wonderfully medieval atmosphere and, though you may be paying for the pleasure, it feels quite a privilege to stay there, knowing that in times gone by such a property would have been out of bounds for all except the highest levels of French aristocracy. ACCOMMODATION: They have just nine spacious rooms to choose from; doubles, triples and one larger ‘family room’ which has two separate sleeping quarters and can sleep up to four. All of them are carefully decorated to maintain the medieval ambience with some lovely four poster beds, antique furniture and art pieces, and private bathrooms with old style bathtubs. The chateau has much lovely common space to explore too, with a library, a music room with piano, sitting rooms and a drinks bar at your disposal. The estate surrounding the moated chateau covers over 120 acres and includes some stunning 18th century landscaped grounds, including lawns and flower beds, an READ MORE

A very grand 4 star Castle Hotel near Dublin Airport, Ireland, Cabra Castle is a beautiful sight both inside and out, and a place where luxury and old world elegance is complimented by friendly, hospitable staff, good food and drink and the acres of ancient woodland of the surrounding Dun A Ri Forest Park. THE ACCOMMODATION: In the castle itself there is a choice of old style luxury double/twin bedrooms, while outside in the grounds there are the cottage or courtyard rooms, which though more modern looking on the outside, on the inside they are also very nicely finished and furnished in traditional style. Check your options on the booking page here. FACILITIES & THINGS TO DO:   All guests have access to the castle itself, and it is a truly magnificent property. You can explore the old corridors, the various drawing rooms, the wonderful gardens outside, and of course the Courtyard Restaurant and Derby Bar. The interiors are beautifully elegant, full of period fittings and furniture that lend a distinctly old world atmosphere. Being a place of historical interest, the castle also sees a number of day visitors and is open to the gaze of the admiring public between the READ MORE

A strong candidate for Florence’s best hotel, the 5 star Four Seasons Gherardesca Palace Hotel is a veritable oasis in the heart of one of the world’s most visited cities. It has 11 acres of peaceful walled gardens to separate you from the tourist masses and, though the exteriors are relatively unassuming, the lavish interiors are an incredible, Renaissance era, feast for the eyes. Housed between the 15th century Palazzo della Gherardesca, which served as a private residence for Florentine nobility (including one Pope) and a 16th century convent across the gardens known as La Villa, it has a tremendous sense of history and is incredibly rich in historic features, right down to the smallest detail. Frescoes, stuccos, bas-reliefs and even old silk wallpapers have been carefully restored, magnificent pieces of classical art abound, and the whole hotel has the look and feel of a living museum. Facilities include a large outdoor pool nicely set in the gardens, perhaps Florence’s best spa facilities, and perhaps its best restaurant in the form of the Michelin starred Il Palagio. THE ACCOMMODATION: You can choose from 116 rooms and suites, from superior and deluxe double rooms all the way up to some tremendously READ MORE

A Victorian era Scottish Castle with fabulous views over the Isle of Mull, the Atlantic Ocean and the Hebridean islands of Coll, Barra and the Uists, Glengorm Castle Hotel is a friendly, homely place with an atmosphere that is part boutique hotel, part cosy family home. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is a choice of just 5 B&B rooms and one self catering apartment at the castle, while in the grounds there are also a number of self catering cottages. Check out all your options on the booking page here. All the rooms are traditionally furnished, with warm colours and private bathrooms which have some nice old Victorian style deep baths. The self catering apartment has a lounge and well equipped modern kitchen with two double bedrooms, one of which has a king size bed. It is at the very top of the castle with roof access overlooking the turrets, while the various cottages are scattered around the estate offering more privacy and seclusion. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews and more photos – on the booking page here. FACILITIES & THINGS TO DO:   The castle itself has much common space, with a particularly welcoming sitting room with a large READ MORE

The 4 Star Château de Labro is a luxury vineyard hotel & spa near the town of Rodez in central France’s Occitanie region, previously known as Midi-Pyrénées. The medieval château oozes old world elegance and the grounds have charming gardens, a swimming pool, orchards and vineyards. There is a very fine restaurant at the château too and the food and the wine is superb. For an extra novel stay, if a medieval château bedroom doesn’t appeal, you can also spend the night at the luxury treehouse in the gardens. THE ACCOMMODATION: The treehouse is a very popular choice so can get booked out months in advance. It is a fine piece of engineering, architecture and design and once inside it feels more like luxury studio apartment than what you might imagine a treehouse to be. The 16th century château itself has charmingly romantic rooms, with antique furniture pieces and four poster beds. The rooms are mainly doubles but there is also a family room which can sleep up to four, as well as a self catering apartment to also sleep up to four. Being a luxury hotel you can expect the accommodation to be high quality. Comfort is paramount, and READ MORE

Chateau de Chantore is a truly gorgeous 18th-century era Norman chateau B&B, with a view on the Mont-Saint-Michel, and surrounded by nearly fifty acres of peaceful woods and parkland which includes a lake. It has a selection of tremendously elegant rooms and suites that really are a treat for the eyes and, though modern with some touches, they are so in keeping with the historical fabric that you’d be forgiven for a waking dream that Louis XV is still on the throne. The eye for design, the attention to historic detail is very impressive indeed. There are no duvets for example – only traditional linens and wool blankets on the beds, and certainly no TVs, though there is WiFi. If you’re looking for a thoroughly authentic French chateau stay, but with the comfort levels of today, then this is it. REVIEWS: “Chateau de Chantore is a magical place! Everything about it is wonderful – the most beautiful grounds to walk and experience calm and peace – peacocks, swans and fish in the lake, beehives, horses, beautiful apple trees (organic cider!) and the most sumptuous breakfast you will ever experience. Thank you to our wonderful hosts….” “I truly felt like a READ MORE

Most Famous Guests: Richard Wagner, Johannes Brahms, Emperor Franz Joseph I, Charlie Chaplin. “Stay at the Imperial and feel like an Emperor,” said Charlie Chaplin during his visit, and that just about sums Hotel Imperial up. Completed in 1866 as a residence for Duke Philipp of Württemberg the neo-classical Palais Württemberg, as it was known, was within 10 years transformed into the Imperial, a hotel that quickly became known as Vienna’s finest and grandest. Not much has changed – Hotel Imperial has still such a reputation, and has managed to retain the ambience of the grand old days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with its ornate marble, hand-carved statues and massive crystal chandeliers, while subtly adding modern facilities and comforts along the way. The service here is consistently impeccable and its Michelin-star restaurant, the OPUS, is considered one of the very best in Vienna, be sure to try at least one evening meal. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are 138 double/twin rooms in total, 62 of which are suites, a much higher proportion than usually found in, even the most luxurious hotels, and thus are relatively good value compared to rooms. The suites are really a cut above, and if you need extra convincing; READ MORE

Staying within the walls of one of Europe’s most iconic historical sites, Granada’s Alhambra fortress, and being able to stroll around the grounds after the tourist hordes have left feels like an exclusive experience and that it certainly is. The only way to do this is to stay in the luxury Parador de Granada, something which makes it one of Andalusia’s and Spain’s most desired hotels and so, unless you are lucky, it can be extremely difficult to find a room there without booking months in advance. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation is in a beautifully atmospheric medieval building, a building which was once part of the Alhambra Mosque & Palace later converted into a convent just after the Reconquista. It was also once the burial place of Spain’s most famous Royal couple, King Fernando and Queen Isabel, before their remains were later moved to Granada Cathedral. The spot that was their resting place is still there to be seen today. They have double and twin rooms, some of which also come with a sofa bed to sleep one extra person if needed. There are also 5 suites at the hotel, around 40 metres square they have a separate living room READ MORE

Château de Bagnols, near Lyon, France, is a really quite magnificent 800 year old Beaujolais château now serving as a 5 Star luxury hotel. It has some terrifically opulent rooms and suites, beautiful gardens, top of the range spa facilities and a terrific fine dining, Michelin Star awarded, restaurant. Those factors alone would make it a wonderful place to stay but what makes Château de Bagnols extra special is its remarkably well preserved castle structure and the extremely impressive interior design which weds perfectly the historical and the modern. It is without doubt one of the the most beautiful chateau hotels in all of France. ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of suites on offer, in the chateau itself and in the adjacent outbuildings. They come in various sizes with the smallest, the ‘Classic Suites’ being around 40 m² and the largest, the Lady Hamyln Suite being over 100 m². They are all beautifully old style with a host of original historical features on display; medieval frescoes, sturdy wooden beams and stone fireplaces. Add to that some choice antique furniture and art pieces, four poster beds, wall tapestries and Italian marble bathrooms with elegant, old style bathtubs, and a very much READ MORE

Most Famous Guests: Princess Diana, Prince Rainer, Grace Kelly, Michael Jackson. The 5 Star luxury Gstaad Palace Hotel is another Swiss Alps institution smoothly fulfilling the desires of discerning international guests with great style and class. It has stood on a hill over the lovely Alpine resort of Gstaad for over a hundred years and is very much a hotel of the old school type. The atmosphere is grand and regal and the impeccable service leans on the side of formal. It has 90 luxurious rooms and suites and lots for guests to pass their time with; five different restaurants, two bars, a nightclub (the infamous GreenGo club), a fitness centre, spa facilities, indoor & outdoor swimming pools, a squash court and four outdoor tennis courts. Note: The Gstaad Palace is a seasonal hotel; only being open for the summer season between June and September, and for the winter between December and March. THE ACCOMMODATION:   There are a total of 55 rooms and 35 suites to choose from, from classic doubles to roughly 90 sq m deluxe suites. Though all the accommodation units are relatively large, the emphasis is on cosiness and warmth, and their plump fabrics and pastel shades lend READ MORE

Most Famous Guests: King Henry VIII & Anne Boleyn. Thornbury Castle Hotel is a true luxury B&B retreat at the edge of the South Gloucestershire Cotswolds, and one of the finest examples in England of a genuine, immaculately preserved, Tudor castle. You can soak up history with a stroll through the castle itself and its beautifully tended grounds which include, surprisingly enough, a 500 year old vineyard, or treat yourself to a massage in the privacy of your own bedchamber and also enjoy some of the Cotswold’s very best food at the castle restaurant. THE ACCOMMODATION: The castle has 27 rooms in total ranging from classic baronial style bedchambers to some quite lovely superior and deluxe rooms and suites, as well as a cute two bedroom annex cottage in the castle yard. Check your options on the booking page here. Most of the beds are four poster or coronet in style and you’ll find period features throughout, including, in some rooms, an old style fireplace. Their bathrooms are suitably luxurious too and all in all no modern comforts are spared. FACILITIES & THINGS TO DO:   The castle has plenty of common areas; opulent old style sitting rooms and of course READ MORE