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Château La Breteche is a rustic French chateau for rent near Orléans and the Loire Valley. It is a spacious and elegant five bedroom property that can sleep up to fourteen guests comfortably and though fully renovated internally it retains an alluring sense of the past. The setting is idyllic and deeply rural; the chateau is hidden away between the woods and the meandering River Cosson and you don’t have to stray too far to find yourself immersed in the peace and tranquility of nature. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are five bedrooms at the chateau, five bathrooms, two large living rooms/dining rooms with satellite TV and a piano, a fully equipped kitchen and outside a furnished terrace area and barbecue facilities. Three of the bedrooms have two single beds, one other bedroom has three single beds and another five single beds. This brings the total occupancy up to 14, though of course they all can also be used as double rooms if that is what you would prefer. The chateau was built back in 1840, on the site of a previous, centuries old chateau. It has of course been renovated on numerous occasions since then and now comes with central heating, 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

Most Famous Guests: Laurel & Hardy, J.K. Rowling, Oprah Winfrey, The Queen Mother, Elizabeth Taylor. For over a hundred years the imposing 5 star Balmoral Hotel has sat at Edinburgh, Scotland’s most prestigious address; No. 1 Princes Street. The historic building and its grand clock tower are city landmarks and the hotel’s reputation here, as the ultimate in old fashioned sophistication and style, is second to none. Enjoy fine dining at its Michelin starred restaurant, sooth any strains at the award winning spa facilities, sample some Scotch at the famous Balmoral Whisky Bar which has over 500 varieties in total, and/or just relax, wander around and enjoy the delightfully civil atmosphere of this very special historic hotel. THE ACCOMMODATION: The Balmoral describes itself as the ‘perfect marriage of tradition and modernity’ and though the modern is present it is the tradition that makes the building so unique and aesthetically pleasing. It is a classic 19th century homage to Renaissance architecture with bold, broad staircases, towering columns and large windows. There is a total of 168 rooms and 20 suites to choose from, all of which were individually styled by the designer Olga Polizzi in more, but not overtly so, contemporary READ MORE

Château de Sadillac is an exclusive, 11th century era, château for rent near Bergerac in the Dordogne department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. It has 6 bedrooms 3 of which are en-suite, a spacious kitchen, living & dining room, bar and a large outdoor terrace area. It also has nicely tended gardens, barbecue facilities, a huge chess board, a kid’s play area, a trampoline, a fishing lake, an outdoor swimming pool, a Finnish sauna and, most note-worthy of all, a 9 hole, 27 par golf course, which guests at the chateau have exclusive, private use of for the duration of their stay. ACCOMMODATION: There are 6 bedrooms at the property, 3 of which are en-suite, a spacious living room with comfortable seating, a wood burner, TV & DVD player etc. and an adjoining bar-room. The kitchen is also large and fully equipped, and apart from the more general kitchen facilities it also has a coffee machine, a dishwasher and a washing machine. The property is secluded and private with an ancient wall and lines of trees protecting it from the outside. Around the large terrace area there is a children’s play corner, oversize chess board, table tennis, barbecue facilities plus pizza/bread making oven, READ MORE

NOTE: ACKERGILL TOWER HOTEL IS, AS OF 2019, PERMANENTLY CLOSED. You can view other nearby castle hotels by clicking here     Standing sturdy and tall near John O’Groats on the most northern part of the Scottish and British mainland, the 600 year old Ackergill Tower Hotel offers splendid isolation but with five star luxury, award winning levels of service, and a full 3,000 acres of private estate to be explored which includes miles and miles of stunning coastline. THE ACCOMMODATION: The hotel achieved five star status in 2012 and maintains extremely high levels of hospitality and service. There are 35 plush B&B rooms and suites to choose from, all of which display vintage sophistication and style, with traditional colour combinations and tartan patterns complimented by antique furniture, and in many rooms, four poster beds. They have some excellent self catering choices too; 5 luxury cottages on the 3000 acre private estate that offer independence and privacy while still being able to enjoy the superb facilities on offer at the castle itself, including its very highly regarded restaurant. For something extra special there is the stunning glass ceilinged Tree House; a spacious one double bedroom apartment perched in a 150 year old READ MORE

Killahara Castle is a fine example of a restored 16th century Gaelic tower castle, one whose fascinating history of ownership (see below) mirrors greatly the great power struggles of Ireland’s most politically turbulent centuries. The accommodation is self catering, and the entire castle is for rent, for weekends and full weeks only. You may have to forgo some modern comforts here but, unlike a lot of overly modernized castle hotel type accommodation, Killahara reeks of authenticity and offers a unique sensation of travelling back hundreds of years in time. The location is wonderfully unassuming, and very much off the beaten track; arriving at the castle means driving down a series of country lanes in the heart of rural Tipperary until it appears, towering on a hilltop over the lovely, deep green, Irish countryside. THE ACCOMMODATION: Up through the ancient spiral staircase you have five floors at your disposal; a spacious lounge/living room, a large kitchen, four bathrooms and a total of seven bedrooms; five doubles and two singles. Two additional camp beds can also be supplied for extra guests, bringing the total occupancy up to 12 guests. On the ground floor the large kitchen and dining room has a dining table big 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

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

Schloss Schadau is a wonderfully elegant 200 year old manor house which offers old world charm and atmosphere, friendly staff, a lovely restaurant and a very romantic setting by Lake Thunersee, just south of Bern in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region. ACCOMMODATION: It has a choice of accommodation from small double rooms to suites ranging in size from 18 to 44 m². The larger suites and rooms have a balcony and some terrific views over the lake and mountains, with the best value perhaps being the ‘Deluxe Room with Balcony’ which is only marginally smaller than the suites and has equally good views. The entire hotel is unashamedly old style, and the decor of the rooms, and the common areas, reflects this. They may have modern hotel features; cable TV and WiFi, satin sheets and Weseta linens etc. but nothing distracts much from the very charming late 19th-early 20th century ambience. Note: The accommodation is for over 18s only. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews and more photos – on the booking page here. FACILITIES & THING TO DO: There is a very fine restaurant at Schadau Castle where you’ll find modern interpretations of classic Franco-Mediterranean cuisine. It READ MORE

Known in the U.K. as one of the chateaux from the Channel 4 series – Escape to the Chateau DIY, Chateau Lalande is a very charming property dating back to the 15th century that has been tastefully, carefully renovated by its – now TV famous – owners. It is a family home with some very lovely, old style chic, guest rooms, and you can expect a warm welcome and an informal familial atmosphere. THE ACCOMMODATION: Note: There is a minimum stay of two nights.  The accommodation ranges from singles, twins and double rooms to larger suites and self catering apartments – one one bedroom apt. and one studio. Their family suite being the largest which can sleep up to four. Check out all your options, plus reviews and more photos, on the booking page here.  All are tremendously well decorated and furnished and wouldn’t look at all out of place in a period movie. They are also spacious and comfortable and have plenty of modern home comforts, just no TVs to spoil the historic atmosphere. You’ll be treated to a very fine breakfast in the morning, with lots to choose from – fresh baguettes, pastries and croissants, a array of READ MORE

Most famous former guest: King Henri IV of France, aka ‘Good King Henry’. Château de Chanzé is a beautifully authentic old château for rent near Angers in the heart of the Garden of France; the Loire Valley. It has history going all the way back to the 11th Century and still retains a huge amount of medieval ambience. There are five spacious bedrooms and suites in total, and the château can sleep up to fifteen people comfortably. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are three spacious suites with en-suite bathrooms and lounge/seating areas, and two smaller bedrooms with shared bathroom. Two of the suites have one double bed and one single while the other has one double bed and two single beds. Of the two bedrooms, one has one double and one single bed and the other has just one double bed. Thus the château can sleep a total of up to fifteen people. The centre piece of the château is the very atmospheric 100m2 ‘Banquet Hall’ which has a five metre long solid oak dining table, an enormous, 17th century era fireplace, candelabras, handmade lead-light windows, a Young Chang grand piano and some lovely old antique furniture and art pieces. There is READ MORE

Most Famous Former Guests: Empress Victoria of Germany (& Queen of Prussia), U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower. In the lovely old spa town of Kronberg, and conveniently near Frankfurt Airport, Germany, Schlosshotel Kronberg is a beautifully evocative building, both inside and out. Though only dating back about 130 years it has plenty of 19th & 20th century historical intrigue and big connections to both the Prussian and British Royal Families (see the history section below). On the subject of the latter – Schlosshotel Kronberg was recently chosen to double for Sandringham House in the upcoming film Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart and based upon the life of Princess Diana. It is these days a top of the range 5 Star Hotel, undoubtedly one of the best in Germany, with tremendous facilities including an 18 hole golf course, a fantastic fine dining restaurant, a beauty salon and beautifully atmospheric old English style gardens. The interiors are resplendent with an amazing array of antiques and art pieces; treasures such as original paintings by Titian, Rubens and Gainsborough, and the whole experience is one of tremendous grandeur and opulence. There is hardly a thing out of place anywhere, and though the rooms and suites are READ MORE

The enchanting Augill Castle Hotel has stood proud in Cumbria, England’s Upper Eden Valley for nearly two hundred years now and has some of the country’s loveliest rural regions at its doorstep – the North Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lakeland Fells. Built in 1841, in the very popular at the time, Neo-Gothic style, it started life as a grand country retreat and is still as grand as ever in its present incarnation as a luxury hotel. It is a very homely place, one which eschews needless formality and offers more the feeling of a stay with long lost relatives. THE ACCOMMODATION:  They have a range of rooms, suites and self catering apartments of various sizes to sleep up to four per unit. All have seating areas and most have open fireplaces and baths too. Check your options on the booking page here. You will find all the accommodation spacious and well turned out with the interior design showing a nice blend of styles from Victorian rustic country chic to bright and bold contemporary, and with some nice, creatively quirky, touches here and there too. There is a strong emphasis on comfort here, with plush soft fabrics and the READ MORE

Castillo de Arteaga is a fabulous Neo-Gothic castle hotel near Guernica in the rolling hills of the Basque Country. The present day structure was built in honour of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, Prince Imperial of France, in the mid 19th century, on the site of a ruined castle dating from the mid 15th century. Its four grand towers now make a very imposing sight over the wilds of the Urdaibai Nature Reserve and its interiors are a lavish feast for the eyes, though it has been fairly recently renovated the design and decoration remain true to the historical essence. The castle has just 13 rooms & suites for overnight stays and so has very much an intimate, boutique hotel feel. It can also pleasantly feel more like a stay in the home of a long lost relative rather than a stereotypical hotel stay. The small number of rooms and the quality of its hospitality though means it should be booked well in advance. THE ACCOMMODATION: The castle’s 13 rooms are divided between standard double and twin rooms, junior suites and full suites. The standard rooms are anything but standard, they are spacious, comfortable and beautifully decorated, and they offer very good value 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

Most Famous Former Guest: King Louis XI. Le Manoir de Champfreau has a three bedroom manor house and a one bedroom cottage for holiday rentals on a 15th-century, partially moated, estate near Saumur and the city of Tours, in the heart of the Loire Valley. The accommodation is spacious, comfortable and full of historic character with sturdy old stone walls, wood beamed ceilings and a great array of classic antique and art pieces. ACCOMMODATION: The main building is the 200 m² (2100 ft²) Manor House which has three comfortable and spacious double bedrooms, one of which is en-suite and all of which are beautifully, and individually, decorated with antiques, Persian rugs, mirrors, paintings, prints, tapestries and floor to ceiling curtains. Adjoining one of them is the Turret Room, a small room which served as the Manor Oratoire (private chapel) in olden times and is still now designed and decorated as such. The entrance hall has deep red upholstered walls, a large oak table and many fine antiques, paintings and prints, a wrought iron, candle holding chandelier, and an 18th-century era library filled with books, mainly about history, art and architecture. The main room of the house is the large ‘Great READ MORE

Schloss Kapfenstein is a charming, family owned boutique hotel with a thousand years of history, an excellent gourmet restaurant and a gorgeous hilltop setting over-looking the vineyards of Volkanland in Austria’s green and picturesque eastern Styria region. The castle estate also produces its own wine, wine which many consider to be among the best in the region, and a full compliment of enotourism activities are offered. THE ACCOMMODATION: With just 16 rooms and suites the castle is very much a boutique hotel and the choice is pretty straightforward; either a double room or a double suite. Both are extremely spacious and comfortable with the rooms covering 20 m² and the suites, which have a semi-separate seating area, a full 40 m². They both also display lots of rustic old style elegance, with wooden floors and beams and lots of nice antique furniture pieces,  while also having modern hotel mod cons including flat screen satellite TV, WiFi, safe and minibar. All accommodation is B&B and the breakfast is a generous feast, worthy of a hotel with such high culinary standards. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews and more photos – on the booking page here. FACILITIES & THINGS 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

The four star 19th century Château Hotel Grand Barrail lies among some beautiful countryside near to Bordeaux and nearer still to Saint-Emilion in the heart of South West France‘s Aquitaine Dordogne. The estate is surrounded by beautifully tended gardens and acres of vineyards, and is particularly known for two things, its food; the kitchen, run by Chef Romain Gondras serves up some of the most innovative cuisine in the region, and its extensive spa which has two hammams, two saunas, a hot tub, various treatment and fitness rooms and a wide choice of Cinq Mondes body treatments. THE ACCOMMODATION: Between the château and its three neighbouring annexes there is a choice of over 40 rooms and suites. Check out all your options on the booking page here. Most of them have a terrace or balcony from where you can enjoy views over the surrounding vineyards and all are extremely comfortable and clean. Though these days they are quite modern in style they still retain a certain, quite old fashioned, opulent charm. They have the usual modern comforts of course; flat screen TV, WiFi, study and seating area, as well as some beautiful en-suite bathrooms. The château itself is of course very 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: Catherine the Great, Alexander von Humboldt.  A very special hotel in a very special location; Castle Hotel Mönchstein sits, fairy tale like, atop the Hill of Mönchsberg in old Salzburg, is surrounded by its own wooded parkland and has stunning views of Mozart’s city below, and the glorious Alps. It has excellent spa facilities, massage, beauty and wellness treatments, an infinity swimming pool and an outdoor hot tub. It also has two of the very best restaurants in Salzburg, and a chic, stylish bar. All in all Schloss Hotel Mönchstein is a top of the range luxury 5 star hotel with an elegant ambience, exceptional levels of service and one which consistently appears in any sensible list of Austria’s very best hotels. THE ACCOMMODATION: The have a range of double rooms and suites, all of which are spacious and well appointed, and with some nice marble bathrooms (with jacuzzis, and some jacuzzis with a view). All the suites, and the largest of the rooms; the Executive Rooms, have space for another two single beds, or one double, if required, and so can sleep up to four people in total. The interiors of the rooms and suites, and indeed of the hotel generally, READ MORE

Near to St Tropez and the French Riviera, this 5 Star château hotel is a slice of heaven in rural Provence and a place guaranteed to greatly please lovers of nature, wine and food. The vast majority of the 1,235 acres estate is left to the supervision of Mother Nature and is a classic Provençal mix of garrigue and centuries old trees. They have some charming gardens too, which include a swimming pool, and a vast 320 acres of vineyards. Their vineyards have been producing Provençal wines and rosés for over three hundred years, with their wines being consistently well rated. There are two fine restaurants at the hotel to enjoy too, one of which, Jardin de Benjamin, was awarded a Michelin star in 2017. They also have top of the range spa facilities and lots of activities on offer. Wine tasting, cellar & vineyard tours etc. are the first to spring to mind but also things like reiki and yoga, guided botanical walks, quad biking and the traditional French sport of Pétanque (boules). THE ACCOMMODATION: They have 27 spacious rooms and suites which generally have a rustic, country-chic vibe. With tiled floors, floral fabrics and much elegant antique furniture READ MORE

Parador de Chinchón is a 17th century convent palace, in a charming little town near Madrid, now converted into very classy, stylish and friendly hotel. Kudos go to the interior designers here for keeping a perfect balance between the modern and the historic. The exteriors are very much old style (apart from the obviously modern outdoor swimming pool) and beautifully atmospheric, with a lovely old cloister and traditional gardens perfect for strolling and lounging around in. The interiors are a lovely blend of modern luxury hotel and centuries’ old palace. The original architecture is on display almost everywhere and the majority of the furniture and fittings is antique but you still have all the comforts of a modern luxury hotel. The rooms share the ambience – they are bright, spacious and elegant. There are two restaurants on site with very highly rated food on offer, cheerful service and an atmospheric dining hall.         READ MORE

Chateau De Piedouault is a wonderfully authentic old chateau for rent near the Loire Valley and the cities of Nantes and Angers. It has 700 m² of internal space, can accommodate up to 15 guests, and has all the ingredients in place for a relaxed, leisurely stay. The location is ideal too for exploring the very iconic, and very beautiful, Loire and Anjou regions of France. ACCOMMODATION: There are a total of eight bedrooms at the chateau, a mixture of double and twins except for one single room, and it can accommodate 15 guests comfortably. There is also a large living room/ lounge area plus a dining room and a fully equipped kitchen. Outside you have acres of space with gardens, which include a heated swimming pool, lovely woodland walks and views of the surrounding countryside. The house feels both spacious and cosy at the same time and is the type of place that begins to feel like home very quickly indeed. You’re find the owners, who live nearby, welcoming and friendly and will on arrival offer you a nice gift pack of food staples and wine. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews and more photos – READ MORE

Carberry Tower Castle Hotel, Musselburgh, near Edinburgh, Scotland, is an award winning, luxury 4 star hotel with a history going back to the 15th century and connections to the infamous Mary, Queen of Scots. There is a superb bistro restaurant here and you can enjoy a drink at the Champagne Terrace, or some aristocratic style afternoon tea, all in beautifully elegant surroundings. The setting is peaceful and atmospheric, with flower filled gardens, ancient woodlands and the famous Carberry Hill where in 1567, after being on the wrong side of the Battle of Carberry, Mary, Queen of Scots would announce her abdication from the throne. ACCOMMODATION: They have a range accommodation from small single rooms, to a top of the range suite, the 700 square feet Royal Suite. Between those two extremes are various other classes of rooms and suites. Check out all your options on the booking page here. In some hotels there isn’t always a huge amount of difference between superior or executive rooms and junior suites but in Carberry, if you have the budget, we’d advise paying the extra for a suite. Though there isn’t much of the medieval to be felt in the rooms, they do all display a nice READ MORE

Most Famous Former Guest: Louis XIII of France. Château de Brissac, near Saumur and Angers, is one of the Loire Valley’s, and indeed France’s, best known chateaux and sees many day visitors both French and international. With seven floors it is the country’s tallest, and its sheer scale alone makes it quite a jaw dropping sight. It is also though an incredibly beautiful building, an elegant masterpiece of architecture that is still thankfully with us after over 400 years of service to the Dukes of Brissac, with the thirteenth Duke of Brissac being your welcoming host today. The chateau is the Duke and his family’s main home and so, despite the chateau’s vast size (its has a total of 204 rooms) only a number of its bedrooms are available to B&B guests. This makes a stay here feel quite special and even more so when the day visitors disappear in the afternoon and the entire chateau and estate is left to you, your fellow guests and the Duke. ACCOMMODATION: You have three choices for overnight stays, all of them suites, with the classic double suite being the pick of the bunch in terms of opulence and sheer romantic beauty. It READ MORE

Château de Cop-Choux is an atmospheric, authentic, late 18th century château hotel lying between Nantes and Angers, on the old border between Brittany and the historical province of Anjou. It may be a little rustic for some but others will appreciate its homely, family like atmosphere and its lovely sense of the past, two things that can be lacking in many of France’s more corporate château hotels; hotels that consciously aim to be more hotel than château. THE ACCOMMODATION: You accommodation choices range, in terms of price, from Classic rooms to Prestige and Deluxe rooms. All of these are doubles but there is also a Family Room which sleeps up to four, with two king size beds, in semi-separate quarters. Check your options on the booking page here. All of the rooms are very spacious and have a distinct old fashioned elegance, with many classic decorative features. They generally eschew the modern (though there is WiFi, there is no TV or mini-bar etc. for example) in favour of classic styling, though you may find the odd modern furniture piece looking slightly adrift here and there. Comfort is not spared. The beds, all of which are king size, are terrifically comfortable to sleep READ MORE

A former 12th century Knights Templar castle, Château Saint Martin is now a magnificent, 5 Star luxury hotel retreat set high in the hills above Saint Paul de Vence and the French Riviera. It has magnificent views, spacious, comfortable rooms and suites, over 30 acres of beautifully tended gardens which include a swimming pool and tennis courts, a Michelin Star Restaurant, opulent spa facilities and dedicated staff who offer a personalised service that is really second to none. To top it all Château Saint Martin also has an amazing array of art adorning its walls, art which includes works by such iconic figures as Picasso, Matisse, Renoir and Chagall. ACCOMMODATION: They have a huge range of accommodation options at the chateau, from double rooms and suites at the chateau itself to luxury private, self catering villas on the hillside nearby. They are all classically styled, comfortable and spacious, with even the smallest of rooms being roughly 25 m². All too are airy, bright and clean with pastel shaded walls, country-chic Pierre Frey fabrics and large windows offering superb views. Internally the rooms might almost be a match for the suites but for the lack of terrace space which comes as 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

Parador de Alarcón is a truly stunning 8th century Moorish fortress turned luxury castle hotel, in the village of Alarcón, near Cuenca, Spain. The setting is spectacular, the hotel has a wonderfully authentic historical ambience and it has one of the finest restaurants in the region. THE ACCOMMODATION: Parador Alarcon, though quite a large structure, has only 14 bedrooms and so is very much a boutique hotel. The choices are between standard doubles, standard twins and superior doubles. All of them are beautifully designed and decorated, and have a real touch of class, though the superior doubles, located in the castle tower, are really worth the extra premium. At 28 m² they have plenty of space and come with romantic four poster beds. Though generally rustic in style the accommodation has all mod cons; private bathroom, satellite TV, WiFi, air-con and mini-bar etc. as well as some very luxurious bathrooms. Internally and externally the castle is a stunning place and is lovely to just wander around. It was fully renovated in 2003 and great pains were made to preserve its historical identity, so it does feel very ancient despite the luxury hotel comforts and facilities. Well chosen antique furniture pieces READ MORE

The 5 Star Schloss Bensberg Hotel, near Cologne & Düsseldorf, Germany, is a quite majestic, and quite enormous, 300 year old Baroque Palace with gorgeous gardens, a host of superb facilities and what many consider to be Germany’s very best restaurant; the 3 Michelin Star winning, Vendôme. Everything about Schloss Bensberg is of the highest quality, it is an extremely elegant property which has added modern features and facilities carefully and with great style, and it retains for the most part a wonderfully old European, Belle Epoque era ambience. ACCOMMODATION: Their rooms and suites run from basic doubles and singles right up to 120 meter square suites, the most opulent of all being the  the Presidential, which has a private sauna and hot tub, and stunning views of the Rhine Valley and Cologne Cathedral. In between are various ‘deluxe’ & ‘superior’ rooms, and smaller suites all of which will not disappoint in terms of space, comfort, interior design or features. If budget allows, avoid the basic single and double rooms as they are the only ones that may possibly disappoint in such a fabulous hotel. In room facilities include some wonderful marble bathrooms, WiFi, cable TV, free mini bars, plush READ MORE

The spectacular Château Gütsch is a Lucerne, Switzerland, landmark  — a fairytale like, 19th century folly castle, it sits high on a hilltop with stunning views over the city and Lake Lucerne. The setting is peaceful and isolated but the hotel has its own historical funicular which runs from 4.30am until 1.15am and so guests can come and go to the city in a matter of minutes. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a choice of 31 spacious rooms and suites at Chateau Gutsch with the rooms, both doubles and triples, being pretty much identical except for the view. There is an extra premium for the ‘Lake View’ rooms which have those magnificent views over the city and the lake from their windows, while the others have views of the surrounding forest. Then there are the Junior and Deluxe suites both of which are really quite beautiful and, if budget allows, worth the extra. They have those tremendous views too and are lavishly decorated. The Junior suites cover around 40 m², and the Deluxe 73 m², but what makes the deluxe the real show stealers is their huge terrace, 82 m² of it, even larger than the suite itself. You’ll find all READ MORE

Roch Castle is an early Norman era castle turned luxury B&B hotel with a lovely hilltop setting overlooking St. Brides Bay and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales. The impressive exteriors testify to the castle’s 12th century origins but, though they display suitably demure colour schemes, the interiors are contemporary chic. This modern style not be to the liking of some but as the layout is very much that of a castle it still feels somewhat medieval, with lots of oddly aligned walls and ceilings, archways and embrasures on display. THE ACCOMMODATION: Roch is very much a boutique hotel with just six bedrooms to choose from. They are divided in simple terms as King Rooms and Super King rooms, with the Super King having a little extra space and super king size beds as opposed to plain ol’ king size. They are then sub divided between those having only a shower and those having a shower and bath with the latter having a slight premium. All rooms are minimalist and slick, with light grey coloured walls and pale wood floors, and all luxury hotel mod-cons are offered; flat screen TV, iPod dock, WiFi, digital radio, tea/coffee makers etc., as well READ MORE

Most Famous Guests: Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. In 1873 curiosity led Queen Victoria to forgo her usual holiday home at Balmoral, Scotland and instead spend a week at Inverlochy Castle near Fort William. “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot” she noted in her diary and this is as true today as it was then. The 5 Star Inverlochy Castle Hotel is truly a very special place; an imposing loch side baronial mansion near Fort William and in the foothills of the highest peak of the Scottish Highlands, Ben Nevis. In later years, in its present incarnation as a hotel, it would also play host to the present Queen; HM Queen Elizabeth and her husband HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, as well as a long list of foreign dignitaries and royalty, and various celebrities including the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Sean Connery, Elton John and Anthony Hopkins. The 5 Star Inverlochy Castle is the ultimate in old fashioned sophistication and luxury and it has the added attraction of having one of Scotland’s finest restaurants, with food from the renowned father and son chef team; Albert and Michel Roux Jnr. ACCOMMODATION: There are READ MORE

Most Famous Guests: Manuel Teixeira Gomes, François Mitterand, Rudolf Nureyev. The 5 Star Avenida Palace is regarded as Lisbon, Portugal’s very first, and still grandest, luxury hotel. It was built in 1892, at the height of the Belle Epoque era, and its lavish art nouveau interiors have been wonderfully preserved. It stands at the corner of Lisbon’s main avenue, Avenida Liberdade, the heart of the city, close to Bairro Alto and the Chiado, and right beside the beautiful, Late Portuguese Gothic, Rossio Station, a building which was in fact designed by the very same architect; José Luis Monteiro. Though modern comforts and facilities are of course present; it is a 5 star hotel after all, Avenida Palace is all about old fashioned elegance, romance and opulence, and history buffs too will be intrigued by its reputation as a den of spies during WW2. THE ACCOMMODATION: The hotel has 82 chic rooms in total, including twenty suites. They all display lots of old world sophistication and elegance but with no comfort, modern or otherwise, spared. All are also well soundproofed and so despite the central location the noise of the city is kept to a minimum. All the rooms and suites READ MORE

Most Famous Former Residents & Guests: Michelangelo, Vittoria Colonna, Ludovico Ariosto. The inspiration behind House Greyjoy of Pyke from Game of Thrones, Ischia Island’s 15th century Castello Aragonese is a stunning hilltop fortress with equally stunning views over the Gulf of Naples. Within the walls of this incredible building are the labyrinth like guest quarters of Albergo Il Monastero, the former castle convent now converted into a very unique hotel. THE ACCOMMODATION: Built at the end of the 16th century and originally dedicated to Santa Maria della Consolazione, the convent section of Castello Aragonese, having been upgraded to suit the 21st century traveller, naturally looks a lot different today. The layout is old; the same rooms and hallways have been used for centuries and the interior design and decor, though relatively modern, are carefully simple and unassuming with a lack of overt modernism that allows the place to retain a distinct historical atmosphere. They have a range of single and double/twin rooms, all of which are, again, simple and unassuming. Check your options on the Check your options on the booking page here. The accommodation is generally neat, crisp and clean, with white walls and traditional tiled floors and all READ MORE

A little corner of the Loire Valley to be found in Wales; Château Rhianfa is a very unique Grade II listed French style villa in Beaumaris on the Island of Anglesey. Dating back to 1849, it was architecturally inspired by the original owner’s travels through the Loire region of France and is now a place to enjoy one of Britain’s most enchanting rural areas; North Wales, by day, and by evening, the elegance of old, aristocratic, France. It has 22 stylish rooms and suites to choose from as well as 3 acres of landscaped gardens, a private beach and a host of on-site facilities; top quality restaurants & bars, a sauna and hot tub, banquet rooms, wine cellars, games rooms and tennis courts. All sorts of activities can be arranged at the property too such as cocktail making classes, wine tasting, RIB speed boat trips and even the ancient sport of falconry.  THE ACCOMMODATION: In the castle itself there are 22 elegant rooms, with traditional furnishings and many period features, but also modern comforts; flat screen cable TV, WiFi, DAB radio and luxury en-suite bathrooms. There are also a couple of lodge suites on the grounds which can offer guests more READ MORE

The 17th century era Château de Tourreau is without doubt one of the finest châteaux for rent in Provence, and indeed one of Provence’s finest properties in general,  It has been beautifully renovated, in keeping with its historical spirit but with 21st century conveniences and facilities, and the interior design is immaculate at every turn. It also has 17 acres of private parkland which include a historic consecrated chapel, meticulously designed gardens (with a large swimming pool and tennis courts), as well as woodlands, orchards, streams and a small lake. THE ACCOMMODATION: Note: There is a 3 night minimum stay at this property. The interiors cover at least 800 square metres, with nine double and twin bedrooms in total. On the ground and first floor you have three master bedrooms with queen sized beds and ensuite bathrooms. And on the second, six more bedrooms all of which are also ensuite; one with king size bed, two with queen size, two with standard doubles and one with twin beds. Other rooms at the property include a lovely formal dining hall, a library, a large kitchen and three reception rooms. The Château’s internal courtyard is an extra charming feature with its fountains READ MORE