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4 Luxury Castle Hotels for a Fairy Tale Vacation

Many hotels are synching with the times, redecorating with minimalistic styles, homey interiors, and decreasing hotel staff in favour of encouraging guest independence. But in seemingly stark contrast, the resurgence of more antiquated traditions are also on the rise. Modern travellers are seeking out stays in the sprawling old castles that have been revamped into wholly luxurious places to stay, and a slew of brand new castle-inspired hotels are cropping up.

Whether you’re hunting for a romantic honeymoon destination, family vacation spot or a place to rest and recoup solo, we’ve rounded up four castle hotels around the world that could be “the spot.” These picks will attract anyone who has ever daydreamed about being a princess or a Medieval warrior.

The Castle Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian 

The Castle Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian
The Castle Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian.

Seated atop Lotus Mountain in Dalian, Northeast China, The Castle Hotel is surrounded by lush greenery and stunning city views. The city is known for it’s charming blend of European and Asian culture, and the hotel itself honours this. Each aspect of the hotel was carefully thought out, from the hand-selected stones that cover the majestic structure’s exterior to the ornaments and decorations that decorate the interior. A fresh, temperate coastal climate and splendid natural scenery have earned Dalian the title as the City of Romance. Gaze across the Yellow Sea from the indoor swimming pool and unwind in the hotel’s spa.

The Castle Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian
The Castle Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian.

 

Dalhousie Castle, Scotland

Dalhousie Castle, Scotland
Dalhousie Castle, Scotland.

The foundational walls of Dalhousie Castle were built in the 13th century. Though the property has undergone several extensions and renovations, it holds its original medieval charm to this day. Surrounded by acres of greenery and woodlands, guests can try their hand at falconry, archery and clay pigeon shooting, while also having easy access to the cultural centre of Edinburgh a mere eight miles away. Enjoy an afternoon cuppa in the very same spot Queen Victoria once sipped hers during a stay back in 1840, and dine in the historic stone-walled Dungeon Restaurant. Finally, rejuvenate in the hotel’s relaxing, hydro facilities offered at the therapeutic spa.

Dalhousie Castle, Scotland
Dalhousie Castle, Scotland.

 

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, Hungary

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest.

This magnificent Four Seasons property, perched on the banks of the Danube River, is designed with an Art Nouveau aesthetic on the interior, with glass ceilings and dramatic chandeliers. Stained glass elements contrast with dazzling floor mosaics, and three collections of 20th century prints by native Hungarian artists are on display for guests to peruse. If that’s not enough art for one visit, there is plenty more to see at the neighbouring National Gallery or statue-studded Roosevelt Square. Experience authentic Hungarian treatments at the hotel’s spa—the Tokaji Revitalising Package pampers and exfoliates the skin with a luxurious brown sugar and Tokaji spirit body scrub.

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest.

 

Dromoland Castle, Ireland

Dromoland Castle, Ireland
Dromoland Castle, Ireland.

Ireland’s gothic-style Dromoland Castle is surrounded by over 450 acres of stunning natural scenery, making it the ideal weekend escape from the busy, city life. Before a transformation into the luxury hotel it is today, this castle was home to a royal-blood family of Gaelic descent. Sparkling chandeliers illuminate corridors lined with ancestral portraits and coats of armour. Dine in the award-winning restaurant, Earl of Thomond, while listening to the melodies of a traditional Irish harpist, or enjoy a personalized, curated picnic amongst the sun-lit greenery of the grounds. Activities such as fishing, horse-back riding, archery and falconry will keep guests entertained between trips to the spa and the tea room.

Dromoland Castle, Ireland
Dromoland Castle, Ireland.

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