Skip to main content

Magnificent Castle Hotels You Can Actually Spend the Night in

Castles are shaping up to be “the” style of accommodations for upscale travelers in 2019. According to HomeAway, demand is up 55 percent. It might sound like a mode of travel that’s out of reach for most mortal men, but a night or two in a legit castle can be more affordable than you think. Whether you’re looking for the perfect royal digs to live out your kingly fantasies for a weekend or an uber-romantic setting to pop the question to your significant other, these are some of the world’s most luxurious castles you can spend the night in.

Cliveden House

Cliveden House
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Berkshire, United Kingdom

Ahead of the royal wedding, Meghan Markle stayed the night at Cliveden House. It’s hard to imagine a castle getting a better stamp of approval than from the British royal family. This Relais & Châteaux property is a stunning Italianate castle that sits on nearly 400 acres of impeccably manicured gardens along the banks of the River Thames. Guests are afforded access to a wealth of five-star amenities like luxury treatments at Cliveden Spa, Champagne teatime toasts, and private excursions down the river on a chartered vintage houseboat. It’s all located just 30 miles from downtown London, so you can be close enough to the action while still enjoying privacy away from the commoners. Rates start at 445€ (approximately USD $500) per night.

Castle of Ristonchi

Castle of Ristonchi
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tuscany, Italy

It’s difficult to imagine a more picture-perfect landscape than rural Italy. Surrounded by lush forests and olive groves amid thousand-year-old country farmhouses, Tuscany’s Castle of Ristonchi is a stunning example of historical fine Italian architecture. Initially commissioned in the 900s by the country’s famed Medici family, the castle would spend more than a century as a military stronghold defending the Florentine territory. Fast-forward to present day where it’s now one of the country’s best-preserved castles-turned-Airbnbs. The “castle” is actually an entire village consisting of 30 apartments, a gourmet restaurant, a private chapel, and a royal banquet hall with symbols engraved by the original stonemasons who built it all. Rates start at just 60€ (approximately USD $70) per night.

The Kentucky Castle

The Kentucky Castle
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Versailles, Kentucky

It’s not that Kentucky’s aptly named The Kentucky Castle is especially authentic or historic as it was only built in 1969. What it does offer, however, is convenience (Americans needn’t travel all the way to Europe for a proper castle experience) and an undeniable quirkiness (a medieval castle in the middle of bourbon country?!). The structure offers all the authentic details you’d expect of a castle from the Middle Ages including massive wooden doors and fortified turrets all surrounded by a stone wall (gator-filled moat not included). Inside, the purpose-built “hotel” features plenty of modern, first-world luxury amenities. Some of the 16 rooms and chalets boast generous soaking tubs, kitchenettes, and private terraces overlooking the 50-acre estate. There’s also a regal game room, a ballroom, a beautiful library, and a fine dining restaurant. Rates start at just USD $195 per night.

Lisheen Castle

Lisheen Castle
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tipperary, Ireland

If you’re looking for something a bit more intimate, Ireland’s Lisheen Castle is available for run-of-house rentals. That means guests and their companions have private access to the entire castle — all nine bedroom and nine bathrooms. At “only” 7,000 square feet, it might seem small for a castle. However, the high-end property boasts everything guests might need for a week-long stay in the Irish countryside. Inside, the architecture and design have been thoughtfully restored with period furnishings and artwork authentic to the early 19th century. The formal reception rooms, drawing rooms, and dining rooms all feature vaulted ceilings with hand-painted murals and antique chandeliers. Outside, the castle is surrounded by lush rolling pastures, and guests enjoy a location convenient to some of Ireland’s most iconic attractions including the Cliffs of Moher, the historic town of Cobh, and Kilkenny Medieval City. Rates start at USD $1,282 per night for the entire castle (seven-night minimum).

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Take the high route when hiking: The best high-elevation hikes around the world
Can you take on these high-elevation hikes?
Hiking in high elevation

Taking the high route involves more preparation, both physically and mentally. True, it's not easy, but the adventure to the top will surely be worth it once you see the amazing view. So to help you get started, we listed below some of the world’s best high-elevation hikes that will take you to new heights while also possibly allowing you to discover something you didn't know about yourself.

Inca Trail, Peru
While there are other trails that can get you to the famous archaeological ruins of Machu Picchu, none or more famous than the Inca Trail. While you can get to the mythical citadel without making the trek, you will miss out on imposing mountain passes, snowcapped peaks visible along the route, cloud forest high in the Andes, and the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Inca. The three- to four-day trek can only be done with an approved outfitter, and there are limits on the number of people allowed on the trail daily. Plan early as slots fill up fast.

Read more
Study: First class flights may be less expensive than you think (especially if you fly this airline)
American Airlines is the most budget-friendly option for travelers seeking first class luxury
An American Airlines plane in flight in a cloudy sky

For many travelers, the allure of first-class air travel is undeniable. The extra legroom, gourmet meals, and personalized service create an experience that's a world apart from economy class. However, the cost of upgrading to first class can often be a deterrent. But what if we told you that there are budget-friendly options for first-class flights? A recent study by Upgraded Points sheds light on the best airlines to fly first class on a budget within the United States.
The study
Upgraded Points conducted an extensive study analyzing the price variations in first-class tickets across four major U.S. airlines and twelve of the busiest domestic flight routes. The study meticulously gathered ticket price data from Google Flights, focusing on the 12 busiest domestic flight routes within the U.S.

To ensure a comprehensive representation of pricing trends, both peak and non-peak departure dates were considered. The costs were then averaged to determine one-way ticket prices for both economy and first-class seating. It's important to note that the study excluded U.S. airlines that do not offer first-class or lacked sufficient data on the analyzed routes.
Delta Air Lines first class
Delta Air Lines emerged as the front-runner in the study, but with a caveat - it charges the highest premiums for first-class tickets. Passengers opting for first class can expect to pay $284.55 more for a one-way ticket compared to economy. Despite the premium, Delta Air Lines has recently upped its game by introducing new first-class seats with privacy partitions, adjustable neck cushions, and additional storage space, making it a competitive choice for those willing to splurge.
Alaska Airlines first class
Alaska Airlines stands out not only for its high first-class ticket price differences ($281.25) but also for its unique amenities. The airline goes above and beyond by serving food in its first-class cabins on flights as short as 550 miles. This catering to shorter flights sets Alaska Airlines apart from most other legacy carriers that typically reserve in-flight dining for journeys longer than 900 miles.
United Airlines first class
United First Class offers a more budget-friendly option for travelers looking to experience first-class comfort without breaking the bank. With a price difference of approximately $250.23 between economy and first class, United Airlines provides an enticing opportunity to enjoy an elevated flying experience.
American Airlines first class: The Most Affordable Deal
Among the airlines studied, American Airlines first class is the clear winner in terms of affordability for travel. Passengers can expect to pay just $235.85 more for a one-way first-class ticket compared to economy. This makes American Airlines an attractive choice for those seeking a premium experience without a hefty price tag.
Average Premium for first class
On average, passengers traveling within the U.S. can anticipate paying a premium of $262.97 per flight (one-way) or over $525 (round-trip) when choosing a first-class ticket. This figure underscores the appeal of budget-friendly options like those offered by American Airlines and United Airlines.
Conclusion
While the lap of luxury may come at a price, there are notable exceptions for travelers seeking first-class experiences on a budget within the United States. Delta Air Lines, despite its premium pricing, offers cutting-edge amenities, making it a top choice for those willing to splurge. Alaska Airlines' unique dining options and United Airlines' budget-friendly fares are also worth considering. However, the title of the most affordable deal goes to American Airlines, which provides a premium experience without a substantial price difference.

Read more
Brilliant travel hack could save you a ton when booking international flights
A few clicks could save you a ton on travel
Man waiting for flight at airport.

We all want to make everyone else jealous with our photos from our exotic overseas vacation. But when it comes down to actually booking the trip, we go into panic mode over the amount of money we're going to spend. From the flights to the hotel to local transportation to sightseeing tours, all we see are dollar signs flying away, and for some, that's enough to turn things into a staycation. Traveling internationally doesn't have to be so expensive, and this one hack could save you a ton of money on your flight (and possibly other areas of your vacation abroad). 

The travel tip is so simple
It's an easy two-part setup to get this money-saver for international flights

Read more