11 European Castles You Can Actually Sleep In

One of Ireland’s oldest castles leads the pack of glitzy chateaus-turned-hotels thanks, in part, to last year’s $75 million renovation. Choose from 82 different rooms decked out in antique curiosities, original works of art, custom carpeting, and 400-thread-count bed linens made from Egyptian cotton. Those seeking extra privacy should book the new Hideaway Cottage on the edge of Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second largest lake. After a Swedish massage in the fairytale-like spa, dine on chef Philippe Farineau’s elevated Irish cuisine under twinkling Waterford crystal chandeliers.

Once upon a time, this quintessentially British manor in the Cotswolds was the home of notorious adventuress Jane Digby. Dating back to the 15th century, the estate recently got a modern upgrade befitting its aristocratic history. Live like the Lord or Lady of Ellenborough in one of the property’s 61 rooms or suites designed by Nina Campbell, done up with luxurious Hypnos beds and marble bathrooms stocked with Noble Isle Toiletries. Every week in the Beaufort Dining Room, Chef Davi Kelman prepares a traditional weekly Sunday lunch of 35-day-aged roast sirloin of beef, gravy, roast potatoes, and, of course, Yorkshire puddings.

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This sandy-colored monastery-turned-chateau, surrounded by the rolling hills and manicured vineyards of Tuscany, was first built in the 11th century and then later became the country home of the noble Chigi family. The 74 sumptuous rooms and suites decorated in calming earth tones offer a country getaway less than 20 miles from Siena. But there’s really no need to travel to the city for an extravagant Italian meal—the hotel offers three different dining options, including one restaurant by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

Lose yourself in the beauty of this castle, complete with stately gray stone walls, imposing turrets, and 20 individually decorated rooms. Situated in a park in the Ardennes, the property dates all the way back to 1687. And with outdoor activities like biking, fishing, and jogging on offer, it makes an ideal country retreat. Head to Le Grand Pavillon restaurant for Chef Sébastien Phys's French-inspired cuisine with a few rustic touches—think cloth-wrapped foie gras seasoned with four spices or pheasant torte with Port caramel.

Even in a country renowned for its chateaus, this Renaissance-style palace manages to stand out with 40 unique guest rooms and suites decorated with antique furnishings. Located in the countryside between Bordeaux and Cognac, it’s also an ideal getaway for wine lovers. Explore the local selection of spirits in the Cognateque (cognac tasting room), or taste regional wines alongside chef Maxime Deschamps’ high-end seasonal cuisine. The newly-renovated spa, with two swimming pools, a hamman, and rejuvenating treatments like deep-cleansing facials, is the best place to recover from any overindulgence.

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Guests staying at this palace, first built in the 14th century by Holger Ulfstand 20 miles east of Malmö, have Baron Tönnes Wrangel von Brehmer and his wife Olga Lang to thank for its current grandiosity. After inheriting the property in 1872, they demolished the original structure and built this 27-room castle on an island in the middle of a lake. Works by 16 different international artists occupy the walls of the first floor.

Since its first mention in history somewhere between 911 and 1166, this storybook-perfect castle has loomed large over the Rhine. It’s housed a slew of different residents during its more than 850-year-old life. Most famous of all was Marshall Schönburg, who died at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. It’s now a family-run hotel with 25 tranquil rooms, many with stately four-post beds and unparalleled views of the river.

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This is the castle that kickstarted Spain’s famous government-owned network of hotels housed in historic settings. Built in 1402, architectural details like columns, arcades, and expansive courtyards hint at its medieval roots. Today, its 48 rooms (many with tiled floors and exposed beams) host guests visiting from all over the world, who are invited to feast on fried suckling pig while taking in breathtaking views of the Sierra de Gredos mountains.

With its many tapestries, ancient chests, and suits of armor, this ornate Manueline castle transports guests back to a medieval world of gallant knights and noble kings and queens. Guests staying in one of the 16 rooms will sleep in absolute peace thanks to the structure's 80-inch thick original walls. Another favorite feature: several windows outlined with colorful Portuguese tiles overlook the nearby white-washed village.

On the working estate of an actual Duke (the Duke of Roxburghe, of course), Roxburghe Hotel in the Scottish Borders village of Kelso offers everything for the perfect country weekend. There’s a golf course, opportunities for salmon fishing, and even a shooting school run by a British Army Clay Shooting Champion who could make any beginner into an expert. Sip a wee dram of whisky or a gin and tonic in the drawing room before enjoying a dinner menu created by renowned chef Albert Roux, then retire for the evening in one of the 22 cozy guest rooms, many of which have balconies overlooking the vast green lawn.