8 Must-Visit Castles You Can Sleep in

The Victorian and medieval Ashford Castle along the Co. Mayo–Galway border in Ireland is a 5-star hotel that has hosted many notable guests over the years, including John Lennon, Grace Kelly, Rory McIlroy and Oscar Wilde. Today, the castle hotel boasts elegant rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, medieval-style pub, drawing room, nine-hole golf course, spa, indoor pool, falconry school, and more. © Rihardzz | Dreamstime.com

Once the home of a baron in the 19th century, Stonefield Castle in Scotland transformed into an elevated hotel with accommodations and spaces preserving original features like carved ceilings, marble fireplaces and wood paneling. Guests at the hotel enjoy rooms with lake views, a waterside restaurant with Scottish cuisine, a traditional bar and a game room. © Williammacgregor | Dreamstime.com

Ozu Castle in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, dates back to the 14th century, and the country’s first restored wooden castle invites visitors to stay overnight in its tower or two turrets. The castle hotel also boasts a lounge and bathhouse, as well as a signature restaurant. © Sanga Park | Dreamstime.com

Taking over the entire island on Lake Pinchola in Udaipur, India, Taj Lake Palace is a remarkable, 18th-century marble palace spoiling guests to the ultimate indulgences, from butler service to suites with panoramic views and frescoes, from three restaurants to an outdoor pool and bar. © Dbyjuhfl | Dreamstime.com

Located in Lémeré, Touraine, France, Chateau du Rivau is a historically significant property, once welcoming Joan of Arc and her followers. After undergoing extensive renovations, the castle now operates as a hotel, with guestrooms featuring themes inspired by prominent Renaissance or Middle Ages figures. The estate also has its own gourmet restaurant and guest-only access to the gardens. © Franzisca Guedel | Dreamstime.com

Formerly a hunting lodge in the 1700s, Althoff Schloss Bensberg, near Cologne, Germany, is a true Baroque marvel. The lodge-turned-hotel now offers opulent rooms and suites, with some suites even having grand pianos; a lobby with a historic carriage; bars and restaurants; gardens; spa with saunas; and indoor pool with a stone waterfall. © Julia Sergeeva | Dreamstime.com

Fans of English Tudor history won’t want to miss the chance to sleep in Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire, England. The 16th-century castle became a 26-room luxury hotel and restaurant, with specialty rooms named and designed after figures like Henry VIII, Jane Seymour and Catherine of Aragon. There’s also a restaurant and lush gardens. © Jenifoto406 | Dreamstime.com

In Cuenca, Spain, right between Madrid and València, is an eighth-century Moorish castle atop a hill. Spanish hotel brand Paradores de España took over the structure to preserve and celebrate the castle’s history, featuring warm rooms and suites, exposed stone accents, a restaurant with vaulted ceilings and iron chandeliers, and Júcar River views. © Adormar | Dreamstime.com