Spend the night in an Irish medieval castle hotel or an Adirondacks wilderness lodge. 

It's hard to imagine a childhood without fairytales, and staying in castle hotels may give one the impression that they are being lived. Many castles from hundreds of years ago are still intact today (and have been renovated), making them a dream for romantics and history enthusiasts alike. Some of these time-honored choices have profited from partnerships with new hotels or were designed in the fairytale style by designed by the researcher. But whether they are ancient or contemporary, every one of the nine castle hotels on our list will make your fantasies of living like a king or queen come true, whether you are in Sweden, Ireland, or New York. 

Our editors individually chose all of the listings included in this article. However, we could receive affiliate compensation if you purchase through one of our retail links. 

Ireland's Kilkea Castle 

The Kilkea Castle, a historic fortification that conjures up visions of fairy tale castles, is located on a 186-acre estate about 45 minutes from Dublin. This opulent complex has an outstanding 18-hole golf course, a sizable spa facility, and an authentic Irish bar. In addition, tennis, fishing, archery, falconry, and equestrian sports are available for outdoor lovers. Or, experience the finest of Irish nature while getting your heart rate up by 4x4 off-roading around the adjacent Wicklow Mountains. 

New York's Highlands Castle 

The magnificent castle is just three minutes from the center of Bolton Landing and is perched on a mountain in the Adirondacks with sweeping views of Lake George. During the summer months, visitors may enjoy modern comforts like upscale dining options and shopping as well as outdoor adventures like rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. The property's owners, John, and Yvonne Lavender spent decades constructing the complex masonry on the outside using local granite. The Royal Bedroom, King's Suite, Castle Cottage, Castle Gatehouse, or you may go all out and rent the full castle are the five lodging options available to guests. 

Estonia's Keila-Joa Manor 

The boutique hotel Schloss Fall, which is housed in the Keila-Joa Manor and is only a 20-minute drive from Tallinn, is situated on the banks of the Keila River in Estonia. The 1833-built Neo-Gothic castle is now open to tourists, allowing them to wander the well-kept gardens. When it reopened in 2016, the property that used to be just a few rooms now has a winery and a nice restaurant. Culture vultures may attend concerts in the concert hall, while history fans can tour the on-site museum. Want more room? There are two suites and 14 premium rooms in the nearby old mansion. 

Germany's Romantic Hotel at the Wartburg 

This castle, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, is situated in Thuringia, a beautiful region. Try the Finnish sauna, or unwind in the spacious sunroom with a book. Louis the Knight probably began construction on the massive and statuesque fortress around the year 1067. The castle museum and the expansive vistas of Wartburg from its towers are a few of the attractions. The location's history is particularly fascinating: in 1521, in Wartburg Castle, the reformer Martin Luther translated the New Testament of the Bible into German over eleven weeks. 

Clarens Castle in South Africa 

The tower of Rapunzel could be in South Africa. The two bedrooms can accommodate up to four people, and you'll receive opulent service. A life-sized painting of Rapunzel and her prince spans a full wall in one of the bedrooms, and there are gothic-style cabinets and artwork pieces around the castle, including tapestries from Dubai. The vegetable garden, narrow walkways, and sunrise views of the Maluti Mountains may all be explored. Rappelling, fly fishing, hiking, and horseback riding are some of the adventure sports available nearby. 

Kentucky's The Kentucky Castle 

The Kentucky Castle is a 20-minute drive from the city of Lexington if you're seeking an American castle where you can engage in enjoyable activities like goat yoga lessons, horseback riding, and garden-to-table meals. The 110-acre estate has something for every kind of visitor, but the on-site restaurant, which uses produce from its no-till farm and greenhouse, maybe the most tempting. 

Czech Republic's Chateau Herálec 

The Chateau Heralec in the Czech Republic is worth the trip, with castle walls dating back to the 13th century. Whether you want to come in elegance by helicopter or by the D1 Motorway from Prague or Vienna, it is worth the stop. Don't overlook the L'Occitane spa, which features four distinct sauna types, a hot tub, and a fitness center. Choose a ground-floor room for its authentic arched arches and vintage Czech paintings for an added touch of romanticism. 

Portugal's Pousada Castelo Estremoz 

Pousada Castelo Estremoz is a palace with lovely canopied beds, well-kept gardens, and an outdoor pool that is situated in the walled city of Estremoz in the Alentejo region of Portugal. The distant castle, which King Dom Dinis constructed in the thirteenth century for Sainted Queen Santa Isabel, currently provides accommodations in five different room and suite types. Sit on the castle terrace and contemplate the expansive views of Estremoz from the Torre de Mensagem. 

Sweden's Häringe Castle 

The Häringe Castle is a commanding presence in Södermanland, Sweden. It has Sweden's first outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool, a bowling alley from the 1930s, and sweeping river vistas. The "castle murder" package, where you get to try to solve a crime over a dining event, is one of the highlight activities offered at the 17th-century property. Additionally, visitors can participate in tennis matches, horseback riding trips, cooking lessons with the castle's chef, and sauna relaxation. When it's time to slumber, you may access your chambers via tunnels that link to the main structure below.