Pictures: Castles and Palaces that Are Now Hotels

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

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Castle of Mey, Caithness, Scotland

If a castle can capture the heart of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, it's probably worth a visit. The Queen Mother visited the castle for the first time in 1952 after which she decided to buy, restore and renovate it. She went on to spend many summers at The Castle and Gardens of Mey before moving onwards (and upwards, we imagine), giving it to the Trust in 1996. There are two ways to stay at the Castle of Mey. A lucky (and wealthy) few have been chosen and invited by the Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust to stay where the Queen has stayed (and Prince Charles still visits) for about 50,000 pounds. The rest of us can stay at the Captain's House on the castle's property, which might not be the main house itself, but it’s still fit for a queen. castleofmey.org.uk

Photograph by Getty Images

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Read the Full Story ≫

Parador de Granada, Granada, Spain

The easiest way to see the most famous and popular sight in Granada is, well, by staying there. One of the most recognizable palaces in the world, the Alhambra was once the residence of the Nasrid Sultans, top government officials and the royal guard. Channel your inner Sultan (we all have one) with a stay at the Parador de Granada—a former monastery on the Alhambra complex— for a reasonable 300 euros per night. parador.es

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Read the Full Story ≫

Osborne House, Isle of Wight

Don't let the term "house" fool you. Take an intimate glimpse into Queen Victoria’s family life by visiting the extravagant Osborne House where she lived with Prince Albert and their nine children. Get lost within the Royal Apartments and Swiss Cottage Garden at this seaside palace that you don’t have to be a royal to enjoy. For a few hundred euros a week, you can have your own royal vacation in one of Osborne's cottages. english-heritage.org.uk

Photograph by Getty Images

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Read the Full Story ≫

Powis Castle, Wales

You know that part in your royal fantasy where you are leisurely strolling through world-famous gardens that surround your magnificent home? The castle of your dreams is Powis Castle in Wales, built by a Welsh prince in 1252. Don't worry; it's been remodeled more than once since then. Its former owner, Earl George Herbert, did one of those restorations over 100 years ago, and it is now owned and operated by The National Trust. Situated beside the mesmerizing gardens is The Bothy, an Edwardian cottage and your future vacation home. In case you didn't feel like a royal already, holiday cottage guests can wander in and out of the castle as they please. nationaltrustcottages.co.uk

Photograph by Getty Images

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Read the Full Story ≫

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, India

The Rambagh Palace Jaipur has housed many VIPs, and most recently it was the official residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur for over 30 years. Between the opulent furnishings and ornamental symmetrical gardens, you'll have a hard time believing anyone—even a prince—ever wanted to move out of this insanely luxurious abode. tajhotels.com

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Read the Full Story ≫

Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, England

Now that Her Majesty The Queen has moved on from the Castle of Mey, she frequents the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England, which has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862, including King George V. Guests can stay in the property's former water tower, which is still absurdly elegant. landmarktrust.org.uk

Photograph by Getty Images

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Read the Full Story ≫

Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Back in the 1800s, Prince Albert was looking for a second home to purchase for Queen Victoria and fell in love with the Scottish Highlands, where Balmoral Castle is located. They purchased the castle, remodeled it and it has since been passed down to King Edward VII and each of his successors. Visitors can vacation on the estate in one of the six charming cottages available to the public. balmoralcastle.com

Photograph by Getty Images

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Read the Full Story ≫

Traquair House, Peeblesshire, Scotland

Traquair was originally a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland before the Earls of Traquair moved in. During the summer months (when the real inhabitants are off summering elsewhere), guests can book a stay in one of the rooms at the castle for a Downton Abbey-esque getaway. traquair.co.uk

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Read the Full Story ≫

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, India

Take a magic carpet ride up the social ladder with a visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, India, home to the current royal family of Jodhpur. Don’t get too excited, the architectural marvel is so massive that it’s not likely you will cross paths with a royal during your visit. But you will feel just like Aladdin—Genie not included. tajhotels.com

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

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The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Tags:

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Tags:

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Tags:

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Tags:

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Tags:

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Tags:

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Tags:

The Royal Treatment: 9 Castles and Palaces That Are Now Hotels

You may not be a king or a queen, but there's no harm in vacationing like one

Written by Maggie Parker

Tags: