Stay like Royalty at These Castle and Palace Hotels

This Irish estate covers acres of woodland (half of which is dedicated to preserving the natural habitats of local wildlife) in Cong, a scenic village bordering County Galway. Built from steel-gray stone, the 800-year-old castle was once the private home of the beer-making Guinness family. In fact, you can indulge in a wine tasting experience in the cellar that once served as the family’s coal bunker. The 83 rooms are individually designed with antique furniture and eclectic artwork.  George V Dining Room serves fine Irish cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients, some grown on the estate. Afterwards, carry on to the Billiards Room for a round of snooker and a night cap. Spend your days exploring the grounds on horseback, testing your aim with a round of clay shooting or archery, or joining a hawk experience.

Must be of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.

It doesn’t get more royal than this hotel right on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, the former residence commissioned by King Louis XIV in 1681. Guests get next-level access to the stately grounds and manicured gardens of Versailles – and an invite to explore the halls after hours. The hotel has just 11 rooms and two suites, all decorated with period furnishings and named for historical figures. Be sure to take part in The Royal Feast, a sumptuous banquet that recreates King Louis XIV’s favorite dishes.

This iconic hotel was founded in 1864 by Swiss hotelier Johannes Badrutt, the man who singlehandedly put St. Mortiz on the map – and it all started on a bet. Badrutt invited several English summer guests to visit him in winter, promising to reimburse them for their trip if they didn’t enjoy themselves. And the rest is history. Located in the Swiss Alps, the mountain resort’s spacious accommodations feature crystal chandeliers and stunning views of either Lake St. Moritz or the bustling ski town’s center. Still owned by the Badrutt family to this day, the hotel has been a member of Swiss Historic Hotels since 2006.

Dating back to 1460, this stunning castle hotel on the southwestern end of the island of Mallorca sits upon 326-acres of unsullied countryside at the foot of La Tramuntana Mountains – a UNESCO World Heritage site. The individually designed 25 rooms and 18 suites feature earth tones that echo the lush gardens; select suites come with private pools. The property produces its own olive oil and sources ingredients from an on-site vegetable garden for two on-site restaurants and the handcrafted cocktails at Castell bar.

Overlooking the cerulean waters of Lake Fuschl, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl was originally Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg’s hunting lodge, where nobles and aristocrats would gather. It was reimagined as a hotel in 1950 and remains a lavish alpine refuge where guests can bask in the serenity of nature. After a sunrise mountain hike, bike ride, or a paddle across the lake, you can indulge in Austrian cuisine with Alpine high tea, strudel, and a schnaps tasting at Alpine Hut Lärchenhütte.

Must be of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.

Within the stone walls of old Québec City, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a Card Member Favorite and said to be the most photographed hotel in the world – and for good reason. While it never housed royals, the hotel certainly looks like a storybook castle, with dramatic turrets and spires and a perch on a towering bluff overlooking the sea. Rooms offer sweeping views of the city and the St. Lawrence River; select suites boast fireplaces, turrets, and historic artifacts. Heads of state hunkered down here during the WWII Quebec Conferences and royals, too, have walked the castle’s halls. Louis himself is said to still roam the halls: legend has that he died while his fiancé was overseas and he searches the castle for her to this day.

On the shores of the Arabian Sea, this opulent Mumbai palace’s red dome has been a fixture of the city skyline since 1903. The palace architect took inspiration from the Eiffel Tower and commissioned pillars made of the same steel for the hotel’s ballroom. Featuring the first air conditioning system in Asia when it was built, the palace spares no expense to this day. Spacious rooms and suites come with additional living areas and are done up with traditionally opulent Indian furnishings and rich fabrics and textiles. While you’re in an indulgent mood, why not try an ancient Indian purification ritual at the Jiva Spa or take a private yoga class with a resident instructor.

While never truly a royal residence, The Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel has long been a decadent playground for celebrities and dignitaries, including overnight guests hailing from the House of Windsor. The glamorous beachfront hotel opened in 1923 to much acclaim, with inaugural festivities including a performance by a famed French cabaret star. The luxurious art deco palace’s suites feature period furniture, curated artwork, and spacious living areas. Select suites include private terraces, Oriental rugs, and dedicated butler service.

A 500-year-old mansion across from Cusco’s sacred Temple of the Sun, this Peruvian palace is both luxe hotel and cultural touchstone. Once a museum, it still displays 60 original paintings from the pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial periods. Accommodations are appropriately rich and refined, with dark wood niches and yellow ochre walls. Select suites feature separate living and dining spaces, multiple bathrooms, and custom Peruvian furniture. Learn to craft a Pisco Sour, Peru's national drink, during a class at the bar and toast to the region’s rich history.

Must be of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.