Stay like Royalty at These Castle and Palace Hotels

Medieval castles and ancient forts are a common sight around this village in Clare—and Dromoland Castle, a turreted castle hotel dating back to 1551, is a desirable base. Once the private home of the O'Brien family, descendants of the 11th-century High King of Ireland Brian Boru, the property’s rooms come with views of the castle’s lavish courtyard or the tranquil lake beyond. Treat yourself to Mrs. White's Afternoon Tea, a Dromoland tradition for more than 100 years, and then spend the afternoon exploring the 500 acres of castle grounds by foot, spotting local wildlife along the way, or practice archery, clay shooting, or falconry with an on-site instructor.

History abounds in Rome, and you’ll find yourself at the very heart of it at Six Senses Rome, a glamorous boutique hotel in the 15th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, once a cardinal’s residence. Its ornate exteriors have been carefully restored, while the hotel’s ethos nods to the future—it runs on 100 percent renewable energy. Fine Italian dining is never more than a few steps away in Rome, but if you’d like to spend an evening basking in your suite’s amenities, the hotel offers 24-hour in-suite dining. Confer with the hotel’s Guest Experience Maker to curate an itinerary of cultural activities or take a stroll to seek out Rome’s historic sites without the crowds.

A quaint Scottish harbor town, Girvan counts around 20 castles—and the most impressive is arguably Glenapp Castle, built in 1870. The castle hotel is a model of Scottish Baronial style, which fuses elements of Gothic and Renaissance design and features a variety of turrets, towers, and battlements. There’s an extensive activities program that takes advantage of the surrounding 110 acres of woodland. Get active with tennis, croquet, French boules, and cycling or take part in guided experiences like beekeeping, cooking and art lessons, falconry, perfume making, and an immersive encounter with the resident highland cows.

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. At Castell Son Claret, 25 rooms and 18 suites are individually designed in 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.

A 17th-century palace in the heart of Istanbul, this opulent hotel’s location on the banks of the Bosphorus was once designated as an Imperial Garden during Sultan Ahmed I’s reign. Originally built as the private residence for the sultan and his family, Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul comprises two buildings, a restored 19th-century Ottoman palace and a newer annex. Suites feature traditional Ottoman motifs with modern touches, embroidered textiles, and traditional tulip designs.

Forget rolling out the proverbial red carpet—here the welcome ceremony involves a procession of colorfully decorated camels, elephants, and horses. After all, you’re checking into the "Jewel of Jaipur,” built in 1835 as the garden house for a queen’s handmaid and later expanded into a royal hunting lodge. It went on to become the private residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur before being converted into a luxury hotel in 1957. Rambagh Palace’s 78 rooms and suites feature traditional period furnishings, colorful mosaics, and Thikri mirror work (mirrors inlayed with hand cut glass to create intricate designs).

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 French cabaret star. The luxurious art deco palace suites feature period furniture, curated artwork, and living areas. Select suites include private terraces 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, Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco still displays 60 original paintings from the pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial periods. Accommodations are appropriately 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.