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Step into a storybook escape at these castle-style hotels, where aristocratic manors from the 1800s now welcome guests in style. Once private retreats for the elite, these stately homes have been lovingly transformed into romantic getaways that offer more than luxury—they offer legacy. From vine-draped facades to grand dining halls echoing with history, you’ll experience an enchanting blend of elegance, comfort, and rich heritage. Here are eight unforgettable manor houses turned hotels that promise a royal retreat you’ll never forget.
1. Cliveden House, England
This 17th-century estate was once home to political power players and aristocrats. In the early 20th century, it pivoted into hospitality when Nancy Astor transformed a wing into a luxurious guest retreat. Today, the estate blends timeless elegance with contemporary indulgence, boasting manicured gardens, historic interiors, and a reputation as one of Britain’s finest stays. Guests can walk in the footsteps of royalty, dine in style, and sleep beneath gilded ceilings—all within a stone’s throw of London.
2. Bovey Castle, England
Originally a stately home commissioned by the heir to the W.H. Smith fortune, Bovey Castle exudes Edwardian grandeur. Nestled in Dartmoor National Park, it became a luxurious hotel in the 20th century and remains a favorite for travelers seeking refined adventure. Activities like falconry and golf pair perfectly with relaxing in sumptuous suites and feasting on locally sourced cuisine. The castle’s transformation balances rustic beauty with traditional hospitality in a setting rich with English countryside charm.
3. Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, Wales
Built in the late 1800s for engineers working on a reservoir project, Lake Vyrnwy Hotel soon found new life as a hospitality haven. Overlooking a mirror-like lake and enveloped in wooded hills, it evolved into a treasured country house hotel. With panoramic views and timeless interiors, the property offers a peaceful escape that hasn’t lost its historic soul. Afternoon tea, lakeside walks, and warm fireside lounges evoke the golden era of Victorian leisure in a distinctly Welsh setting.
4. Wingrove House, England
This East Sussex manor started as a mid-19th-century private residence before embracing hospitality with open arms. It’s now a chic countryside inn known for intimate stays and charming service. Though modest in scale compared to others, Wingrove House delivers rich character through period details and an ambiance that feels like stepping into a Jane Austen novel. Whether you’re dining in the conservatory or exploring the local vineyards, the manor’s legacy is woven into every experience.
5. Gritti Palace, Italy
This 15th-century palazzo once hosted Venice’s aristocracy, including Doge Andrea Gritti himself. By the 19th century, it opened its doors to worldly travelers seeking romance and Old World glamour. Today, Gritti Palace is a Luxury Collection Hotel where Murano glass chandeliers and antique tapestries whisper stories of the past. With views of the Grand Canal, it’s more than a hotel—it’s a living museum of Venetian opulence. From Hemingway to Guggenheim, legends have called this home.
6. Taj Lake Palace, India
Once the summer residence of a Mewar ruler, this 18th-century floating palace became Rajasthan’s crown jewel of hospitality in the 1960s. Accessible only by boat, the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur offers spellbinding views of Lake Pichola and the Aravalli hills. White marble courtyards and ornate domes speak of royal heritage, while modern amenities provide unmatched comfort. Guests dine under the stars and unwind with Ayurvedic spa rituals—just as nobility once did.
7. Villa d’Este, Italy
Built in 1563 as a cardinal’s summer residence, this villa transitioned to a luxury hotel in 1873. It stands as one of Lake Como’s most iconic landmarks. The Queen’s Pavilion and the famed Mosaic Garden preserve Renaissance opulence, while a floating pool adds a playful modern twist. Villa d’Este attracts celebrities and royalty alike, offering a blend of lush gardens, lakefront elegance, and fine Italian hospitality that has captivated elite travelers for over a century.
8. Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace, Russia
Set in an 1820s neoclassical palace once belonging to Russian nobility, this St. Petersburg treasure has seen life as a royal residence, military office, and academic institution. Its revival as a luxury hotel has restored the grandeur of imperial Russia, complete with marble columns, golden domes, and lion statues guarding the entrance. Located near St. Isaac’s Cathedral, it’s the perfect base for exploring the city’s baroque wonders—while retreating to royal comforts each night.