Great Castles (You Can Sleep In)

Kirkby Stephen, England

Tucked into a rural corner of northern England, not too far from the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, lies an honest-to-goodness castle available to all travelers, not just the upper crust. Constructed in 1841 for noblemen's weekend retreats, Kirkby Stephen's castle features indoor fireplaces and four-poster beds, but you'll also find modern amenities such as wireless Internet access and a washer and dryer. Structured like a B&B, the castle accommodations feature a hearty breakfast included in your room rate each morning; guests can also request dinners at an additional cost. When you want some fresh air, there are 15 surrounding acres to explore. Rates start at $129 per night.

Lobos, Argentina

You can find an impressive, French-inspired chateau about 90 minutes outside Buenos Aires with a visit to Estancia Candelaria. The all-inclusive castle has 10 guest rooms, and nightly rates include lodging, four meals per day, non-alcoholic beverages during meals, and recreational activities. Rooms have private baths and antique furnishings; some have fireplaces. The castle is surrounded by parklands, with more than 240 acres available for guests to explore. During a visit, you can while away your days horseback riding; swimming in the outdoor pool; playing tennis, soccer, or volleyball; or taking a bike ride, all in the shadow of the castle.

La Mancha, Spain

Hotel Marquis de Villena at the Parador Alarcon castle offers guests both an ancient setting and modern comforts. Perched high on a ravine, the castle gives travelers sweeping views of the village of Alarcon and river Jucar below. The building itself dates back to the eighth century, and rooms have been preserved in a medieval, austere style. Yet you'll also find air-conditioning, heating, private bathrooms, and televisions. Additionally, the hotel has a restaurant and a bar. Rooms start at €235 (approximately $323 U.S.; see xe.com for current conversion rates) for standard accommodations, including daily breakfast. Senior citizens and students can get a discount on the room rate, and there are several promotions for multi-night stays and room-and-board plans.

Tacoma, Washington

Outside Seattle, on the shores of American Lake, lies Thornewood Castle. Brought to the area more than a century ago, the castle's history is actually much older. Owner Chester A. Thorne purchased a 400-year-old Elizabethan manor in England, dismantled it, and shipped it to America, where he had it reassembled in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors today can see the original pieces, in the Tudor Gothic style, in a distinctly New World setting. B&B accommodations start at $270 per night; weekly rates are available. Online-booking discounts are available. Guests have access to the castle's common areas, including a library, TV/theater rooms, and a game room, as well as the property's three acres that feature a sunken English garden, a patio, and lawn games.

Lautrec, France

Many dream of living like a king in France, but at Chateau de Brametourte in Lautrec, it can be a reality. Set on approximately 50 acres in southern France, the 11th-century chateau features original details such as stone floors, arrow slits, Gothic fireplaces, and a tower complete with spiral staircase. Guest rooms have sumptuous antique furnishings that maintain the period feel, yet all bathrooms are modern. Rates start at €40 per night for individual rooms in the low season and include continental breakfast, or you can rent the entire building from €4,000 per week. Additional meals, such as packed lunches and four-course dinners, are available for an extra fee.

Reszel, Poland

"Medieval austerity meets modern comfort" is an apt description of northern Poland's Reszel Castle. Dating back to the 14th century, Reszel now focuses on hospitality and the arts. The property features eclectic guest rooms, all with private baths, satellite television, and Internet access; there's also a restaurant and an art gallery. The castle is known throughout Europe as an artist's retreat, so grab your sketchpad to make the most of the inspirational surroundings. Additionally, cats and dogs are permitted on-site, so your furry friends can also get the royal treatment. Double occupancy rates start at 280 Polish zloty (approximately $90 U.S.; see xe.com for current conversion rates) per night for bed-and-breakfast accommodations, or 420 zloty for a bed-and-dinner option.

Loch Ness, Scotland

Go prowling for monsters while enjoying luxurious digs at the Aldourie Castle and Estate. The only habitable castle in Loch Ness, Scotland, Aldourie offers opulent accommodations in the main castle building or more modest lodging in the property's cottages. Each cottage features two floors of living space, kitchen facilities, and multiple bedrooms; rates start at £400 per week (about $630 U.S.; see xe.com for current conversion rates), including taxes. For a true once-in-a-lifetime splurge, you can rent the entire 15-bedroom castle from £10,500 for a two-night stay; three-night and week-long rates are also available. And don't forget to head down to the water: Keep your eyes peeled, and you may be lucky enough to spot the infamous Loch Ness Monster.

Rhine Valley, Germany

Get an eagle's-eye view of your kingdom at Castle Liebenstein, the highest-situated castle in Germany's Middle Rhine valley. Fortunately for travelers, the castle has left its royal days behind and is now a family-run, full-service hotel. Located about 58 miles from Frankfurt between the towns of Koblenz and Rudesheim, Castle Liebenstein has a restaurant and nine guest rooms, all with water views. Guests can request B&B-style lodging or half-board service (featuring a daily three-course meal, in addition to breakfast). Ghost hunters, take note: If you're lucky, you may see the spirit of the Baroness of Liebenstein, who spends the evenings haunting the main stairway to the castle's guest rooms. Those preferring more earthly entertainment can request river cruises for an additional fee. Room rates range from €115 to €230, depending on class of accommodations.

Siena, Italy

The Castello delle Quattro Torra, situated on the outskirts of Siena, Italy, offers two B&B-style rooms and a full apartment rental. Choose the Blue Room, which features cathedral ceilings; the Tower Room, a bedroom inside one of the castle's namesake turrets; or the apartment, which has a private entrance, a kitchen, laundry facilities, and a living room with a fireplace. Overlook the rolling countryside from your historic fortress, or take in the surroundings from the property's Italianate garden. The innkeepers provide a full breakfast each day; guests may also use the castle's reading room and outdoor courtyard. Rates start at €140 per night; discounts for weekly stays are available.

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