Top 10 Castel Hotels

Gone are the days when you needed a royal title to spend the night in a castle. Nowadays, even the masses can stay in a storied, turreted keep, as residences of bygone kings and rulers are converted into premier hotels in Europe and beyond. We've rounded up our top castle hotels in France, the United Kingdom, Africa, India, and even the United States (the only one on our list to lack official regal lineage), to help you get the royal treatment, at home and abroad. With accommodations befitting a king, and fairytale-worthy dungeons, moats, drawbridges, and towers, you'll be feeling like royalty in no time. The only thing missing will be your own crown and scepter - those, you'll have to bring from home.

Amberley Castle, England

England's 900-year-old Amberley Castle has a legendary history, including ownership by Queen Elizabeth I from 1588 to 1603; visits from Charles II; and a bout in the civil war, when Cromwell attacked its walls. Hidden away for 900 years near the picturesque village of Amberley in the chalk South Downs, Amberley Castle is a magnificent historical treasure that offers a truly unique experience.You will find beautiful landscaped gardens, fine examples of medieval architecture and an unrivalled atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Since 1988, the Cummings family have made Amberley Castle their home, and with flair and imagination have transformed this splendid hideaway into a luxurious, multi-award winning Country Castle Hotel and Restaurant with an international reputation. Amberley Castle offers 19 luxurious bedrooms and suites, many with four-poster beds and all featuring Jacuzzi bathrooms. Facilities include two restaurants, lounge areas, tennis court, croquet lawn, gardens and lakes, 18-hole professional putting course and a stunning thatched roof tree house complete with rope bridge. Wait up until midnight and you'll be treated to the spectacle of the awesome two tonne oak Portcullis being lowered for the nigh Until 1989 this magical building had privately concealed its lovely gardens and charming rooms from the outside world.

The Interior

Each of the bedrooms have been individually designed to compliment the architecture of each room. The Queens Room and Great Room offer sumptuous surroundings whilst reflecting an era gone by. Whilst the three individual lounges are perfect for relaxing in and sampling more of the castles superb hospitality.

The Exterior

Stunning Treehouse - In September 2004, the eagerly awaited thatched roof treehouse opened to guests. Named as Mistletoe Lodge, this stunning building nestled amongst and upon the beautiful sycamore trees by the Castle's main entrance is an architectural wonder. Reached by a rope bridge this luxury hide-out offers fantastic views of the grounds and lakes

Bishopric Suites Conversion - Two 17th century stone buildings within the dry moat have been converted to form The Bishopric, five suites all with private lounges and en suite Jacuzzi bathrooms. Each has been named after the most influential Bishops, who have resided at Amberley in the past.