Erected in the late 13th century, this former military base stands on a hilltop between Assisi and Perugia overlooking the Umbrian countryside. The thoroughly modern Castello di Monterone was most recently renovated in 2005 and offers 18 individually named and decorated guest rooms, which may include exposed-stone walls, authentic frescos, Jacuzzi baths or a private patio. This hotel also boasts a restaurant and bar, library and a Turkish bath.
Castello di Monterone
Residenza d'epoca
Strada Montevile, 3
Perugia, 06126
Umbria
Italy
011-39-075-5724214
castellomonterone.com
This French château was once owned by both Queen Marguerite de Valois and Queen Catherine de Medicis. Also built as a fortress in the 13th century, this imposing castle overlooks the village of Saint-Saturnin. Each of the hotel's five guest rooms is complemented with period-style furnishings and four-poster beds; two include side rooms for visiting children. Breakfast is served daily in the intimate dining room or out on the terrace, and guests are welcome to relax in the salon library before the fireplace. The surrounding village is home to a volcanic park and a Romanesque church, which was built with the same materials as the castle.
Château Royal de Saint-Saturnin
Place de l'Ormeau 63450
Saint-Saturnin
France
011-04-73-39-39-64
chateaudesaintsaturnin.com
Just 30 minutes outside of Dublin sits the Barberstown Castle Hotel. This privately-owned hotel, portions of which were built as early as 1288, is surrounded by 20 acres of gardens and has hosted guests including Sean Connery, Mick Jagger and previous owner Eric Clapton. The Barberstown houses 58 en-suite bedrooms, each individually decorated with antique furnishings. Dinner is served in either the Castle, Victorian or Elizabethan dining room, while guests enjoy traditional afternoon tea before the fire in the tea room. Live music is offered on Friday and Saturday evenings. Castletown House, Ireland's largest and oldest Palladian-style house, is less than four miles from Barberstown.
Barberstown Castle
Straffan, Co. Kildare
Ireland
011-353-1-6288157
barberstowncastle.ie
Schönburg Castle is nestled on a hillside just above the medieval town of Oberwesel. Originally built in the 10th century, this castle was burned down by the French in 1689 and restored in 1914. Twenty rooms and two suites are available at Schönburg Castle; each is furnished with either a four-poster or half-tester bed and en-suite bathroom. Guests may dine at a private table in the Prisoner's Tower, on a terrace overlooking the Rhine, before the fireplace in the lounge or in the company of other guests in either the Knights', Squires' or Gobelin Room. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley is nearby, while Frankfurt is about an hour from the castle.
Schönburg Castle
Auf Schönburg
D-55430 Oberwesel am Rhein
Germany
011-49-6744-93930
hotel-schoenburg.com
