Awarded as Scotland's Leading Luxury Castle Hotel from 2005 to 2007 at the World Travel Awards Won at the World Travel Awards in 2025 as Scotland's Leading Luxury Hotel
Castles
Once home to kings and knights, castles were fortified estates with towering walls. Today, many historic castles have been transformed into heritage stays, offering guests a taste of medieval grandeur. Some castle hotels in Ireland, the UK, and Germany also serve as wedding venues. If you're a history buff, explore our list of the most breathtaking heritage castle hotels.
5-Star
8.7
Industrial & Imperial Era
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Industrial & Imperial Era. Click to know more about this period.
Torlundy, Torlundy, Fort William, United Kingdom, PH33 6SN
Hosts an annual flower show at the chateau grounds in summer
Chateaux
Once palaces, manors, or castles of French aristocrats, châteaux were often found in rural communes. Considered historic landmarks, many are now private hotels with restored architecture, while others have been converted into museums or remained government-managed royal estates. Discover the rich heritage of France’s châteaux—explore our curated list to learn more!
5-Star
9.3
Early Modern & Colonial Expansion
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Early Modern & Colonial Expansion. Click to know more about this period.
Escures - Commes, 14520 Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, France
Recognized in the Michelin Guide and awarded one Michelin KeyRecognized by Gault & Millau and awarded one toque
Boutique Hotels
Although smaller that most mainstream and chain hotels, boutique hotels offer standout touches like eye-catching decor, unique experiences, and personalized services. Many heritage properties are given a makeover to turn into charming boutique hotels. If you want a one-of-a-kind stay, check out our curated list of heritage boutique hotels!
5-Star
9.3
High Medieval to Renaissance
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to High Medieval to Renaissance. Click to know more about this period.
Holds Three MICHELIN Keys, the highest honor in the MICHELIN Guide hotel selectionDistinguished as Britain’s first purpose-built deluxe hotel
Historic Hotels
Recognized for their venerable age and for being steeped in history, heritage hotels are seen as icons in their locality. They are often emblematic of certain time periods due to the architecture, or for hosting significant events. They are differentiated further from modern hotels by providing meaningful cultural experiences. Take a look at our recommendations!
5-Star
9.4
Industrial & Imperial Era
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Industrial & Imperial Era. Click to know more about this period.
Strand, West End Soho, London, United Kingdom, WC2R 0EU
Temple Stays & Monasteries
Shintoism’s reverence for nature and Buddhism’s quest for inner peace led to shrines and temples in remote areas. To shelter pilgrims overnight, temple lodgings called shukubo were built. Today, they offer spiritual retreats with prayer readings and meditation. Experience tranquility at a historic shukubo—explore our curated list of serene temple stays and monasteries!
4-Star
7.0
Ancient to Early Medieval
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Ancient to Early Medieval. Click to know more about this period.
Awarded a Michelin star for its on-site restaurant (La Palmeraie)
Chateaux, Chain Hotels
Chain hotels are known by their brand names, offering quality through standards set by their parent companies. However, older ones still deliver something unique for guests, such as bespoke cultural and regional experiences. If you're looking for a hotel that combines reliability with rich historical and cultural significance, explore our list of chain hotels.
5-Star
8.9
Interwar & Early Modern Heritage
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Interwar & Early Modern Heritage. Click to know more about this period.
Awarded with two Michelin Stars under chef Alain Ducasse
Palaces, Boutique Hotels
Palaces began as royal residences designed to impress, like Schönbrunn, City Palace, and Versailles. With grand halls and ornate decor, they hosted guests based on status and ties. Modern media highlights their opulence, a vision embraced by historic palace stays worldwide. Live your royal dream and explore our catalog of historic palace stays for your perfect getaway!
5-Star
8.1
Interwar & Early Modern Heritage
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Interwar & Early Modern Heritage. Click to know more about this period.
La Pinède - 19 avenue Gallice, 06160 Juan-les-Pins, France
Served as a filming location for the 1966 movie La Réligieuse Recognized with a Michelin Star for its on-site restaurant, Le RestaurantRecognized with MICHELIN Green Star for sustainable gastronomy
Boutique Hotels
Although smaller that most mainstream and chain hotels, boutique hotels offer standout touches like eye-catching decor, unique experiences, and personalized services. Many heritage properties are given a makeover to turn into charming boutique hotels. If you want a one-of-a-kind stay, check out our curated list of heritage boutique hotels!
5-Star
8.4
High Medieval to Renaissance
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to High Medieval to Renaissance. Click to know more about this period.
Awarded three AA Rosettes by The AA motoring associationRecognized in the Michelin Guide and awarded one Michelin Key
Castles
Once home to kings and knights, castles were fortified estates with towering walls. Today, many historic castles have been transformed into heritage stays, offering guests a taste of medieval grandeur. Some castle hotels in Ireland, the UK, and Germany also serve as wedding venues. If you're a history buff, explore our list of the most breathtaking heritage castle hotels.
5-Star
9.4
Industrial & Imperial Era
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Industrial & Imperial Era. Click to know more about this period.
Ayrshire, Ballantrae, Ballantrae, United Kingdom, KA26 0NZ