Castles require a lot of upkeep: Just ask Queen Elizabeth, who's currently looking at an $83 million bill for long-needed repairs to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
Yet while Her Majesty can afford to foot the bill, other château owners have wised up and have opened their properties to guests.
Far from being drafty old fortresses, these hotels have modern amenities while still maintaining their unique histories.
Best of all, a stay in one of these castles won’t cost you a king’s ransom.
Chateau De La Caze in Sainte-Enimie, France
Tucked into a crook of the steep Tarn River gorge, Chateau de la Caze is a gorgeous castle built in the 15th century as a honeymoon home for a French noblewoman. Some of the best rooms are on the top floor, where you can walk out onto the terrace to view the river below and bathe in a circular turret, complete with arrow slits. Tapestries, antiques, and artwork adorn the rooms and halls. Weather permitting, dine at the top-notch terrace restaurant, with its views of the river on one side and the impressive cliffs on the other (doubles from $185).
Insider Tip: Take a drive 35 miles southwest to the stunning Millau Viaduct, the tallest bridge in the world and considered one of the greatest engineering feats of all time. In nearby Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, visit one of the half-dozen or so caves where this famous blue cheese is aged.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s France Guide
Dalhousie Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland
Set among lovely grounds overlooking the River Esk, the main part of this redstone castle was built in 1450, and you can still see openings in the parapets from where defenders poured boiling oil on intruders.Dalhousie’s wood-paneled library is a popular gathering spot before dining in the castle’s more formal restaurant, set in the centuries-old, barrel-vaulted dungeon. For an extra dose of atmosphere, treat yourself to a themed room, including one that houses the castle’s 500-year-old well (double from $210, includes breakfast).
Insider Tip: If you really want to feel like lord of the manor, try the hotel’s falconry experience ($140). Observe owls, Harris hawks, and buzzards in flight before they land on your gloved hand; you’ll even get to handle one of their eagles.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Edinburgh Guide
Castel Pergine in Trentino, Italy
Perched high on a hill in the rugged western Dolomites, with dramatic views of the upper Sugana Valley and Lake Caldonazzo, Castel Pergine is about as close as you can get to an authentic medieval castle experience. Built in the 13th century on an important Roman road, the castle appears much like it did hundreds of years ago. Rooms are modest but comfortable—and even cheaper if you choose one with a bathroom down the hall. Dinner in its well-regarded restaurant is not to be missed (double with bathroom from $165, includes breakfast).
Insider Tip: The Dolomites are renowned for winter skiing, but it’s also a wonderland of outdoor activities in the warmer months. Hiking is one of the most popular activities, but you can also arrange a bike or horseback tour. Mix with the locals on market days: Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Dolomites Guide
See the rest of the story at Business Insider