Live Like A King While Traveling Through Europe
By Mary Lou Janson
AP Travel writer

Throughout Europe, castles are being converted into luxury hotels. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once walked the rooms and grounds of Thornbury Castle, a 500-year-old castle located in South Gloucesteshire, England.

Travelers don’t have to live like a king to vacation like one. Throughout Europe, authentic castles are being con-verted into luxury hotels where guests can stay overnight, enjoy spa treatments and even dine with royalty.

Despite their formidable appearance and medieval architecture, today’s no-hassle castles feature conveniences that put them on par with any modern hotel. In addition to indoor plumbing, climate control, fine linens and gourmet food, guests can be treated to heated towel racks and afternoon tea service. And, for the ultimate in royal treatment, fairytale-like touches such as per-sonal valets, on-site helipads for air-port transfers, private golf courses or proximity to prestigious courses, such as St. Andrews in Scotland, can complement a castle stay.

But the real appeal of drifting off to sleep in such a manor has more to do with the colorful past of these striking structures than with any luxuries and comforts.

“They’re fun. And it completes the travel experience. Why stay in a standard, generic hotel room when you can sleep in Mary Queen of Scots’ bedchamber, or look through arrow slit win-dows out to a drawbridge or moat?” said Pamela Barrus, who has visited royal residences since the 1970s.

“Accommodations are a good part of the vacation budget and should offer more than just a place to lie down and shut one’s eyes. Castle hotels also offer insight into the history and culture of a region,” said Barrus, author of Dream Sleeps: Castle and Palace Hotels of Europe (Carousel Press).

Like any lodging, Europe’s castles come in all shapes, sizes and locations and offer a range of rates from a single night for one person to a king’s ransom to book an entire castle for a group. Although constructed centuries ago, these former fortresses have kept up with the times to accommodate travelers with disabilities, families with small children and even guests requiring computer access. A moat doesn’t have to equate with remote. These historic hotels have been renovated to keep pace with modern day travel demands, from offering children’s menus or catering options for those preferring to prepare their own foods to stocking electronic games and DVDs.

Of course, sleeping on a king-sized bed in a room once occupied by a king is part of the attraction, but there are numerous ways to spend time. Some travelers escape to castles for romantic reasons and others to enjoy reuniting with family or friends. Rest and relaxation may be part of the itinerary, but there’s also a surprising array of activities whether the castle overlooks the French countryside or a Scottish moor.

Garden tours, biking and hiking are generally available. Some elite retreats even provide heated pools. Others can arrange trout fishing in nearby lakes, balloon rides, dining in a dungeon, arch-ery instruction and clay pigeon shoots.

Whether reading in front of a roaring fire, strolling through the stables or trying to explore every corner of the estate, the hospitality and service are what make guests feel at home within the castle walls.

As plush and posh as certain castles may be, the novelty of hobnobbing with royalty can be a significant part of the appeal.

Still, it’s wise to approach a stay in a castle with a sense of humor and an appreciation for adventure.

Barrus pointed out that some castles may be far removed from major cities, making it difficult to commute between the two. And because they weren’t ori-ginally built to be over-sized guesthouses, the narrow halls, winding staircases and rounded walls common to castles can be disconcerting.

“I would advise people to put aside American pre-conceived notions about overnight stays. Think distinctive, lasting memories, not fast food and mini-bars. We were sleeping in history,” said Michael Kilgore of Tampa, Fla., who arranged to be married in a castle online through www.scottish-wedding- consultants.com. He and wife Kathleen recently exchanged vows at Edinburgh’s Borthwick Castle.

A spokesman for Celtic Castles, an Internet-based booking company representing dozens of such properties throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, reported that demand in castle accommodations as well as the number of castles being converted to hotels is growing. What type of people book vacations in castles?

“We get a full mix across the board. In fact, our youngest customer was 13 years old, he booked the castle for his parents and himself because he wanted to stay in a castle. Many seniors enjoy bringing their extended families back to the ancestral homeland,” said Roger Masterson, managing director of Cel-tic Castles. While location, authenticity and price should be considered before booking any castle, the best advice Masterson offers first timers is to “take lots of pictures and absorb the history.

(Photo courtesy of Thornbury Castle.)

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