Medieval Castle Hotel Wanted

Unfortunately, I haven't stayed at any of those properties but I am enchanted by Borthwick Castle. The interiors look amazing and it's near Edinburgh to boot.

To be honest I don’t Think what you are looking for actually exists. There are virtually no real medieval castles left that look like they did in the 14th century for several reasons. Since castles where built with two functions in mind, to provide a home for the Lord and as a military stronghold, they have either been modernised over time or been left to ruin. Since castles lost their military value after the advent of gunpowder, they where either modernized with bastions and gun placements (like Stirling or Edinburgh castles) or simply lost their military function and where converted into stately manors, with more modern accommodations( indoor plumming and windows are nice after all). The castles that have retained most of their medieval fetaures are usually the ones that have been left to ruin. The best preserved Castle in Scotland is probably Doune Castle, which is why it has been used in many movies including Monthy Python and the Holy Grail. ( the audio guide by Terry Jones is hilarious).

Medieval Castles did not have glass in the windows, just arrow slits. Neither did they have heating, or inside toilets (just squat down in the corner of the courtyard, or out the (unglazed) window into the moat), or running water, or electricity, or telephones.

There are plenty of places like that, just nobody lives there any longer. Castle hotels are all refurbished inside with all mod cons inside that guests expect.

Thanks for the quick replies, I really appreciate it. I understand that no castle could have remained in is original state throughout the ages, as it would impractical to keep up. And that amenities 21st century guests expect (e.g., electricity and plumbing) require modernization, and some aspects of the space will have to be completely 20th if not 21st century if nothing else than to satisfy building codes to get a hotel license. I still hold out hope that some have sections of the building at least that retain their medieval look. Maybe not, but I thought it was worth asking!

For what it’s worth It looks like your own search has given you some interesting results. I haven’t stayed in any Castle hotels, too expensive for me and I am enough if a Castle nerd to prefer an authentic ruin to a neo gothic rebuilding. If you want to see what a real castle would have looked like, I will repeat my recommendation of Doune Castle. Perhaps combine it with a stay at a Castle hotel.

When you Google "Scotland castle hotels" you'll have to drill down and carefully read the descriptions to get an idea how old each castle is.

Most guests don't care which century the castle dates from, they are more concerned with luxury and amenities vis-a-vis the nightly rate. The proprietors know this, so they don't make the history of the property their most prominent selling point. OTOH, since most websites do have photos, you should be able to tell with your own educated eye whether a given property does still "retain a 14th or 15th century look."

I was looking for just the same.....not a castle that the interior looked like a Hilton Hotel! A few inconveniences would be fine to "feel" the ambience. Closest I found was Kilmartin Castle in Argyll. However.....before we decided time-wise we needed to focus on England and Scotland I found a BNB in Ireland: "Live like a king in my castle". Check it out!!! Maybe we both will do Ireland in 2019..ha!!!!

If you look at B & Bs in Galloway and Dumphries you might find a small tower castle that has been restored. There were several such towers along the SW coast. Some of course are ruins but some have been restored by the new owners and perhaps some are letting rooms to pay the bills. Perhaps some on this site have a lead on one.

Marna, “Live like a king in my castle” looks just perfect! Unfortunately the listing says it is not available for children 0-12, and I will have my daughter with me. But Kilmartin Castle in Argyll, looks just like what Kathleen was suggesting, and might just work! I’m sure we will get our fill of splendid castles to visit in Scotland, but having our own (even a relatively little one) for just one night would be special.

Morten, Yes, I think you have it exactly right. We will visit Doune Castle, and probably another one or two along the way. And then try to book a castle hotel for a somewhat different, but hopefully still very cool, experience.

If you decide to go to Argyll, know that the village of Kilmartin is tiny, but the nearby town of Lochgilphead has more options for restaurants etc. The little museum in Kilmartin has maps to help you find the stone cairns, and there are carved stones on display at the church and right near it.

Along Loch Fyne, Inveraray is a lovely town, planned by a Georgian architect, which has several shops selling traditional Scottish woolens. I can recommend Brambles cafe for daytime snacks & meals, and the George Hotel for dinner/pub. Inveraray castle is beautiful & fascinating inside, and the gardens are stunning; there's also a flock of black sheep. I haven't visited Inveraray Gaol (historic jail) but have heard favorable comments. Just south of Inveraray near Furnace is the Auchindrain Township outdoor museum, and Argyll Adventure which has horseback riding.

I just booked Kilmartin Castle for 4 nights in August. I'm really looking forward to it!

Check out the Landmark Trust https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/Search-and-Book/holiday-ideas/stay-in-a-castle/ they have all sorts of quirky properties (this is the link to their castles) but they will all be self catering.

Would love to hear how you manage the travel to Kilmartin!

You got Kilmartin Castle?!!! Fantastic! It was already booked when my sister and I are going in May..we could have gotten it for one night, but they were asking way too much than we wanted to pay for only one night. So happy for you! We are staying in a bnb cottage in Kilmartin instead and are excited. Our plans there are Kilchurn Castle (!!!) Kilmartin Glen, and maybe a pony trek ..... would love to figure out how to get a boat ride to Innis Chonnel.... Have a great time!!!!!

There's this castle in Aberdeenshire area (family home of actress Rose Leslie) https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6218759

Also - here's a general "castle" search on AirBnB - https://www.airbnb.com/s/Scotland--United-Kingdom/homes?place_id=ChIJn6HyA8TiYUgRFAfDCdj6wec&query=Scotland%2C%20United%20Kingdom&refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&allow_override%5B%5D=&room_types%5B%5D=Private%20room&property_type_id%5B%5D=5&s_tag=KgI0tcZj