Why do we need Palace or Castle Hotels? Of course, to give our dreams the perfect setting and to make sure to have a sparkling bending of reality from time to time. Secretly we all cry when watching the Czech fairytale Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella (or even worse, when watching Sissi), although after Arnold Retzer’s pamphlet “Lob der Vernunftehe” we definitely wanted to say goodbye to the unrealistic image of the knight in shining armour on a white horse. After all, Valentine’s Day is approaching fast and it is now high time for romance – here are our top 5 Palace Hotels:

1) Hotel Château Grattequina, France

The Hotel Château Grattequina is the epitome of the French Schlosshotel: situated on the banks of the Garonne River outside the city of Bordeaux, this 4 star hotel dated from the year 1872 is fantastically located right in one of the most famous wine-producing regions in the world. Completely renovated in 2004, it nowadays depicts a perfect symbiosis of elegant furnishings with exquisite antiques and modern technology. In particular romantic is the junior suite with a chimney and an ultra-large plasma screen.

2) Château de la Couronne, France

This small Schlosshotel is located in Aquitaine, at the foot of the village Marthon. The classic brickwork with its honey-coloured towers takes us by surprise with its inside state-of-the-art design: the five lavish suites with its stylish mix of classic French design and natural materials are extremely nice to look at. This small, exquisite boutique hotel should therefore also score with the cool version of the modern princess.

3) Alma Schlosshotel im Grunewald, Germany

No less a figure than designer prince Karl Lagerfeld has equipped this luxury Schlosshotel in fancy Berlin Grunewald. Fifty historically furnished rooms and suites are characterized by his skilful signature and exude a noble, cosy atmosphere. An English-seeming bar and an excellent restaurant also attract Berliners to this unusual hotel. And the German national football team, which resided there in 2006 during the World Cup, was reportedly downright pleased there too.

4) Pousada de Estremoz Rainha Santa Isabel, Portugal

This historic country house in Portugal is characterized by a spectacular location in the center of the Estremoz Castle. This magnificent palace, which once King Diniz had constructed for his wife, Queen Santa Isabel, has been carefully modernized and converted into a noble Schlosshotel. The interior is dominated by antique furniture and heavy fabrics, which are in complete harmony with the historic masonry. Princess Isabel got married here in 1490 – why don’t you just do the same!

5) Glenapp Castle, Scotland

Of course, a Scottish Castle should not be missed out in our Top 5 – and the Glenapp is truly a magnificent specimen of a castle! Situated near the fishermen’s village of Ballantrae, this luxury hotel is not only surrounded by superb gardens with Victorian greenhouses, but also offers a terrific view on the Irish Sea. In its 17 elegant suites with period furniture, precious carpets and fabrics, it is so comfortable that it doesn’t matter if it is storming and haunting outside.