Live like royalty: Belgium’s extraordinary castle hotels

Belgium is home to over 3,000 castles, making it one of the most castle-dense countries in the world. While many are private or heritage sites, some have been transformed into one-of-a-kind hotels, uniting historic charm with contemporary comfort. Whether you love rambling about the countryside, seeing the sights of the city or indulging in Michelin-star dining, Belgium has the perfect castle stay for you. 

Best castle with a spa: Manoir de Lébioles 

Located in the picturesque Ardennes, Manoir de Lébioles is the ultimate retreat for those seeking both peace and indulgence. Dubbed the “small Versailles of the Ardennes”, this elegant château has a grand yet intimate atmosphere; it’s the kind of place where time slows down – so much so that you might not want to leave. The property’s luxurious spa offers an assortment of rejuvenating wellness treatments, while its restaurant, helmed by chef Loïc Jambon, serves refined dishes that balance fresh produce from local farms with the very best ingredients from around the world. 

Perfect for families: Domaine de Ronchinne

Set in a sprawling 42-hectare park near Crupet, known as one of the “most beautiful villages in Wallonia”, Domaine de Ronchinne blends elegant design with a laid-back, countryside feel. It has plenty to keep guests of all ages entertained, including a mini golf course, cycling trails and playgrounds. The indoor playroom, housing facilities for table football and table tennis, is perfect for rainy days, while the cosy lounge features a selection of board games. You can choose to stay in the castle, its charmingly renovated stables, or one of the more unusual lodgings on site, such as a treehouse or loft cube – a great pick for nature lovers.

For a city castle stay: Château de Namur

For those who want the charm of a castle but still enjoy the buzz of the city, Château de Namur provides the best of both worlds. Perched on a hill in the middle of a verdant park, it overlooks Namur, the capital of Belgium’s Wallonia region and a city rich in culture and history. A refined yet lively escape, Château de Namur boasts a top-notch restaurant and sun-splashed terrace where you can enjoy beautiful views of Namur and its river – and when you want to experience it for yourself, the city centre is just an eight-minute car ride away. 

For an offbeat castle experience: Tour du Château 

Book a stay in this rustic tower and you’ll be able to live out your very own fairytale. Built on the grounds of Château de Thieusies in 1845 and tastefully renovated in 2019, the Tour du Château features preserved moldings, a grand fireplace, ancient steel doors and huge stained-glass windows restored by a master craftsman from nearby Chastres. Its 96-step spiral staircase connects a living area and kitchen on the ground floor, a homey bedroom with a wood stove on the first floor, and a shower room above.

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For Michelin-star dining: Château de Vignée

The five-star Château de Vignée is worth visiting for the food alone. It’s home to Michelin-starred restaurant Arden, where chef Marius Bosmans – named Young Chef of the Year for Wallonia 2024 by Gault&Millau – serves up creative seasonal dishes sourced from the castle’s own garden and greenhouse. Wine lovers will appreciate the striking, circular wine cellar built under the courtyard, which can be booked for private meetings and tastings. The hotel’s 24 guest rooms, each with their own individual design, ensure a sumptuous night’s sleep after a day of wining and dining. 

For a romantic getaway: Kasteel van Ordingen

You’ll feel truly aristocratic at Kasteel van Ordingen, a stately medieval castle in the heart of Belgium’s fruit-producing region, Sint-Truiden. Comprising 32 suites masterfully decorated by interior designer Pieter Porters, this hotel boasts ornate gateways, intricate stonework and opulent interiors that live and breathe history. Guests can indulge in wellness treatments and sample house-made organic sparkling wine – the first of its kind in Flanders – from the castle’s own vineyard. A perfect blend of romance, luxury and heritage.

For an active stay: Château de Wallerand

Set on the banks of the river Meuse, Château de Wallerand is an idyllic property just minutes from the French border. The Mosan Renaissance-style château houses 10 guest rooms and suites, all showcasing chic yet cosy contemporary design. With the Ardennes Regional Nature Park, an area that has inspired writers such as Arthur Rimbaud and George Sand, at its doorstep, this hotel is a great place to explore both nature and history. Hike through the Ardennes, make use of the on-site bicycles and cycle along scenic riverside paths, or take the hotel’s own electric boat out for a spin.

Castle with a view: Château de Mirwart

Built on a rock above L’homme Valley in the Ardennes, Château de Mirwart offers sublime views over the lush Saint-Hubert forest. This historic castle, parts of which date back to the 11th century, features 20 luxury rooms and two restaurants. Guests can explore walking trails in the hotel’s vast private domain, visit the estate’s beehives or join a seasonal guided mushroom hike with a paired dinner afterwards. At sunset, the hotel’s terrace transforms into a magical observation deck, perfect for soaking in the serene beauty of the Ardennes.

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