Royal families in Britain and beyond are known for their lavish and often unattainable lifestyles - part of the never-ending glamor that surrounds them. The royals do have day jobs (although they're certainly different than sitting in an office for eight hours), but when they're not working, they love to travel. Of course, their holidays are always the stuff of dreams: exotic locations, beautiful castles and luxurious hotels make up their journey. That's enough to make anyone green with envy, but here's a secret: You get to go where the royal family hangs out. Sure, it can be an expensive trip, but if you're looking to splurge and want to know where the royals stay when they travel so you can book the same hotels as them, I've prepared this list for you.
These locations include historic ancient castles in Wales, modern hotels in the Caribbean, beautiful spots in India and stunning rooms in the mountains - so really, there's something for everyone. Vacationing in these places becomes even more exciting when you realize you're living in the same place that Prince Harry or Prince William visit every few years. Hey, who knows – maybe if you go at the right time, you’ll be able to find them (one can only hope).
If you want to travel like royalty, book these few vacations as soon as possible.
1. Llwynywermod - Wales
Llwynywermod in Wales was purchased by Charles, Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in November 2006 and is now a place they visit regularly and travel every summer. It is located near Myddfai in Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, and has 192 acres of farmland with beautiful views over the historic park. While the pair did spend a lot of time there, whenever they weren't there the place was used as a "hotel" of sorts: there are two converted barns adjacent to the main farmhouse, North Ridge and West Ridge .
Llwynywermod has been renovated by skilled Welsh craftsmen and features local Welsh textiles including blankets, quilts, rugs and pottery. Complete with fireplaces, beautiful grounds, gardens and plenty of space, these cottages are charming places to stay if you want to truly feel like you're part of the British royal family.
2. Plas Dinas Country House – Snowdonia, North Wales
It may be called a "country house," but the place is every bit as luxurious as one would imagine a royal retreat to be. It's also full of history: it dates from the mid-seventeenth century and has many Victorian-style extensions. That said, it wasn't completely redone: the original stone fireplace is still there. In the nineteenth century it was owned by the Armstrong-Jones family, one of whom (Anthony) married Princess Margaret (aka Queen Elizabeth's sister). Princess Margaret often spent weekends at Plasdinas, which still contains many family photos, memorabilia and original furniture from her time there. Prince William also spent time there.
Set in 15 acres of land in Snowdonia, North Wales, this home is the perfect place to explore nature. It's a beautiful place to stay with lots to do and beautiful scenery to enjoy. You can also vacation there, but if it's too expensive, you have the option of booking a restaurant.
3. Chateau La Roque – France
Prince William, Duchess Kate and their children George and Charlotte enjoyed a summer trip to the south of France. This 11th-century castle is located in the village of Pouydraguin and is owned by multimillionaire media boss Michael Green. With only five deluxe rooms, it's a rather unique place, but also beautiful. The castle is located in the village of La Roque su Pernes in the Vaucluse department and has a history of more than 1,000 years. There is so much to see and do in this beautiful place. Find a room here.
4. Hotel Walserhof – Klosters, Swiss Alps
It's been about 40 years since Prince Charles went to Klosters. If all that history isn't enough for you, in 2008 Prince William and Kate Middleton were photographed kissing on the slopes of Klosters, and in 2009, they spent time together in the Butler's private cabin A week long ski holiday. For the record, Prince Charles usually stays at the five-star Walserhof Hotel in Klosters - so be sure to check it out there if you hope to meet him.
Located in the Parsenn ski area of Switzerland, Klosters is a beautiful place to stay with snowy views and plenty of places to ski. Oh, and by the way, there’s even a cable car called the “Prince of Wales” on top of Gochner Grat.
5. Ruthin Castle – North Wales
Many members of the royal family have stayed at the castle, including HRH King Edward VII and Prince Charles. It is set in acres of parkland beside the Clwydian Range in North Wales, with beautiful views and plenty of land to explore. There's a spa for you to relax in, a great restaurant, and a Prince of Wales Suite that takes up an entire floor of the tower and comes with a coffee machine, 24-hour in-room dining, and of course a bath robe. Other smaller rooms are also available. View accommodation here.
6. Château Rhianfa – Anglesey, Wales
Château Rhianfa is an incredibly beautiful castle built in 1849 by Sir John Hay Williams, Baron Bodelwyddan, as a gift to his wife, Lady Sarah. Named "Rhianfa" which means "Lady's Abode", the house is very charming and romantic. There's a rich history there and stunning views of the Snowdonia mountains. You can view the rooms here.
7. Fairmont Empress – British Columbia
Located in downtown Victoria, British Columbia, this fortress-like hotel has long been home to royalty. Prince Charles and Camilla Bowles visited the hotel in 2009, and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited in 2002. King George VI and the Queen Mother also stayed at the hotel in 1939, and even as early as 1919, the hotel was used by the royal family - Edward, Prince of Wales, spent a night in the Crystal Ballroom. Located on Victoria's Inner Harbour, this luxury hotel features first-class restaurants, a relaxing spa and numerous amenities. Look at the rooms here.
8. Castle Lodge - Wales
Located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Castle Lodge is a five-star hotel with six bedrooms and luxurious décor. It has a rich history - it was founded in 1280 and was the home and birthplace of Lucy Walter, mistress of King Charles II and mother of his child, the Duke of Monmouth. The Roch Castle Hotel is set in stunning Welsh landscape, with panoramic views over St. Brides Bay and the Preseli Hills. If you stay there, you have exclusive use of the castle with your own key, a traditional Welsh breakfast, and some very romantic views. You can also rent just a room instead of the entire castle (obviously, this is very expensive). Look at the rooms here.
9. Kumarakom Lake Resort – Kerala, India
In 2013, Prince Charles celebrated his 65th birthday here with Camilla Bowles during a tour of India. Voted India's leading green resort by the World Travel Awards four years in a row, the resort is beautiful. Additionally, the BBC calls it "one of the most luxurious resorts in the world," if that gives you an idea of how stunning it is. If you really want to splurge and enjoy some great views, this is the place to go. Get a glimpse of the place here.
10. Llangoed Hall - Wales
Llangoed Hall is a Relais & Chateau Hotel and the former home of Welsh designers Laura Ashley and Sir Bernard Ashley. It's located in the Wye Valley in Wales...oh, and it was once used as a filming location for Downton Abbey . So, yes, TV royalty has always been there, but so has actual royalty: HRH Prince Charles frequently visits the location, as do the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Other royal guests include Princess Michael of Kent (the Queen's cousin), as well as sultans, sheikhs from Dubai, Malaysia, Greece and Thailand. With plenty of art, history and gardens, there’s no doubt why it’s so popular. View available rooms here.
11. Hotel Haslera Rome – Italy
This five-star hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps has been a favorite of many royals: Prince Charles and Princess Diana, King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden, Prince Felix of Luxembourg, King Juan of Spain Carlos I, and Prince Rainier of Monaco during their honeymoon with Grace Kelly. Do you need any other reasons to stay there? Well, it's also famous for its magical views of Rome and its Michelin-starred Imago restaurant. View the room here.
12. Hotel Arlberg – Austria
Princess Diana once brought her sons to the half-century-old hotel, which, as Vogue reviewed, will remind you of The Sound of Music . There are beautiful mountain views, spacious rooms, and great food. It’s picturesque, charming and perfect for a relaxing snow vacation. Look at the rooms here.
13. Peabody Hotel – Memphis, Tennessee
Yes, there is a hotel in America that once hosted royalty. In fact, it's a favorite spot for some of them: William, Harry, Beatrice and Eugenie stayed here in 2014 while celebrating a friend's wedding. It's definitely a place that feels more accessible in a beautiful location. Look at the rooms here.
