1. Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
Photo credit: Shangri-La Hotel, Paris
As if Paris itself wasn’t chic enough, there are hotels where you can pretend you’re royalty for a while. The Shangri-La Hotel, Paris is the former home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte. Enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower from your room, unwind in ultra-elegant surroundings and spend your stay feeling completely pampered — in between jaunts to explore the City of Light, which is a snap thanks to the ideal location. Centrally located in the 16th arrondissement, Shangri-La, Paris is close to many noteworthy posts, such as the Place des États-Unis, the Place d’Iéna, the Place du Trocadéro on the Chaillot Hill, the Triangle d’Or and the Champs-Élysées.
2. Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur
Photo credit: Alsisar Haveli
Tucked away inside the Pink City of Jaipur and built in 1892, Alsisar Haveli was converted to a heritage hotel in 1994. The elegant property has been restored with traditional Rajput architecture, and the stately rooms are designed to look like those used by the royals of Alsisar. Guests will find antique furniture, ornately carved poster beds, and medieval Rajasthani motifs on fabrics, all of which enhance the royal experience and make everyone who rests their heads at the hotel feel like a VIP.
3. Villa Santi Hotel, Laos
Photo credit: Villa Santi Hotel
The Villa Santi Hotel is an original century-old royal mansion that has been renovated into an intimate boutique hotel in UNESCO World Heritage City, Luang Prabang. The property is within walking distance of many historical sites, including the museum of the former royal palace, the city’s famed night market and Mount Phousi, as well as numerous ancient temples. Furnished with both modern amenities and antiques from the royal family, the Villa Santi gives guests a chance to enjoy the eclectic sights and activities Luang Prabang has to offer in a stylish, comfortable setting.
4. Dalhousie Castle, Scotland
Photo credit: Dalhousie Castle
Dalhousie Castle in Scotland is the oldest property on our list, and one with a royal history that dates back centuries. The majestic property is housed in a 13th-century fortress and surrounded by wooded parkland. The setting itself is enough to make any guest feel like royalty, but there’s more to a stay here than what’s on the surface. Relax at the hydrotherapy spa, enjoy award-winning fine dining, learn archery or the ancient art of falconry, or take a walk around the gorgeous grounds before heading back to a well-appointed, individually-designed room.
5. Four Seasons, St. Petersburg
Photo credit: Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg
Built in 1820 as the residence of Princess Lobanova-Rostovskaya, the Four Seasons St. Petersburg offers a unique opportunity for travelers to live like Russian royalty. Housed within a 19th-century royal palace, a stay at this five-star luxury hotel means exploring St. Petersburg in style. In addition to a stunning interior that lives up to the property’s royal history, guests can also enjoy the four-level luxury spa (constructed within a triangular courtyard of the original palace), pool, two restaurants and great location in the historic Admiralteysky District, which is close to many of St. Petersburg’s attractions.
