Palaces stay: 8 Royal residences that have become hotels

A Royal residence today dumped old signs, to become hotels and make under your arches ordinary people like you and me. Each of the guest be welcomed as a person of blue blood. You can live with truly Royal dignity, feeling a mysterious and romantic atmosphere of the past.

The Amalfi coast of the Sorrento Peninsula in southern Italy in 1997 was declared world heritage site. Its real gem is a fishing town of Positano, which terraces down to the sea from the slopes. Here was the summer residence of Joachim Murat — king of Naples, the famous Marshal of Napoleon, also became his son-in-law. Now the magnificent building of this Palace is the Palazzo Murat.

Of past greatness resemble stone carvings of door and window openings, mosaic tiles and rich wooden furniture. The hotel pool has been preserved almost in its original form.

Unlike the other hotels on the rocky side of Positano, the Palazzo Murat is located within walking distance from the historical centre of the city. Its guests do not need to steep to walk to the beach. True, the ocean views here are not as exciting.

In the past the Culloden Estate & Spa was the seat of Irish bishops in Belfast. Now it is one of the most beautiful hotels in the whole of Northern Ireland. It is a 10-minute drive from downtown, but it is surrounded by about four acres of gardens that provide a stunning view from the window.

The hotel here was built in 1876 and renovated in 2012. However, its interior still bears traces of former luxury. Rooms are furnished with expensive furniture in traditional English style. The hotel is famous for Spa and health treatments far beyond his native Ireland.

The romance and relaxing atmosphere of this place make it extremely attractive for loving couples and honeymooners, on which he actually designed.

Grand Hotel Baglioni can be called the living picture of the past of Florence, which is not surprising because it is located in the former residence of the Carrega Bertolini princes, and his own history more than hundreds of years.

There are almost 200 rooms, and they are all very spacious, which, by the way, for historic buildings, quite uncharacteristically. Luxurious furnishings store touch of antiquity: furniture designed in the classical style, ceilings and floors finished with black wood, the Windows are preserved the lead frames, the bathrooms are shining white, decorated with paintings and frescoes.

From the rooftop garden and Terrazza Brunelleschi restaurant offer stunning views of Florence: the dome of the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto's bell tower. To stay here — not cheap, but convenient location and luxurious atmosphere can seduce not only fans to throw dust in the eyes, it really is highly popular among travelers hotel.

Hotel Esencia is located near the Mexican resort town of Playa del Carmen coastal strip of the Caribbean sea in the Riviera Maya — a place of pilgrimage for divers from all over the world. Originally the territory of the hotel belonged to an Italian Duchess, the will which is in the lush tropics appeared mansion in Mediterranean style, characterized by simplicity and elegance.

Private atmosphere of the hotel given the small number of people scattered over a large area: 29 acres just 29 rooms in two-storey buildings. To services of visitors — fully-customized iPod, toiletries from the famous brand, Molton Brown, private pools, a Spa and a restaurant serving national dishes of Sal y Fuego.

Hotel Ciragan Palace Kempinski is housed in the former Palace of the Ottoman sultans. To this day it remains one of the main attractions of Istanbul, it successfully compensates for its location away from the known tourist routes.

The Regal building was converted into a hotel in 1980. Now, the hotel amazes its guests with a combination of Oriental luxury and European comfort: neatly trimmed lawns, a vast heated swimming pool right on the shore of the Bosphorus, relaxing Spa treatments, delicious menu and spacious meeting rooms.

This might not be the most luxurious hotel in the world, but it is clearly not for the average tourist. Ciragan Palace Kempinski is a good choice for a memorable wedding or a successful business negotiation.

Building hotel Palacio de Villapanes was built in the early eighteenth century for a noble family in the Spanish city of Seville. It is located in a quiet corner of the historical centre, close to the main attractions: the Palace of the "House of Pilate", the Cathedral, the Palace complex "Alcazar of Seville".

The hotel has 50 rooms, elegantly decorated in a modern style. They carefully preserved the original architectural details: stucco walls, intricate coffered ceilings, carved doors.

The rooms are equipped with the latest technology up to today compulsory in the hotels of this level of free Wi-Fi. Hardly the first the building owners could assume that scientific progress will step so far! Popular with guests and a pool with panoramic views, located on the roof.

Ashford Castle with its different-sized turrets and heavy stone facade — reference Irish castle. It is located by the waters of lake Cape that not only conforms to the canons of the fortification, but also gives the entire landscape a very picturesque appearance.

The castle was built in the XIII century and many times passed from one noble family to another, until, finally here is not a luxury hotel. However, the truly aristocratic entertainment available today, such as falconry, boating on the lake, Golf, archery and bowls.

Huge rooms beautifully decorated with wood and antique furniture. Solemn atmosphere suggests a strict dress code for lunch and dinner.

The Palazzo Caracciolo is located in the historical centre of Naples and belonged to his king. Today, the owner of the luxury building has become a network of prestigious hotels MGallery.

Palace architecture is completely contrary to any stylish and modern interior, which is dominated by white and silver color, no modern technical equipment.

Many guests really like the inner gallery, where you can spend the evening. Also it offers a Mediterranean restaurant.