The Wall to the North has fallen and King’s Landing is war-torn as the battle for the Iron Thrones rages on, so now might not be the best time to book a flight to the Seven Kingdoms. Travelers can still enjoy the ultimate Westerosi experience at these hotels and resorts reminiscent of the castles and landscapes from the hit HBO epic series, Game of Thrones. Whether they favor House Stark, House Lannister or House Targaryen, these destinations are sure to have guests feeling like the true heirs to the throne.
Dorne
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California
You’ll feel like you’re in a Dornish Castle with the awe-inspiring archways and flying buttresses, soaring domes and towers and secluded garden oases because this landmark, Spanish Mission-style hotel transports guests to another time and place in history. A destination in and of itself – some people visit Riverside just to explore this unique property, the hotel has hosted several US presidents (President Nixon, President Reagan, President George W. Bush), celebrities (Judy Garland, Tom Hanks) and historical figures (John Muir, Booker T. Washington, and Amelia Earhart) throughout its nearly 150 year history.
Winterfell
Carton House in Kildare, Ireland
Game of Thrones fans can gather their army and celebrate the final season at Carton House, a countryside castle resort in Kildare, Ireland. Located just twenty minutes from Dublin, the 1,100-acre private estate, which was once a retreat for the likes of Queen Victoria, Grace Kelly, and Prince Rainier, allows guests to step back in time and enjoy a royal Irish experience. On arrival, guests can enjoy drinks in true Lannister fashion outside the Manor House and revel in uninterrupted, panoramic vistas of Carton Demesne that once so overwhelmed Queen Victoria that she asked that it never be spoiled. Game of Thrones tours leave from nearby Dublin and explore iconic shooting locations such as Winterfell and Tollymore Forest, and Carton House offers a range of activities fit for the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms such as horseback riding, clay pigeon and air rifle shooting, and archery.
Lough Eske Castle in Donegal, Ireland
Tucked away at the water’s edge of Lough Eske in Donegal, Ireland, Lough Eske Castle is the only five-star castle hotel in the county, offering travelers timeless allure and luxurious, contemporary accommodations. The hotel features 96 guestrooms, seasonal culinary offerings and CARA Organic Beauty Spa with an ice fountain, sauna, steam room, and an infinity pool. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea or a quiet read in the drawing rooms. Donegal is well known for its sandy beaches, rugged mountains, access to fishing and more. It’s located along a stunning part of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s best driving route, and provides easy access to the country’s best surfing and the tallest sea cliffs in Europe, Slieve League Cliffs (these cliffs are nearly three times the size of the Cliffs of Moher, but the beauty is that there are little to no tourists).
King’s Landing
Live like Lannister royalty in these King’s Landing-esque Italian castles, with views of the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and Lake Como. These homes are a part of Inspirato, a luxury hospitality company that provides members access to a curated collection of vacation homes worldwide. Inspirato offers its members the certainty of five-star level homes (think luxury furnishings, premium appliances, plush linens, high-end toiletries) and a personal concierge at every home to answer questions, make reservations, book personal chefs or run errands such as stocking the fridge with groceries.
Villa Pliniana in Lake Como, Italy
This 16th-century Italian lakefront palazzo is located 1 mile from Torno and 6 from Como, with previous occupants including Napoleon Bonaparte and poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. The property features a private infinity-edge pool, dedicated butler service, on-site spa, 18 waterfront acres with sprawling private gardens, helicopter pad, and a golf cart for exploring the property grounds.
Villa Collina in Tuscany, Italy
With views of olive groves, vineyards, and San Gimignano in the surrounding hills, an authentic outdoor brick pizza oven and grand and spacious living areas, this Italian villa located in the middle of the rolling hills of Tuscany is accessed by a 1.5-mile-long road that will make you feel as if you are going back in time to the 11th century, when this villa was built.
Villa Magnifica in Puglia, Italy
This grand, spacious three-story limestone Mediterranean villa is located within the village-style Borgo Egnazia resort on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The property features a private garden with a private pool, shaded patio, and gazebo, rooftop terrace and private cabana at Cala Masciola Beach Club.