Journeys and Adventures

Believe it or not, there are actually many many castle hotels around the world looking for guests—and some will fit any budget!  As expected, most of these unique accommodations are located in
Europe; and what a great way to experience the old continent–by staying in an old building!

    Consider these three castle hotels:

Burg Colmberg, Colmberg (near Rothenburg ob der Tauer), Germany

With a history that dates back to the 13th century and sitting atop an almost 1,700 foot peak, the Burg Colmberg has everything you’d expect a German castle to have–ivy climbing the exterior stone walls, a round tower, and an inside maze of short stairwells, twisting hallways, and filled to the brim with antiques, fireplaces, and stuffed animals. Each room is different, but all have ornate furniture and a magnificent view of the Franconian landscape.

   A double room with a private shower and breakfast starts at just €79 (approximately $105), but the Baroque suite with a private whirlpool is a bit pricier. Inquire about reservations on-line.

Amberley Castle, West Sussex, United Kingdom

   Located in the charming village of Amberley, the approximately 900-year-old Amberley Castle is an ideal castle hotel for anyone looking for a luxurious retreat.  Many of the rooms offer four-poster beds, all have private Jacuzzis, and all beautifully decorated.  The grounds with medieval stonework, rose gardens, and koi-filled ponds are also a main attraction.   Rates depend on time of year, room type, and day of the week, but begin at £165 (approximately $240).  Reservations can be made on-line.

Carbisdale Castle, Sutherland, Scotland

   Built for the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland in 1906, the Carbisdale Castle is now a youth hostel with beds available in typical hostel-fashion bunkrooms from March to October. Called “one of the most opulent youth hostels in the world” by the Rough Guide to Scotland, the castle is filled with impressive artwork and Italian marble statues.  Other facilities include laundry facilities, games room TV room, lounge, and basic shop. 

   Beds start for as low as £17 per person (approximately $25) and reservations can be made securely on-line or over the phone.

Looking for more castle hotels?  Try these websites/articles:

• Germany’s Castle Hotels (a great article from Budget Travel on some ideal German castle hotels)
• Celtic Castles (a comprehensive guide to castles in the United Kingdom)
• Castle Hotels (a directory of sorts with castles hotels in Europe, the United States, and Mexico)

This is the tenth post in a series on unique accommodations.  Find more unique hotel choices…

According to Wikipedia, “A lighthouse is a tower, building, or framework designed to emit light from a system of lamps and lenses or, in older times, from a fire and used as an aid to navigation and to pilots at sea.”  Modern lighthouses are much more functional, based on technology, and less picturesque than they used to be…so now, many historical lighthouses have become a unique hotel choice for guests looking to experience a quiet, relaxed, and peaceful stay near the water.

   Two lighthouse hotel/bed and breakfast choices include:

Saugerties Lighthouse, Saugerties, New York

The first lighthouse here was built in 1838, but the last time the lighthouse was manned was in 1954 and the building quickly fell into poor condition.  Thirty-six years later, in 1990, a renovation and conservation effort was completed and the lighthouse became a bed and breakfast.

   This unique accommodation is open Thursday-Sunday throughout the entire year, except for the month of February.  Heating is available, but air conditioning is not.  Surrounded by the Hudson River, Saugerties Lighthouse is only reachable by boat or walking down a “gentle half-mile trail.”  (So pack light!)  Breakfast is included, but for dinner, guests must eat in town or bring their own food and use the facilities located in the lighthouse hotel.

Activities

Canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming

Rooms

This unique hotel only has two rooms, so books up quickly (check available dates on their calendar)—everyone in the lighthouse shares one bathroom.

Rates/Reservations

One night in the lighthouse costs $200 for two adults including breakfast.  Make reservations on-line.

Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel, near Stranaer, Scotland

This unique hotel has been a functioning lighthouse since 1815 and continues to help direct ships approaching the mouth of Loch Ryan, although it is now a luxurious and peaceful retreat for guests looking for a unique accommodation in Scotland.  With views of the Scotland and Ireland coastlines, an award-winning restaurant, and recent renovations, this lighthouse hotel is popular for guests to Scotland.

Activities

Golf, day trips to Ireland, walking, bird watching, and pony trekking

Rooms

Ten rooms are available with various sizes, views, and prices.

Rates/Reservations

All rates include a five-course dinner and a full Scottish breakfast with champagne and smoked salmon.  Rates vary on room choice, but begin around £75 per person.  (Rates for single occupancy and B&B only are available.)  A reservation inquiry can be made on-line.

   For more information on other available lighthouse hotels (mostly in the United States and the United Kingdom), check out this Directory of Lighthouse Hotels or consider the below book:

This is the sixth post in a series on Unique Accommodations.  Learn more about unique hotel choices…

As you may have guessed from a few of my posts, I believe food is very much a part of culture and to truly experience and enjoy a culture, you have to try their food—even the “odd” choices like rotten shark.  On my recent trip to Edinburgh, I had haggis, a local delicacy that usually results in visitors turning up their noses.  I enjoyed the meal and wanted to share more information on the interesting food…

What is haggis?

Basically, haggis is a mix of sheep innards (like heart, liver, and lungs), onion, oatmeal, and spices stuffed into a casing (traditionally a casing made of sheep stomach, but it’s not used as much lately) and then boiled.  Vegetarian haggis is readily available as well, made with beans, lentils, and nuts in addition to the onion, oatmeal, and spices.

Origins of haggis

There’s actually quite a bit of speculation about the origins of haggis.  Although it’s now considered a Scottish dish, some argue that it actually came from Scandinavia, France, or Rome.  Since its origins are unclear, it’s become a source for some interesting stories: some say it was created for men who went to the city to sell their cattle—it was cheap and convenient to create for their journey, some believe that when a sheep or cow was slaughtered, the workmen were allowed to keep the innards, so they created the dish, and unfortunately, it’s also become a bit of a joke to convince tourists that haggis is actually an animal itself with one set of legs longer than the other to make walking in the highlands easier.

Eating haggis

Haggis is now readily available from grocery stores and butcher shops in the United Kingdom and some specialty shops on-line and in other countries.

A traditional dish made wtih haggis is “Neeps and Tatties” (mashed potatoes and turnips).  It’s always served on Burns Day, Janury 25th, as a tribute to Robert Burns, a Scottish writer who once wrote an “Address to Haggis.”

Haggis can also be fried (we had some fabulous haggis fritters at The Royal McGregor in Edinburgh) and is, of course, often enjoyed along with a glass of Scottish whiskey.

To me, it tastes like a heavier or thicker version of minced meat or flavorful ground beef–nothing like tripe, another “innards” dish I’ve tried.

Photo haggis meal by rainbowj, www.sxc.hu

Related Posts
The Durian: Another Postcard from Malaysia
Morocco: Cooking, Cuisine…and, of course, Couscous (with some Moroccan recipes)