Castle hotels, you might be saying, in Ohio? Certainly not. While Ohio may not be Germany or Italy or Scotland, I regret to inform you, dear reader, that you are wrong.
Did I say regret to inform you? Sorry, I meant to say that it is a pleasure to tell you that there are, indeed, castle hotels in Ohio.
Now, castles in the United States are generally few and far between, so I’ve taken some liberty with my definition of “castle” for this article. Is it opulent yet unconventional for a hotel? Does it have towers, turrets, and columns? Could a baron, knight, or vampire possibly live there?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then in Ohio, it’s a castle. So come along and join me as we browse six incredible castle hotels in Ohio.
Table of Contents
1. Ravenwood Castle
Transylvania’s calling — it wants what Ravenwood Castle has. Nestled between a half dozen state and national forests, this castle hotel in Ohio is a perfect medieval getaway.
Located in the Appalachian Mountains of southeastern Ohio, Ravenwood Castle is disconnected from the modern world. Say goodbye to your cell service, internet access, and televisions — at Ravenwood, you’re as unplugged as twelfth-century lords and ladies.
Complete with a draw bridge, turrets, and suits of armor, Ravenwood Castle offers a stay that thrusts you back into King Arthur’s Court. This family-owned hotel was inspired by the original owner’s visits to the British Isles and has been in operation since 1997.
2. Castle Inn
A setting in the heart of the Buckeye State is appropriate for this romantic castle hotel in Ohio. Aptly named, Castle Inn is a cozy bed and breakfast built into a dark stone manor in Circleville, just south of the state’s capital.
You’ll be dying to spend a few dark and stormy nights in the Castle Inn’s halls. Careful — as a guest, you can participate in a BYOB Murder Mystery event. It is held on the last Friday of every month and certain special dates like New Year’s Eve.
The Castle Inn boasts a fireplace and jacuzzi suites. Delicious breakfasts and candlelit dinners await you at this castle hotel to stay in Ohio.
3. Landoll’s Mohican Castle
Treehouse meets castle at Landoll’s Mohican Castle, a magical hotel rising among the forests of north-central Ohio.
Since 2002, Landoll’s Mohican Castle has operated as one of the best castle hotels in Ohio. Sitting atop a small mountain, this hotel and restaurant offers a beautiful escape into the quiet, verdant countryside of Loudonville.
On top of business retreats and regular lodging, Landoll’s Mohican Castle is also a wedding venue for those looking for a royal retreat to tie the knot. The hotel additionally hosts events open to the public, like haunted castle tours, murder mysteries, and seasonal dinners.
4. Granville Inn
The village of Granville is home to the eponymous Granville Inn, a palatial Renaissance Revival castle hotel in Ohio. Like any good castle, Granville Inn is deeply tied to the region’s history and town.
Owned and operated by Denison University, Granville Inn is a beautiful centerpiece of this central Ohio village. Pristine suites define this hotel, but that’s not all it has to offer.
Beyond lodging and accommodations, Granville Inn is a space for weddings, events, and athletics — the property includes an eighteen-hole golf course.
5. Mariemont Inn
The Village of Mariemont is an oasis of small-town charm in the heart of Cincinnati. While not quite a castle, the Mariemont Inn has all the beauty and feel of a European architectural masterpiece.
The Tudor-style hotel looks over downtown Mariemont. Recently acquired by Best Western hotels, the Mariemont Inn is a newly-renovated boutique hotel. Located near downtown Cincinnati, you’re well-connected to the city when you stay at the Best Western Premier Mariemont Inn.
6. Steele Mansion Inn & Gathering Hub
Opulent enough for this list of castle hotels in Ohio, the Steele Mansion Inn & Gathering Hub in Painesville is a stately place to stay near Cleveland.
The hotel is rich in history — historical figures from Amelia Earhart to Harriet Tubman have stayed at the Steele Mansion Inn. You can explore the history when staying in one of its 16 luxury suites.
Visitors have dubbed the hotel “the Jewel of Painesville” for its stunning facade, a prime example of Napoleon III architecture.
Conclusion
For castle hotels in Ohio, quality far overshadows quantity (but I bet you’re surprised by how many there are, anyway). You cannot go wrong at any of these hotels, which offer a range of ambiances, accommodations, and events, all while providing service fit for a monarch.
If you know of any other castle hotels in Ohio, let us know below.
