Dream Sleeps: Castle & Palace Hotels of Europe

• Paperback - May, 1998 - Carousel Press
• Usually ships in 24 hours
• By: Pamela L Barrus and Pamela L Barrus
• ISBN: 0917120167

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About this book

Why spend your vacation in a boring hotel chain when you could be staying in a castle? It's not just a matter of opulence and splendor (not that there's anything wrong with a taste for grandeur)--there's history and romance, too. Want to experience the flavor of Scotland's past? You can sleep in Mary Queen of Scots' bedroom at Borthwick Castle and dine by candle and firelight in the rustic great hall. For a moderate fee you can stay in a 14th-century Portuguese Castle (Pousada de Dom Dinis) or a medieval French Castle (Domaine de Castel Novel)--with a history that includes the Hundred Years' War and the author Colette, who wrote several of her novels there---or splash out for a night in the Gritti Palace, a 15th-century Venetian doge's spread that's hosted the Aga Khan, Queen Elizabeth II, and Ernest Hemingway. Pamela Barrus introduces 132 schlosses, chateaux, paradors, and villas across Austria, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, and Great Britain, telling their history, describing rooms and grounds, and providing details such as rates, fax numbers, amenities, when they're open, and what else there might be to do nearby beyond lolling in the lap of luxury. --Stephanie Gold

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Reviews by readers

Does a good job of being what the title says

An intriguing book. I have already dreamt up enough vacations to last the rest of my life, and I've only had this book two days. The book has short, two or three page descriptions of 132 hotels. Most of them are based on old castles or palaces, though there are a couple based on convents, and at least one is an old royal hospital. They are all appropriate for the book. There is usually an exterior photo and an interior photo, and good information on the history of the place, both as a castle (or whatever) and how it came to be a hotel. There is fairly detailed information on accommodations, including comments on virtues and vices of specific rooms in some of the hotels (at least one specific room is listed as allegedly haunted). I could wish for a bit more detail in some cases, but that is probably unrealistic.

I hadn't planned to go to Europe in 2001, but now may have to change my plans....

If your are interested in staying overnite in a castle....

Then this book is for you. You will need more detail and updated information as the book is from 1998. However, this extra info can usually be found on the internet. The book provides a great starting point for finding places to stay (in different price ranges as well). I would definitely recommend this book because it saved me time and energy. It doesn't have every castle but it sure has a bunch. Even staying at just one of the places listed can possibly turn your trip into a great one.

Good Primer for Castle Vacations

As editor of a web site (GetawayWeddings.com) devoted to romance travel, Dream Sleeps piqued my interest. I was very interested in learning about fairy-tale vacation destinations in Europe. And, more importantly, how to find the most romantic castles and how to make reservations for a stay. Happily, Pamela L. Barrus answers aof these questions - and more - in her latest revision of Dream Sleeps: Castle & Palace Hotels of Europe.

Every chapter is devoted to a different region including Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Chapters begin with a short introduction that will give you a sense of the country, historic significance, and regional customs. Contact information for relevant departments of tourism are also included. Then, it's on to the matter at hand! Which castle is right for your next vacation? Each property is described in one or two pages and most entries include a black and white photograph. A handy "fast facts" section follows the description and includes basics like contact information, room types, rates, dining options, facilities for the disabled, on-site recreation, nearby attractions, and much more.

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