NEEDHAM, Mass., Aug. 19, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TripAdvisor^®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced the top 10 castle hotels in the world, based on the quality and quantity of reviews and opinions from millions of TripAdvisor travelers. With the majority of properties established in medieval times, travelers can experience history with a modern twist at any of these castle hotels that have earned high praise from the TripAdvisor community.

"For travelers seeking the royal treatment, TripAdvisor has identified the top castle hotels where guests can surround themselves in old world elegance," said Brooke Ferencsik, director of communications for TripAdvisor. "With nightly rates on TripAdvisor starting under $200 during the coming months, travelers can book an autumnal escape without breaking the bank."

Top 10 Castle Hotels in the World

1. Fonab Castle Hotel - Pitlochry, Scotland (717 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

Located on the banks of Loch Faskally in the heart of Perthshire, this charming castle was transformed by the Clark family into a 26-room luxury hotel. Guests can experience the original "Classic Castle Rooms" or relax in one of the modern "Woodland Rooms" that offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. "Tucked away, this hotel offers solitude and warmth; the grounds are rich, green, and tranquil. As lovely as the property is, the staff makes it superior," commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November, average knightly rate - $378

2. Castle Hotel Auf Schoenburg - Oberwesel, Germany (473 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

In 1689, this magnificent castle was burned down by French soldiers and remained in ruins until its restoration in 1914. Decades later, the Hüttl family established this pristine, 24-room hotel within the property that now welcomes travelers from around the world. Guests are invited to unwind in the lounge, or stroll through the expansive, lush gardens that overlook the Rhine River. "It is a very unique experience to stay in a castle that is hundreds of years old. The view from our room with a small, two- seat balcony was beyond words," wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: December, average knightly rate - $174

3.Hotel Castello di Sinio - Sinio, Italy (346 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

Built by Marchesi Del Carretto in 1142, Castello di Sinio is located between the Barolo and Barbaresco wine regions. Travelers can experience a modern-day fortress during a stay at this exquisite hotel that offers nine suites and five rooms. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted, "Our room was a true oasis of beauty, charm and tasteful decor. The two room/two bath suite provided every amenity, including big bright windows with colorful flowers and stunning views of the surroundings."

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: December, average knightly rate - $260

4. Castello di Petroia - Gubbio, Italy (387 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

Known as the birthplace of Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, Castello di Petroia is now an impressive hotel with rooms that feature antique furnishings, exposed beam ceilings, 18^th century paintings and stunning views of the Umbrian hillside. "The most charming medieval castle with breathtaking views as far as the eye can see. The castle itself has maintained its original beauty and authenticity and has been complimented by charming boutique rooms tastefully decorated with antique furniture," commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November, average knightly rate - $153

5.Castello di Monterone - Perugia, Italy (528 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

Originally established as a military base, this 13^th century masterpiece now operates as a premier hotel boasting 18 rooms that feature modern amenities with medieval style. Guests will be delighted by the relaxing lounge bar, outdoor swimming pool, and tranquil Turkish bath. "There was something about this place that captured my heart from the very first moment I saw it. The lights of Perugia sparkle in the distance; everything is so quiet and peaceful. It was like stepping back in time," wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November, average knightly rate - $135

6. Rowton Castle - Shropshire, England (311 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

Located in the Shropshire countryside, this 800 year-old castle is seated on 17 acres of land making it the perfect retreat. Travelers are invited to stay in one of 19 lavish guest rooms that offer jaw-dropping vistas of the surrounding gardens. "A marvelous hotel contained within a beautifully restored 'small' castle with plenty of character, situated in an ideal setting with manicured lawns and flower beds," commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Most affordable months to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November and December, average knightly rate - $124

7. Castle in Clarens - Clarens, South Africa (77 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

Referred to as "Rapunzel's Tower," this unique property resembles a medieval manor and allows travelers to live like royalty. Offering three levels, the ground floor comes with a lounge complete with a fireplace and the Prince's guestroom; while the middle floor features a kitchen that includes breakfast upon request. On the top floor, guests will find the Princess bedroom, boasting a four-post bed and stone bath. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, "A true fairy tale experience. Every piece of furniture and artwork were carefully selected to fit the theme and provide royal comfort!"

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November, average knightly rate - $155

8.Chateau Heralec - Boutique Hotel & Spa by L'OCCITANE - Heralec, Czech Republic (127 reviews, 5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

Situated in the Vysočina region of the Czech Republic, this 13^th century treasure is now a stately hotel that boasts nearly 20 luxurious guest rooms. The largest suite, named after one of the most powerful Czech families, features wooden ceilings, a mosaic floor, and a special hand-crafted mirror. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, "The chateau has been beautifully restored and decorated in a modern style that fits so well with the building. The attention to detail was fantastic, and the atmosphere was pure, calm and relaxing."

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: December, average knightly rate - $219

9.Ashford Castle - Cong, Ireland (1,705 reviews, 4.5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

Overlooking Lough Corrib, this Irish castle was founded in 1228, by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family. Today, travelers can stay in one of 82 opulent rooms that are outfitted with antique rosewood furniture, custom carpets, and bespoke beds complete with Egyptian cotton linens. A TripAdvisor reviewer said, "From the moment we pulled up to the gates, to the moment we drove away, the staff was outstanding! Our room was beautiful, luxurious and so comfortable, and we loved the view of the lake and grounds."

Most affordable month to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November, average knightly rate - $270

10. Castle Durrow - County Laois, Ireland (314 reviews, 4.5 out of 5 bubbles on TripAdvisor)

Built in the early 1700s by Colonel William Flower, Castle Durrow boasts pre-Palladian design and sprawling gardens that represent 18^th century architecture. Whether guests opt for the premier "Oriental Style Bedrooms" or one of the "Master Rooms," they will be surrounded by luxurious bliss. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer, "This is an absolutely fantastic hotel. It's a really beautiful building on stunning grounds. The food is divine and the staff are so genuinely nice and friendly and extremely professional as well."

Most affordable months to book on TripAdvisor during the remainder of 2015: November and December, average knightly rate - $195

Methodology

• The TripAdvisor ranking of top castle hotels in the world is based on the TripAdvisor average rating, bubble score, and number of reviews mentioning "castle" in the "hotel" category, with more weight given to reviews in the past year.
• The average monthly nightly hotel rate includes the average cost of a night stay in each castle hotel bookable on TripAdvisor, aggregated from hundreds of booking partners, including online travel agencies and direct hotel suppliers.
• Additional information about these castle hotels is based on TripAdvisor and the respective websites of the property.

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor^® is the world's largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and book the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools that check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 375 million unique monthly visitors**, and more than 250 million reviews and opinions covering million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 45 countries worldwide. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRIP) manages and operates websites under 24 other travel media brands: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.thefork.com (including www.lafourchette.com, www.eltenedor.com, www.iens.nl, www.besttables.com and www.dimmi.com.au), www.gateguru.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.niumba.com, www.onetime.com, www.oyster.com, www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.travelpod.com, www.tripbod.com, www.vacationhomerentals.com, www.viator.com, www.virtualtourist.com, and www.kuxun.cn.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, December 2014

**Source: TripAdvisor log files, average monthly unique users, Q2 2015

CONTACT: Julie Cassetina

         (781) 800-5194

         jcassetina@tripadvisor.com