Hotels fit for royalty! From The Carlyle in New York where Princess Diana stayed after her divorce from Charles to London’s Goring where Kate slept before her wedding in 2011 – as Prince Harry is ‘set to stay in a hotel this week’ for UK visit

As expected, members of the Royal Family are accustomed to staying in the finest hotels during their travels.

For instance, New York’s The Mark, which boasts the largest hotel penthouse suite in the USA, was chosen as the swanky venue for Meghan Markle’s 2019 baby shower.

Then there’s The Carlyle – another exclusive hideout in New York – which has played host to the late Princess Diana, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

However, not all royal pit stops exude flashy glamour.  

Penolva in St Mawes, Cornwall, is a cosy four-bedroom house that was constructed in the 1960s by Dick Wilkins, a friend of the Queen Mother.

The modest property boasts a private waterfront and breathtaking views of the coast, and was frequented by the royal and her daughters, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret.

As Prince Harry is reportedly set to stay in a hotel when he returns to Britain this month – join us for an exclusive peek into these royal hot spots. 

The Carlyle, New York

Dubbed the ‘Palace of Secrets’, The Carlyle in New York has earned a reputation as a hideout for royalty, politicians and celebrities. 

Located on the corner of Madison Avenue and 76th Street on the Upper East Side, the hotel boasts impressive views overlooking Central Park.

It served as a retreat for Princess Diana amid her divorce from Prince Charles.

In the 2018 documentary Always at the Carlyle, journalist Piers Morgan revealed how Diana enjoyed ‘the most famous elevator ride in history’.

The Princess shared the lift with Michael Jackson and Steve Jobs. Morgan said that all three were completely silent, until Diana blurted out Jackson’s 1982 hit song, Beat It.

The royal invariably requested the 1,800-square-foot Royal Suite on the 22nd floor.

There are a total of 64 suites at the hotel, many of which feature Steinway or Baldwin baby grand pianos and large picture windows.

In 2014, Prince William and Kate Middleton stayed at the hotel, although staff declined to offer any details on their stay.  Prince Harry and Meghan Markle followed suit in 2021.

The Mark, New York

The largest hotel penthouse suite in the USA was chosen as the swanky venue for Meghan Markle’s 2019 baby shower.

Situated at the corner of Madison Avenue and 77th Street, The Mark’s suite is more than 10,000 square feet and features an expansive rooftop terrace overlooking Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

It is thought to be the most expensive per-night hotel room in the USA.

Designed by French interior designer Jacques Grange, the spacious suite comprises the top two floors of the hotel and includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms and a library.

The living room, which can be transformed into a full-sized ballroom, boasts 26-foot ceilings, a fireplace and wet bar. 

Meghan, who was joined by several famous friends, including Serena Williams and Amal Clooney, took part in a flower arranging workshop during the five-day celebration.

The Stafford London

Situated in St. James, just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, The Stafford London has been visited by a number of royals over the years.

Today, the hotel is a favourite of Zara Tindall. 

One of London’s finest five-star establishments, it features rooms individually decorated with period furnishings and wallpaper.

It’s famed American Bar is decorated with signed celebrity photographs and a ceiling adorned with club ties. 

The hotel was originally built as private residences in the 17th century. 

Number 17 was owned by Lord and Lady Lyttelton (daughter of the then Earl Spencer, a British politician), who served as nanny to Queen Victoria’s children.

During the Second World War, The Stafford London acted as a club for American and Canadian officers stationed overseas, who sought refuge in the wine cellars. 

This led to the formation of the Better ‘Ole Club, whose membership comprises guests recognised for services to The Stafford London, including the Prince of Wales.

Carton House, Kildare, Ireland

Queen Victoria visited Carton House in Kildare, Ireland, on two occasions: in 1849 during the Great Famine, and in 1853.

The name ‘Carton’ derives from the old Irish name ‘Baile an Cairthe’ or ‘Land of the Pillar Stone’.

Situated 25 minutes from Dublin, the 1,100 acre walled estate has a boundary that is more than 5.5 miles in length and encompasses two counties, Kildare and Meath.

It is said that, before her second visit, Queen Victoria had a dream that she was on a boat on a lake at Carton House. 

Since no such lake existed, one was created for her!

The Manor House includes Queen Victoria’s bedroom, retained in its original state.

It is decorated with gilt-wood and hand-drawn papyrus wallpaper that was commissioned from China.

Cliveden House, Berkshire

Cliveden House has been welcoming guests for more than 300 years.

Meghan Markle famously stayed at the hotel, located in Berkshire, the night before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. 

The five-star venue was previously visited by Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother. 

Guests can still stay at Spring Cottage, which features special steps built to ensure that Queen Victoria did not get her feet dirty while walking to the nearby river Thames. 

Otherwise, the hotel offers three suites and various deluxe rooms – some featuring hot tubs – to unwind in.

The Goring, London

Kate Middleton, on the other hand, stayed at The Goring the evening before her wedding to Prince William.

She stayed in the Royal Suite, which encompasses the top floor of the hotel. It includes two en-suite bedrooms, a living room and kitchen that seats six. 

Kate had access to a private butler, who was on hand to iron clothing and make tea or pop open bottles of champagne.  

The venue has been a popular choice for royalty since opening its doors in 1910. 

The coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II saw the building filled with royals from across the world.

The late Queen and her mother famously enjoyed Eggs Drumkilbo, a lobster and egg-based dish that is still available today.

In 1990, Queen Elizabeth II honoured George Goring – the third generation of his family to run the hotel – with an OBE for his services to the hotel industry. 

This was followed by the appointment of a Royal Warrant to The Goring in 2013. It is the only hotel to have been granted a warrant for hospitality services. 

Ruthin Castle, North Wales

Built in the 13th century, Ruthin Castle has hosted numerous royals throughout history.

Albert Edward, who later became King Edward VII, is said to have conducted an affair with the owner’s wife during his time there. 

The four-star venue opened as a hotel in the 1960s and one of its most notable guests was King Charles, who stayed on the way to his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969.

Now, Ruthin Castle boasts a state-of-the-art spa, beautiful gardens and extensive woodland.

Set in the Medieval town of Ruthin, it is a short drive from Snowdonia National Park and the beaches of Llandudno.

Coworth Park, Ascot

The night before his wedding to Meghan Markle, Prince Harry stayed at Coworth Park, a Georgian manor house in Ascot.

Set in picturesque Berkshire countryside, the luxurious spa hotel offers an idyllic escape from urban life with its 240-acre plot.

Guests have full access to an indoor swimming pool, steam rooms and outdoor tennis courts. It is the only hotel in the UK with polo fields. 

Harry isn’t the only royal to have stayed here. 

In 1879, the future Edward VII and Queen Alexandra frequented the estate while attending Royal Ascot. 

Penolva, St Mawes, Cornwall

A four-bedroom house in Cornwall might seem like an unexpected royal retreat, but Penolva is a beloved choice for many. 

The private property, available for exclusive hire, has hosted Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.  

Princess Diana also used to visit with her sons, Princes William and Harry, for seaside escapes. 

The house was constructed in the 1960s by Dick Wilkins, a friend of The Queen Mother. 

It is one of the few homes in St Mawes with a private waterfront and stunning coastal views. 

Recently refurbished, it now boasts a cosy living room with an open fireplace and roll-top baths overlooking the bay. 

Guests can even go kayaking from their private jetty.

Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire

In 2018, Meghan Markle indulged two days of pampering with a circle of friends at Soho Farmhouse.

Nestled in 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, the members’ club is a favoured destination among celebrities, making it unsurprising that the actress chose it as the venue for her hen party. 

Its luxurious Cowshed Spa offers an array of massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. 

Meanwhile, the Lazy Lake complex boasts an ice room, steam room, three infrared sauna cabins and four onsen-style outdoor baths.

Soho Farmhouse also features rural-style restaurants, a pub and plenty of countryside activities, such as clay pigeon shooting, riding and boating.