Cork hotels

Perched on the banks of its namesake river, The River Lee is a contemporary hotel just a short walk from the city centre. A member of the highly regarded Doyle Hotel Group, it’s known for being one of the best hotels in Cork and has 182 comfortable guestrooms, many of which offer sweeping views of the river below.

All are generous in size and decorated in a muted, understated palette, with dedicated workspaces and speedy Wi-Fi. There’s also an in-house gym with leisure facilities that include an indoor pool. The ground floor River Club is a popular choice for drinks or dinner, with a buzzy, classically styled grill room and bar offering great food in a brasserie-style space.

My personal highlight, however, has to be drinks or lunch on the fragrant, Mediterranean-inspired riverside terrace, which is decked out in a stunning array of fresh seasonal flowers.

Just a few minutes’ walk from Kent train station, The Dean is a statement building and one of the best hotels in Cork for those looking for something a bit different. Much like its Dublin and Galway siblings, this Cork outpost is full of quirky touches. Already on entering the lobby, you will spot hints at the eclecticism that lies ahead.

I love the first floor co-working spaces that sit harmoniously beside the open-plan front desk and bar area, the background music keeping the vibe on point. Rooms are equally fun, with works by local artists, vinyl record players, Smeg fridges and fully-stocked “munchie trays".

On the top floor, Sophie’s rooftop restaurant is busy and buzzy, with a central bar and kitchen flanked by red booths. The balcony terraces offer cozy blankets when needed, as well as panoramic views over the city. As far as the best hotels in Cork go, The Dean is right up there.

Once an Edwardian tobacco warehouse, the charming Hotel Isaacs is today one of the best boutique hotels in Cork. Located in the Victorian Quarter, it’s just five minutes from the lively restaurants and bars of St. Patrick’s Street, while Cork’s famous English Market is only 10 minutes away on foot.

There are 48 guestrooms and 11 self-catering apartments, all tastefully decorated and featuring the latest modern comforts. When it comes to restaurants and bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Greene’s restaurant, one of Cork’s most sought-after dining establishments, is located within Isaacs.

For a post-dinner nightcap, head to Cask, a cocktail bar that is possibly the best in Ireland. Don’t miss the chance to sit beside the bar’s naturally occurring waterfall, a truly unique place to while away an hour and soak up the ambience.

A haven of tranquility and one of the best hotels in Cork, Hayfield Manor is a 10-minute stroll from the city but feels like a different planet. A wonderfully restored period property, the public areas are full of discrete nooks and crannies for those who crave quiet contemplation.

Those who prefer a more hands-on approach, meanwhile, should head to the spa for a “Ground Ritual”, which uses products from the local Irish brand, Ground Wellbeing. As you would expect from a five-star property and one of the best hotels in Cork, the bedrooms are both generous and luxurious, with every comfort you could possibly need. Expect golf putters and Elemis Spa Products to relax after a long day.

Afternoon tea is big business at Hayfield Manor and the hotel has won numerous awards for it. If the sun is shining, head to Bloom, the hotel’s newest addition, for botanical cocktails and brunch. Located in the pretty courtyard, its glass walls and retractable ceiling offer sublime views over the gardens.

A true urban resort just ten minutes’ drive from the city, The Montenotte is a destination hotel with a range of facilities that are second to none.

From the in-house Cameo Cinema, with its plush velvet seats and on-demand drinks and snacks, to the award-winning Bellevue spa and health club, which boasts a 20-metre heated pool and wellness area with a sauna, steam room and hot tub, it’s difficult to tear yourself away from the hotel grounds.

Furthering its status as one of the best hotels in Cork, the zero-waste Panorama restaurant is a destination in itself. A resident jazz pianist serenades guests from Thursday to Saturday, giving every meal the feel of a special occasion. Plus, the rooftop terrace of the Glasshouse Bar, with its breathtaking views over the city, is one of my favourite places to spend a sunny evening.

Set within 18 acres of 300-year-old gardens, Maryborough Hotel is a family-owned property that feels familiar and comfortable, like staying in a home away from home. In winter, cozy up beside the roaring log fires with a good book, while in summer, pack a picnic for the garden, relax on the sun terrace or enjoy a bicycle tour.

The property itself is a successful blend of 18th-century style, with the addition of a contemporary extension. It’s also one of the best hotels in Cork for families, thanks to its outdoor playground and babysitting service. The swimming pool is another popular attraction for both young and old.

Impressively, staff here speak a total of 13 languages between them, including Hindi, Croatian and Indonesian, and guestrooms are generously proportioned. Ask for a room with a terrace to make the most of the wonderful gardens.

A five-star resort that combines luxury with a range of family-friendly activities and first-class facilities, Fota Island Resort is one of the best hotels in Cork for children and adults of all ages.

Located on a private island just a few minutes’ drive from the city, the entire estate is spread over 780 acres and comes complete with golf courses, walking trails (including an enchanting fairy trail), an adventure centre with water sports and a spa.

The famous Fota Wildlife Park is nearby, where you can spot blue-throated macaws and Colombian black spider monkeys. The hotel has 131 rooms in total, some with balconies, and there’s also the option to request interconnecting rooms or to splash out on a suite.

Irish-made Respa beds are standard and I can confirm that they are among the most comfortable I have ever encountered.

One of Cork’s most iconic buildings, The Metropole Hotel is a piece of the city’s history and prides itself on being one of the best hotels in Cork for over 125 years.

Its location in the Victorian Quarter is second to none, and there’s a wonderfully traditional feel to the property. Bus and train services are a short walk away and there’s a good selection of bars, restaurants and theatres to choose from on its doorstep.

Rooms range in size from compact “cozy” options, ideally suited to the solo traveller, to spacious refurbished suites. Rooms to the rear of the hotel also feature river views.

I love a buzzy hotel bar and restaurant, and “The Met” is exactly that. From dawn to dusk you can eat, drink and be merry here, with a selection of menus that showcase the best of local Cork produce available throughout the day.

Situated on one of Cork’s most picturesque streets, The Imperial Hotel is a local landmark with an impeccable pedigree. The Imperial has been operating for over 200 years and has hosted a variety of celebrities over the decades.

Everyone from Charles Dickens and Princess Grace of Monaco to local legend Michael Collins has stayed here, and walking in their footsteps feels rather momentous. To maintain your movie-star demeanour, book a treatment in the Escape Spa before paying a visit to the hotel bar, No.76, where local musicians serenade guests each evening. The Moët & Chandon tasting flight is a particularly popular choice.

The décor in the public areas recalls the glamour of bygone eras, with crystal chandeliers and ornate plaster, while guestrooms feel timeless and inviting, making this one of the best hotels in Cork for those who like the finer things in life.

Maldron Hotel South Mall is positioned right in the centre of the city and within walking distance of all the key sights, making it a great option for those who like to be in the hustle and bustle of a city. A modern property, guestrooms are spacious and comfortable, with fluffy robes, crisp linens and comfortable king beds. The blackout curtains are a nice touch, too.

The breakfast buffet offers lots of variety, including pancakes, fresh fruit, Irish soda bread, and quite a few gluten-free options. Late risers will appreciate the fact that breakfast runs until 11 a.m. on weekends, while the in-house coffee shop, Red Bean Roastery, is open daily until 4 p.m. for coffee and pastries.

Meanwhile, the compact on-site gym has a rowing machine, a treadmill and a cross trainer, making this one of the best hotels in Cork for those looking to work up a sweat.