Hotel of the Week: The Imperial Hotel, Cork

Set in the heart of Cork city, the Imperial Hotel is a stunning boutique hotel full of history, character and charm. The hotel combines both past and present for a chic, stylish, regal look, welcoming guests from the moment they enter the doors.

First Impressions

The Imperial Hotel is Cork’s oldest hotel – being founded in 1813 – and this fact was not lost on us as we entered the large open double doors at the front of the hotel. As we entered the hotel, the Fitzgerald Cocktail Lounge was to our left, while Lafayette’s Brasserie was to the right, greeting us with the aroma of warm coffee and freshly baked pastries.

The staff at the reception desk were incredibly welcoming, and once we gave our names, they knew that we were arriving prior to check-in time. Nevertheless, they still gave us keys to the Frederick Douglass Lounge, which was atmospherically lit and warmly decorated, filled with bookshelves containing classic Irish literature, as well as two fireplaces, plenty of comfortable seats and coffee tables, and complimentary hot and cold drinks.

The lounge is named after the anti-slavery campaigner Frederick Douglass, who was honoured at The Imperial Hotel in 1845 by the Cork Anti-Slavery Societies – another tribute to the hotel’s past. 

Location: 9/10

The hotel is in South Mall, on the south side of the River Lee, which flows through the city centre. Not only does it provide easy access to the rest of the south side of the city, but there are plenty of bridges to the north side, just a five-minute walk from the hotel. 

Because Cork is so walkable, and thanks to the idyllic location of the Imperial Hotel, the majority of the city centre can be reached within a 10-minute walk in any direction from the hotel. In addition, Cork Harbour is just a 20-minute walk from the hotel, where guests can take various tours around the harbour and beyond.

However, getting public transport is easy from The Imperial Hotel – there is a bus stop just a few metres from the entrance, a taxi rank directly outside of the hotel, and Cork Kent Station – the city’s main train station which offers direct routes to Mallow, Midleton, Tralee and Dublin among other destinations – is just a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

Facilities and Services: 9/10

There are plenty of facilities and services in the hotel which elevate the experiences of guests, making each stay at The Imperial Hotel a memorable and comfortable one.

The Frederick Douglass Lounge, discussed earlier, is a great place to relax with your favourite book while enjoying a complimentary tea or coffee, while for those wanting an even more relaxing experience, a visit to the award-winning Escape Spa is a must. Expect everything on offer from facials to full-body massages and even specialist pregnancy spa treatments from their dedicated team of professionals.

The turn-down service was a standout. It goes beyond remaking the bed. They get the room ready for a delightful sleep, with dimmed lights and relaxing music. 

Rooms 9/10

Upon entering our suite, we were greeted with a complimentary glass of prosecco and a plate of homemade macarons from the concierge, who had also brought our cases to the room.

The room was bright and airy, and the bathroom was tiled in beautiful whites and golds, giving it a classy look. The shower was excellent, and the hotel has a strong emphasis on sustainability, so guests are encouraged to use their bath towels more than once. Bodywash, shampoo and conditioner are all available in the shower, while soap and dental products are also provided.

In the bedroom, there was a huge super-king-size bed, which was incredibly comfortable, as well as a sofa, and a desk with a desk chair. A coffee pod machine and a kettle were also provided, as well as amenities including multiple sockets for charging devices, a hairdryer, a wardrobe and bedside units.

An exceptional goody bag was waiting for us on the coffee table in our room, complete with a reusable Imperial Hotel coffee cup, an Imperial Hotel pen, and chocolate truffles.

Food and Drink: 7/10

Upon arriving at Helena’s Restaurant for breakfast (which is served between 07:00 and 10:30 during the week and 07:30 and 11:00 on weekends), we were offered a ‘booster shot’ – a concoction of juices, herbs and roots to boost immunity. 

When we were seated, we were offered either tea or coffee, and then we could choose what we would like from their breakfast menu, which offered items such as a traditional Irish breakfast to avocado and poached eggs on toast. There was also an extensive buffet-style continental option, which included a range of pastries, breads, cereals, fruit, yoghurts and juices.

While not the largest breakfast menu or buffet, the quality of the food was still good. The cocktail bar was equally a good place to relax, with many different drinks available, from hand-made cocktails to draft-pulled beers and freshly-made coffee.

Value: 7/10

Because of its central location and history, prices are generally higher at The Imperial Hotel than at other nearby hotels. However, as with many high-end hotels, you get what you pay for. Most rooms are around the €300 mark – both in and out of peak season –with weekend rates typically being higher.

Furthermore, The Imperial has several incentives where guests can save money, such as a 10% discount for those who opt to stay for three nights or more, or a further discount for those who book the bed and breakfast option, rather than opting to pay for breakfast separately.

Is The Imperial Hotel Family-Friendly?

Yes, it is. There are several interconnecting family rooms which can sleep up to five, while children under 12 are eligible to stay for free when sharing a triple room with their parents. However, we saw very few children at the hotel, and it was mainly couples who stayed there.

Is The Imperial Hotel Accessible?

Yes, it is very accessible. There are several lifts throughout the hotel, and there is a car park on-site. The hotel also has several disabled access rooms.

Is The Imperial Hotel Dog Friendly?

No, dogs are not allowed in The Imperial Hotel, with the exception of service dogs.