The Ambassador
If you enjoy a good view at your place of stay then The Ambassador, associated with Best Western, is where you will want to lay your head at night. Though it is not the most luxurious of Cork's hotels, it is full of character and has the most splendid panoramic view of the Cork city docks, river, railway line, church steeples and surrounding hilly landscape. This establishment is a steep 10 minute walk from the center of town. The Victorian-era building is a redbrick and limestone nursing home turned hotel with a spacious Victorian themed interior. Visit the formal Seasons restaurant or the Embassy Bar for a drink. The cocktail lounge is a quiet book-shelved area with an open fire. The 48 substantial guest rooms have patterned wallpapers, large bathrooms, drapes and some even have walk out balconies for enjoying the view. Only some of the rooms have Wi-Fi, smoking and nonsmoking available. Double occupancy room rates start at about $146.
The Ambassador
Military Hill, St. Luke's
City Center North, Co. Cork
011 (+353) 021 455 1996
ambassadorhotel.ie
Rochester Park
Just three miles south of the city in the suburb of Douglas is an elegant hotel on seven acres of mature gardens. Rochester Park is a Victorian manor house that used to be a convent. There are 149 modern rooms that have in-room Wi-Fi, cotton linens, light-oak fixtures and wool carpets. Some have a view of the river estuary. There is a large health center at Rochester Park which specializes in thalassotherapy (seaweed wraps and baths) but also offers a gym and pool. There is a restaurant and bar as well. In October of 2008 the hotel and grounds received an 18 million Euro redevelopment for an even classier refurbished look. Standard double occupancy bed and breakfast room rates start at about $206.
Rochester Park
Rochestown Rd.
Douglas, Co. Cork
011 (+353) 021 489-0800
rochestownpark.com
Hayfield Manor
Though a bit more expensive, this hotel is furnished in a way that you will feel majestic. A wood carved double staircase greets guests upon entering, beyond which you can find the Drawing Room. This wood-paneled library is adorned in gilded silk with a white-marble fireplace, a chandelier from the 19th century and modish armchairs. The Drawing Room overlooks a patio and garden. The large guest rooms are furnished in an elegant style resembling that which existed in the time of Louis XV. There is a bar as well as the high-end Manor Room restaurant. Hayfield Manor with a façade of ivied red brick and white shutters is located just a five minutes drive from the center of Cork city and is beside the UCC campus. Double occupancy room rates start at about $220 and include in-room Wi-Fi and breakfast. There is also a pool and gym.
Hayfield Manor
College Rd.
Western Road, Co. Cork
011 (+353) 021 431-5900
hayfieldmanor.ie
