Reviewing the Best Hotels in Cork City
Planning to visit Cork City and have no idea which hotel to choose! I understand – there are close to a hundred hotels in Ireland’s (the Republic) second-biggest city, and picking one for your stay can feel like a daunting task. They all look and sound amazing on the hotel booking sites – don’t they?! But I’ve been living in Cork for most of my life and know exactly which hotels are worth staying at. And I’ve actually stayed at a couple of the hotels below myself.
I don’t know about you, but choosing the right hotel can make or break a vacation. Having a lovely place to stay after a day of exploring is so important to me, so below I’ve only included hotels that I myself would stay at.
So, let’s take a look at the best hotels in Cork City (I’ve also included an apartment, a B&B, and a hostel).
10 of the BEST Hotels in Cork City for Every Type of Tourist
Best hotel in Cork for couples – River Lee Hotel
❤️ Why we love it: Lovely riverside location, rooms have views.
The River Lee Hotel offers prime views over the River Lee, large bedrooms, and a fantastic on-site restaurant. This is one of the most popular hotels in Cork!
This large-ish hotel on the Western Road, about a 10-minute walk from the city center, combines modern luxury with warm Irish hospitality. Most of its spacious rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and boast lovely river views. There’s also a great restaurant on-site with an outdoor riverside terrace. And there’s an indoor pool too.
Expect to pay around 200 euros for a double room here.
Best hotel in Cork for families – The Montenotte Hotel
❤️ Why we love it: Great city views, lovely restaurant terrace, and cinema
Montenotte Hotel – this super-cool and quirky hotel has been recently renovated. It has lovely gardens and a cinema!
Yes, this 4-star hotel in the Montenotte neighbourhood, a 10-minute walk from the city centre, is known for its chic and contemporary design. The Montenotte Hotel offers a unique urban retreat. Its stylish rooms and panoramic views over Cork City mean it’s a very popular choice. We loved eating our meals at the hotel’s rooftop terrace and relaxing in the in-house cinema. There’s also an indoor pool and spa.
Expect to pay around 300 euros for a triple room here.
Most charming hotel in Cork City – The Imperial Hotel
❤️ Why we love it: Very historic (established in 1816), central location
Steeped in history, the Imperial Hotel is a landmark in its own right. Located in the city center (on the South Mall), it’s a short walk to most of Cork’s major attractions. When you stay here, you will revel in the charming blend of classic elegance and contemporary comfort that this iconic hotel provides. I also really like dining at Helena’s, one of the on-site restaurants.
Fascinatingly, too, the hotel is famous for hosting notable historical figures like writer Charles Dickens and Irish revolutionary Michael Collins, who spent his final night in the hotel prior to his death in 1922.
Best value hotel in Cork City – Premier Inn Cork City
❤️ Why we love it: Reasonably priced, great location
Located on Morrison’s Quay, the Premier Inn Cork City is a reasonably priced city centre stay, with rooms starting from 100 euros.
The rooms here are spacious, and there’s an on-site restaurant. The hotel is also in a great location – just a short walk to St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and Cork Opera House.
Best location – The Clayton Hotel
❤️ Why we love it: Stylish, great central location
Overlooking the River Lee and in the heart of Cork City (on Lapp’s Quay), the Clayton Hotel offers beautifully designed guest rooms, excellent food, and the Club Vitae health club with pool, sauna, steam room, and gym.
Decorated in light modern colours, many rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. Rooms include a 32-inch flat-screen TV or a 43-inch flat-screen TV.
Cork’s shops, Kent Station, and the Opera House are all within a 5-minute walk.
Most luxurious hotel in Cork City – Hayfield Manor
❤️ Why we love it: Cork City’s only 5-star hotel feels like staying at a country manor
Hayfield Manor – this super-luxurious hotel is one of the best in Cork City and is definitely one for the bucket list. It is located a few minutes’ drive from the centre.
Yes, if it’s luxury you’re after, Hayfield Manor is a must-visit. This five-star boutique hotel, set in lush gardens, exudes timeless charm and sophistication. It has an award-winning spa and gourmet restaurant, and it’s also family-run, adding a personal touch to your experience.
Most stylish hotel – The Dean
❤️ Why we love it: Cool and stylish, with a fab rooftop restaurant
The newly-built Dean hotel is a stand-out structure on Horgan’s Quay – some locals love the modern structure, others not so much. The rooms have a very hipster vibe, and although small-ish in size, most of them offer great views. The on-site restaurant Sophie’s is located on the rooftop and is very popular.
As well as that, there’s a sauna, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, and hot tub, as well as a yoga studio and a coffee shop.
Best apartment rental in Cork City – River View Apartment
❤️ Why we love it: It’s handy to have an apartment to cook in and wash your clothes
This lovely apartment with river views and a terrace is located on Grenville Place, just a few minutes’ walk from the city center. It comes with a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. This is a quiet part of town.
P.S. You can also book more fabulous Cork City apartments here, if that’s the type of accommodation you prefer. I know many people do.
Best B&B in Cork City – Belvedere Lodge
❤️ Why we love it: Home away from home, a short walk from the city centre
Belvedere Lodge is a simple B&B with a walled garden on the Lower Glanmire Road, a 10-15 minute walk from the city centre.
This lovely Victorian building is in a quiet area, and there are buses that stop right outside to take you into the city if you don’t fancy walking.
This 4-star guest house has 20 large en suite rooms, and all have views of the walled garden, with its gazebo, ponds, and cascades. Some of the rooms also have private access to the gardens.
Overall, Belvedere Lodge is known for the warm welcome it offers and its award-winning breakfast.
Best hostel in Cork – Sheila’s Hostel
❤️ Why we love it: A reasonably priced hostel with a sauna and movie room
Sheila’s Hostel is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the centre, it’s located on Wellington Road. And it boasts a sauna and free movies in the cinema room. Plus, there’s a self-catering kitchen and a terrace.
Thanks for reading!
Whew, I hope this detailed guide has helped you decide what the best hotels in Cork City are for you. As you have read, there are so many options, and which one you choose depends on the type of traveler you are.
For us, we love staying at the Montenotte Hotel as it offers everything you could want from a hotel (swimming pool, great restaurant, epic views, spacious rooms) and a cinema room too. But, if you want to be in the middle of the action, then the Imperial Hotel on the South Mall is a great choice!
If you enjoyed this blog post about the best hotels in Cork, you may also enjoy my others, like –
Driving from Cork City to Kinsale: The Best Stops Along the Way
