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The Imperial Hotel, Cork

The Imperial Hotel

Cork, Ireland

Perfectly positioned in the heart of the city, The Imperial Hotel has an interesting history. It opened in 1813 and has hosted many famous figures including Charles Dickens, William Makepeace Thackeray and Franz Liszt.

Although the lobby is quite grand with marble floors, high ceilings and glittering chandeliers, the hotel is not pretentious and the friendly staff ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Rooms feature subtle tones and all modern amenities.

The hotel takes pride in only using quality ingredients of Irish origin, many of which come from Cork’s famous English Market. The elegant Pembroke Restaurant serves traditional dishes with a modern twist and the chic Seventy Six on the Mall bar is popular for evening drinks.

OUR OPINION:

With an unbeatable location and a grand yet welcoming atmosphere, this is a fantastic option.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Rooms

Stylishly designed with comfortable chairs, crisp linens and soft duvets, all rooms have a warm, inviting atmosphere. The classic and superior guest rooms are similarly decorated in soft tones with carefully appointed furnishings that can be rearranged to accommodate a variety of bedding options. Rooms are equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine and have a spacious bathroom stocked with Orla Kiely toiletries, and either a shower over the bath or a walk-in shower. Some rooms also include a sofa bed for families. The lavish Penthouse Suite boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and a more contemporary design. All rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, digital music library and internet browser, and interactive TV.

Location

Occupying a prime position in the heart of the city, the 200-year-old Imperial Hotel is the oldest guest accommodation in Cork. The famous English Market is less than a ten-minute walk from the hotel and is so close to the property that the chefs rely on the market’s fresh fish, meat, vegetables and spices for their gourmet cuisine. Numerous cafés, restaurants and shops can be also be found within moments of the hotel.

Food and drink

The hotel prides itself on the fact that all of their ingredients are of Irish origin and sourced responsibly — many of them coming from Cork’s famous English Market. The contemporary Pembroke Restaurant puts a modern twist on traditional Irish dishes and offers an early bird menu for those who want to dine before the opera. In addition, a light lunch or an afternoon snack can be enjoyed in the casual Lafayette’s Brasserie. At night, the intimate alcoves of the stylish Seventy Six on the Mall are the perfect place for an evening drink.

Facilities and activities

In addition to its state of the art gym, The Imperial Hotel offers indulgent beauty treatments in its Escape Spa. Services inspired by plant-based products, such as aloe and seaweed, include holistic massages, facials and luxury manicures and pedicures. The spa also features a Vitality Suite equipped with relaxing tropical, rain and mist showers, a hydrotherapy pool and Aroma and Salt Grottos.

Tour ideas in Cork

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at The Imperial Hotel as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

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    • Walking tour of Cork
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      Walking tour of Cork

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