Weekend Hotspot – Imperial Hotel Cork - O Flynn Hotels
Cork City by the River Lee
Located in the commercial district of South Mall in the centre of Cork the Imperial hotel a Leeside institution has graced the city since 1813 entertaining countless guests and celebrities including writers such as Sir Walter Scott, William Thackeray, Charles Dickens, composer Franz Liszt and political hero Michael Collins on the night before his assassination. The property began life in 1813 as the front portion of today’s hotel in a building commissioned as a meeting place for business dealings, the reading of foreign newspapers and drinking claret by leading members of the Cork Committee of Merchants.
The Imperial Hotel has been run by the Flynn family since 1998, having just completed a major refurbishment bringing new life to the old public areas and while transforming others. The lobby is decked out in old mahogany and marble amid a sweeping staircase and stunning chandeliers. Existing bedrooms are all modernised and well appointed with soft colours and comfortable furnishings while new superior rooms have been added alongside a stunning 2-bedroom penthouse suite with balcony and views across the city. We ate in “Pembroke” restaurant a bright and modern brassiere. In quieter moments this space looks like a funky lounge with dark floors, glass walls, statement lighting and chunky leather chairs but on a busy Friday night expect a lively city centre spot where you can see and be seen.
Imperial Hotel Cork
Located on the doorstep to Cork’s finest fish and meat markets, the hotel’s chefs prepare daily menus with fresh local produce in mind ensuring highest quality and taste. Informal dining or afternoon tea is offered in the Parisian styled “Lafayette’s” café where Corkonians meet to gossip while an impressive bar menu is now available at "76 on the Mall " the new name for South's Bar which was completely renovated and reborn at the end of last year. Designed for both men and women to indulge in, the Imperial’s "Escape Salon & Spa" is a gem in the heart of the city centre. They have tailored a number of packages for you to experience a total escape. I opted for the “focus facial for him “a 60 minute revitalising pure focus facial treatment combining aromatic steam towels. At Escape Salon & Spa therapists are highly trained in all kinds of Aveda spa treatments and be sure to experience the vitality suite relieving all tension and stress through tropical rain and mist showers, aroma and salt grottos, and a hydrotherapy pool. The relaxation suite, with soft music and muted lighting will immediately restore your sense of inner peace.
Imperial Hotel Cork Spa
Enjoy the "Imperial Experience" over 2 nights from €155 pps including daily Irish Breakfast, in room chocolates on arrival, afternoon tea in Lafayette's Brassiere and dinner on an evening of your choice at Pembroke Restaurant. Add an additional night's stay for as little as €70 per person. While in Cork soak up the artistic magic from this former European City of Culture including a show at the Opera House or Everyman Theatre or an exhibition at the Crawford Art Gallery. The Imperial's location allows you to also find a range of antique stores and high street and designer shops on nearby Oliver Plunkett Street suiting all styles & tastes. Flynn Hotels a family run group also operate a further three properties throughout Ireland including Newpark Hotel Kilkenny, The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis and The Park Hotel, Dungarvan.
For best rates on any of these properties, visit here: www.flynnhotels.com/special-offers
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