Skip to Content

A Guide To The Best Hotels In Cork: 15 Places To Stay In Cork You’ll Love

A Guide To The Best Hotels In Cork: 15 Places To Stay In Cork You’ll Love

If you’re in search of the best hotels in Cork, you’ve landed in the right place.

Blessed with a dramatic coastline and endless picturesque villages, Cork is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.

There’s heaps of things to do in Cork and there’s an endless number of gorgeous villages and towns in Cork to explore.

The county is home to an almost endless number of hotels, from 5 star retreats and spa hotels to pet-friendly accommodation and so much more.

Our Favourite Hotels in Cork

best cork hotels

Photos via Booking.com

In the guide below, we’re going to take you through the best hotels Cork has to offer, from hotels perched right on the beach to luxury resorts and more.

Note: if you book a hotel through one of the links below we’ll make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. Hayfield Manor

Hayfield Manor cork

Photo via Hayfield Manor

Welcome to Hayfield Manor, one of a number of celebrated 5 star hotels in Cork that offers all the charm of a beautifully kept country house.

Nestled within two acres of walled gardens, this family-owned hotel is an ideal place to stay for both business and leisure travellers visiting the vibrant city of Cork.

In addition to spacious and nicely decorated accommodation, Hayfield Manor features swimming pool facilities, a fitness centre, and a fabulous spa with the world-famous Elemis Spa Therapy.

Hayfield Manor is home to two award-winning eateries and it’s also a short walk (and an even shorter drive!) from many of the best restaurants in Cork.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Trident Hotel Kinsale

trident hotel kinsale

Photos via Booking.com

Situated on the water’s edge in Kinsale, the recently refurbished Trident Hotel is a perfect base to explore the best Kinsale has to offer.

This 4-star hotel features nearly 70 rooms and luxury suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and breath-taking views of the yacht-filled harbour.

It’s a stone’s throw from many of the best things to do in Kinsale, making it a comfy base for an weekend adventure.

Foodies will fall in love with the Wharf Tavern and its seafood delicacies including mussels and sea bass. There’s a good reason that this is one of the best hotels in Kinsale

Check prices + see more photos here

3. The River Lee Hotel

Photo of The River Lee (Cork)

Photo via Booking.com

The award-winning River Lee is arguably of one the best hotels in Cork City. This is a 4-star hotel nestled on the banks of Cork’s River Lee, unsurprisingly enough. 

With nearly 200 rooms and suites that offer magnificent water views, a large indoor swimming pool, spa, and a fitness centre, this luxurious hotel is known for providing an unforgettable experience.

The rooms are bright and spacious. Many feature floor-to-ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms, under-floor heating, and flat-screen satellite TV. The hotel’s lounge is a great place to unwind and enjoy complimentary tea and pastries.

If you fancy a tipple, the River Lee is a short stroll away from a number of brilliant traditional pubs in Cork.

Check prices + see more photos here

4. WatersEdge Hotel

watersedge cobh

Photos via Booking.com

If fancy exploring the lovely little village of Cobh, the WatersEdge hotel is well worth checking out (there are several other great hotels in Cobh worth a look, too!).

Rooms are furnished with a mix of modern and antique furniture complemented by artwork inspired by the Atlantic.

This comfortable spot hasboasts a welcoming bar and patio area as well as a restaurant serving the freshest local seafood. If you’re looking for Cork hotels by the sea, you can go wrong with the WatersEdge.

Check prices + see more photos here

5. The Maritime

the maritime

Photos via Booking.com

The Maritime is one of the most overlooked hotels in Cork. Yet, for those in the know, it’s a great base to explore the area that surrounds Bantry.

Enjoying a drink in the Maritime Hotel on a cold, wet winter’s evening looking out over the Bay in the quaint little town of Bantry is a perfect pleasure. If you like pampering, it’s to The Maritime you’ll come, for everything here is set up for your enjoyment and delight.

The interior design is fabulous, the views from the bedrooms (some have sea view, others with woodland) are gorgeous, and the Club Maritime leisure centre is excellent, with facilities for both adults and children.

The hotel walks the walk when it comes to the environment, from filtering its water into glass bottles, composting all waste food, and using an intelligent timing system for energy.

Check prices + see more photos here

Beautiful 4 and  5 star hotels in Cork

5 star hotels cork

Photos via Maryborough Hotel & Spa (Booking & Website)

The second section of our guide is packed with 4 and 5 star hotels in Cork, for those of you in search of a somewhere a little bit swankier.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from the stunning Castlemartyr Hotel and the Maryborough to the Metropole and much more. Dive on in!

1. Castlemartyr (one of the best spa hotels in Cork)

Castlemartyr Resort Cork

Photo via Castlemartyr Resort

I’d argue that Castlemartyr is one of the best hotels in Cork if you’re looking for somewhere to mark a special occasion. 

From perfectly manicured gardens and a tranquil lake abundant with wildlife to three elegant dining establishments and many modern leisure facilities, this award-winning 5-star hotel has it all!

Located just a short drive from Cork Airport, Castlemartyr Resort Hotel offers well-appointed bedrooms and manor house suites fitted with everything needed for a comfortable stay.

Golfers can look forward to the Ron Kirby designed links-style golf course, while guests looking for spa treatments will find 10 individual treatment rooms at the hotel’s contemporary Spa at Castlemartyr. 

Often regarded as one of the best spa hotels in Ireland, a stay at Castlemartyr really does pack a punch. 

Check prices + see more photos here

2. The Metropole Hotel Cork

the Metropole

Photos via Booking.com

Travellers searching for luxury accommodation in the heart of Cork City centre should look no further than the Metropole Hotel.

Located just a stone’s throw from many of the best things to do in Cork City (galleries, historic sites, theaters and more), the hotel offers about 100 tastefully decorated rooms with patterned carpets and en-suite bathrooms.

Adventurous travellers will be pleased to hear that Metropole boasts many leisure facilities including a swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, and a fitness centre. 

If you’re in search of Cork hotels that make a great base for an adventure, the Metropole Hotel is a great shout.

Check prices + see more photos here

3. Maryborough Hotel & Spa

the Maryborough hotel

Photos via Maryborough Hotel & Spa (Booking & Website)

Situated inside a historic listed 18th-century house, Maryborough Hotel & Spa is one of the most luxurious hotels in Cork. 

The hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens where guests will find fountains and flowerbeds. In addition to 93 modern rooms and suites, Maryborough Hotel & Spa offers a spa, heated lounges, a vitality pool, and a rock sauna.

If you wish to work out, there is a modern gym that offers fitness classes. Not to be missed is the amazing Bellini’s restaurant that serves local and international cuisine. The city centre of Cork is just a 10-minute drive away from the hotel.

Check prices + see more photos here

Gorgeous hotels in West Cork

Eccles Hotel

Photo via Eccles Hotel

We’ve created a dedicated guide to the best hotels in West Cork, so I won’t go into too much detail in the next section of our guide.

There’s an endless number of things to do in West Cork, so it’s worth taking some time to find a great hotel to base yourself from. 

However, I’ll give you a quick insight into what we believe are some of the best hotels in West Cork. Dive on in (or see our full West Cork hotels guide).

1. Eccles Hotel & Spa Glengarriff

photos of Eccles Hotel

Photo via Booking.com

Eccles Hotel & Spa Glengarriff is one of the most beautiful of the many Cork hotels and it’s arguably one of my favourite hotels in Glengarriff. A quick glance at the snap above should give you an idea as to why.

Nestled on the waterfront of picturesque Glengarriff village, the historical 4-star hot has the best views over Bantry Bay and Garnish Island.

Spend a day at the hotel’s on-site spa and enjoy treatments with Voya Irish products. Guests can also pay a visit to the Garinish Restaurant where food delicacies such as the lobster broth, sharing board of cheese and charcuterie, and poached hake are served.

There’s plenty of things to do in Glengarriff to keep you busy, from walks in Glengarriff Nature Reserve to plenty more nearby.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Gougane Barra Hotel

gougane Barra hotel

Photos via Booking.com

Gougane Barra Hotel is tucked away in a romantic valley and offers magnificent views of the picturesque Gougane Barra Lake.

It’s an ideal place to stay in West Cork for both families on vacation and couples looking for a romantic weekend getaway.

Nature lovers will be delighted to hear that this modern and comfortable hotel is surrounded by unspoilt countryside and offers easy access to many castles and abbeys.

All rooms and suites are tastefully decorated and boast fine views of the lake. There are few Cork hotels that can go toe-to-toe with the scenery that surrounds the Gougane Barr Hotel.

Check prices + see more photos here

3. West Cork Hotel

west cork hotel

Photo via West Cork Hotel on Facebook

The West Cork Hotel serves as an excellent base to explore some of the finest attractions in West Cork including Schull, Mizen Head, Baltimore, Lough Hyne and much, much more.

The hotel is located in the lively little town of Skibbereen and overlooks the Ilen River. Owned by Tim and Marion Looney, this family-run hotel features 47 warm and cosy en-suite rooms with traditional décor.

Foodies who wish to enjoy the local produce of West Cork can have lunch or dinner at the hotel’s on-site Kennedy Restaurant.

Check prices + see more photos here

The Best Hotels in Cork City

good Hotels in Cork City

Photos via Booking.com

The final section of our guide focuses on the best hotels in Cork City. Now, we already mentioned a couple of Cork City hotels, but there are plenty more worth a mention.

So many, in fact, that we’ve had to know up a guide to the best hotels in Cork City! However, you’ll find some of our favourites below!

1. Imperial Hotel Cork City

Imperial Hotel

Photos via Booking.com

Couples on vacation looking for a romantic place to stay close to the city centre in Cork can spend a few nights at the lovely Imperial Hotel Cork City.

Situated inside a 200 years old building, the hotel welcomed many notable guests including Michael Collins, Sir Walter Scott, and Marie Edgeworth.

Guests will love the hotel entrance and its dark woods, leafy palms, and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Enjoy a variety of treatments including body polish, facials, massage, and manicure/pedicure at the spectacular Aveda Escape spa.

If you’re on the hunt for spa hotels in Cork City, you can’t go wrong with the Imperial. 

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

Maldron Hotel South Mall

Photos via Booking.com

You will find Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City in the centre of Cork City. With spectacular views of the River Lee, the hotel is located just a stone’s throw from the city’s main tourist attractions such as the Cork Opera House, Cork City Hall, and the English Market.

Shopping streets like Opera Lane and St. Patrick will be at your doorstep. The hotel itself features 163 bright and spacious rooms with modern décor.

There’s also a lovely on-site coffee shop called the Red Bean Roastery, and 2 dining options at Maldron Hotel South Mall. 

Check prices + see more photos here

3. Hotel Isaacs Cork City (one of the funkiest Cork hotels)

Hotel Isaacs

Photos via Booking.com

Located just a 5-minute walk from the centre of Cork and within walking distance from Kent Railway Station and Cork Bus station, Isaacs Cork City is a boutique hotel that is an ideal base to discover the city’s finest attractions.

Although there are no leisure facilities at the hotel, guests can look forward to staying at the spacious apartments that are fitted with fully-equipped kitchens, dining/living rooms, and 2 to 3 bedrooms.

The highlight of this property is definitely the award-winning Greenes Restaurant that has its own floodlit waterfall and specializes in fish and seafood dishes. Popular tourist attractions like the English Market and Shandon Steeple are just minutes away.

Check prices + see more photos here

4. The Montenotte Hotel

Montenotte hotel

Photos via Booking.com

Located just one mile from the city centre, Montenotte is a modern boutique hotel well-known for its beautifully landscaped gardens and magnificent views over Cork harbour.

Guests can look forward to staying in bright rooms with traditional décor. The hotel also boasts several leisure facilities for guests to enjoy including a state-of-the-art fitness centre, hot tub, 20-metre swimming pool, and a sauna.

If you feel like watching a movie, there is an in-house cinema. The highlight of Montenotte Hotel is definitely the Panorama Bistro & Terrace and its panoramic windows. On the bistro’s menu, expect to find everything from fish and seafood to steak and lamb dishes.

Check prices + see more photos here

FAQs About the best Cork hotels on offer

Since publishing our guide to the best Cork attractions many years ago, we’ve have heaps (literally!) of questions about where to stay in Cork.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the most picturesque hotels in West Cork?

In my opinion, the most picturesque West Cork hotels are Eccles and the Gougane Barra Hotel.

What are the best 5 star hotels in Cork?

The Castlemartyr Resort and Hayfield Manor are two of the best hotels in Cork if you’re looking for a 5 star experience.

What are the best hotels in Cork City?

The River Lee, Hotel Isaacs Cork City, Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City and Imperial Hotel Cork City.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.