Hotels in Cork, Ireland

by John Parks

Cork, Ireland is near the famous Blarney Castle and sits on the River Lee. It seems to have a little of everything in the way of attractions. Visitors can spend the day at the beach or explore old castles. There is a wildlife preserve with African animals, surprisingly, and Cork is rife with shopping and dining opportunities. The hotels are vast in number, so a few described here may help settle the question of where to land upon arrival in Cork.

Lodging selections go from two stars to five and the hotels mentioned here are in walking distance to the center of the city. The two-star Windsor Inn on MacCurtain Street has a traditional Irish pub with live music from session musicians and folk artists, and has stand-up comedians. Guests receive a free map on arrival and breakfast is included in the room price, which ranges from €62-€75.

MacCurtain Street holds the very modern Gresham Metropole with 112 rooms. Rates start at €79 and it overlooks the Lee River and downtown. One attraction here is the Leeside Leisure Centre with a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and well-equipped gym. Exercise classes and spa treatments can be scheduled in advance.

The Maldron Hotel starts at the same rate as the Gresham and is also rated at three stars. It is located on John Redmond Street and also has a breakfast buffet, fitness center and satellite TV. The Stir Restaurant offers modern cuisine with fresh ingredients in its seafood and vegetarian dishes. Children under thirteen are free if using existing bedding. The Acorn House Guesthouse on St. Patrick's Hill is a three-star hotel with six rooms and does not accept children or pets, for those who prefer this option.

An airport shuttle stops outside the three-star Hotel Isaacs on MacCurtain Street, which is a five-minute walk from the English Market, a major attraction dating from the early 1600's. The organic-laden market has been spotlighted in television travel shows.

In the four-star group, the River Lee Hotel on Western Road is very near St. Finnbar's Cathedral, founded in the sixth century. Enjoy scenic views of the river from the outdoor terrace. It has expected amenities of flat-screen satellite TV with DVD player, free internet access, air conditioned rooms and free parking, but it also has a pool, spa and bistro. Rates range from €112.50-€195.

Lancaster Lodge also lies on the river on Lancaster Quay, Western Road. Starting at €89, it is within walking distance to bars, dining, shopping, galleries and museums. The Blarney Stone Guesthouse, with four stars, is a pretty, traditional Victorian hotel near the castle.

Currently, the only five-star site is The Hayfield Manor Hotel on Perrott Avenue off College Road. Rates are €149-€1,030, and it is surrounded by two acres of mature gardens in the city. It has too many amenities to mention and is everything a five-star resort should be with spa, private dog kennels on site, a resident sommelier, gourmet dining, marble baths, and liveried doormen.

Book rooms from one of the many modern, ultra-clean, lovely hotels for every taste in Cork, Ireland.

For more information on Cork Hotels, visit http://cork-hotels.co.

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