Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork City, Co. Cork
luxury weekend getaway! Perrott ave, College Road, Cork City
Reviewed by Helen
Our stay here was the perfect city break, a luxury stay combined with all the cultural charm that Cork city has to offer.
Cork is Ireland's second largest city and has been voted as one of the world's top ten cities to visit. Hayfield Manor is this fine city's only luxury 5 star hotel. Here you can indulge and relax in lavish comfort, experience the fine dining Orchids Restaurant or the vibrant Perrotts Garden Bistro, or treat yourself to some a well deserved pampering at the Beautique Spa. It's no wonder that many celebs have chosen to stay here whilst here on business or pleasure!
This is privately owned hotel is run by a close knit team of friendly and knowledgeable staff and is proud to be celebrating it's 15th birthday this year. We were very impressed with the guest check in service, we had arrived in the morning and were able to go to our room straight away. Bart, the very amicable concierge and the front of house team are very keen to help with tourist information, dinner reservations helping you make the most of your stay in Cork. We had only just arrived in Cork and were soon to experience first-hand the charm and wit that this friendliest of cities has to offer.
The hotel is situated in its own lovely grounds and gardens, slightly raised and overlooking the magnificent historic University College and with splendid views of the city roof tops and the northern suburbs across the other side of the River Lee. This has all the benefits of a luxury city hotel, yet is a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets and traffic. We walked down the hill past St Finbarr's Cathedral and a few minutes later we were over the footbridge by the Lee and ready to take in the ambience of a delightful Saturday afternoon in Cork.
The rooms here are very spacious, with the suites providing a separate living and dining area. There are also adjoining rooms and rooms which sleep 3 which are great if you are Away with the Girls on a ladies weekend away. Our bathroom had a fabulous roll top bath, and separate shower as well as robes and slippers to chill out in. Very handy when you are travelling light! The house keeper also very kindly set up our flat screen TV to watch the Premiership football in the comfort of our own room. Some of the rooms and suites in the new wing also have a small terrace which is perfect for a glass of wine or a morning coffee. If you are visiting Ireland with your dog, then they are most welcome here and check into their own VIP kennels in the gardens!
The Champagne and pearls themed, Beautique Spa is popular with residents and for extra privacy there is a separate entrance direct from the guest rooms so you don't have to mosy across reception in your robe. Here there are 9 exquisite therapy rooms using Elemis product and offering a wide choice of treatments, as well as a 20 metre pool, a steam room and outdoor heated Jacuzzi.
The hotel has a drawing room and a library, perfect for afternoon tea or a brandy by the coal fire in winter. In the evening the hotel bar is buzzing with diners on their way into Orchids and is a lovely spot to celebrate your stay with Champagne before dinner.
All these rooms are elegantly furnished with wood panelling, classic chandeliers and open out to the secluded courtyard, where in the summer , Pimms and lemonade or a Black Velvet are the order of the day! Our breakfast ( or more like brunch as last serving is 11am) was certainly one to remember- after our " starters" of fruits, cereals, and a salmon, cheese and meats selection, my husband went for the fine full Irish breakfast, whilst I had a tasty smoked coley with scrambled eggs. That certainly set us up for the day ahead!
Cork is a great base to explore the surrounding countryside , coastal towns and fishing villages, and there are some great "must do" destinations within 30 minutes drive. You can kiss the Blarney Stone, eat in a gastro restaurant in Kinsale, or go sailing in Kinsale. Just venture a little further and you can take a romantic stroll along one of the blue flag beaches on the west coast. If you are Away with the Boys, then there is golf galore here as well as whiskey tasting sessions at the hotel.
All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and would love to return again one day soon. Don't forget to mention Away without the Kids when booking.