Imperial Hotel Cork City Room photoImperial Hotel Cork City Exterior photoImperial Hotel Cork City Macro Details photo

Imperial Hotel Cork City – A Favorite for Families in Cork

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From$279 /night
Check-in
10Aug
Check-out
11Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

76 South Mall, Cork, 00000
-
Steps from St. Patrick's Street
Great
8.4
8.8
/10
4.5
4.3
/5

4-star historic city-center hotel in Cork

History & Location

Imperial Hotel Cork City opened as Cork's first hotel over 200 years ago and remains in the city center, less than a minute's walk from the main shopping district. Cork Opera House, Nano Nagle Place, and St. Fin Barre's Cathedral are all under a 10-minute walk from the entrance. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Cork Airport and within walking distance of the English Market and Kent Train Station.

Rooms & Accommodations

Rooms range from classic rooms to a penthouse, all air-conditioned with smart TVs, Nespresso machines, and premium King Koil mattresses. Each room includes free WiFi, toiletries, and some offer city views. Guests have access to a lift, key card entry, and a 24-hour front desk.

Dining & Bars

Helena's Restaurant serves cocktails and food with locally sourced ingredients, while Lafayette's offers coffee and light bites. Fitzgerald's, the main bar, serves cocktails and often hosts live music. Guests can also order breakfast in the room, visit the coffee house on site, or request special diet menus.

Spa & Wellness

The on-site Escape Spa features a vitality suite with a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, aroma salt grotto, and tropical mist showers. Treatments include aqua body polish, facials, massages, and couples massage. Guests pay €20 per person for 60 minutes in the vitality suite; the spa also includes a relaxation area and locker rooms.

Services & Accessibility

The hotel provides accessible parking at Union Quay car park, with a discounted rate, and a parking garage nearby. Facilities include a fitness centre, meeting/banquet rooms, dry cleaning, and laundry services. The building is wheelchair accessible with grab rails in toilets, and staff offer tourist desk assistance and concierge service.

Highlights

History: Cork's first hotel, over 200 years old

Location: City center, 1 min walk to shopping, 10 min drive to airport

Rooms: Premium King Koil mattresses, smart TVs, Nespresso machines

Dining: Helena's Restaurant, Fitzgerald's bar, Lafayette's café

Wellness: Escape Spa with hydrotherapy pool, aroma salt grotto

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, grab rails, accessible parking

“As Cork's first hotel, the Imperial is brimming with history, now with luxurious rooms and King Koil mattresses for modern travelers; its prime location makes the city center walkable. I found the staff attentive, and the Christmas decor enchanting. A stay here balances heritage with contemporary comfort.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
  • Cosy Single Occupancy Room
    2 persons
    13 sq. feet
    1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Junior Suite
    2 persons
    36 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Classic Twin Room
    2 persons
    18 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Air conditioning
    Heating
Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Lift
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Cycling
  • Golf course

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Board games
  • Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Jacuzzi
  • Body scrub
  • Facial
  • Treatment room
  • Body wraps
  • Back massage
  • Head massage
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

Immerse in the heart of Cork City at Imperial Hotel, where dining options promise delightful culinary experiences. From the inviting warmth of irish cuisine to the charm of afternoon tea, each venue reflects the authenticity and vibrant flavors of the region.
  • Sketch

    Irish
    Ambiance
    A cozy space that blends modern flair with traditional touches, inviting guests to relax.
    Key Offerings
    Guests can enjoy light bites paired with beautiful drinks in an oasis of informal charm. Whether savoring a cocktail or selecting from a sustainable menu, every detail ensures a memorable experience.
    Reservation
    Recommended.
    Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
  • Lafayettes

    Irish
    Ambiance
    A family-friendly setting that exudes traditional warmth, making it perfect for gatherings or romantic meals.
    Key Offerings
    Indulge in the iconic Grace Kelly Afternoon Tea, complemented by a selection of premium teas, coffees, scones, and pastries crafted by a passionate pastry team.
    Reservation
    Recommended.
    Open for breakfast and lunch.

Imperial Hotel Cork City Location

76 South Mall, Cork, 00000
Explore Cork
Explore Cork City
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral
2 minutes' walk
A stunning example of Gothic architecture with intricate stained glass, free admission on certain days, and guided tours available.
Crawford Art Gallery
Crawford Art Gallery
7 minutes' walk
A renowned art museum showcasing Irish and European art, offering free entry and rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
Cork City Gaol
Cork City Gaol
5 minutes' drive
A historical prison turned museum featuring immersive exhibitions about Cork's social history and guided tours for visitors.
Cork Butter Museum
Cork Butter Museum
13 minutes' walk
An engaging museum dedicated to the history of butter-making in Ireland, with interactive displays and butter-tasting events.
Biking along the River Lee
10 minutes' walk
Scenic bike rentals available nearby provide a thrilling way to explore the river trails and enjoy the city's natural beauty.
Spa Treatments
15 minutes' walk
Nearby wellness centers offer relaxing spa services, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration or meetings.
The Oliver Plunkett
3 minutes' walk
A lively pub atmosphere serving hearty Irish dishes with live music; reservations recommended on weekends.
Orso
2 minutes' walk
A cozy spot with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, famous for its artisanal sandwiches and coffee.
Arthur Mayne's Wine Bar
1 minute' walk
A charming wine bar known for its extensive wine list and inviting small plates, perfect for a casual evening out.
Cork Opera House
Cork Opera House
8 minutes' walk
A vibrant venue hosting a variety of performances from opera to musicals; check for schedules of upcoming shows.
St. Patrick's Street
4 minutes' walk
The main shopping thoroughfare filled with boutiques, cafes, and lively street performances, ideal for all-ages entertainment.
Tips on navigating the city
  • City Centre
    Cork 3 min  ·  700 ft
  • Airports
    Cork (ORK) 12 min  ·  4.8 mi
    Kerry (KIR) 158 min  ·  65.4 mi
  • Train
    Kent Railway Station 14 min  ·  3700 ft
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible at a location nearby at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of EUR 20 per person per day.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Russian, Croatian, Ukrainian
Year renovated:
2011
Number of floors:
4
Number of rooms:
117

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the Imperial Hotel's spacious and comfortable rooms, with some noting the pleasant touch of an espresso machine. Its central location, just a block from the main street, makes it ideal for exploring Cork. The breakfast receives high marks for its quality, and the hotel boasts a spa with a pool and saunas for relaxation. While most find the experience worthwhile, a few guests have mentioned occasional issues with dust in the rooms.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 1912 verified reviews
8.1 /10
Great
79 %
Recommend
Location
9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.7/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Nice room
Good breakfast
Helpful staff
Cons
Musty smell
Guest reviews
based on 1912 reviews
8.1/10
based on 4037 reviews
8.4/10
Justin from Ireland
Single
Deluxe King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 29, 2026
9.5/10

amazing location, superb service!

great location natural light comfortable bed
the breakfast had amazing quality. the location is great, just one block from the main street. the expresso machine in the room was a pleasant touch. i also liked the spacious room with lots of natural light. the comfy, big bed guaranteed a good night's sleep.
Location
10/10
the hotel is near the city centre, and is close to shopping streets, the english market, and many attractions. everything is within walking distance. i really enjoyed being close to the action and all the pubs.
Service
9/10
the staff was helpful and friendly. all members of the staff were eager to help me with every need . they were so attentive and helpful, i was impressed. their seamless service.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
John from United Kingdom
Family with children
Classic Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 21, 2026
9/10
local shops comfortable bed clean bathroom
the location allowed easy access to local shops the room included a comfortable bed and clean bathroom the staff offered assistance with directions to nearby attractions
the elevator made a slight noise at night
0 Helpful
Amelia from United Kingdom
Couple
Deluxe King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 20, 2025
9.0/10

Central Location and Helpful Staff

birthday surprise central location spacious room
The staff assisted with a birthday surprise. The hotel is centrally located. The rooms are clean and spacious. The hotel displays its history well. The location is ideal for exploring nearby restaurants.
I found it difficult to locate parking. It was not clearly marked. The room floors felt uneven. This was challenging when moving around.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast service included good food and a pleasant atmosphere. Personalized water bottles added a special detail. Prosecco and macarons were provided to celebrate our honeymoon.
Service
9/10
The front desk staff were friendly. They stored luggage for a few hours until the room was prepared. All staff were really good, including the manager, reception, cleaning, and breakfast staff.
Location
10/10
The hotel is very central. It provides superb access to walks along the river and nearby restaurants. It is also close to the university.
Rooms
9/10
The rooms were very clean. The hotel provided personalized water bottles and pens. Rooms were also spacious.
Facilities
8/10
The hotel includes a coffee shop, a restaurant, and a bar. There is also a beautiful foyer. These features create a cute and convenient experience .
0 Helpful
|
Show more
John from United Kingdom
Classic Double Room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: September 13, 2025
7/10
helpful staff superb location faulty keycard multiple trips
the location worked out well for exploring nearby restaurants i liked that the front desk staff stored my luggage until my room was ready. the breakfast team was friendly and helpful the hotel also had a superb location for walks along the river.
my key cards stopped working before checkout i could not get back into my room. i had to go to reception three times for a new keycard this was a problem.
0 Helpful
John from United Kingdom
Single
Classic Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: August 28, 2025
6/10
dirty carpet stained bath
the reception desk staff were helpful and that was acceptable
the room was small and the carpet was dirty i reported it but nothing was done the shower was dirty and the bath mat was all stained
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Imperial Hotel Cork City
What are the check-in and check-out times at Imperial Hotel Cork City?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
How far is Imperial Hotel Cork City from Cork Airport?
The hotel is 8 km from Cork Airport, which is approximately a 10-minute drive.
What transportation options are available from Kent Station to Imperial Hotel Cork City?
Kent Station is a 15-minute walk, a 10-minute cycle, or a 5-minute drive from the hotel.
Is parking available at Imperial Hotel Cork City?
Private parking is available at the nearby Union Quay car park for €15.00 per day.
What room amenities are provided in accommodations at Imperial Hotel Cork City?
Rooms offer free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, coffee makers, and complimentary toiletries.
What dining options are available at Imperial Hotel Cork City?
On-site dining includes Sketch restaurant and Lafayette's bar, with a menu featuring Irish cuisine and cocktails.
What wellness facilities does Imperial Hotel Cork City offer?
Guests can enjoy the Escape Spa, which offers treatments, a hydrotherapy pool, and a steam room.
What are the nearby attractions to Imperial Hotel Cork City?
Nearby attractions include Cork Opera House, Nano Nagle Place, and St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, all within a 10-minute walk.
Is breakfast available at Imperial Hotel Cork City?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of €20.
What are the language capabilities of the staff at Imperial Hotel Cork City?
The staff at the hotel speaks English and provides assistance to guests in a variety of other languages.

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