The 'Grande Dame' of Cork, this thriving hotel in the city's main commercial and banking centre dates back to 1813 and has a colourful history. Famous guests include Princess Grace and Maureen O’Hara, while Michael Collins spent his last night here, no less, and that suite now bears his name.
However, it's also this Cork hotels exceptional location - near the river and just a couple of minutes walk from the Patrick Street shopping area - that has made it so popular for business and pleasure.
It has been owned by the Flynn family (of the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, Co Clare) since 1998, and they have recently completed a major renovation and refurbishment of the hotel, which has brought new life to its fine old public areas and transformed others.
Good food has long been a point of pride at the Imperial and always based on local produce, including the best suppliers in County Cork and The English Market, including Ballycotton Seafood, Tom Durcan and Fingal Ferguson’s Gubbeen Smokehouse, which give it a real sense of place.
For daytime fare, the beautiful Lafayette's Brasserie is a much-loved meeting place for breakfast, lunch, and the hotel's' famous Afternoon Tea. Sketch Restaurant offers food, cocktails and wine from morning until evening while No 76 offers bar food and snacks to accompany wines, craft beers and cocktails As well as upgrading existing bedrooms, new superior rooms have been added - along with a hghly desirable desirable 2-bedroom penthouse suite, with wraparound balcony and views over the city.
Recently also, the Escape Spa became the first of its kind in Ireland, offering a wide range of treatments using products from leading brands Voya and Aveda.
Attractive weekend and off-season rates are offered - another reason why this is the Cork hotel of choice for many regular guests.
