Imperial Hotel with Escape Salon & Spa

South Mall
Cork City
Imperial Hotel with Escape Salon & Spa
Imperial Hotel Cork enquiries

• Perfect city-centre location for business and shopping
• Escape Spa is first class
• Elegantly historic and contemporary chic

This traditional favourite among local Cork residents dates back to 1813 and has seen many historical guests through its doors. However the recent years have seen many improvements including the upgrading of it’s bedrooms, redesigning the restaurants, and most exciting of all, introducing Ireland’s first Aveda Concept Spa, “Escape” – a sanctuary of pure indulgence. They have also added a state of the art business centre, a new contemporary restaurant and delicatessen, refurbished the popular South’s Bar and added Lafayette’s, a French style brassiere. All this and more impressed me as I visited once more this landmark hotel in the bustling city of Cork.

ACCOMMODATION AT IMPERIAL HOTEL

Known to many as a national treasure, there is no doubt that this hotel is well loved by locals. When I arrived recently there was a real buzz about the place, with all ages and groups enjoying the hotel’s facilities. On this occasion, I was fortunate to stay in the Penthouse, which includes two exclusive room with a balcony and city views. The space and luxury was delightful. The bed was exceptionally comfortable and huge, there was a large desk area, widescreen television, plenty of individual lighting, and a wonderful bathroom. Complete with Jacuzzi bath and individual shower with great pressure, I also appreciated the stylish Italian designed wash-hand basin. It was exclusive, private and very quiet and calm – perfect for a visit to the city where you want to stay cool!

DINING AT THE IMPERIAL HOTEL

The Pembroke Restaurant is situated on the ground floor and both breakfast and dinner are served there. There are both an A La Carte and a set menu options and a concise wine-list.

There is an open kitchen at one end of the room, and with a window-side table, I was able to watch both the action in the kitchen and out on the street! I also noted the dining options which offered a starter and main course, a main course and dessert or a main course and wine at very good prices. The restaurant was busy with both hotel guests and non-residents.

ESCAPE SPA AT THE IMPERIAL

Escape Spa is a real gem. It can be accessed from your bedroom without going through the reception area or out on to the street. As soon as I entered the spa the wonderful aroma of essential oils greeted me and I knew with the range of Aveda products that I was going to enjoy a great treatment. I first spent time in the Vitality Site, which I was fortunate to have to myself on this occasion. After a spell in the Relaxation Area, I was taken off for my Aveda Focus Facial. This suits all skin types and oils to match your mood on the day are selected. I was told this was especially suitable for people who are new to Aveda facials, as they are suitable for very sensitive skin.

After that lovely treatment which almost had me asleep, I was off to the dry-floatation bed, which really did send me off to dream-land! Half an hour on this bed delivers all the benefits of several hours sleep, and is probably the most deeply relaxing spa session that you could have. For a day spa in the middle of a busy city, Escape is a wonderful facility and a great compliment to the Imperial Hotel.

Going shopping or sightseeing around the city is easy when staying at The Imperial as I found the location to be safe and bright, so even if you are out late at night, there are no dark streets on the way home! I liked the way they have also ensured that Internet access is in every room, traipsing off to find the business centre in hotels can be tedious, especially if you need to check emails in the middle of the night! If only all hotels would realise that we just want to sit in the fluffy robe and work away at our own time in the privacy of our own room.
The Imperial Hotel also offers secure parking nearby, which is so much easier than valet parking and you can have access to your car at all time (to put away all that shopping!).
It is a fine hotel, a great address, for a visit to the city you won’t find a better. Get the best rates on www.flynnhotels.com