The Montenotte Hotel

Wow absolutely LOVED this hotel. Felt like 5 star service from the moment we arrived. Amazing food, the cinema is such a novelty too. Great views from the main dining room, we loved it and will 100% be back.

From the moment we arrived, our stay at The Montenotte Hotel felt special. Though the entrance from the road is on a sharp turn and a little awkward to navigate, the warm welcome from the staff immediately set a positive tone. Martha at reception was very helpful, offering thoughtful local recommendations and a great overview of the hotel’s amenities, including the in-house cinema — something we’re already looking forward to returning to try. Our room had clearly been prepared with care to mark our anniversary, complete with rose petals on the bed and a lovely couples dessert to greet us. The furniture was functional and well-kept, though a little dated in style, a theme noticeable across parts of the hotel. Still, it didn’t detract from the overall comfort or atmosphere. The shower, set over a bath, was slightly awkward to use because of the space, but manageable. Around the hotel grounds, the panoramic views over Cork city are stunning. The sunken gardens were beautiful for a short stroll — I can imagine they are even more impressive in full bloom. The quirky artwork and statues dotted around the grounds added a fun and interesting touch. Accessibility seemed well considered throughout the hotel, with lifts to different floors and ramps connecting most spaces. However, the designated accessible parking bays at the front felt somewhat tight and perhaps better suited as a drop-off zone. The spa experience was a real highlight. We were greeted by name upon arrival, which created a very welcoming start. Carla provided an excellent Five Element Aroma Massage, both deeply relaxing and effective for the muscle areas I had mentioned beforehand. She also offered great aftercare advice. Despite my initial doubts, the salt room session proved incredibly beneficial — I left after twenty minutes feeling clear-headed and noticeably decongested. Dinner at the restaurant was another standout moment. Luana, our waitress, went out of her way to make our evening special, acknowledging our celebration and chatting warmly throughout the meal. The live piano music and city views created a wonderfully romantic setting. The oysters were among the freshest we’ve had, and the dessert menu offered some pleasantly unexpected and creative options — a nice touch for a hotel restaurant. After dinner, we visited the Glasshouse Bar, a stylish and relaxed space separate from the main restaurant bar. The signature cocktails, many made with locally produced spirits, were both inventive and reasonably priced. Breakfast the next morning continued the high standard, with a good selection of “from the kitchen” dishes — including eggs Benedict, Royale, or Florentine — alongside a well-stocked buffet. Even arriving around 9:45 (with breakfast served until 11), the area never felt particularly crowded. Overall, The Montenotte combines thoughtful service, beautiful views, and a welcoming atmosphere that make it ideal for a romantic or restorative getaway in Cork. While a few design elements show their age, the warmth of the experience more than makes up for it, and we look forward to returning soon.

The first thing my husband noticed was that there was no air conditioning. (I had overlooked that in reading reviews before I booked it.) But we didn't need it and it made no difference to our stay at all. The staff was very friendly. …