Review of the week: Escape to the city haven that is Hayfield Manor

The five-star Hayfield Manor already feels like a timeless centrepiece of Cork hospitality

With its A-plus service, dreamy rooms and a breakfast that truly pushes the buffet boat out, Hayfield Manor’s B&B offerings merits a place on any hotel stay bucket list.

It may have only opened as a hotel in 1996, but Hayfield Manor already feels like a timeless centrepiece of Cork hospitality. The five-star escape in the leafy shadows of University College Cork is the pinnacle destination for high-flying business travellers, for ladies who lunch, Aislings who afternoon tea and it remains the ultimate getaway for a romantic break Leeside.

But what is it like to overnight at Cork’s leading accommodation? I recently checked into the property, fresh from its recent win as Ireland’s Best Guest Experience at the hotel industry’s prestigious Gold Medal Awards.