Hotel review: This landmark Cork hotel has had a serious revamp, but was it worth the wait? 

The Metropole’s fresh new look sees this Grande Dame marry modern luxury with tradition in Cork’s buzzing Victorian Quarter.

The exterior of Cork's Metropole Hotel

The Metropole Hotel

Our rating: 8/10 

Location

Commanding a prime spot in Cork’s oh-so-trendy Victorian Quarter, The Metropole is pretty perfectly placed for city explorers and culture seekers. 

It’s a short stroll from the English Market, the Everyman Theatre, Shandon Bells, the Opera House, and the main thoroughfare of Patrick Street. 

Dining and drinking options within throwing distance abound, with Isaacs, Da Mirco, Greenes, The Shelbourne, Son of a Bun, The Glass Curtain, Cask, and Thompsons all just steps away, and that’s before you even cross the river into the city centre. 

It’s a 20-minute drive from Cork Airport (traffic allowing) and easily reached by train, bus or foot, making it a well-located choice for business and leisure travellers.

• 9/10

The new reception area at the Metropole

Style & design

The recent renovation transforms the ground floor into a stylish, timeless space full of rich textures, bold brass accents, and elegant nods to the hotel’s 127-year heritage. 

The new-look lobby delivers an immediate wow moment—think soft lighting, marble and parquet floors, plush seating, and generous use of mirrors and greenery.

An oft-used baby grand piano, a bucket of Moët, and cheeky parrots perched on leafy swings add a playful edge. 

The Merchant restaurant now flows seamlessly from the lobby, its palette calming and serene. Both grand ballrooms have been lovingly restored, preserving their Art Deco charm while upgrading facilities for modern events. 

The reception area has been pushed back and its ceiling raised, creating a more spacious check-in experience.

• 9/10

Service

Service is a standout. It’s polished, warm, and attentively intuitive throughout. 

Check-in is smooth and welcoming, and the team strikes just the right note of old-school hospitality. 

Staff at dinner and breakfast are excellent. 

A nice touch: one server’s badge reads “Amy. I’m in training,” adding a personal, human note.

• 9/10

The Jack Lynch suite at the Metropole

Guest rooms

I stay in the Jack Lynch Suite, named for one of Cork’s most revered figures. 

It’s a large, elegant space with a bay window overlooking the lively MacCurtain Street. 

Deep armchairs, golden steampunk-style radiators, a stunning armoire, immaculate bedding and lush textiles give it an executive feel, while blackout curtains and a supremely comfortable sleigh bed ensure a good night’s sleep. 

The bathroom is roomy and classic, with soft generous towels, a powerful shower, and Paul Costelloe toiletries.

• 9/10

In-room perks

There’s a clear sense of curated comfort here. 

Barry’s Tea, a Nespresso machine, bottled water in recycled containers, and a multi-functional alarm clock/charger feel like considered touches. 

Fluffy robes and slippers add to the luxury. 

A handwritten welcome note on new stationery — featuring a sketch of the building sourced from a historic guest receipt — is a nice nod to the past.

• 7/10

On the menu

Dinner in The Merchant doesn’t disappoint. 

Standout starters include caramelised scallops with pea purée, roasted cauliflower, apple, and grapefruit gremolata. 

A medium-well Hereford sirloin steak follows — flavourful and rich — served with roast potatoes, grilled mushrooms, summer greens, crunchy onion rings, and a punchy blue cheese sauce. 

For dessert, the Beamish chocolate cake is a clever local twist — deep, malty, and not overly sweet — paired with candied hazelnuts and vanilla ice cream. 

Cocktails are a highlight, mine’s a classic Cosmo. Some dishes are marked as part of their zero food waste initiative, a commendable touch.

The Merchant Breakfast Experience maintains the high standard. Served in the new bright space overlooking the River Lee, it features a generous buffet. 

Cooked-to-order options impress—especially the standout shakshuka, slow-cooked peppers in fragrant tomato and North African spices, with two perfectly-poached eggs and toasted sourdough.

• 9/10

Activities & amenities

There may be no pool or spa, but The Metropole compensates with atmosphere and legacy. 

At the heart of the annual Cork Jazz Festival, its ballrooms host standout gigs and its bars thrum with energy. 

The revamped lobby functions as a stylish social hub for locals and guests alike, while their legendary Cork Jazz Festival brunches and events, wine tastings, afternoon tea and seasonal packages keep things lively year-round.

• 7/10

Checking in

The bill? Overnight Sip, Stay & Savour package for two includes an overnight stay with breakfast, a charcuterie board of local cheeses and meats, and a bottle of wine for €199.

Room to improve? A spa or pool would elevate the offering further—but that’s splitting hairs for a traditional hotel in an urban space.

Access for guests with disabilities? Public areas are fully accessible following the renovation, including a new ramp at the entrance. Bedrooms, however, are not fully accessible.

Family-friendly? Not really. Rooms are best suited to couples and group getaways.

Dogs welcome? Assistance dogs only.

EV chargers? None currently available.

• The Metropole Hotel
• MacCurtain Street, Cork City
• themetropolehotel.ie
• The Hotel Examiner was a guest of The Metropole Hotel.