Metropole Hotel Cork Review

Metropole Hotel Cork Review – Classic Elegance in the Heart of Cork

For more on the Metropole Hotel and its offerings, check out my highlights on Instagram.

Disclaimer: This was a press stay. I did not have to pay for accommodation or food. However, this account of my experience is honest, and my opinions are my own.

Looking for a blend of historic charm and modern comfort in the bustling city of Cork? The 4-star Metropole Hotel is the perfect place for you. Situated in the heart of Cork, this hotel offers a unique combination of classic elegance, top-notch amenities, and a vibrant local atmosphere.

Metropole Hotel Location

The Metropole Hotel is located on MacCurtain Street in the Victorian Quarter of Cork City. Just a short walk from the city’s main attractions, including the English Market, Cork Opera House, and the Shandon Bells, the hotel’s location is ideal for exploring Cork City on foot. Not only that, but MacCurtain Street is chockablock with restaurants covering a wide range of cuisines, including traditional Irish, American, modern European, Japanese, French, and Indian. You’ll also find cafes, bistros, takeaways, wine bars and pubs all on this short street. And yet, despite being in the city centre, the Metropole retains a sense of calm and seclusion, making it a perfect base for all sorts of travellers.

Metropole Hotel Atmosphere

From the moment you step through the grand entrance of the Metropole Hotel, you are transported back in time. The hotel, which has been a Cork landmark since 1897, exudes old-world charm with its period features and sophisticated decor. The lobby is welcoming, with a beautiful blend of antique furnishings and modern touches. The friendly staff at the reception desk greet you with genuine warmth, ensuring you feel right at home from the start.

Metropole Hotel Reception and Public Areas

The public areas of the Metropole Hotel are beautifully appointed, reflecting the hotel’s rich history while incorporating modern comforts. The lounge areas are cosy and inviting, perfect for relaxing with a book or enjoying a quiet conversation. With its elegant decor, the Tea Room offers a refined setting for afternoon tea. Meanwhile, the stylish MET Bar & Restaurant, with its contemporary design and buzzing atmosphere, is a lively spot for a meal or a drink.

Metropole Hotel Rooms

I have stayed in the Metropole Hotel twice. The first time I stayed with my mam, we were in one of the twin rooms overlooking the river. The second time I stayed there, I was alone and had one of the double rooms overlooking MacCurtain Street. The rooms are a nice mix of comfort and function. However, I did find the rooms a little bland when it came to style. Considering the Met Bar’s glamour and the public areas’ historic feel, it was surprising. It was just a bit of a mismatch. However, the suites and the newly refurbished rooms look beautiful, so if the decor of the room is important to you, just ask for one of the refurbished rooms when you book. Apart from that, the room was spacious, with a super comfy bed in soft, luxurious linens and plush pillows, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The decor combined classic elements with modern amenities, and large windows allowed plenty of natural light to fill the room, offering views of the city or the river.

The room was well-equipped with a TV, good Wi-Fi, a tea and coffee station, an iron, an ironing board, and a safe. The bathroom was modern and clean, with a powerful shower, fluffy towels, and a range of high-quality toiletries. Small touches, like the availability of robes and slippers and a welcome platter of chocolates and water, added to the feeling of luxury.

Dining at the Metropole Hotel

The MET Bar & Restaurant celebrates local flavours with a modern twist. The menu features a range of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring fresh flavours that are reminiscent of the place. I call this place on-a-plate dining. On the back of the menu, there is a county map highlighting the food’s provenance.

Another great feature on the menu is the dishes created to contribute to the hotel’s zero food waste targets. On this occasion, it was the Macroom Buffalo Mozzarella dish with heirloom tomatoes in a basil pickle, fennel, strawberries, sourdough garlic croutons, and a cannellini bean and lemon dip. What a dish! It was a taste of summer dancing on my tongue. I followed this with another delightful dish of fried halloumi, carrot and orange salad with shaved fennel, micro coriander, and mustard and orange dressing. One of the tastiest salads I have had in a long time.

Desserts at the MET Bar

If you’ve been following me for a long time, you know that I have an insatiable sweet tooth, and the desserts here are terrific. This time, I went for the raspberry and plum clafoutis with candied walnuts, salted caramel ice cream, and marinated raspberries. It was such a warm, comforting, soft summer pudding with great textures and contrasting temperatures. It was the perfect end to a fresh, flavourful meal.

The MET also offers an extensive cocktail menu and a selection of fine wines and local craft beers, making it a great spot for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap. I also appreciated the great selection of teas that came in a large pot.

Afternoon Tea at the Metropole Hotel

The afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel is a delightful experience that perfectly captures the essence of elegance and indulgence. Served in the beautifully appointed botanic-themed Tea Room, this traditional service features a selection of finely crafted sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delicate pastries and cakes. Each bite showcases the skill and creativity of the hotel’s pastry chefs, using the finest local ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.

Accompanied by a choice of premium teas or a glass of something sparkling, the afternoon tea at the Metropole offers a serene and sophisticated respite from the hustle and bustle of Cork City. The theme of the afternoon tea changes regularly to ensure you get to sample the season’s delicacies. For example, the summer menu features local strawberries, a chocolate afternoon tea, and a festive version for Christmas.

Breakfast at the Metropole Hotel

Breakfast at the Metropole Hotel is a sumptuous affair that, once again, celebrates the best of local produce and culinary tradition. Served in the light, bright surroundings of the Riverview Restaurant, the breakfast menu offers a wide array of options to suit all tastes. From a classic full Irish breakfast featuring locally sourced sausages, bacon, and eggs to lighter choices like fresh fruit, yoghurt, and granola, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

The standout dish for me is the smashed avocado (not very Irish, I know!) and the sourdough toast topped with spinach and mushrooms sautéed in mild garlic-infused oil, served with slow-roasted cherry tomatoes, and drizzled in salsa verde. My mam isn’t big on breakfast, but the servers had no issue with her ordering off the menu. Oh, and the big mugs of espresso-based coffees are an absolute dream! I enjoyed the creamiest, strong cappuccino while watching the city come to life from the big windows.

The Gym at the Metropole Hotel

The Metropole has a well-equipped fitness centre with lots of cardio and strength-training equipment, providing everything you need for a good workout. However, the gym does feel a little tired, or maybe I was just feeling tired as I often do when I walk into a gym!

Cons of Staying at the Metropole Hotel

While the Metropole Hotel offers a wonderful experience, there are a few minor drawbacks. The central location, while convenient, means that some rooms may experience street noise, particularly on weekends. The decor of the bedrooms I stayed in didn’t have the wow factor. However, for me, these minor cons did not detract from my overall wonderful experience at the Metropole Hotel.

Overall Experience at the Metropole Hotel

My stay at the Metropole Hotel was thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable. When I stayed with my mam, the weather was awful! It was torrential rain for the two days, so we didn’t leave the hotel. And, honestly, it was the best thing to happen. We really got a chance to chill out and soak in the very relaxing atmosphere. We also got to chat with other guests. They were a mixture of Irish and international travellers, many of whom had stayed here loads of times before. The combination of historic charm, modern amenities, and warm service made for a memorable visit. This hotel is ideal for travellers seeking a blend of classic elegance and contemporary comfort in a central location. I highly recommend it!

Metropole Hotel Cork Review, the final word

The Metropole Hotel in Cork is a fantastic choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s rich history while enjoying an unbeatable location, comfortable rooms, local food, and great service.