The Montenotte Hotel

The Montenotte Hotel, Cork: A Michelin Key Selected Urban Retreat with Panoramic Charm

The Montenotte Hotel in Cork, Ireland, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise from guests, offering a blend of Victorian elegance and modern luxury atop a hill with stunning city views. With excellent overall ratings, it stands out as a top choice for those seeking a sophisticated and amenity-rich stay.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Montenotte Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their experiences as "outstanding," "amazing," and "luxury at its best." It boasts an impressive 9.0 "Wonderful" rating based on over 2,400 reviews on Booking.com and an 8.8 "Excellent" rating from more than 1,000 reviews on Hotels.com. The hotel is celebrated for its chic ambiance, exceptional service, and a wide array of facilities.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about the fantastic panoramic city views, particularly from the Panorama Bistro & Terrace. The hotel's exceptional staff is another recurring highlight, noted for their attentiveness and willingness to go "above and beyond." The Montenotte offers a superb range of amenities, including the award-winning Bellevue Spa, a 20-yard indoor swimming pool, a health club, and a unique in-house cinema called Cameo Cinema, where films are shown nightly. The stylish design, mixing old-world glamour with contemporary flair, and the vibrant Glasshouse cocktail bar set within the landscaped gardens, also receive high commendation.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at The Montenotte are described as spacious, modern, beautifully appointed, comfortable, and clean, balancing contemporary elegance with an intimate atmosphere. They feature private bathrooms with baths and showers, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, irons, and tea/coffee making facilities. The design incorporates jewel-toned walls, local art, floral patterns, and retro furniture. Luxury Signature Rooms offer king-size beds, chic seating areas, and spacious marble bathrooms with walk-in showers and Rituals amenities. Apartments with living rooms and kitchens are also available for longer stays. However, a notable point for some guests is the absence of air-conditioning in certain rooms.

4. Dining Experience

The Panorama Bistro & Terrace provides a stylish and vibrant dining experience with enchanting views over Cork and the River Lee. It offers a full à la carte menu featuring contemporary international cuisine, and guests can enjoy afternoon tea while taking in the scenery. The Glasshouse, a high-end cocktail bar nestled in the gardens, is celebrated for its architectural design, distinct interiors, and panoramic city views, serving enticing cocktail menus. Breakfast is generally considered "lovely" and "delicious" by guests, though some found it to be on the expensive side.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Montenotte Hotel consistently receives rave reviews, with staff frequently described as "exceptional," "wonderful," "attentive," "accommodating," "friendly," and "helpful." Many guests highlight instances where staff members went "above and beyond" to make their stay special, particularly for occasions like anniversaries. The staff's dedication to hospitality is reflected in their high rating of 9.4 on Booking.com.

6. Location & Accessibility

Perched on a hill in a tranquil residential area, The Montenotte Hotel offers magnificent views of Cork city. It is conveniently located approximately one mile (1.8 km) from Cork city center, which is about a 15-20 minute walk or a 7-10 minute drive. This uphill walk back from the city center can be a point of consideration for some guests. The hotel provides complimentary on-site parking for all guests. Cork Kent train station is a 12-minute walk away, and Cork Airport is within a 5-mile radius.

7. Value & Pricing

The Montenotte Hotel is considered a luxury property, and its pricing reflects the high quality of its amenities and services. A typical 1-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $180 to $202 USD or €210, with prices varying based on dates and specific room types. Despite the premium pricing, guests generally perceive the hotel as offering good "value for money," evidenced by an 8.3 rating in this category on Booking.com.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• The cost of breakfast was noted as expensive by some guests.
• The uphill walk back from Cork city center was occasionally mentioned as challenging, with some suggesting a hotel shuttle service would be beneficial.
• A notable point is the lack of air-conditioning in certain rooms.
• During peak times, there have been occasional reports of the breakfast service being very busy, leading to longer waits.
• Some guests have also noted that parking can sometimes be limited.

Sources

1. h-rez.com
2. irishexaminer.com
3. expedia.com
4. supermacs.ie
5. booking.com
6. hotelscombined.ie
7. esbnetworks.ie
8. kayak.com