Hotel review: This global hotel chain brings homely apartment living to the heart of Cork

The Residence Inn, which just opened this September, sits interlocked with its sister property Moxy Cork on Pine St, just off Camden Quay on the north banks of the Lee.

That means you’re just 200m from the bustling restaurants of MacCurtain St and Cork’s trendy VQ area or just 50m across the river to Cork Opera House for those considering to steal away for a show.

9/10

Style and design

Entering the Residence Inn lobby, the hotel has a moody, ambient feel, with fresh-out-the box furnishings and good looking design.

Reception is flanked by the hotel’s bar, breakfast station and dining area, offset with several inviting seating nooks with mid-century style armchairs and an eclectic mix of cosy cushions.

There’s a nice homage to Irish design from a selection of smart coffee table books to even a bowl of yarn. It’s an attractive, urban space, though notably very underpopulated for a Friday evening. I’m told that many of the hotel’s guests frequent the buzzier Moxy bar next door, however for those seeking a calm backdrop for a stay, this works well.

8.5/10

Service

Some of the staff I meet at reception cross-pollinate to the bar and dining area during my stay and they are friendly, helpful, and attentive.

There are few opportunities for staff encounters elsewhere. Some guests may appreciate that the hotel also offers a grocery delivery service while there is also a handy laundrette on site; you simply need to buy detergent pods at reception.

8.5/10

Guest rooms

Residence Inn has 53 all-suite rooms which are aimed at offering extended stay appeal to business travellers or indeed some home-away-from-home appeal for leisure visitors.

I was staying in one of their one-bedroom suites (versus studio suites), which are essentially mini apartments and offer a light, colour-popped living space with sofa, smart TV, a breakfast seating area, and kitchenette. Some rooms offer very fine views over the Lee.

The bedroom area is pretty soothing and pared back, though some touches like the burnt orange colour scheme reminds me a little too much of the Moxy next door rather than a standalone brand. The walk-in shower room is generous and features refillable international products.

The kitchenette features an oven with twin hob, toaster and slimline dishwasher. It’s spick and span and features everything from a garlic crusher to a spaghetti pot though one cupboard is so tightly stocked, it’s cumbersome to manoeuvre. That’s a reasonable complaint and all in all they make a fine option for those looking for a more homely base in the city.

9/10

In-room perks

Does a fresh bottle of Fairy washing-up liquid count as a perk? Residence Inn rooms are stocked with enough cleaning essentials to keep dishes sparkly while the room also features a Nespresso machine with a supply of capsules along with Barry’s breakfast and herbal teas.

7/10

On the menu

The Residence Inn is not dining focused and simply offers its guests the convenience of a limited bar menu with one pasta, burger and salad option. There’s also “The Market”; essentially a fridge of snacks, sandwiches and rather generic ready meals which is available 24 hours.

Breakfast is a self-service affair and features a selection of breads, pastries, cheeses, decent quality cold cuts, fresh fruit and West Cork yoghurts. It’s billed as complementary and should be more than enough if constrained by time or budget.

7.5/10

Activities and amenities

The hotel doesn’t feature much in terms of amenities but guests can work up a sweat in the hotel’s brand new gym which is shared with the Moxy next door. It’s a fresh, well kitted space where you can spar with a Barbie pink punching bag under Cork-inspired inspirational quotes.

7.5/10

• Residence Inn by Marriott
• Cork City
• marriott.com
• The Hotel Examiner was guest of Residence Inn by Marriott