Hotel review: Stylish and comfortable, this riverside Cork hotel is constantly innovating to impress

There are hotels closer to the train station but this modern four-star uses its generous plot to offer spacious rooms with a view, a stylish terrace, and handy parking and bus stops outside.

8.5/10

Style and design

There’s an international vibe to the River Lee’s decor, all towering lobby, sweeping stairs, a feature fireplace and slick sofas. 

Sister property to The Westbury (in Dublin) this sophisticated four-star enjoys Doyle Collection’s signature good looks and attention to detail. 

A handsome bar and coffeeshop bring chatter to the lobby, while the New York style dining spaces are design-forward with teal accents, clubby leather banquettes, a sparkling bar, and feature lighting. 

This is one good looking hotel.

9/10

Service

Check-in is welcoming and efficient. Breakfast is managed by the ebullient Costa who is a real star. 

He works the room effortlessly connecting to each guest — regulars (of which there are many) and newcomers — making all feel welcome and looked after. 

The magic doesn’t carry through to The Grill Room, unfortunately, where dinner is served by a sombre waiter who seems inexperienced and unsure of herself.

7.5/10

Guest rooms

My Deluxe Room is a generous 30 square metres with soothing ecru tones and a floor-to-ceiling window with arresting views of the Mardyke — something this former resident loved. 

Accented by a teal armchair, sleek marble coffee table and a good desk it has a premium look and feel.

Well designed, the king bed is exceptionally comfy with crisp linen and there’s plenty of good lighting. (Entry level rooms are big too.) 

All rooms offer tea and coffee making facilities and bathrooms with separate baths and shower but Deluxe Rooms have extras like a Nespresso machine, bathrobe and slippers, and evening turndown.

Best of all is access to the Executive Lounge, a private library-style space at the end of the corridor with tables, sofas, glossy books to browse and a kitchenette stocked with quality complimentary refreshments and snacks.

9/10

In-room perks

A complimentary gin and tonic awaits upon check-in to a Deluxe Room, ready to assemble with fresh ice, Beara gin, Fever Tree tonics and a selection of garnishes and snacks. 

It’s a thoughtful touch with a hand-written note about the Cork spirit.

The Executive Lounge offers additional snacks for Deluxe Room guests, including SynerChi Kombucha. Nespresso pods, Barry’s Tea, plus a selection of Robt Roberts herbal and green teas and UHT milk pods. 

The bathroom features White Company toiletries including a showercap, shaving kit, and toothbrush.

9/10

On the menu

Breakfast is served in a large bright room with leafy murals and little potted orchids on the tables. 

It is an attractive looking buffet supplemented by cooked to order dishes.

Service flows perfectly and I love receiving a buffet menu to browse while my tea is being served. 

The great spread includes fresh fruit, yoghurts, five kinds of jam, fresh honeycomb, Irish cheeses and meats, pastries, scones, brown bread, banana bread and, thoughtfully, flapjacks. 

Kudos for my delicious shakshuka with poached eggs served in a cast iron pan.

The Grill Room is buzzy for dinner with a crowd-pleasing menu. Dishes are fine — from a tasty tuna tataki to a decent West Cork chicken supreme with smoked kohlrabi. 

Portion sizes vary; the chicken leaves my guest hungry for more while my unremarkable monkfish and prawn Massaman curry would easily serve two.

8/10

Activities and amenities

For a four-star hotel the River Lee delivers lots of great extras, from the 20-metre pool and busy NRG Fitness gym to a business lounge, dining options and riverside terrace that is frequently themed to reflect the season.

8.5/10

• The River Lee
• Western Road, Cork City
• doylecollection.com/hotels/the-river-lee-hotel
• The Hotel Examiner was a guest of The River Lee