Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: room (50) hotel (50) staff (29) good (23) breakfast (23) stay (21) great (20) Cork (19) location (19) friendly (15)
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  • 4/5 Mia M. 1 year ago on Google
    Don’t judge the photos —I had a good laugh over the ashtray on the toilet paper dispenser so it has to be documented. Also this chef special porridge is truly exquisite and I had it both mornings and hope to replicate it at home. After 5 days of fried breakfasts this was a godsend. This was a very strange stay, our first room was gorgeous. Perfect for our anniversary and first trip to Cork City. We had a package deal and so we had a welcome plate and a lovely anniversary cocktail based on famous folks who had stayed at the hotel. Only downside was my husband ordered a cocktail and then they were out of the ingredients, but no harm. Then out to the town we went. The next day the guest above us overflowed their tub and water came streaming through the ceiling lights directly into our open suitcase. The staff were great. They moved us into a less grand room a few doors down. Offered cleaning and drying but unfortunately with an early departure the next day dry cleaning wouldn’t work. It was a damper (pun intended) on the stay, but the manager was really great at taking care of us, comping the second night. Ultimately would stay here again next time we are in Cork.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 R H. 2 years ago on Google
    Upon checking in, the receptionist asked for a bank card without specifying why. We assumed this was for credit on the room but asked why just in case. The man informed us he was going to take payment for the room even though we'd already paid. He planned to charge us half of what we'd paid online (so we had been overcharged for the room). I told him we had paid but he said we hadn't so I had to prove payment and he only then managed to find it on the system. There was no apology for this. This was obviously a terrible start. The room was smaller than all of the other rooms on our floor, despite the fact the booking said it was a standard size. There was hair in the shower before we even used it and black grout. The nearest car park closes overnight and there isn't anywhere else local to park. The bar staff were lovely, as was the gentleman working at the door to the bar. Unfortunately, we had booked for two nights but only stayed for one. I wouldn't stay again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Carrie G. 2 years ago on Google
    This hotel is definitely getting run down and needs a makeover. It’s not just the infrastructure of the place but the small touches also do not scream luxury. Cheap, tiny stained towels for the bathroom. Cheap toilet paper. Lack of toiletries (you get a shampoo and body wash and that’s it). The bed felt hard and the sheets were scratchy. The tub is stained and it takes a lot of cranking of old knobs to turn the water on in the shower, tub and sink. The staff were nice but there’s still weird Covid rules that don’t make sense, like you can’t just decide to pop down to breakfast, you have to reserve it and a time slot the night before and it’s not included in the rate. Their pool is closed. The lobby is shabby. I just don’t understand the 4 star rating.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brendan D. 1 year ago on Google
    First time to stay here in over 30 years. Still maintains an old world feel, which I liked. A hotel with character. Warm welcome by all staff. Porterage help with luggage. Nice spacious comfortable rooms with very good water pressure in the shower. Best breakfasts ever. Will definitely be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Jeff T. 1 year ago on Google
    Well, where to start. Our room was absolutely NOTHING like what the advertised photos showed. The bathroom was disgusting with many loose floor tiles caused by water leaks from the shower, the water never got hot, the toilet never fully flushed with a second plush required. The old grey carpet was well stained, the handle on the bedside cabinet was nearly falling off, the room was well dated. We stuck it out until day 3 of our booked 4 days (silly us) and then decided to quietly speak to reception. We agreed that a complementary breakfast on our last day plus a discount on our room would tidy things up as opposed to changing rooms...sounded pretty fair, however our breakfast arrived to our room thirty minutes late and near cold. The maintenance man visited the room and said the room would be put out of commission until the bathroom was fixed. Upon booking out there wasn't any record of this discussion about a room rate reduction. The receptionist asked for our email address with the assurance that the Duty Manager would contact us...still waiting. All in all, very poor value and most importantly we didn't get the lovely room promised in the upmarket photos...we were really in a B Grade motel room when we excitingly thought we had booked something special. Way too expensive for what we actually received. In closing, the location is great and the staff absolutely delightful, however I couldn't recommend the business.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 LG 8 months ago on Google
    Located in the heart of Cork City Centre the historic Metropole hotel is a great site. With friendly professional staff and managers. The interior is of a fine grandeur the architecture is fascinating. With leisure clubs ballrooms cafes and a bar. The history is very interesting with many famous persons staying there over the years. You are definitely getting a 5 star treatment at the Metropole hotel. There is something for everyone for every occasion. Thanks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tony H. 7 months ago on Google
    Yo ant get much more Central. The Staff were really lovely and couldn't do enough for you Maria on reception went above and beyond to sort a booking problem of my own making. The breakfast was delicious - full irish and the same again if you had room for it. Cereals,Juices, Fruit - all you could need and plenty of tea and coffee.

  • 5/5 Clive T. 11 months ago on Google
    We stayed here for one night as we were touring around Ireland. The location is excellent to venture around the city, parking is nearby(100m) down the road. Very plush and our room was excellent and quite big. Breakfast was excellent with a wide range of options to suit everyone.

  • 5/5 Alessia K. 10 months ago on Google
    Metropole always holds the face of good old Irish hotels, good place for food, or just little sitting area outside for a drink too or meet up with friends. Centrally located just around the corner from the city centre and 5 minutes walking from the train and bus stations make it a good base. I didn't stay there but like meeting with friends there for a meal, it is worth visiting.

  • 5/5 Lori W. 10 months ago on Google
    We love being able to walk to the bus and train station. Location is awesome! Very professional desk staff and breakfast is totally worth it. LOTS of healthy and tasty choices at breakfast. Didn't visit the restaurant . . . bar was okay.

  • 5/5 Eileen K. 10 months ago on Google
    The service in this Hotel was the best I've ever come across. The staff were so helpful. A special mention to the waiter Aaron on the breakfast team and the Manager in the lobby. The food both morning and evening was a joy to behold. Not my first time in this hotel and certainly won't be my last.

  • 3/5 Henrique P. 10 months ago on Google
    I stayed in room 329 and it was very hot and stuffy throughout my stay. To get some fresh air, I had to keep the window open all the time (day and night), which resulted in a lot of noise from the machines coming in. Additionally, a lot of light entered the room through the window because the curtains didn't fully cover it. Unfortunately, due to all of this, I couldn't sleep and rest properly. I found the price for the room I was given to be quite expensive. Congratulations on the breakfast, though. It was very good and exceeded my expectations, including gluten-free options.

  • 4/5 Nathan U. 8 months ago on Google
    Service and food was very good, very convenient location to many things around Cork. Parking is close but is an extra 10 euro, breakfast is extra but was high quality with both hot and continental. As with most hotels in Ireland, no AC so if you're traveling in the summer will be warmer. Room was nice and spacious.

  • 3/5 Ian D. 8 months ago on Google
    Stayed in July on a couples trip to Cork Room was comfortable and amenities were good had shampoo and shower gel. Bed comfortable. Unfortunately the room did get quite warm, and we were facing the road, which was quite noisy - Spa shop getting their early delivery, local bars having their emptied emptied meant a wake up call we didn’t ask for. I’m not sure if this is something that the hotel can fix given the age, but looking at the reviews previously it’s something been mentioned before. Location - can’t be fault. Easily walkable to bus stations, train station, centre of town Facilities - it has a gym - does need some maintenance as some of the machines were in need of repair. The pool hasn’t been in use for some time Bar was good, friendly staff and restaurant good service and tasty food if on the costly side

  • 3/5 Scott W. 7 months ago on Google
    It is a stylish place, but not comfortable. Impossible parking far away. No place to drop off or pick up, so you cart your luggage through several blocks of construction, ramps, cables, narrow. We did it, but it is a big ask. No AC, so open your window... except the noisy pubs are running outside your window all night. Not a good night's sleep. Good location for walking the town, both sides of the river. .

  • 3/5 Rebecca R. 7 months ago on Google
    Hotel itself is really lovely , good bar area and rooms are nice and clean. Staff were nice too! However we didn’t find the beds very comfortable and with road works right outside we didn’t get a very good nights sleep unfortunately.

  • 5/5 Gary S. 7 months ago on Google
    I had a wonderful one night stay here on a work trip. What made my stay so good was the staff. They were the best I have ever experienced at a hotel. I sat in the lobby doing some work on my laptop and watching how they interacted with the guests was a lesson in customer service.

  • 5/5 Emma F. 1 year ago on Google
    An older hotel bit recently refurbished. Was here recently for a conference and the staff could not be friendlier. It’s just a short walk from the train station too- great spot, highly recommend! And they have the best recycling bins!!

  • 5/5 Samantha S. 8 months ago on Google
    Fantastic service. Perfect location. Great rooms. Everything I could want for my little trip to Cork. Easy parking - just check in and ask for directions on where to park (literally right around the corner). 10/10 would stay again.

  • 5/5 Shannon V. 4 months ago on Google
    Stop looking and book here! The location is key and not super close to busy shopping district or loud Plunkett street but close to access. My room was teeny and cozy just as advertised. I did have a safe in my room. They have feather pillows available and my room was so quiet. This was the first hotel where the windows actually open and the view of the area and the river were stunning. Plus I had a real actual shower. Customer service was just lovely and the traditional music is just a block away along with the best Italian restaurant! There is a supermarket across the street for last minute purchases and breakfast items. All in all it was better than any other five star hotel I stayed at this trip. Well done. 💓☘️🙌🏿

  • 4/5 Amber S. 5 months ago on Google
    All about location on this one. Within walking distance to everything! It is considered a luxury hotel, but I would consider it a bit dated. Our room was tiny and basically only enough room for a bed. Would've appreciated a safe in the room for passports. Also due to the construction you need to park in the parking garage on quay street.

  • 3/5 Vanessa R. 5 months ago on Google
    We celebrated at the MET restaurant. Simple , spacious and a soft aesthetic with botanical paintings on the walls. The food service was quick and they also surprised us with a good mocktail, on request, that wasn't on their menu. Thank you for that! The staff were very very hospitable. Food: 2/5. I had taken the salmon for main course. While the fish was great, the accompaniments did not taste as fresh. The flavors got suppressed by the charred parts.

  • 5/5 Vitalij S. 5 months ago on Google
    Great hotel with great people, came here for our anniversary and the service was amazing John and Kev at the bar were brilliant. The lady at the breakfast was also really good and welcoming not sure what her name is but I was told she was the mammy of the hotel. Great room and close to everything around town. Will definately be back here again.

  • 1/5 Tabassum F. 3 months ago on Google New
    My best friend & I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the Metropole - they had a holiday package. With the good comes the bad, I’d like to leave a honest review regarding our experience. We paid roughly $1200 for those two nights which included meals. Initially when we got there , there was no parking since it’s a busy road but for the amount we paid were very surprised there wasn’t a bell boy, the gentleman at the front desk left the desk to come help us with the bags which we appreciated. The parking garage is a few minute from the hotel so it wasn’t bad.. when we went to check out the rooms we waited 6 mins for the elevator is was old and slow- that continued during the entire duration of our trip. When we got to the rooms they had old carpets with stains and a nasty smell to the room. We had hairs on the bed and toilet, and the bedsheets also had some stains and we took pictures of everything. We were INSTANTLY disappointed cause we kept thinking about the cost of the room, we give kudos to the marketing team cause what online showed was nothing like what we saw. I could go and on about so many things that went wrong but I really want to acknowledge Niamh she was AMAZING she was at the bar the first night we were there then lunch and breakfast as well she was truly such a delight and always checked up on my friend and I and we truly felt she gave us such fine hospitality, the food and the food service was a 10/10 we absolutely loved it. We don’t think the front desk was friendly and highly disappointed about our room, we definitely will not be returning there. Purely disgusted by the room from a hotel that claims to be a 4 star, this was the 5th hotel on our vacation and this cannot be a 4 star there is no way.

  • 4/5 Marian E. 6 months ago on Google
    My wife and I stayed in The Metropole for one night. We booked the Jack Lynch suite. It is a beautiful room. Unfortunately, we could not lower the temperature on one of the radiators. It was boiling, BOILING. As a result, we had to leave the windows open as it was a warm night. It is impossible to get sleep in city hotels because of the noise of people talking loudly, shouting and screaming. This is not the fault of The Metropole, but maybe closed windows may have eased the situation. The Metropole is very near The Everyman theatre. My wife and I went to a concert here on Sunday night and it was great to be back in our room after 5 minutes, but.........very little sleep. The staff are friendly and courteous. Breakfast was delicious. A great hotel with great ambience.

  • 5/5 Ciaran M. 6 months ago on Google
    Really nice hotel in centre of Cork. Charming old building with all modern tech you'd expect to find in a high end hotel. Bed was the most comfortable hotel bed I've slept in for some time. Room was spacious with really nice en suite and a fantastic shower. Perfect if you want a cork hotel within walking distance to city centre bars and restaurants.

  • 4/5 Sharon H. 6 months ago on Google
    Metropole is in the center of things in Cork. The room we had was small but they did give me a room with a walk in shower that I had arranged prior. It is an older hotel and you can see that it’s gotten a little ruff around the edges but staff do their best to keep it clean and tidy. We ended up getting a rental car and parking was nearly and they validated for a reduced rate. Breakfast was not included. We stayed for a week. A budget friendly hotel.

  • 3/5 Tommy P. 1 year ago on Google
    Not a "bad" hotel but it sold itself as the premier hotel in Cork. No help with bags, parking is a block away and you do it yourself. Room was tiny and smelled like bleach. I had to carry by bags up little stairs a few times even after using an elevator. Weird building. Nice gym and breakfast buffet though.

  • 5/5 Patricia G. 2 years ago on Google
    This hotel is an oasis when you have a heavy travel schedule. the front desk staff was professional and courteous and do a wonderful job. A must try is the Oatmeal at breakfast. Truly delicious. I hope I am lucky enough to stay here again.

  • 5/5 [email protected] C. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful hotel in a great location. All the staff are fantastic. Lovely atmosphere. Dinner and breakfast was excellent. Will definitely stay at the Metropole for our next visit to Cork city.

  • 5/5 John H. 2 years ago on Google
    This beautiful hotel was welcoming, accommodating and is located in the heart of Cork! The restaurant manager Niall H. was extremely informative and candid. He checked up on our stay often and was a pleasure to chat with about our experiences in Cork. A true class person , who excels in his work.

  • 3/5 conor p. 2 years ago on Google
    Room for two adults and a minor was much too small. Decor in room was non-existent so rooms were dull and plain. Staff throughout hotel were exceptionally friendly and efficient. Great location and €7 24 hour parking was good. Top marks for trying to cater for gluten-free eating for dinner and breakfast, both of which were lovely.

  • 5/5 Bryan O. 2 years ago on Google
    Roger and all the staff was extremely accommodating and friendly. The room was spacious, clean and really comfortable. The location of the hotel is excellent. The dinner and the breakfast was really tasty.

  • 3/5 Timothy T. 2 years ago on Google
    Very old building and it showed. First room had a plumbing issue and second was small and window opened to a wall. Staff was great and the breakfast was good, great views while eating next to the river.

  • 5/5 Paula M. 1 year ago on Google
    Clean and comfortable historic hotel in a great location. Within walking distance of train station, shops, restaurants and bus tour station. We were able to take a regular public bus from the city center to Blarney Castle which took aprx 20min. All organized tours to the castle were filled. Traveling there on our own was great because we had as much time and freedom as we wanted.

  • 5/5 denis b. 1 year ago on Google
    The Metropole is synonymous with Cork, my parents loved it here and now so do I. It’s location is marvellous especially if you sometimes come down by train. The reception staff are professional and accommodating, the price is excellent value for money. I like the way the hotel has been refurbished, upgraded discretely with a touch of Venetian pzazz! It is very stylish indeed. Extremely comfortable beds after a great two course dinner, the chef surprises me every time with some super little feature.. And in keeping the best til last….. we come to breakfast with the truly delicious homemade granola before gorgeous eggs Benedict, I haven’t got there yet………., it’s Lorraine who is the face and spirit of the hotel along with her most obliging colleagues who make The Metropole Hotel an experience you would like to relive frequently. I very much look forward to returning in times before Christmas. Yours very Sincerely Denis Byrne PS I did try to write a Trip Advisor review but the computer got the better of me. D

  • 4/5 Sean M. 1 year ago on Google
    Second time staying in The Metropole. Lovely hotel. Great location. Staff very friendly and helpful. Food very tasty. Both times I stayed the weather was very warm. I was on the fourth floor both times. Unfortunately, this amazing hotel does not have air-conditioning and the rooms were extremely warm. Not being able to sleep properly is a problem. Fabulous place, but not in high temperatures.

  • 5/5 Cyndi D. 1 year ago on Google
    ****Update from 2018 I could give the hotel and staff a 10* we would!! When we walked in we were greeted by John Coleman who is absolutely amazing!! He sat with us and answered some of our questions for the next days itinerary and did so every day. He gave us so much insight to the city and places to go and visit that are not on local tour buses (we did go to the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry). His attention to details and knowledge of Cork is unbelievable. Our room was huge and so clean. Every night when we returned from our outings our bed was always turned down and there was always a knock on the door to see if we needed anything for the evening. The newspaper and fresh coffee in the morning was an added bonus to our stay. The food at the Met was so tasty and very well presented. Every staff member greeted with a smile in passing. How can we forget the fresh green apples that were put in our room every day?? What a great treat. We are looking forward to coming back in April or May of next year. Thank you all for making our first trip to Cork so memorable.

  • 3/5 Paul B. 10 months ago on Google
    It was very warm during our stay and our room on the top floor was hot and stuffy with one fan not having much effect. We asked for another fan so the hot air was blown around but didn’t cool the room much. We then had the noise of 2 fans to serenade us to sleep. The variety at breakfast was good but I’ve had better cooked breakfast in many an inn. The hotel was clean with good furnishings and the staff were friendly, efficient and very helpful. The location was ideal. The lack of air conditioning drops a star

  • 2/5 Christina 1 year ago on Google
    Dropped in for a meal on a visit to cork City, ordered BBQ chicken wings which were over cooked and then had to ask for a finger bowl to clean our fingers as they didn't supply wipes , our main course supreme of chicken came out on very hot plates but unfortunately the chicken was warm and the mash potatoes that it was served on was cold ,they took away our meals and offered us a drink after a while the meals returned which was pleasant but having to complain about the meal took away the enjoyment of the meal. The staff were very friendly and attentive, if it was only the staff to rate on it would have been a higher star rating

  • 5/5 Spooky C. 1 year ago on Google
    An absolutely beautiful and historic hotel. Some reviewers have noted that the rooms are not especially spacious, and this is true, but given the age of the building, I would suggest that the rooms are quite appropriate. Sprawling hotel rooms and suites are really a rather modern development, and a hotel that has been in operation for over a century wouldn't likely have the same spaces as a newly built location. The hotel is very central, easy access to all that Cork has to offer and just a short walk to the train station. The hotel bar is absolutely gorgeous. The staff exceeded all expectations - so incredibly helpful, kind, and friendly. A small detail, which I really enjoyed, were the small spy holes in the window frosting in the washroom. Definitely worth mentioning - given other reviews I've read - that the room was spotless, almost antiseptic in its cleanliness as was the washroom. Will definitely stay here again.

  • 5/5 Marianne Howell W. 1 year ago on Google
    I would stay here again. Our room was large with tall ceilings and comfortable beds. No A/C but it wasn't hot during our stay and there was a fan in the room. I liked the old fashioned style and eggs Benedict for breakfast. Great location!

  • 5/5 Tori W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great location for anything along the water. Staff is amazing. Breakfast is wonderful. Overall great hotel except we were there during heat wave with one window that only opened 8 inches. But they did think ahead and already had a fan ready on arrival. They do have luggage storage and a beautiful restaurant.

  • 5/5 Brooke D. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a fantastic choice for your stay in Cork and I plan to stay again for my next trip! The bed was very comfortable. I travel with my own pillow, ear plugs and eye mask, so I can't comment on that stuff, but didn't notice any issues. The staff were so friendly and helpful. Location is right by the buses for day tours and central to everything you'll want to see!

  • 5/5 Anthony F. 1 year ago on Google
    Arrived to a lovely lady playing Beethoven in the lobby, the check-in was effortless - bear in mind you do need a VISA card. The rooms were clean and spacious. The bar was cool and the bar staff were even cooler - Kevin was A1. Felt very safe at nighttime as one needs to be buzzed in the main reception door. The hotel is situated in an excellent location just 7 minutes walk to the train station and on the same road, no turns. Lots of nice bars and restaurants on this same road too. Would definitely stay here again.

  • 5/5 Daniel C. 1 year ago on Google
    "A Magical Celebration: Our Brilliant Wedding Experience!" The Metropole Hotel in Cork City is an exceptional wedding venue that provides outstanding service, attention to detail, and professionalism. The hotel's event manager, Eoghan, was extremely responsive and attentive to our needs, and his organizational skills were exceptional. The hotel's staff were warm, friendly, and incredibly attentive, treating us like royalty from the moment we arrived. The food at the hotel was outstanding, with the hotel's chefs creating a custom menu that reflected our tastes and preferences. The hotel's list of wedding vendors streamlined the planning process, ensuring that we had access to reliable and high-quality services. The hotel's ballroom was expertly decorated, providing a stunning setting for our reception. The attention to detail was exceptional, and every aspect of the decor reflected our chosen wedding theme. Ian, who looked after our guests during the evening reception, was incredibly professional, friendly, and had a great sense of humor that kept the party going all night long. His warm and caring demeanor made our guests feel incredibly welcome. In conclusion, the Metropole Hotel is the perfect choice for couples looking for a wedding venue that truly goes above and beyond in terms of service, attention to detail, and professionalism. The hotel's exceptional service, outstanding food, and attention to detail made our wedding day truly magical.

  • 5/5 Roopinder T. 1 year ago on Google
    Friendliest staff behind the front desk, the bar, at the restaurant. They bend over backward to please. Room was clean, the bed like sleeping on a cloud. And when do you get a chandelier and antiques in a hotel room any more? So nice.

  • 5/5 Rachel Lyons W. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a lovely weekend here celebrating a family birthday. The hotel is in a great location and the staff were really lovely and friendly. 2 of us are vegan and the vegan breakfast options were excellent. One of us needed medication stored in a fridge so the hotel arranged for a fridge in the room which was very much appreciated.

  • 4/5 Lidka G. 9 months ago on Google
    hotel don't have swimming pool, in room there is not kettle/ tea& coffee station. this is only down point I can find. Location is great- 10-minute walk to train, bus station and city center. Staff is very helpful and nice. Is really good feeling to be welcome by genuine smiling receptionist and get good advice from them about places in Cork worth seeing. room was clean, bed comfortable and generally quiet so I could rest after long travel and busy day.


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