Rochestown Park Hotel

Rochestown Park Hotel has a rich history. It was built in the early 1900s for Sir Abraham Sutton, Lord Mayor of Cork, and was transformed into a seminary in 1947. It’s been renovated and refurbished over the past 20 years to become the business-focused hotel that it is today. This large, sleek, contemporary property has a bold white exterior, green lawns dotted with trees, and spacious modern interiors. The large lobby features red couches, sleek white floors, and ample sunlight from tall windows. Parts of the hotel are dated, such as the hallways and the Gallery Restaurant, with its red plaid chairs, while other areas, including the Atrium and Suttons Bar and Bistro, have a trendy design with modern chairs, strong lines, and splashy colors. The crowd is mixed here, with both business travelers and tourists frequenting the hotel. 

Rochestown Park Hotel is located south of Cork in Douglas Village, next to highway N40 and the bay of the Douglas River, a 13-minute drive to the city center and popular places such as the English Market. The Douglas Court Shopping Center is an eight-minute walk away, while Douglas Golf Club takes 17 minutes by foot to reach or 10 minutes by car. Blarney Castle is a 26-minute drive and the Blackrock Castle Observatory takes 11 minutes to reach by car. The closest bus stop is a three-minute walk away. It’s a nine-minute drive to Cork Airport or 12 minutes to Cork Kent Train Station. 

Decor in the Classic and Deluxe Rooms and Suites is modern, if a bit chain-like. Classic Rooms have a dated style compared to upper-level rooms, though most have a color palette of neutral tans and occasional pops of burgundy. Square blond-wood headboards or antique wooden four-poster beds, and black-and-white photographs add a modern touch. Luxurious details include velour bed runners or armchairs, down comforters, flat-screen TVs, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Business Class and Deluxe Rooms also have mini-fridges and free bottled water, while Suites come with colored mood lighting, underfloor heating, and separate living rooms. There’s also a Presidential Suite with a dining room and a four-seater cinema, plus eight townhouses with full-sized kitchens available for guests staying a month or longer. The spacious tan-tiled bathrooms have marble counters. Those in Classic Rooms have shower/tub combos, while upper-level rooms have separate showers with waterfall showerheads and deep tubs. Toiletries and hairdryers are also provided. Note that there have been complaints from past guests about cleanliness issues, and rooms near the highway can get traffic noise. 

Rochestown Park Hotel is a business-friendly hotel offering plenty of features to both children and adult guests, including a summertime kids' club and 12 fully equipped meeting and event spaces that can hold up to 700 people. The hotel's extensive wellness area -- the Thalassotherapy Centre -- features a large and luxurious pool, a separate kids’ pool, and a whirlpool hot tub. Guests can also access a well-equipped fitness center with numerous cardio and weight machines, though some look dated. There’s also a spa with the usual range of treatments, a nail bar, massage services, a sauna, and a steam room. A supervised play area for children is available while parents enjoy the spa services.

The hotel has two dining options. The chic Suttons Bar and Bistro offers a combination of regional dishes and bar food in a contemporary lounge setting or on the outdoor terrace, while the Gallery Restaurant serves buffets at breakfast and lunch. A grab-and-go breakfast is also available, but note that breakfast is not included in room rates. 

The hotel also offers a shuttle service to City Gate Central Mahon Park. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there’s a public computer for guest use. Parking is also available free of charge.