The Hotel Examiner: Dog-friendly stays at Cork City's Kingsley Hotel
Relaxing in one of the Kingsley's rooms
- The Kingsley, Carrigrohane Road, Cork
- thekingsley.ie
- Our verdict: 8/10
Set along the leafy banks of the River Lee with views spanning to Sunday’s Well and the heritage landmark of Atkins Hall, The Kingsley offers the sense of a riparian retreat for visitors to Cork City.
Located on the Carrigrohane Road, 2.5km from the city’s main action in and around Pana (Patrick Street) the four-star hotel pitches its setting as being on the doorstep, rather than in the heart of the town centre.
If you feel like walking, a 30-minute scenic stroll will wind you into the city centre via the Mardyke on the UCC campus.
Otherwise, an Uber or the city’s regular bus services, which leave from outside the hotel, will zip you into the city in about 15 minutes.
The Kingsley’s public areas are fresh from a summer refurb which follows other recent makeover works to the hotel’s rooms.
Arriving through the hotel’s glass box entrance towards the reception lobby and riverside K Lounge, you’ll be welcomed with a lush new look where vibrant (if now ubiquitous) botanical and bird themes breathe new life into the spaces.
The Kingsley was built in 2002, so its design does fall into that noughties architectural gene pool of expansive, open-plan proportions, with a slightly more anonymous character.
However, this fresh look along with the hotel’s very warm team ramps up the character.
Perhaps the greatest asset for The Kingsley is its wonderful spa which also received its own makeover post covid.
Its menu has offerings including a 60min organic aromatherapy facial for €100 however even if guests don’t indulge in a treatment, they can enjoy complimentary access to the considerable thermal suite; a veritable hydrotherapy oasis featuring heated mosaic loungers, tropical rain showers, sauna, Turkish style steam rooms and an outdoor infinity tub which overlooks the river.
Some components may not match the bougie standards of five-star experiences but you’ll struggle to find many Irish hotel spas offering more variety.
The Kingsley’s rooms have been refurbed with an earthy palette of chocolate and fern.
Rooms are spacious but that colour scheme does make the space feel a little dark and while there are gorgeous views to the Lee, a rather boxy window doesn’t quite capture the in/out flow.
Beds are extremely comfortable and the contemporary ensuite, which seems to have evolved from a previous generation as a bathroom and now features a stylish walk-in shower instead, is stocked with fragrant Voya products.
Guests are supplied in-room with water cartons, Java Republic tea and Bewley’s instant coffee and hot chocolate though my room also featured a coffee machine albeit with no pods.
There are also robes and slippers for handy transit to the spa… though my robe was slightly challenged by my waistline.
For dining, guests at The Kingsley have their pick between The Springboard; a smart casual restaurant which overlooks the water and features an open-view kitchen where Executive Chef Tim Daly creates warming winter dishes like slow cooked Angus beef rib with creamed potato and honey glazed carrot (€31).
Next door at the bustling Fishers Bar, you’ll find more gastropub fare à la buffalo chicken burgers in brioche buns (€21).
Breakfast in Fairbanks offers fine cooked-to-order options along with more standard buffet fare.
The Kingsley is also well known in Cork for its afternoon tea which is served in the K Lounge and is priced at €42.50 per head; add €11.50pp for fizz. 7/10
Advanced midweek rates for the hotel start from as low as €161 for two or from €220 for a weekend night stay; breakfasts are included with every room rate. Consider that a decent price, particularly for wellness lovers as the spa's thermal suite brings a real value added amenity to while away a couple of hours…particularly on winter’s day.
The Kingsley feels a little anonymous compared to some of its city centre competitors and rooms here feel a little business like for a property which woos the spa market. Perhaps a lighter colour scheme or pops of colour could add more Zen.
The hotel offers three wheelchair accessible rooms while all dining areas are accessible.
Spacious family friendly rooms are available while younger guests receive a welcome letter and teddy.
A Paws & Unwind package, from €229 per night, includes dog bed and welcome treats. Worth noting that dogs are allowed to dine in selected indoor areas which is a huge USP for pet owners.
