IT’S A sensory experience stepping into The Montenotte Hotel. Even amidst the bleak weather of late winter, the hilltop stronghold seems effortlessly cheerful; the lobby abuzz with chatter and the entrancing scent of lemongrass and ginger wax melts.
Upon my arrival, I’m hypnotised by the colour, and the chic interior design. It’s rare I walk into a hotel after a flight and want to do anything other than collapse on the bed that awaits me, but then to simply call this residence a “hotel” would to be doing it a disservice.
The Montenotte Hotel
The lobby – and the hotel in its entirety – doubles as a gallery of modern Irish art, with specially curated sculptures, paintings and photography dotted around the residence. Beginning with the almost three-dimensional still-life work of current artist-in-residence Paul Christopher Flynn – a programme founded in collaboration with The Gallery Kinsale –, I follow a series of comically bizarre jelly baby artworks up to my room, which itself is as eclectic as it is modern.
The design-led ethos of the hotel makes it a true one of a kind, and adds countless layers of charm. From the furniture in the hallways, to the sculptures in the picturesque Victorian sunken gardens, each item has been selected by the owners, separating it from the cookie cutter decor of some other luxury hotels.
The Lobby
Executive Room
After I’ve unpacked and enjoyed the comforts of my room, I wonder down to the Glasshouse cocktail bar: an external social hub which serves excellent bespoke cocktails and house-made gin. The lively nature of the Glasshouse makes it a true asset, and gives visitors multiple options when it comes to wining and dining. A bar with this design and energy wouldn’t look displaced in a city like Manchester, or even Central London.
After sampling a healthy amount of the botanical gin creations, its time for my first meal at the Panorama Bistro, which overlooks the famed Cork harbour. The food served at the Montenotte, to be succinct, is excellent. Though it experiments with modern twists on favoured classics, the menu is comfort epitomised, and made all the more delicious by an extensive wine list.
The Bistro welcomes both residents and Cork locals each evening, and though it is a luxury eatery, it maintains a casual demeanour, avoiding any pretension or stuffiness.
The Glasshouse
The Panorama Bistro
This is something I noticed almost as soon as stepping into the door. The staff are friendly and warm, and possess eagerness to talk to you and find out about your person, yet another element which makes this hotel such a gem of modern luxury.
And what of the amenities? Though I could have happily spent each of my days at the in-house cinema, or at the Bellevue Spa – which promotes bespoke holistic treatments and reiki healing – the compact nature of Cork means while at one moment you could be enjoying a tour around the famed Jameson whiskey distillery, the next you are in the heart of the buzzing Victorian Quarter, or discovering the city’s rich history.
The Panorama Terrace
The Cameo Cinema
There’s no argument that The Montenotte is a true individual, and a hotel with a distinct charm that demands to be experienced.
by Ben Sanderson
Room rates for The Montenotte Hotel start from €245 and includes a complimentary breakfast, free parking, access to both Cameo Cinema (over 18s only) and the Motion Health Club. For more information, please visithttps://www.themontenottehotel.com/