Hayfield Manor, Cork, Ireland

Hayfield Manor, built and opened in 1996, is a five star 'luxury hotel' on the edge of Cork. 'Manor' is something of a misnomer - Hayfield is not rural, but a handy ten minute walk from the centre of Cork. It's a luxury hotel that's been designed to have the feel of a traditional country house hotel, as a large slice of its clientele are Americans.

It could so easily have missed, but the architect here has triumphed. It's partly because he has not tried too hard - the exterior is elegant without being grand, based partly on the look and feel of a building that it replaced, a family home of a prominent Cork family. But above all, it's the arrangement of the public spaces in this luxury hotel which create a real sense that this is the place to be.

The facilities

First, there is a small and discreet reception desk, informal and relaxed. To the left, a sitting room and a library, both looking onto a small formal garden behind. To the right are Orchids, the main restaurant, and a convivial bar, giving onto a second restaurant called Perrotts, popular amongst Corkies who travel here for lunch.

On cool days, a peat fire burns in a grate, stoked by a gregarious concierge in a top hat. And in the centre, a sweeping double staircase leads up to the rooms. The whole effect is harmonious as well as busy and bustling - everyone is here to have a good time: golfers on their way out to the luxury hotels' newly acquired nearby course, guests preparing to go deep sea fishing, corporate clients enjoying a cream tea, or people simply relaxing in the bar. The buzz is infectious.

Service here is Irish - that's to say extremely friendly. Most of the front of house staff are Irish - a rarity in hotels these days, many of which are staffed almost exclusively by enthusiastic workers from Eastern Europe. Here, they provide the staff for the kitchens and restaurants. Compared to a sleepy Dorset village, however, they are all in accord that this is a great place to work, within walking distance of some of the best pubs in Ireland.

Other than the golf and the hospitality, the other great draw here is the spa. Recently entirely renovated, it sports a range of treatments and massages and a large pool. With Ryanair and Easyjet coming into Cork, Hayfield Manor makes for a perfect pampering weekend in extremely good company.

The rooms
The rooms upstairs are all of a decent size - since this is a custom-built luxury hotel, the proportions are generous and uniform. The decor is a little bland, a touch corporate - sentimental Cork scenes grace the walls, while reproduction antique furniture sets the tone. Colours are muted - beiges and creams.

It's designed to appeal - or at least accommodate - both the American and the corporate clientele, this luxury hotel's two biggest markets. The only clue that this is a new build is the height of the ceilings (lower than you would expect in a real country house) and the lack of cornicing. Bathrooms are modern, with power showers above the baths and enticing toiletries. A few of the deluxe rooms are done in a more contemporary style - but even here, there is nothing to frighten the horses. Each room has a pull-out iron and board, a useful touch.