Within walking distance of St. Finbarr's Cathedral, 10-minutes' drive from downtown, this is Cork's most expensive hotel, and one that attracts an upscale clientele seeking select lodgings in a quiet residential neighborhood. On a sour note, with group and conference business on the rise and the dollar falling fast, this hotel's once forgivable service and maintenance standards are now a bit hard to swallow. Still, those with extra cash and a craving for a posh traditional hotel will find Hayfield Manor the best of its ilk in Cork. Modernists should look into the new Clarion Cork, positioned beside the river, as it is an excellent choice, with rates nearly half, and a staff with nary an ounce of pretension.
Although this three-story brick building is a relatively new construction, the public rooms were thoughtfully designed to look as though they have been welcoming guests
for centuries. They are rich with dark woods, chandeliers, crystal sconces, original paintings, crackling fires, brass and copper accents, and fresh flowers. In the lobby, a single desk inconspicuously serves as reception. The well-stocked library beckons with plush leather seating, and the drawing room is ideal for tea.
Considering some of the nasal acrobatics displayed by the staff at the reception desk, the lack of a formal dress code in Orchid's, the fine dining room, feels like a breath of fresh air. The room takes on an eerie amethyst glow at dinner time, where classic European and Irish fare (warm salad of wood pigeon, roasted veal kidney) is delivered by an attentive staff. Views from here are of the traditional formal gardens, and the cozy bar looks out on an ancient copper beech. Parrott's has become a popular place for casual fare since opening just 
two years ago. It serves from a contemporary menu at lunch and dinner in the refreshing conservatory of sparkling marble, glass tables, Chinese lanterns and mossy green decor.
The old-world tenor is left at the door of the recently revamped health club, which boasts a state-of-the-art indoor pool with glass-walled garden views, a steam room, an outdoor whirlpool, a new salon and new treatment rooms for massage and beauty treatments. The gym was closed at inspection, but it should be debuting its new equipment shortly. Meeting capacity is 110 delegates seated theater-style. Business services are offered. Parking is free.
Spacious guest rooms are furnished in fine traditional style, with cocktail tables flanked by two upholstered chairs, desks, armoires, 
TVs, radios, irons, trouser presses, firm king beds, and bedside controls. Faxes, modem capabilities and complimentary newspaper delivery have been added to all rooms; a few standard rooms are also outfitted with voice mail and broadband Internet access. The marble and tile combination baths have dual basins, heated towel rails, fluffy robes, baskets of toiletries, and lace shower curtains. Pets are not permitted.
For those dreaming of a manor house in Cork, this is the best choice by a mile. The new Radisson and Sheraton hotels are luring golfers to the outskirts of the city, while the excellent new Clarion and Jurys and expanded Kingsley beckon travelers seeking out chic contemporary surroundings closer to the heart of the city.
