Hayfield Manor Hotel

Hayfield Manor trades on the look and feel of an historic manor house, from the winding front drive to the manicured gardens, from the white-gloved doormen to the Chesterfield sofas and ornate drapes. The entire property is well-maintained, the restaurant menus kept interesting, and the warm, homey atmosphere magnified with thoughtful and personal touches like golf putters in bedrooms, milk-and-cookies turndown for kids, an aviary in the garden, whiskey tastings in the bar, and more. Its location in Cork City means that the restaurants and bar are lively spots for locals as well as guests, and celebrities and dignitaries have been known to make appearances.

Adjacent to University College Cork, a 10-minute walk from Cork's city center, Hayfield Manor is a calm, greenery-filled haven in the midst of the city. The immediate neighborhood is pleasantly residential, but the city's sights, including the English Market and St. Finbarr's Cathedral, are all walkable. Outside the city, Blarney Castle is a 15-minute drive away and the Old Midleton Distillery and the historic seaside town of Cobh are each a 30-minute drive away.

Rooms have a historic manor house look, and though they vary, they share decor elements such as white and dark woods in an antique style, rich fabrics, and neutral colors. Conveniences are thoroughly modern, and include iPod docks, coffee/tea facilities (in some, Nespresso machines), exceptionally comfortable orthopedic beds, and free Wi-Fi. Quirky touches like a golf putter and practice ball in each room liven up the traditional feel. The marble bathrooms are big and well-maintained, and have Elemis toiletries, heated towel racks, robes, and slippers. Most rooms have nice views of the gardens, and they're spacious -- the smallest category starts at 300 square feet. Some of the suites have working fireplaces.

Even though city hotels can sometimes be lacking in property features, Hayfield Manor goes out of its way to make sure guests have everything they need. The full-service salon Beautique Spa, has a steam room, sauna, heated indoor pool, outdoor whirlpool, and 24-hour fitness center. The two restaurants –- the fine-dining Orchids Restaurant and the more casual Perrotts Garden Bistro –- serve Irish cuisine for dinner, Sunday lunch, and a jazz brunch; afternoon tea can be taken in the garden, lobby, or Drawing Room. Children are treated like special guests, and the hotel has an aviary and rabbit kennel in the gardens, adding an extra touch of personality.