Jurys Inn Cork

Jurys Inn Cork occupies a modern red-brick building with thick climbing vines on the bottom half of the walls, which lightens its blocky look. The lobby has white-tile floors, purple carpeting, and sofas, including plaid-upholstered seating that pops a bit. A wall of windows brings in plenty of light, brightening the space immeasurably. The restaurant and bar are sleeker and more stylish, with a mix of glossy wooden floors and pale-blue-and-brown-printed floral carpeting, plaid-upholstered booths, red accents, and dark-toned seating. The hotel draws a heavy business clientele during the week, but on weekends families, couples, and groups of friends take over. 

Jurys Inn Cork is set on an island near the split of the Lee River in the center of the city, putting the hotel within easy reach of restaurants, bars, entertainment, sights, and shopping. It’s a four-minute walk to Merchant’s Quay shopping center, 11 minutes to the English Market, and nine minutes to the Paul Street shopping center. As far as attractions go, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral is an 18-minute walk away. For those with cars, it’s a 20-minute drive to Blarney Castle and 11 minutes to Cork City Gaol. Blackrock Castle is a 14-minute drive from the hotel. The closest bus stop is a two-minute walk away, while the Cork Kent Train Station is a 10-minute walk. It’s a 10-minute drive to Cork Airport. 

Renovated in 2014, Jurys Inn Cork's 133 rooms have a sleek, contemporary style. Plum hues in the carpeting, pillows, and bed throws complement the dark-wood furniture, forest-green accent walls, and lovely framed photography over the beds. Room views vary, but those that overlook the Lee River are a notch above. All rooms have multi-channel flat-screen TVs, kettles, free Wi-Fi, and irons and ironing boards. However, they lack safes and air-conditioning -- though the latter isn't uncommon in Ireland. Rooms have either a double and single bed, a double bed, a double bed with a sofa bed, or three single beds. The sleek white-tile bathrooms have circular sinks embedded within black countertops, and shower/tub combos. Gilchrist & Soames toiletries are provided in wall dispensers, and hairdryers are oddly stored in desk drawers. Guests have complained about ambient noise -- rooms at the back of the hotel are quieter.

While there's no fitness center or business services, Jurys Inn does have a solid lineup of features. For business travelers, a single meeting room is available, and there's a computer and printer on hand in the lobby, though use requires a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout. On-site dining options are extensive for a mid-range property. A hot breakfast buffet is included in some room rates. There's also a coffee bar, which serves hot drinks and pastries. The on-site bar provides light meals and has local craft beers on tap -- and bottles -- throughout the day. For dinner, the Grill serves a menu of Irish and international dishes (though it's somewhat unremarkable) and a kids' menu. Room service offers a small menu throughout the night. Limited parking is available in the hotel's small parking lot (which it doesn't advertise) for a fee. Discounted parking is also available at a nearby parking lot.