Roísín Inglevisits Kiongsley Hotel in Cork
THE KINGSLEY HOTEL, in Victoria Cross, just outside Cork city, doesn't look like much from the outside, especially viewed through daytime drizzle. The well-established five-star hotel - according to the brochure it was "born" in 1988 - consists of an unremarkable white building with two recently added wings extending out on either side. The bland exterior gives off a distinct whiff of anonymous conference centre. Best to get indoors as quickly as you can, where there's a fine view of the River Lee in the lounge off the reception area and a fire roaring in the grate.
The outside really doesn't do the place justice, but maybe this is a deliberate ploy to make the inside look even better. If so, it works, especially when you're greeted by some of the most pleasant staff ever to stand smiling behind a reception desk. Genuinely pleasant. As in normal. No sign of the fake, show-off hospitality that passes for customer service in some of our top-end hotels.
Thanks to the welcome you are already in a great mood when you get to the room - and what a room. An awful lot of thought has gone into the nature-inspired design of these deluxe seomraí. The colour scheme includes vibrant greens, browns and yellows, with playful purple splashes. There are leaf motifs on bedspreads and carpets. The bed was lofty and luxurious. Lamps are blinging - I counted seven - and furniture tasteful but never boring.
Overnighters too busy to appraise design quality will be glad of the small office space off the bedroom, which offers just enough room for you and your laptop. Double doors to the bathroom are a nice touch, as are the two bowl-shaped basins and the top-quality toiletries. And here's another major plus: the bathroom is roomy enough to accommodate both a bath and a separate shower.
Back in the bedroom the entertainment system comes with a choice of pay-per-view movies, including "adult" programming. I opted for The Nanny Diaries instead. An espresso maker was a welcome addition, but when I made myself a cup according to the instructions it was like drinking a tiny receptacle of hot water and grit.
After giving up on the coffee I wandered down to the spa area, which was so inviting that I booked myself in for an Ayurvedic facial. The spa is called Yauvana, which means youth in Sanskrit, and my very youthful therapist, Chemba, arrived dressed in a sari.
I knew I was in safe hands when it turned out that, like a few of the spa's therapists, she is from Kerala, in India, the spiritual home of Ayurvedic treatments.
Kingsley's managers pride themselves on something they call "international graciousness combined with Irish hospitality". They don't come more internationally gracious than Chemba, who left India shortly after getting married, over a year ago. Ireland is Spa Central at the moment, but Chemba tells me the Kingsley has the only spa in Ireland offering Ayurvedic treatments. Ayurveda, or the "science of life", is based on the principle that all ailments are caused by "an imbalance of the life forces within us". The treatments focus on establishing and maintaining that balance rather than concentrating on individual symptoms.
I enjoyed the facial so much I may even have snored. As requested, charming Chemba threw in a foot massage instead of the standard head massage, because I didn't fancy going to dinner with all that oil in my hair. The ginger-and-herb tea I was served after the treatment was so tasty that I bought a packet to take home.
I could have stayed in my hooded bathrobe on the incredibly comfortable relaxation bed for the evening, but my rumbling stomach might have disturbed the other visitors.
The menu at Otters Restaurant looked diverting, but staff were more than happy to call a taxi to take me to the city's acclaimed Cafe Paradiso, less than 10 minutes away by taxi.
After a feed of oyster mushrooms and a nightcap of elderflower cordial at Paradiso, I discovered that the bed at the Kingsley was as comfortable as it looked.
In the morning perfectly cooked poached eggs and a well-laid-out breakfast buffet also hit the spot.
Decent coffee at breakfast is almost impossible to find in Irish hotels. The Kingsley hasn't cracked it, either, in the breakfast room or the bedroom, but for sheer style, luxury and customer service we are inclined to forgive them. " You're greeted by some of the most pleasant staff ever to stand smiling behind a reception desk. No sign of the fake hospitality of some of our top-end hotels
Where
Kingsley Hotel, Victoria Cross, Cork. 021-4800555, www.kingsleyhotel.com.
Ambience
Cutting-edge design, river views and understated elegance.
Rooms
: 131 rooms. The deluxe rooms are impressively spacious, with fantastic bathrooms. The McAleese penthouse suite has two en-suite bedrooms and views over the Lee.
Best rate
€159 pps for two adults.
Amenities
Spa, gym, swimming pool and extensive conference facilities.
Child-friendliness
Under-12s are accommodated free.
Food and drink
There is "modern Irish cuisine" at Otters Restaurant, plus snacks and afternoon tea in the Sabrona Lounge
Access
Good, with room for improvement. There are plans to adapt the restaurant and lobby. Eight rooms have already been adapted for wheelchair users.
Parking
Ample underground car parking; complimentary for guests.