This Family Travels : Our stay in a penthouse suite in Cork City

It was a hotel stay unlike any other.

Usually when we travel we stay at an Airbnb, which you probably will have seen in my other travel posts from this year. That being said, sometimes there's nothing quite like the luxury of staying in a hotel and not having to lift a finger and that was our experience on our most recent vacation at the Imperial Hotel, Cork. We checked into the Penthouse Suite at the famous Imperial Hotel and it was truly luxury with a capital L. Our room was more akin to an apartment with two large bedrooms, each with its own en suite with Jacuzzi style bathtubs. There was also a large living area with its own separate bathroom (which included a teepee) and wrap around balcony, giving us a spectacular view of Cork City. We arrived in to find a spread of mini donuts and wine on the living room table, as well as care packages for all four of us in each bedroom. The kids room even came with their own mini bathrobes and slippers which they wanted to get into ASAP! That evening we popped downstairs for dinner where we tucked into delicious food as well as a cocktail or two. The children were even able to order their own mocktails which they were very excited about. As part of their welcome packs they received tickets to a movie night in the hotel's ballroom which came complete with popcorn. While they enjoyed their movie we were able to take our time with our desserts and drinks which is a treat in and of itself when you have kids with you on holiday. I've had room service once before but it was nothing like what I experienced at the Imperial. We received a phone call to our room asking if we would like breakfast in bed and we thought why not. A little while later a cart arrived at our door, along with a member of staff who turned our dining table into a Michelin star restaurant. The table was filled with everything from yogurt and fruit salad to pancakes and a full Irish. No stay at the Imperial is complete without sampling their Grace Kelly inspired afternoon tea. One of the many famous faces to have stayed at the Imperial, the Grace Kelly afternoon tea takes inspiration from all of the princess loved the most. Savoury treats included quiche, hamburgers, salmon on soda bread and delicate sandwiches. Grace Kelly was known not to be a fan of sweet things so each cake included in the afternoon tea is styled after some of her favourite things including her favourite perfume, favourite handbag and favourite flower. One sweet treat Kelly did indulge is was green tea with a little honey, which is served alongside the Smörgåsbord of delicious food. I also ordered the Grace Kelly cocktail as it seemed a little rude not to. We had an absolutely magnificent time at the Imperial and if we could have stayed all week we would have. One piece of advice I would give to anyone thinking of staying there too is to take public transport if possible as we did find parking very difficult in the city centre. While the Imperial does offer a discount price on parking in a local car park there is no parking on site at the hotel and it is so central that if you're just planning to stay in Cork City during your holiday there is no need for a car. A 2 night stay for a couple sharing with breakfast and dinner on one evening starts from €270 per person/per night An overnight stay for a family of 4 with breakfast and dinner starts from €241.50. You can find out more information about The Imperial Hotel on their website here.