See all properties

The River Lee Hotel

4.0 star property
4-star Art Deco hotel near University College Cork

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The River Lee Hotel

Enjoy dining under a transparent roof with comfortable seating and lush greenery.
Relax in the lounge area with leather sofas and armchairs, surrounded by pendant lights and a large window offering a view of the outdoors.
Situated adjacent to a calm river, The River Hotel offers scenic views.
Relax by the pool surrounded by lush greenery and modern architecture.
Experience the grandeur of our lobby, featuring a spacious open area with a high ceiling, comfortable seating, and a stone fireplace.

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub

Explore the area

Map
Western Road, Cork, Cork
  • University College Cork
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • English Market
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Cork Opera House
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Cork (ORK)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Classic Room, Multiple Beds

Down comforters, pillowtop beds, minibar, in-room safe

Classic Room, Multiple Beds

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(13 reviews)
  • 320 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 Double Bed

Down comforters, pillowtop beds, minibar, in-room safe

Classic Room, 1 Double Bed

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed | Down comforters, pillowtop beds, minibar, in-room safe

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(22 reviews)
  • 320 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Room, 2 Double Beds, River View

Down comforters, pillowtop beds, minibar, in-room safe

Classic Room, 2 Double Beds, River View

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(14 reviews)
  • 320 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Classic Room, 3 Twin Beds

Classic Room, 3 Twin Beds | Down comforters, pillowtop beds, minibar, in-room safe

Classic Room, 3 Twin Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)
  • 320 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Twin Beds

View all photos for Classic Room, 2 Double Beds

Down comforters, pillowtop beds, minibar, in-room safe

Classic Room, 2 Double Beds

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(14 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Double Beds

About the neighborhood

Cork

City center retreat .Your stay at this Cork hotel places you within a 10-minute walk of University College Cork and Glucksman Gallery. Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral and Triskel Arts Centre are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • University College Cork - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • English Market - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Cork Opera House - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Cork City Hall - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Cork Kent Station - 16 min drive
  • Cork Airport (ORK) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Costigan's Pub - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Ichigo Ichie - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Elizabeth Fort - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Church Restaurant - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Alibi - ‬5 min walk

About this property

The River Lee Hotel

4-star Art Deco hotel near University College Cork
As a guest of The River Lee Hotel, you'll find an indoor pool, a health club, a hot tub, and a sauna. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. A computer station is on site, and both WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces.

Business amenities include a business center and 8 meeting rooms. A library, a terrace, and multilingual staff are also featured at the eco-certified The River Lee Hotel. Parking is available for a fee.

This 4-star Cork hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 182 guestrooms or units
  • 4 levels
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • Built in 2006
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Business facilities
  • Conference space
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Bellhop
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
The River Lee Hotel offers 182 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and safes. Accommodations offer separate sitting areas. Pillowtop beds feature down comforters. 55-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include showers, designer toiletries, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottled water and coffee/tea makers. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Tourism Program, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, Lithuanian, Polish, Spanish

Similar properties

Experience the classic charm of The Imperial Hotel, featuring a symmetrical facade, central entrance, and beautiful balcony with lush greenery.

Imperial Hotel

  • Spa
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,011 reviews
$210 nightly
The price is $238
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Total includes taxes and fees
Imperial Hotel

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • High chair
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Secured, covered self parking on site (EUR 15 per day)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekends; EUR 26 for adults and EUR 12.50 for children
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Fitness classes
  • Health club
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Library
  • Sauna
  • Steam room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 55-inch smart TV with satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 11 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately EUR 26 for adults and EUR 12.50 for children
  • Covered self parking fee: EUR 15 per day
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Children 11 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.

National rating

Rating provided by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland, source of official star ratings for accommodation.

Property is also known as

Hotel River Lee
Lee Hotel
Lee River Hotel
River Lee
River Lee Cork
River Lee Hotel
River Lee Hotel Cork
The River Lee Hotel Cork
The River Lee Hotel Hotel
The River Lee Hotel Hotel Cork

Frequently asked questions

How close is The River Lee Hotel to the airport?

The River Lee Hotel is 4.8 mi (20-min drive) away from the Cork Airport (ORK) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The River Lee Hotel?

As of Jul 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The River Lee Hotel on Aug 24, 2025 start from $261.66, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The River Lee Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The River Lee Hotel.

How close is The River Lee Hotel to the beach?

This hotel is 14 mi (23-min drive) from Fountainstown Beach and 14.2 mi (24-min drive) from Myrtleville Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The River Lee Hotel offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at The River Lee Hotel, but full breakfast is offered for a fee of EUR 26 for adults and EUR 12.50 for children. It's available on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM and weekends from 7:00 AM to 11 AM.

Is there a casino at The River Lee Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at The River Lee Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in.

Is there free parking at The River Lee Hotel?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Self parking is available for EUR 15 per day.

Does The River Lee Hotel have a pool?

The River Lee Hotel features an indoor pool.

Does The River Lee Hotel have a restaurant?

The River Lee Hotel is home to The River Club, which features al fresco dining and light fare.

Does The River Lee Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The River Lee Hotel to downtown Cork?

The River Lee Hotel is 0.5 mi away from Cork.

The River Lee Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 804 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 155 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 35 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 1010 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Vinay

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location. The staff at the reception was very helpful. The bed was comfortable and large bathrooms. Parking right at the hotel and walkable to all the sights of Cork.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Edward Carl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel is conveniently located with easy walking distance to center city and a short drive to South Ring Road. Entrance to car park was too narrow and free parking tickets didn’t always work. Food in the River Lee Club was disappointing and could be improved.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Loved this hotel

I couldn't fault the river lee hotel , the staff were excellent, and so friendly.food was amazing and beautiful bar and restaurant areas.. Big rooms with comfortable beds. Also a great location
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent location and service

Great location for easy walk into the city center. Excellent service from hotel & restaurant staff. The restaurant was great & the breakfast pastries were excellent!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

David

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

greg

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

1st business trip and a great steak.

Firstvtime staying in this hotel. Very friendly and helpful staff. Comfortable room with large TV and a separate shower cubicle. Great steak, topped it all off.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Fiona

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kay

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a nice one night stay. Had to walk into the centre of town. Pricey
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent Hotel and Staff!

Absolutely amazing hotel! Staff were super friendly and helpful. Restaurant and staff were knowledgeable and gave many great suggestions. Would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judith

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient to UCC and downtown. Pretty location. Breakfast was very nice...unique breads. Really loved the executive lounge for working - nice feature. Reception staff all terrific.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The lobby was beautiful, the fire places, the bar, the dining outside was pretty, the food was delicious, the breakfast options were fantastic, the gym, sauna, the staff , convenient parking and candles smelled amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

dave

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel. Excellent staff and clean rooms.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent hospitality experience, will return

We stayed at The River Lee Hotel in County Cork this past weekend, and I can confidently say it was a fantastic experience easily a 5 out of 5. From the moment we arrived, everything felt smooth and well thought out. We parked in the secure underground car park and were checked in promptly. The location of the hotel is excellent. It’s very central — just a short 13-minute walk to the iconic English Market and Cork City Centre, which made exploring the city really easy. Great food spots close by, e.g Proby’s Kitchen. Our room was modern, spacious, and spotless, with a lovely view overlooking the River Lee. The shower was powerful, hot, and clean, no complaints at all. We dined at the hotel restaurant, and I have to say, the food and service were exceptional. The three-course meal we had was delicious and great value for money. The waitstaff were attentive without being intrusive, and the whole dining experience felt relaxed and enjoyable. One moment that really stood out to me was the hospitality of Tim at the front desk. Early on Sunday morning, as I was watching the Formula One before any of the breakfast services were open, Tim very kindly afforded me complimentary pastries and tea. It’s small gestures like that which turn a good hotel stay into a memorable one. His warm and thoughtful service left a lasting impression, thank you Tim. I really appreciate your generosity and hospitality. It was good to get to know you.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Superb attention to detail

Excellent. Great attention to detail.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruby

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the Riverlee Hotel in Cork! The hotel is less than a 10 minute walk from the city center and is in a quiet, safe location. Our room and bathroom was very spacious and clean. They also had an ice machine on our hotel room floor which is very rare to come by in Ireland! The restaurant located inside the hotel was also delicious, both breakfast and dinner. We will definitely be staying here again when we come back to Ireland!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel and a great walking distance from town. The staff were super friendly and helpful and couldn’t do enough for us; great at giving local recommendations too. Would definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

conor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Super friendly and professional staff

From checkin, lunch in the bar, dinner in the restaurant we received fantastic service that you dont find everywhere. The staff knew our names had great suggestions for local places to visit, the hotel was clean, beautifully decorated, the food was superb. Our room was spacious and we loved our stay. We will be back. Thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The River Lee ticks every possible box…

Excellent hotel for facilities, location, comfort and courteous, professional friendly staff. This place ticks all the boxes and they have absolutely nailed hospitality from check in to check out. Our room wasn’t quite ready when we checked in which wasn’t a problem at all for us but the receptionist immediately offered as a free drink whilst we waited in the bar. Another €20 to spend in the restaurant. Pool and spa were lovely. Didn’t use the gym but those facilities looked very good too. Had dinner in The Grill Room, food was very good , presentation excellent and staff attentive but not overbearing - Just as it should be in a good restaurant. Room was large and had everything you could want/need. Plenty of towels, lots of lovely high quality (The White Company) toiletries, hairdryer, tea/coffee, safe and the largest TV I’ve ever seen in a hotel bedroom. Beds super comfy too. Check out easy and staff happy to order a taxi for us to the airport which turned up within minutes and also provided us with a free eco friendly carton of water each for the journey. Highly recommend The River Lee and will definitely stay there again.
View of city from 3rd floor
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025