I'm still reeling after a dreadful stay at the Maryborough this week. I stayed on business, checking in at 4.30pm and my room wasn't ready. When I got to the room (eventually) it was a smoking room when I had requested non smoking, and I felt like I was in a time warp. The room was very, very badly in need of modernisation - there wasn't even a TV in the room! Bathroom was dreadful.

I requested a change of room and the receptionist called me back to say that she was on the way with the key to another room. HALF AN HOUR LATER I was still waiting so I headed off to reception. It took another 20 mins to arrange my new key. Unfortunately the second room was the same as the first one - although it did have a TV this time! Really terrible.

Breakfast was awful - "Eggs Benedict" was eggs and bacon on very wet toast.....Terribly disappointing and definitely not four star. Easily the worst hotel I have ever stayed in. To compound the misery, it was expensive and the following day I had about ten small bites on my left leg.....bed bugs, I fear?

I'm amazed that this hotel has the reputation it does.

-Had a great spa experience at the Maryborough; my first full spa day was great; staff were very professional and knowledgeable; had an aromatherapy treatment and a mud wrap.
-Went into town and onto Blarney Castle.
-Came back that night, had dinner at the bar and enjoyed the company of a couple of Scots while watching Champions League Celtic vs AC Milan. The bartender was entertaining and the four of us ended up staying there until 2am, and several pints later. What's more was a divorced salesman from Ohio was trying to chat up a local, which proved to be more entertaining than the football...
-Good memories from the Maryborough, next time I'll bring my golf clubs.

We booked one night in the Maryborough Hotel, based on our experience on a previous visit.

When booking, we decided to reserve an executive room as opposed to a standard one. However, on checking into the hotel, we were advised that we had been upgraded to one of their "Spa Suites". The room was amazing!!!!! There's photos of it on their literature - it's the one with the double jacuzzi bath and leather loungers on either side. The bed was so comfortable, the only downside was having to leave it!

Hotel staff are very helpful and professional and I would particularly comment on the barman who was running the show singlehanded, no easy feat given that there was a wedding on too (nice to see a trained barman these days who can take more than one order at at time).

The icing on the cake for us was Leinster's win over Munster in the rugby - it was worth getting soaked in Musgrave Park for that!

I stayed here for 1 night recently when on business in Cork. What a wonderful reception I received on arrival. Lovley friendly receptionists nothing too much trouble. Calm and peaceful reception area with fire burning and old world feel to it. If you arrive late afternoon evening there is also a welcome hot toddy at reception for you.

Rooms quite large with a little deck /table and chairs outside. Very comfy beds and linens.

Breakfast buffet excellent quality and variety. Free internet connection in the reception area on request.

A pity I only had 1 night and didnt have the opportunity to use the spa which looked wonderful (expensive though).