Montenotte Cork hotel review, Ireland: There's just one awkward thing about this small luxury hotel

CHECK-IN

You may have heard of the "People's Republic of Cork". It's a semi-serious statement from many of the residents of this southern Irish county that things are a little different down here, that the good people of Cork do as they please, that a spirit of rebellion runs deep. And you feel that on the streets of the city too, an anarchist bent, a collectively raised chin. Where you don't feel it is the Montenotte, a gorgeous hotel atop a hillside overlooking Cork City and its rolling green surrounds. No anarchy here – just a warm, courteous welcome, a smooth check-in procedure, and a glimpse or two of views over delightful Irish countryside. If this really was part of the People's Republic, it would be the president's house.

THE LOOK

The Montenotte has a long history, and no doubt much has changed since its beginnings as a mansion housing Cork's wealthy "merchant princes". The building then known as Lee View House was built in 1820 and the bones of that stately home still stand strong, even as it was transformed into the Lee View Hotel in 1948, extended to become the Country Club in 1960, and further renovated and extended to become the Montenotte in 2006. The hotel's current owners took over in 2017, and have since added an artistic flourish, with original artworks everywhere you turn, as well as multiple bar and restaurant outlets sprawled across its manicured grounds. The Montenotte is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and it shows.

THE ROOM

Small it may be, but there are still 107 guestrooms and suites, and 26 self-catering apartments at the Montenotte. They're lovely, modern rooms, with distinctive artwork and modern amenities. I'm staying in an Executive room, the hotel's second tier, coming in at 25 square metres, compared to the entry-level Boutique room at 21.3. The basics of the two are roughly the same: king-size beds, bathrobes and slippers, tea- and coffee-making facilities, bespoke toiletries, 24-hour room service. The Executive level also comes with a turndown service and welcome amenity plate, and that extra legroom. My room has pleasant views over Cork City and surrounds, as well as a full-wall mural of a local street scene.

FOOD + DRINK

You will not go hungry or thirsty at the Montenotte. Most dining is done at Panorama Bistro, a lovely eatery set in the old mansion, though spruced up with plenty of modern touches. The bistro serves a la carte breakfasts, plus lunches and dinners of pan-Mediterranean cuisine. A luxurious afternoon tea – what many Australians would call "high tea" – is served from Tuesday to Sunday. Hotel guests can also choose to visit Panorama Terrace, an open-air wine bar and cocktail lounge with stunning views over Cork City; or, check out the Glasshouse, a lively bar set to the side of the hotel, offering a different view of the city, as well as an extensive cocktail list featuring the Montenotte's own gin.