Get the Royal Treatment at Cork’s Imperial Hotel
Indulge in a Princess Grace inspired city break (or pampering package) to celebrate 60th anniversary of royal visit
This June marks the 60th anniversary of the Royal Visit to Ireland by Prince Rainer and Princess Grace of Monaco who, along with their children, stayed at The Imperial Hotel in Cork on the 24th of June 1961. To celebrate the anniversary, the luxury boutique hotel has created a unique Princess Grace inspired city break that will see you crown Cork as the ultimate staycation destination this summer!
It is not surprising that The Royal Family, including a young Princess Caroline and Prince Albert (who would grow up to become Monarch of the Principality of Monaco) would have chosen to stay overnight at The Imperial Hotel. This family-owned historic hotel, which is situated right in the heart of the city on the beautiful South Mall, has hosted many royals, celebrities, and famous public figures over its 200-year history, leading to it becoming known as the Grande Dame of Cork. The state visit by the royal family in the Summer of ‘61 was undoubtedly the grandest affair and saw thousands flock to the South Mall to catch a glimpse, particularly of Oscar-winning actress turned Her Serene Highness Grace Kelly, who remains to this day a major icon of screen and style.
Those who book to stay on the anniversary night itself, 24 June 2021, will be royally rewarded as they can avail of a Princess Grace 60th anniversary special for just €60 per person sharing. Guests will get a taste of ‘High Society’ from the moment they arrive as they enjoy a majestic treat from the Hotel’s Director of Welcome while they breathe in the opulent surroundings of the hotel. The Imperial has recently undergone a big refurbishment but has tastefully retained its regal character. After a night fit for a king or queen in an elegantly appointed stateroom, you will enjoy a royal breakfast for two in the hotel’s new breakfast room which has a decadent botanical feel .
Not only that, but guests who book dinner at the hotel’s new restaurant Thyme at Seventy Six on the Mall will be royally treated to two glasses of complimentary champagne to toast the occasion. The plat du jour will be a Royal Beef Stew -a secret Imperial recipe as a nod to the insistence of the hotel manager back in 1961 that Prince Rainer and Princess Grace sample the traditional dish of Irish stew. During your royally romantic or girly getaway break, you can indulge further with a Princess Grace Afternoon Tea for two at ‘High Noon’ in Lafayette, the decadent tearoom that dates back to 1813. The treats, which are fit for a Princess (and Prince) feature delicate pastries inspired by Grace Kelly’s favourite things including a GK Perfume Bottle, a mini-“Hermes handbag, a rose, champagne, and a selection of mini sandwiches.
Continue the imperial pampering with a ‘Graceful Escape’, the ‘title’ bestowed on a new luxury treatment at the hotel’s Escape Spa. Grace Kelly once said ‘Beautiful skin requires commitment, not a miracle’ so the Spa has created a special 1hr 40mins treatment that draws references from her famous skincare regime. Following a relaxing steaming ritual, you will enjoy a Rose Petal Foot & Hand Exfoliating treatment and a Full Body Massage with sea wave like strokes where your skin will be splashed 30 times with warm water as a nod to the Princess’s love of the sea and her well documented splashing technique, all while Grace’s signature scent of bergamot uplifts your senses. The ritual will be completed with a Facial including Voya Pearlesque moisturiser with rose extract, drawing inspiration from the Princess’s love of pearls and roses. The after-treatment refreshment in the Relaxation room will include fresh carrot & celery sticks which were Grace’s favourite snack.
Even the turn down service will be embellished in honour of the royal visit anniversary with a new Princess Grace signature scent launched for the occasion, featuring Aveda essential oils and notes of rose and bergamot, from her favourite perfume Fleurissimo.
Finally, avid royal followers can learn all about the royal visit as they peruse an archival newspaper exhibition in the elegant lobby. You will also have the opportunity to spot other famous past guests who stayed at Cork’ renowned hotel on the ‘Wall of History’, including Michael Collins, Charles Dickens, and Maureen O’Hara.
Princess Grace Packages:
- Princess Grace Anniversary Special, 24 June only: The Princess Grace anniversary special for €60pp sharing includes a treat on arrival, overnight accommodation in an elegantly appointed room, a royal breakfast for 2, and complimentary champagne for those who book dinner.
- Princess Grace Pampering Package: The 2-night Princess Grace Pampering Package from €195pp sharing, includes a treat on arrival, accommodation in an elegantly appointed room, royal breakfast for 2, dinner one evening at Thyme, and Princess Grace Afternoon Tea with prosecco for two at La Fayettes.
- Graceful Escape spa treatment lasts 1h 40mins and can be booked for €180pp.
- Princess Grace Afternoon Tea is €60 for two people with prosecco.
To book, email [email protected] or call 021-4274040. Or for more see www.imperialhotelcork.com #ImperialMoments #GrandeDameofCork #PrincessGrace
