Imperial Hotel, Cork City

Reviews & Awards

Cork Business of the Year Awards
Fourth Quarter Winner 2006 - Imperial Hotel

October 2006

The Cork Business Association along with main sponsor Heineken Ireland and media sponsor the Irish Examiner, are pleased to announce that the Imperial Hotel is the fourth quarter winner of the Cork Business of the Year Awards 2006.

The massive €12M investment by John Flynn, proprietor of the Imperial Hotel was the deciding factor for the judges when they awarded the Cork Business of the Year 4th quarter award. His investment has transformed the Imperial Hotel from a tired 3-star hotel to an exclusive, contemporary and tasteful 4-star luxury property.

John Flynn, is dedicated in ensuring national and international recognition for Cork as Ireland's premiere leisure and business destination. Over three years ago, he identified the fact that top quality venues and services are crucial in attracting international and national business to Cork and hence his decision to renovate and refurbish the oldest hotel in Cork City.

The importance of leisure and business tourism lies not only on the immediate economic benefit but on the knock-on effect that it has on the regions economy. As a direct result of this refurbishment nearly thirty new positions have been created at The Imperial Hotel with Escape Salon and Spa.

The refurbishment over the past 18 months has touched every aspect of the hotel to create:

• 130 beautifully appointed guestrooms, including 42 new contemporary designed executive rooms and a fantastic Penthouse Suite with breath taking views of Cork city centre.
• The Pembroke Restaurant and The Food Hall at The Pembroke.
• A state of the art Conference and Business Centre
• Undoubtedly, the biggest project undertaken at The Imperial Hotel was the realization of Escape Spa and Salon, Irelands First Aveda Lifestyle Spa and Salon to Cork costing €4 Million.

Accepting the award John Flynn said "The Imperial Hotel with Escape Salon and Spa, is honoured toaccept this award from the Cork Business Association. I am delighted that my business colleagues in Cork appreciate and support the new and improved Imperial Hotel and recognise my effort to assist in establishing Cork City as the premier business and leisure destination in Ireland. I welcome this award as a vote of confidence in the Imperial Hotel with Escape Salon and Spa and the future of Cork City."

Cork Business of the Year Award

To identify honour and acknowledge an individual business or person who has contributed to or promoted the enhancement of the commercial, cultural or civic life of Cork City

The Judging Panel

James O'Sullivan is Chair of the judging panel. He is joint Managing Director of M & P O'Sullivan Limited as well as a Director and Past President of the Cork Business Association. James is also well known for his work with the Carrigaline Lions Club.

Cork City Manager, Joe Gavin, along with the elected members of the City Council is responsible for developing and implementing the long term strategy for the social, economic and cultural life of Cork City. He is originally from County Mayo.

Alan Crosbie, Chairman, Thomas Crosbie Holdings. He is the 5th generation of his family to run the Examiner Publicaions (Cork) Ltd. Alan is a well known and highly respected Cork man and along with his many business interests he is author a book on family business called "Don't Leave it to the Children".

Assistant Garda Commissioner, Ray McAndrew, is based in Anglesea Street and responsible for Garda activities in the Southern region. He is a long serving member of the force having served in Donegal, Dublin, Waterford, Tipperary North and Cork City. He is a native of Sligo.

John Crowley is Trade Relations Manger with Heineken Ireland. Heineken Ireland are the main sponsors of the Cork Business of the Year Awards.