The Imperial Hotel in Cork has gone above and beyond this year with its fantastic Christmas decorations, inspired by the popular book and movie The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
The Imperial Hotel in Cork has had its Christmas stolen by none other than the Grinch!
Forced to close its doors for the first time in over 200 years of business, the luxury boutique hotel reopened the next day, looking somewhat different.
The Grinch made his presence known in the famous Cork hotel, transforming the interior into the land of Whoville, from which he came.
Discover the Grinch’s transformation of the Cork hotel into a Grinch-themed wonderland below.
The Imperial Whotel – Whoville in Cork
Topping off his transforming of the Cork hotel into a Grinch-themed wonderland, he rebranded the exterior to read ‘The Imperial Whotel’ in a nod to his hometown of Whoville.
Thankfully, the Grinch is feeling festive this year and has agreed to allow visitors to visit the hotel. And we can assure you that this will be a seasonal stay like no other.
Complete with twinkling decorations and over the top candy cane curved Christmas trees, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into the pages of the Dr Seuss book.
A highly-detailed Whoville Christmas Village, handcrafted from gingerbread and finished with detailed icing work by the hotel’s pastry chefs, takes centre stage in the lobby. The impressive installation even features a working train set!
Decadent decorations – Cork hotel transforms into Grinch-themed wonderland
From Grinch green lighting to hanging candy canes, and beautiful baubles, wreaths, and lights, the Imperial Hotel mirrors the world of Whoville that, up until now, we’ve only seen on screen.
And, if you look up, you might even see the Grinch’s festive sleigh on the ceiling!
Guests can also find notes left by the Grinch scattered throughout the hotel. You can also see framed portraits of the hotel’s new green owner, movie memorabilia, and a Grinch family tree.
With elaborate decorations adorning the hotel’s already beautiful interior, you’ll have plenty of opportunity for that perfect Christmas photo op.
Grinch-themed dining and more – discover Whoville for yourself
Once you’ve got your festive photo at the Cork hotel’s Grinch-themed wonderland, you can enjoy some more fun festivities inspired by the unconventional Christmas tale.
Feast like a Who with a specially themed Grinch Afternoon Tea in the hotel’s Lafayette Restaurant. Priced at €39 per ‘Who’, you can enjoy a range of delicious delights.
Enjoy Who-puddings with a Mojito Gateau topped with a heart three sizes too small. Taste Chocolate and Hazelnut Who-Éclairs. Indulge in signature Pistachio and raspberry Who-Battenberg to Cindy-Lou Lemon Meringue.
Savoury choices include a variety of finger sandwiches, sized perfectly for little Who hands. To wash down all the festive delights, you can sip on Whoville Mayors-Spritzers.
There is also a range of Grinch-themed cocktails, including Whoville-Fizz, Who-Tini, Winter Bramble or Grinch Grimlet Gin.
Turning green is not just for the Grinch – sustainability goals
While the Cork hotel’s transformation into a Grinch-themed wonderland will provide lots of fun for kids and adults of all ages, the green theme is not just for the Grinch.
The Imperial Hotel is also embracing the chance to go green to celebrate its recent Eco-label Award from Green Hospitality.
Despite boasting 200 years of history and tradition, this Cork hotel is proud of its modern attitude towards the environment.
The hotel has undertaken various sustainable initiatives, including a #BecauseWeCare Programme and a Sustainable Christmas Market.
They have also introduced a sustainable restaurant, ‘Thyme at Seventy-Six on the Mall’, and a sustainable cocktail bar, ‘Sketch’, which uses 99% Irish products.
There is also a sustainable parklet outside the front door and policies such as green purchasing and environmental waste management.
Price: From £96 per night
