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Ireland: Penrose Quay in Cork City could play host to a 110-metre ship converted in to a 96-room hotel.
Ireland: Penrose Quay in Cork City could play host to a 110-metre ship converted in to a 96-room hotel.
Operator Sam Field Corbett said that, pending planning permission, the former cruise ship MY Story will feature a restaurant, bar, gym, swimming pool and sauna.
“It’s all ready to go,” Corbett said. “Red tape is the only barrier remaining. The project has already been held up a year thanks to the planners. This is the only country in the world where you need planning permission for a ship. People will know the Botel in Amsterdam. Most major cities have one. It’s quite a popular method of accommodation in cities.”
“It will fit in really nicely to the space that we’ve been allocated on the river. The more tourist attractions, such as this, that Cork has the more it will stand out,” he added.
Field Corbett has experience in converting ships for other uses. His company restored the Dublin landmark the Cill Áirne, which is located near the docklands, and operates as a bar and restaurant.
A decision on planning permission for the floating hotel is expected next month. If Cork County Council grant permission, Field Corbett plans to open the hotel in late July.
