One Cork hotel hopes to reignite the love between couples this Valentine’s Day by suggesting they leave their mobile phones and reception and enjoy each other’s company over a romantic meal.
With the incredible range of functions available on smartphones now it can be easy to immerse yourself in games, social media, browsing the web or many other activities on your phone.
However, of course it is also important to spend time in the real world and appreciate your loved ones, especially on Valentine’s Day.
Michael Magner, the manager of the Vienna Woods Country Hotel in Cork, says he has seen many couples fail to connect on a date because one or both is spending too much time looking at their phones.
So, this Valentine’s Day he is encouraging them to spend quality time together instead of being glued to their screens.
Dining couples do not have to leave their phones at reception for the duration of their meal, but as an extra incentive they do receive a complimentary glass of wine or champagne if they choose to do so.
Magner said: “I’m not saying that I don’t use social media regularly for work and personal reasons but there’s a time and a place for everything.
“All too often I’ve seen first dates crash and burn because people are glued to their mobile phones, and when I see couples scrolling through Facebook and Instagram, on a night out and forgetting to actually talk to one another, I just think, where has the romance gone? Have we lost the art of conversation?
“This Valentine’s night, we want our customers to enjoy our high-quality food in the beautiful surrounds and atmosphere of our 18th century country house and truly reconnect with each other in a digitally free environment.
“There’s no obligation on guests to leave their phones at the door, but anyone who does so will be treated to a complimentary glass of wine or bubbly!”
