Category: Hospitality

The Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva has announced that it will host the largest and most comprehensive auction of hotel contents ever held in Europe, in February 2025.

This auction event is open to individuals, hospitality operators and design enthusiasts, to own a piece of history from the iconic hotel, just before it will embark on ‘a visionary transformation that promises a new era of elegance, sophistication, and sustainability.’

Over the course of four days, about 6,000 unique lots will be offered for sale, including furnishings, artwork and accessories from guest bedrooms, along with assets from the hotel’s restaurants, banqueting halls and commercial kitchens, as well as terrace furniture, laundry and linen, and generators – even the contents of the renowned Théâtre du Léman.

“It is a landmark event that will capture the attention of operators, collectors and fans from around the world, offering a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of the hotel’s history,” said Simon Rose, the auction director.

Pro Auction, the specialist hospitality sector auction house, will conduct the sale. The Fairmont auction will take place at the hotel from 17 to 20 February 2025, commencing at 10.00 CET each day. Online bidding will also be available via a live webcast, simultaneously.

 

The Fairmont Hotel temporarily closed its doors at the end of 2024, to undergo a major transformation starting in the second quarter of 2025.

Since its opening in 1885, the Grand Hotel Geneva has earned a reputation as one of Switzerland’s leading and largest five-star hotels. The property features 412 rooms and suites, several high-end restaurants, a spa complex, a 1,400-seat theatre and the Java nightclub.

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, the luxury property offers views of the Jet d’Eau fountain, Mont Blanc, and the French Alps.

The Montenotte, in Cork, has been awarded a five-star classification by Fáilte Ireland for its newly launched Woodland Suite Experience.

Launched in August 2024, the Woodland Suite Experience is perched on the hilltop within the Montenotte’s grounds, nestled deep within the trees. It features nine Woodland Suites and River Suites, along with an exclusive, residents-only clubhouse, curated by owners Frankie and Jo Whelehan, with architects Henry J Lyons and interior designer Róisín Lafferty.

“This five-star classification is a proud milestone in our journey to put Cork firmly on the map as a luxury travel destination,” said the Whelehans. “We are passionate about providing our guests with a truly unique accommodation experience that challenges the norms and celebrates our stunning landscape.”

Each suite aims to offer a sanctuary that blends seamlessly with the woodland surroundings. The River and Woodland suites offer views of the woodland, Cork City, and the River Lee, below.

The Woodland Suite Experience features state-of-the-art Italian travertine (a form of limestone) and oak timber finishes, spacious bathrooms, with scenic-view bathtubs in the centre of the rooms, bespoke furnishings, and private terraces. Adding to this, each suite features Ortigia products in the bathrooms, a Dyson hairdryer, Jameson Black Barrel whiskey, from the Midleton Distillery Experience, and a selection of local Cork cheeses, upon arrival.

 

The owners claim that this duality perfectly reflects the Montenotte’s unique character as an urban resort, where guests can enjoy the best of both worlds: the vibrancy of Cork City and the peace of the Irish woodlands.

“With the Woodland Suite Experience, we look forward to welcoming guests to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature, their loved ones, and themselves,” said the Whelehans.

Beyond the suites themselves, guests of the Woodland Suite Experience have access to the Montenotte’s award-winning Bellevue Spa and Salt Room, dining at the hotel’s Panorama restaurant, cocktails overlooking the city, at the Glasshouse, cinema screenings at the private Cameo Cinema, and strolls through the Victorian sunken gardens.

The g Hotel & Spa has announced the appointment of Bastien Peyraud as its new general manager. Peyraud has over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality across Ireland, the UK, Switzerland, and France.

Bastien Peyraud joins the g Hotel & Spa following a successful tenure at The Imperial Hotel, Cork, where he led a transformative repositioning, emphasising premium boutique hospitality and sustainability.

As part of his leadership vision, Peyraud aims to introduce a Green Team at the g Hotel & Spa to drive sustainability initiatives, strengthen relationships with local suppliers, and engage in meaningful community partnerships.

‘Exciting Projects’

“It is an absolute privilege to join The g Hotel & Spa team. The hotel’s unique design, exceptional service, and strong ties to the Galway community make it an extraordinary place,” said Bastien Peyraud.

“I look forward to leading the team in continuing its legacy, enhancing our sustainability efforts, and ensuring every guest enjoys an unparalleled experience as we unveil some exciting projects in the coming months.”

 

Culture Of Excellence

Peyraud said he is also committed to fostering a culture of excellence among staff, ensuring that the hotel continues to set industry standards in service and hospitality.

Located on the banks of the Lough Atalia and just five minutes from Galway City centre, the g Hotel & Spa includes 101 bedrooms, an award winning spa and is home to GEO’s restaurant, an AA Rosette-winning restaurant experience.

Peyraud has commited to to honour the vision of its original designer, Philip Treacy, maintaining its status as a premier destination in Galway.

The incoming government intends to cut the VAT rate to 9% for food-based hospitality, entertainment and hairdressing in the next budget.

It is also understood the new programme for government will contain a commitment to continue work on enacting the Occupied Territories Bill.

The move follows commitments in the document, which will be published later today.

The document talks in broad terms about reducing VAT for businesses.

However, what has been described as a significant conversation has taken place in recent hours between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on the issue.

Agreement has now been reached to return parts of the hospitality sector to the lower 9% VAT rate as part of the budget process.

This will be overseen by the new Minister for Finance which is expected to be Paschal Donohoe.

Government sources said the announcement will give certainty to the hospitality sector.

Department of Finance data published last year stated that cutting the VAT rate to 9% for the entire hospitality sector would cost €764 million annually.

This would fall to €545m if it only applied to food and catering services.

The current VAT rate for the hospitality sector is 13.5%.

Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland said that it was a bright day for the future of Irish hospitality.

“The reported reinstatement of the 9% VAT rate for the food-led hospitality sector from the next Budget is greatly welcome,” he said.

“This marks a significant victory for small, independent restaurants, pubs, cafés and other hospitality businesses which, in total, employ 270,000 nationwide.

“Of course, my thoughts are also with those business owners that were forced to make the heartbreaking decision to close due to rising, uncontrollable costs in recent times.”

Mr Cummins, who is running for Seanad election said that it is critical that the incoming government take “every step” to prevent further closures of small and medium enterprises.

Throughout December, every meal purchased at any of the Neville Park Hotel Group’s restaurants, including at Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise, Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy and Crown Quarter in Wexford Town, will see €1 donated to a charity chosen by the employees of each property.

 

At Midlands Park Hotel, guests dining at Kelly’s Steakhouse or the bistro-style Charter Bar & Eatery will help raise funds for Friends of Suicide Loss, an organisation which offers support services to those affected by suicide in Dublin and beyond.

 

Meanwhile, at the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy, diners at the Prom Bar and Alamo Steakhouse will be supporting Futures in Mind (formerly Talk To Tom), a local charity dedicated to suicide prevention, mental health awareness and bereavement supports. Patrons of Jasper’s Restaurant at the Crown Quarter in Wexford Town will contribute to the Hope Cancer Support Centre which provides vital services to people throughout Wexford whose lives have been changed by a cancer diagnosis.

 

While the team at Newtown Park Hotel, the most recent addition to the Neville Park Hotel Group’s portfolio of properties (formerly the Maldron Hotel Wexford), is fundraising in aid of The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul this year, they look forward to participating in the Christmas Community Donation Initiative in 2025.

 

Commenting on the news, Colm Neville from the Neville Park Hotel Group said, “We are delighted to launch this programme supporting charities that are close to the hearts of our employees. It reflects our commitment as a group to giving back to our communities, through listening to what’s important to our team and backing charities they’re passionate about. We look forward to welcoming guests to our restaurants throughout December where they can dine with the knowledge that the meals they’re enjoying are contributing to meaningful causes.”

Killashee Hotel won the Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Award at the Kildare Business Awards 2024.

 

Pictured at the presentation were left to right: Ger Alley, General Manager, Killashee; Declan Stack of Kerry Group, sponsors of the award; Magda Egan, Head of HR & People, Killashee; and Mairead Hennessy, President, Kildare Chamber.

 

Killashee Hotel employs 370 full and part time staff from the local community. As part of its engagement strategy, Killashee provides training and promotes development opportunities for team members.

 

At the heart of its success lies a leadership team that possess a clear vision and an unwavering dedication to driving growth while upholding their core values. A lifelong learning policy is established to ensure performance development plans are in place for each staff member that wants to develop their career and progress.

The owners of the Keadeen Hotel in Kildare, Matthew O’Callaghan and Denis Williams, recently held a special event at the hotel to announce their plans for the establishment. The event aimed to celebrate the O’Callaghan Family’s vision for the Keadeen’s future, which includes significant capital investment plans to enhance the hotel’s current facilities, upgrade the leisure centre, and add bedrooms.

 

Last July, the hotel was acquired by the O’Callaghan family, who are owners of both the Fairways Hotel and the Gateway Hotel in Dundalk. “It is an honour to be entrusted with the management of the Keadeen Hotel, a cornerstone of our local community here in Newbridge, and of Kildare’s thriving tourism industry,” said Michael Masterson, general manager. “I look forward to bringing fresh perspectives to the Keadeen Hotel, alongside the O’Callaghan Family and the iNUA Hotel Collection, while honouring the hotel’s rich heritage.”

 

Established in 1970, the Keadeen is located in Newbridge, Co. Kildare – just 40 minutes south-west from Dublin’s city centre and 2km from the Curragh Racecourse. The hotel boasts 69 luxurious bedrooms and extensive conference, occasion and banqueting facilities. It is also known as a premier wedding destination, with the Amphitheatre, a one-of-a-kind outdoor wedding and event venue. “This evening was about celebrating the Keadeen’s legacy and sharing our commitment to its future with the Newbridge community,” said owner O’Callaghan.

 

“We look forward to adding new chapters to its rich history while retaining the warm, welcoming spirit that generations of guests have loved.”

Dalata Hotel Group has announced that it has exchanged contracts for the sale of Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford, to Neville Hotels for €21 million.

 

Under the terms of the transaction, the Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford, will transfer to Neville Hotels, with Dalata commencing an employee engagement process, to help the transition. Neville Hotels is owned by local Wexford man Seamus Neville. “We are delighted to add Whites Hotel in Wexford to our portfolio of hotels,” said Thérèse Kelly, director of Neville Hotels. “This acquisition marks our sixth hotel for the group, and we feel this hotel will complement our new property in Curracloe, the Ravenport Resort, very well.” Substantially, all of the net proceeds from this transaction and the sale of the Maldron Hotel Wexford are being returned to shareholders through the current share buy-back programme announced on 15 October 2024.

 

Dalata noted that it remains committed to its portfolio and the Irish market, wherein it is the leading hotel operator, through its Clayton and Maldron brands. The transaction is expected to be completed in January. Savills advised Dalata on the transaction. “The Clayton Whites Hotel Wexford has been a significant part of Dalata’s journey, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team there for all their hard work and commitment,” said Dermot Crowley, CEO of Dalata Hotel Group. “The hotel has a strong management team in place and a proven track record of strong performance, providing me with confidence that it will continue to excel as part of Neville Hotels.”

Ireland’s hotel landscape is being ‘marred’ by cash-in-hand payments, with rising costs and wage struggles set to continue into 2025, according to research. Excel Recruitment has published its Hotel and Catering Salary Guide 2025, which shows that the sector now faces serious pressures from rising operational costs, wage increases, and changing industry dynamics, which could reshape the landscape of Irish hospitality. “The hospitality industry is at a crossroads,” said Shane McLave, managing director at Excel Recruitment. “With anywhere between 600 and 700 hospitality venues closing in the last 12 months alone, it’s not a surprise that just about everyone we meet in this sector is concerned about its sustainability.”

 

The 2025 salary guide highlights noticeable adjustments in wages for entry-level and supervisory roles, while management salaries remain mostly unchanged. Excel Recruitment claims that kitchen porters can now expect an average salary around €28,000 – slightly above the minimum wage threshold – and chefs de partie may earn between €38,000 and €42,000.

 

Although employers are introducing minor pay increases and added benefits to retain talent, the recruiters say that these initiatives are financially challenging in a highly service-oriented industry. The guide indicates that businesses in the sector are increasingly relying on staffing agencies and automation to balance rising costs with customer expectations.

 

Wage adjustments for entry-level roles, streamlined management, and operational shifts reflect an industry working to adapt amid concerns over sustainability, according to Excel Recruitment. “To adapt, many businesses are implementing leaner management teams and reducing salary gaps between positions,” said McLave. “Additional cost-saving measures, such as offering live-in positions, closing on select days, simplifying menus, and embracing automation, are expected to become more prevalent.”

The Johnstown Estate, in Enfield, Co. Meath, has announced the launch of its new conference facilities, the Forde Suites, which have been developed with an investment exceeding €9 million. The Forde Suites form a multipurpose conference facility that can cater to groups of all sizes, including large conferences with up to 1,000 delegates. With a current workforce exceeding 370, the opening of the conference centre is poised to create an additional 50 jobs at the four-star hotel and spa.

 

The Forde Suites aim cater to a wide range of events, including award ceremonies, trade shows, car launches, exhibitions, seminars, and team-building activities. They feature bright spacious areas with moveable walls, high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and plush furnishings, and boast their own private entrance. The Orangery, a large floodlit reception area, is designed for registration, breaks and drinks receptions, while the Forde Suites also feature two large breakout rooms and private garden spaces.

 

The Johnstown Estate is independently owned and set on 120 acres of private grounds, with a listed eighteenth-century Georgian house, wooded parkland, and restored walled gardens. The property features 128 bedrooms and suites, as well as 40 self-catering lodges.