24 Sep 2014
Posted by Miriam O'Neill 
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Pascal Donohoe, today presented the team of the AA 4 Star, Maryborough Hotel and Spa with the ultimate accolade of ‘AA Ireland Hotel of the Year 2014-2015.’ The award is the most prestigious of its kind in the Irish Hospitality Industry and enormous consideration goes into the selection of the most fitting recipient each year. The award represents the first win for a Cork Hotel in over a decade.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Pascal Donohoe: “Congratulations to all the team at The Maryborough Hotel and Spa and all the other award winners on their tremendous achievements. It’s been a positive year to date for Ireland in terms of tourism growth and key to this has been the combination of a quality product and value. The 9% VAT rate, I’m very pleased to say has helped enormously in changing the perception that Ireland is an expensive destination. Backing this up is the tremendous work by the award winners here today and their industry peers. Under challenging conditions they have shown great resilience and determination and continue to deliver superb Irish hospitality.”
The AA has been inspecting and grading hotels in Ireland for the guts of a century and are delighted to celebrate the achievements of The Maryborough Hotel and Spa and their loyal staff, many of whom have been with the hotel since it opened its doors in 1997. Excellence in service and hospitality as well as a clear demonstration of continuous improvement are key in attaining the coveted title of AA Hotel of the Year.
Value & innovation
AA Secret Hotel Inspectors share that they were impressed by the innovative and proactive culture that exists at The Maryborough which have driven some highly successful initiatives such as their children’s crazy golf course, on-site sports, outdoor wedding dome and their dedicated team building and activity centre which is nestled in the woodlands of their 18 acres grounds.
“The last couple of years have been very tough ones for our hospitality industry, in the greater Cork area alone almost half of hotels have been through the receivership process. The hotels that have remained on a successful footing have found themselves working very hard to find the right mix to allow them to maintain a first rate guest experience whilst having less resources at their disposal.” Says one of the AA’s Secret Hotel Inspectors. This is something that The Maryborough has achieved with great aplomb. They have been very effective in adding extra value for their guests and this was an important factor when we were assessing them for our AA Hotel of the Year accolade.
Excellent service
Excellence in service is an imperative for the AA’s Hotel of the Year something which the AA’s Hotel Inspectors comment has always been a strength at The Maryborough Hotel and Spa which is led by their General Manager, Justin McCarthy.
“Somewhat unusual in this industry, our Senior Management Team have all worked at the hotel from the very beginning.” Says Justin McCarthy, General Manager, The Maryborough Hotel and Spa. “Having this mature and stable Management Team in place has really helped us to keep evolving and keep challenging ourselves to deliver a level of hospitality that we can all be proud of. I’m so pleased for all our team that their hard work and dedication has been recognized by this award today. Whether they’re front of house or behind the scenes every member of our team is an ambassador for our hotel and they share in this accolade.”
The AA’s Secret Hotel Inspectors describe the family like bond that exists between the Senior Management Team as an invaluable asset that helps to set the tone at the hotel. “They know each other’s idiosyncrasies, each other’s wedding anniversaries and how to get the best out of each other. Every member of the team is empowered to handle every problem which really adds to the smooth running of the hotel.”
Continuous improvement
In terms of delivering continuous improvement, The Maryborough Hotel and Spa has succeeded in many ways including their refurbishment of their food and beverage areas. They show no signs of slowing down either, continuing on from the success of their refurbishment project, the AA reveals that preparations are underway for the addition of a magnificent new events area at The Maryborough in the form of an Orangery which will host weddings, business events and other private parties.
“Reinvesting at this level really helps the hotel to stay top of their game.” Says one of the AA’s Secret Hotel Inspectors. “We’re seeing very little of this happening outside of new owners who have purchased distressed properties. We wish The Maryborough every success with the project and we look forward to seeing the end result on future visits.
“Our sincerest congratulations go to Dan, Jo and Justin and all their team on this award. It’s not an award that can be bought and the assessment criteria are extremely tough. AA Hotel Inspectors by design are looking for perfection and scrutinize everything from the moment they pick up their phone to make their booking right through to the check-out process.” Says Conor Faughnan, Director of Consumer Affairs, AA Ireland. “The Maryborough Hotel and Spa are an organization that strive for excellence; excellence in terms of the guest experience and excellence in terms of how they operate their business. We are delighted to celebrate them here today and know they will wear the title of AA Hotel of the Year extremely well.
In addition to the main award of AA Hotel of the Year a number of other establishments were also honored with prestigious awards by the AA today. These are:
THE AA GUEST ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR AWARD 2014-2015
Cullinan’s Guest House and Restaurant, Doolin, Clare owned and run by husband and wife team, Carol and James Cullinan,has been named the ‘AA Ireland Guest Accommodation of the Year’ for 2014-2015, an award which is given to the best in the AA’s Bed and Breakfast, Guesthouse and Farmhouse category. Cullinan’s is one of only 12 restaurants in Munster to hold the very high accolade of 2 AA Rosettes for their cuisine.
THE AA COURTESY & CARE AWARD 2014-2015
Galway’s 4 AA Star Park House Hotel and Restaurant, Eyre Square, has been awarded the AA Courtesy and Care Award 2014-2015. The award, linked to the AA’s Motto of ‘Courtesy and Care’, is awarded annually to the AA Hotel which offers nothing short of excellent Irish Hospitality.
One of the key criteria of this award are that staff are true and genuine ambassadors something which AA Hotel Inspectors found to be true of every member of staff they had the pleasure of interacting with during their stay. Now in its 39th year, The Park House Hotel, employs 130 people across its 84 bedrooms, bustling bar and popular restaurant which boasts an AA Rosette in recognition of culinary excellence.
THE AA BEAN AN Tí OF THE YEAR 2014-2015
Kathy Mullen, Ardmore House B&B, Clifden: Kathy Mullen proprietor of the outstanding AA 4 Star Ardmore House B&B, Clifden, Galway has been named AA Ireland Bean an Tí of the Year 2014-2015. This special award, now in its fifth year, celebrates exceptional commitment and hard work by an individual proprietor to first-rate hospitality.
With access to a spectacular cliff walk from their grounds and attractions such as Clifden Town, Kylemore Abbey and the Connemara National Park nearby, Ardmore House is a keen favourite with walkers, cyclists and photographers looking to enjoy the Connemara countryside.
About the AA Hospitality Awards
The AA Hospitality Awards are amongst the most prestigious awards of their kind and draw on the unrivalled knowledge and expertise of the AA inspectorate and other industry professionals involved in the judging process. Winners are selected in recognition of excellence and success within their chosen category, having shown a significant improvement in the preceding 12 to 18 months and proving their dedication to raising industry standards and enhancing both their guest and diner experiences.
For further information on other award winners listed above please contact: AA Ireland Hospitality Services on hospitality@theaa.ie / 01 6179375
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