Business

Slieve Donard Resort invests £1.1m in major hotel refurbishment

Michael Weston, general manager of the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is joined by executive head chef, Hazel Magill, to unveil the results of a £1.1m investment from Hastings Hotels.
Michael Weston, general manager of the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is joined by executive head chef, Hazel Magill, to unveil the results of a £1.1m investment from Hastings Hotels. Michael Weston, general manager of the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is joined by executive head chef, Hazel Magill, to unveil the results of a £1.1m investment from Hastings Hotels.

A LEADING Co Down hotel has invested £1.1 million in a major refurbishment.

The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in Newcastle, owned and operated by Hastings Hotels, is currently undergoing a renovation programme, which has already resulted in the creation of a new kitchen. The renovation work has included a change to the kitchen's layout, as well as the addition of new equipment, while the Drawing Room has also been redesigned.

The final stage of the transformation is due to be completed in September when 16 of the hotel's bedrooms will be upgraded.

Slieve Donard Resort and Spa general manager, Michael Weston said the latest investment is to ensure all guests continue to have the "very best experience".

"As part of this, we continue to invest in the resort while honouring the building’s legacy as one of Ireland’s most majestic hotels," he said.

The £1.1m renovation programme has included a brand-new kitchen which will allow our chefs to build on our dedication to local provenance and develop our offering in-line with the growing market for food tourism. We are very passionate about food and have just launched our new seasonal menus in all of the hotel’s dining options. As part of the kitchen investment, we have also modernised our team member areas to ensure a harmonious working environment and a nice space for them to relax during their breaks.”

“Also included in the investment programme are 16 of our luxurious bedrooms, the Lighthouse Lounge and the Drawing Room as we strive to ensure our guests receive a first-class service every time."

It has been a successful 12 months at the Co Down hotel, which reported 10 per cent in overall business over the year. The Resort is currently enjoying a busy summer period, with "excellent" forecasted bookings for the remainder of the year.

"We are confident that the award-winning Slieve Donard Resort & Spa will continue to be a major draw for the local tourism industry and this investment will allow us to facilitate the growing markets of leisure and business visitors while providing the very best of the famous Northern Ireland hospitality,”Mr Weston added.

As well as the Slieve Donard, the Hastings Group also owns Belfast’s Europa, Stormont, Grand Central and Culloden hotels, as well as Derry’s Everglades and Larne’s Ballygally Castle. It also owns a 50 per cent stake in Dublin’s Merrion Hotel.