Adare Manor has been named as the AA Hotel of the Year 2019, the most prestigious prize in the Irish hospitality industry.
“Since re-opening in 2017 after an extensive 21-month restoration and expansion project, the resort has re-affirmed its position as one of the finest hotels not only in Ireland, but in the world. Attracting visitors from across the globe, Adare Manor only serves to highlight how important the hospitality industry is in Ireland and the extent to which Ireland, through the warm welcome provided by those working in the industry, is a must-visit destination for those overseas,” said Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs. “Winning the AA Hotel of the Year award is no easy task as our team of inspectors hold each AA property to the highest of standards. Getting to this point is the result of years of hard work by the team at Adare Manor, a history of putting the customer first, and a commitment to providing a world-class experience for all those fortunate enough to have the pleasure of visiting. We are truly proud to name Adare Manor as our AA Hotel of the Year for 2019.”
The AA inspection team was impressed with the welcoming nature of each member of Adare Manor’s team and the top-quality of the food and service at the hotel’s flagship dining room, The Oak Room restaurant. With 104 rooms and suites, 42 of which are located in the new wing added during the expansion project, Adare Manor has been the recipient of numerous national and international awards, with the views of the river Maigue, the extensive gardens and the championship golf course providing truly breath-taking scenery for all guests to savour.
On accepting the award, General Manager Paul Heery said: “On behalf of the entire team at Adare Manor, we are delighted to be honoured by winning the ‘AA Hotel of the Year 2019’. This distinguished award is testament to the outstanding quality of our team at the resort, who consistently demonstrate their genuine care and passion for the Adare Manor true guest experience. We continue to attract talent to work with us at the resort from Ireland and internationally, from those who recognise and share our commitment to deliver an exceptional and memorable guest experience. During our extensive restoration, refurbishment and expansion programme, we received great support and encouragement from the industry, and we look forward to continuing to play our part as we attract visitors from overseas and throughout Ireland to come, stay and enjoy the wonderful hospitality and customer service that Ireland’s hotel and hospitality industry has to offer.”
The AA uses highly trained and experienced inspectors to personally visit every AA accredited hotel for an overnight stay. The assessments of the standards of hospitality, service, cuisine, facilities and staff are the most exacting in the industry. Winners are selected in recognition of excellence in service and hospitality. They must also clearly demonstrate continuous improvement in the previous 12-18 months.
For a hotel to be considered it must have displayed excellence over time. A hotel that wins AA Hotel of the Year can claim to be the best hotel in Ireland in its category. The award does not necessarily go to a five star hotel, although it does this year.
Other major AA award winners this year were:
AA Guest Accommodation of the Year: Castlewood House, Dingle, Co. Kerry
Since opening in 2005, Brian and Helen Heaton’s Castlewood House has received numerous awards and critical acclaim for the luxury and high-quality food provided to its guests. Within walking distance of
Dingle town, this high-end, 12-bed property is a true jewel in the crown of the south-west coast renowned for a breakfast which will bring joy to any hungry overseas travellers.
AA Courtesy & Care Award: Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort, Gorey, Co. Wexford
The Courtesy & Care award is a testament to excellence in customer care executed by hospitality staff and is not granted lightly. Winning this award is a testament to the friendly and professional team at Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort. Home to the 2 AA Rosette Greenroom Restaurant and the recently opened Village Bar & Grill, Seafield Hotel has gone from strength-to-strength under the management of GM Micheál Cunningham.
AA Restaurant of the Year: The Earl of Thomond, Dromoland Castle, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare.
A new award in the AA’s collection, the AA Restaurant of the Year award recognises not only a high-standard of cuisine, but an exceptional level of service. Hold of 2 AA Rosettes, the team at the Earl of Thomond were recognised by the AA inspectors for a really strong level of service ensuring that all guests received an attentive, yet not overpowering level of service. Currently under the management of Sé Gardiner, the restaurant’s senior team were described by the AA’s inspectors as true professionals and a credit to the industry.
