GOLD MEDAL AWARDS 2014: CATEGORY WINNERS Sponsored by Keelings BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTEL Hotel Westport Leisure Spa Conference Hotel “The reaction to our win has been fantastic – we have had interviews with three local radio stations and we have generated some great PR for the hotel from the event,” says General Manager Declan Heneghan. “Our Facebook and Twitter accounts have been alive with well wishers. Personally and collectively we have got many additional messages from friends, associates in the industry, customers and locals in the town. All employees see the award as a fantastic recognition of their work.” Declan believes that the award will have a significant impact on the business. “The award will be a major
part of our marketing strategy for the coming months and into next year. This award is a great differentiator for us in the marketplace and it will give us a competitive advantage when it comes to marketing family holidays.” The Nominees: Athlone Springs Hotel; Dingle Skellig Hotel; Hotel Westport Leisure Spa Conference Hotel; Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa; Lyrath Estate Hotel; Mulranny Park Hotel; The Newpark Hotel.
Peter Duffy, Regional Manager, Keelings Farm Fresh, presents Declan Heneghan, Collette Brawn and Eithne Cosgrove, Hotel Westport, with the Best Family Friendly Hotel Award.
HIDEAWAY OF THE YEAR Castle Leslie Estate The Hideaway of the Year award went to Castle Leslie Estate, its second win of the evening, and it is an accolade that fits almost perfectly with Castle Leslie’s marketing strategy. “It was a really important award for us because it is synonymous with our branding and our marketing,” says General Manager Brian Baldwin. “The phrasology we use is ‘escape to a rural retreat in a hidden corner of Ireland’. To have gotten ‘Hideaway of the Year’, which is nearly the opening line for our website and brochures, solidifies that. We encourage people to come and get lost in Castle Leslie Estate so getting this award is a huge win for us.” The Nominees: Ard na Sidhe; Cromleach Lodge; Gregan’s Castle Hotel; Inishbofin House Hotel; Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel; The Castle at Castle Leslie Estate; The Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate.
30
Anton Savage presents Olivia Cannon and Brian Baldwin, The Castle at Castle Leslie Estate, with the Hideaway of the Year Award.
HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW
H&C_OCTOBER 2014_Gold Medal Awards.indd 30
08/10/2014 13:56