The Grand Hotel in Malahide has officially become the seventh property within the FBD Hotels & Resorts portfolio.
FBD bought the property from the Ryan family, who had owned it since 1974, for €55m
The Grand joins the group’s portfolio of luxury four-star hotels and resorts including Faithlegg, Waterford; The Heritage, Laois; Castleknock Hotel, Dublin; and Killashee Hotel, Kildare.
It also owns and operates two resorts near Malaga on the Costa del Sol, Spain—Sunset Beach Club, Benalmádena, and La Cala Resort, Mijas.
The Grand employs over 200 people bringing the total number of employees within the farmer-owned business to 1,905 people and the total number of hotel rooms to 1,387.
The Malahide property, which boasts stunning sea views and is close to Dublin Airport attracts both leisure and corporate guests.
The 202 bedroom hotel is able to host everything from international conferences, exhibitions, weddings and gala banquets.
The hotel also houses the Arena Health and Fitness Club with 21-metre swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and state of the art gymnasium.
FBD plans to invest €5m into upgrading The Grand over the next three years.
Initially the focus will be on the refurbishment of the lobby, ground floor areas and 40 bedrooms along with branding, marketing, IT infrastructure and professional development.
This will extend to upgrades to the bar and dining facilities, conference, wedding and later the leisure areas.
CEO of FBD Hotels & Resorts David Kelly said: “We are honoured to be entrusted with the stewardship of this historic hotel, whose rich heritage and enduring legacy have made it a symbol of excellence in hospitality.
"The Ryan family and 200 strong team at The Grand have done an excellent job in preserving the timeless charm and traditions that have made it a venue of choice for many over the decades.
"We look forward to adding to this storied history as we start a new era of grand hospitality with FBD Hotels & Resorts.
"Our team has a proven track record in welcoming new colleagues and investing in opportunities for growth.
"Underpinned by a strong balance sheet, innovative team, and forward focused ownership, we look forward to further adding to The Grand as a treasured destination in the years ahead.”
Karine Kavanagh, General Manager, The Grand said: “This marks an exciting new chapter for the hotel, offering new opportunities to be embraced by our customers and staff alike.
"The team at FBD Hotels & Resorts have transformed other historic hotels with sensitivity enhancing their original charm in a contemporary and sensitive manner. We look forward to this new era as part of the FBD Hotels & Resorts portfolio.”
Photographer: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland
