FBD Hotels & Resorts has officially taken ownership of the Grand Hotel, Malahide, in north Co Dublin; following completion of its previously-announced €55m purchase of the property.
FBDH&R announced, in mid-Janaury, its agreed purchase of the Grand Hotel from the Ryan family, who had owned the iconic Malahide property since 1974.
Now completed, the deal adds the Grand Hotel to FBDH&R’s Irish and Spanish portfolio – which includes The Heritage, in Co Laois; Castleknock Hotel, in Dublin; Killashee Hotel in Naas, Co Kildare; Faithlegg Hotel, in Co Waterford; and La Cala and Sunset Beach Club, both on Spain’s Costa del Sol.
As with previous acquisitions, FBD Hotels & Resorts (FBDH&R) 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 leisure offerings in time.
FBDH&R Chief Executive, 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.”
