'Ken represents the very best of Irish hospitality': Cork doorman recognised in global hotel campaign

Doorman of The Montenotte Hotel, Ken O'Callaghan has been recognised amongst the Highly Commended in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World The One campaign.

A Cork hotel has congratulated its dedicated doorman, who has been named Highly Commended in the worldwide Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s campaign celebrating personalities who make each stay feel extraordinary.

Ken O’Callaghan, who has been at the heart of The Montenotte in Cork since 2022, was named on the Highly Commended list of the global collection of independent hotels’ campaign, The One.

O’Callaghan appears on the list alongside staff members from hotels across the globe, including Chiang Mai in Thailand, Phuket in Thailand, Alaçatı in Turkey, Nevis in the Caribbean Islands, Jamaica, Costa Rica and the Austrian Alps.

The One campaign invited nominations for individuals at independent hotels who make stays truly extraordinary. Thousands of nominations flooded in, showing how Small Luxury Hotels – although small – have incredibly big hearts.

The campaign aims to remind people that in a world increasingly influenced by AI, the stories of nominated staff members remind us of the importance of human touch and emotion.

The Montenotte Hotel has said it is “immensely proud” of O’Callaghan’s recognition in the campaign and of his ability to make everyone feel special with his "warm Irish welcome".

Doorman of The Montenotte Ken O'Callaghan, pictured with the hotel's general manager Juan Tudela. Picture: The Montenotte.

General manager of The Montenotte, Juan Tudela, said: “Anyone who has met Ken will understand why he deserves this honour. He remembers names, notices the smallest details, and has a remarkable ability to make everyone feel important. Ken doesn’t simply welcome people to The Montenotte; he touches the lives of those around him and turns everyday interactions into lasting memories.

“I feel genuinely grateful and privileged to work alongside someone like him. Ken represents the very best of Irish hospitality and everything we want The Montenotte experience to be. 

Congratulations, Ken. This recognition could not be more deserved. We are all immensely proud of you.

Before joining The Montenotte, O’Callaghan had a long career with Musgraves. After a health scare in 2021, he decided life was too short not to pursue something he truly enjoyed.

Combining his love of meeting people with his passion for Cork, he applied for the role of doorman in September 2022 and was on his honeymoon when he was invited for an interview.

Since joining the team, O’Callaghan has become an integral part of the guest experience. He was named the hotel’s Employee of the Year in 2024 and has received more positive guest feedback than any other team member in the hotel’s history since joining.

O’Callaghan joins Kadek Juliantara of the Viceroy Bali in Ubud on the Highly Commended list, alongside five finalists and the three winners – Sergio José López Castro of The Retreat in Costa Rica, Hannes of Eriro in the Austrian Alps, and Quynh Phan of Namia River Retreat in Vietnam.