Hotel toasts success with top award

CORK’S only five-star hotel has beaten off equally sleek competition from around the country to win the title of Automobile Association Hotel of the Year.

Hayfield Manor, which stands on two acres of tranquil gardens in the heart of the city, was announced the winner at a special reception in the Guinness Gravity Bar in Dublin last night.

“We’re thrilled to be awarded this very prestigious accolade” said the hotel’ general manager, Margaret Naughton. “It’s a wonderful award for the entire team, who are the essential ingredients in creating the Hayfield experience.”

Hospitality and professionalism are the main strengths of the hotel, where some of the finest cuisine in Ireland is served. It is little surprise that the Manor Room restaurant has two AA rosettes. The hotel also boasts an exclusive health spa.

“These are challenging times for the hospitality industry,” AA managing director Pat Kiely said. “Our winning hotels epitomise the best possible response to the new challenges. They focus on superb quality and offer visitor standards that compare favourably with the very best in the world.

“This is Ireland’s strength in the world market. We have a real talent for hospitality.”

The 19th-century Cashel House Hotel in Co Galway won the AA’s Courtesy and Care Award while a special award was made to Hunter’s Hotel in Rathnew, Co Wicklow. It is Ireland’s longest established AA-graded hotel, having been listed every year without fail since 1925.

The AA guest accommodation award was won by Carrig Country House and Restaurant in Killorglin, Co Kerry.