Luxury hotel set to transform the south city

A MASSIVE new €50 million luxury hotel that is due to open in the south inner city next year will transform the area, it has been revealed.

Work is already underway on the first Hyatt in Ireland – a 234-bedroom luxury hotel in Dublin’s Liberties Gate.

When it opens in March 2019 it will provide a launchpad for visitors who will be within easy walking distance to some of Dublin’s major attractions including the historic St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Vicar Street as well as iconic destinations such as the home of Guinness in St James’s Gate brewery.

Speaking as details of the venture were announced at a gathering at the Hodson Bay Hotel, on the shores of Lough Ree, Jason Ballard, Vice President of Hyatt Hotels Europe, who was joined by John O’Sullivan, Chairman of Hodson Bay Group, said this was a day they had been looking forward to for some time.

“Identifying the right partner for the Irish market was a strategic priority for me and the Hyatt Board of Directors,” he said. “And we’re absolutely thrilled that we’ve finalised a franchise agreement with Hodson Bay Group – an Irish family owned business with an amazing reputation and a culture that fits perfectly with Hyatt’s core values.”

Also joining the celebrations at Hodson Bay was a delegation from Chicago (the home of Hyatt Hotels) led by Toni Preckwinkle, the President of the Cook County Board, Chicago. 

Ms Preckwinkle added: “This announcement has made for such a memorable visit to Ireland. Hyatt Hotel Corporation, a company we are so proud of in Cook County, teaming up with Hodson Bay Group here on the lakeside in Athlone has made our visit all the more special.”

Denis Naughton, Minister for Communications, said that attracting Hyatt to the Irish market was a testament to the reputation and track record of the Hodson Bay Group. 

The hotel will be situated in The Liberties, a historic and vibrant area in the heart of Dublin that has undergone significant regeneration in recent years.

Thie location, which has been inhabited for over 1,000 years, making it one of the the oldest parts of Dublin, is currently experiencing a complete regeneration as part of Dublin City Council’s plans to create a centre of culture and heritage for the city. 

Art effects dating back to 900AD which were discovered during the archaeological excavation of the site are currently being curated.

The hotel will feature a state-of-the-art gym and a design that aims to encourage interaction and engagement, with large windows at street level allowing for an immediate view of the bustling Dublin community outside. Guests will also be able to access numerous open plan and interconnecting spaces where they will be able to enjoy a wide range of restaurant, bar, café and lounge options, alongside an expansive conference space will open the hotel up for external events.