Laois Chamber Alliance CEO, Caroline Hofman, caught up with Rasa McMahon, Sales and Marketing Manager with the Maldron Hotel Portlaoise…
Can you tell us a bit about the Maldron Hotel Portlaoise, your role and how long you have been working with Maldron Hotels?
Maldron Hotel Portlaoise is a fantastic 3-star establishment dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and service at an affordable price, catering to both business and leisure travellers.
We take immense pride in our recent achievements, having been awarded the title of “Best Value Hotel in 2022” in the Midlands 103 awards, as well as being recognised as the “Best Hotel Health and Fitness Club.” These accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to providing outstanding experiences to our valued guests.
My journey with Maldron Hotel Portlaoise began over a year ago, and it has truly been the most rewarding and fulfilling professional experience of my life.
In my role as the Sales and Marketing Manager, I have had the privilege to collaborate closely with local businesses, promote the incredible attractions our region has to offer, and introduce exciting new initiatives that enhance our guests’ stay.
I am very lucky to be a part of the Dalata Hotel Group – a dynamic and forward-thinking hospitality giant that truly values the growth and development of its employees.
Over the past year, I’ve been enrolled in an extensive course to enhance my knowledge and skills, and I can confidently say that the opportunities for growth and development within the Dalata Hotel Group are boundless.
In my role at Maldron Hotel Portlaoise and as a student of the Dalata Academy, I have witnessed first-hand the incredible dedication of Dalata Hotel Group to the growth and development of its employees.
However, it’s essential to highlight that the heart of our hotel is our remarkable team. It’s the dedicated individuals I have the pleasure of working with every day who make Maldron Hotel Portlaoise the place to visit.
Their talent, passion, and commitment to providing the best possible experience to our guests are what set us apart.
What is different and compelling about what you offer?
Maldron Hotel Portlaoise is not just a place to stay; it’s a destination that offers accessibility, convenience, and a wealth of amenities. Whether you’re here for a meeting, event, relaxation, or a delightful dining experience, we have everything you need to make your stay memorable. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our exceptional hotel.
What truly sets Maldron Hotel Portlaoise apart is our unique combination of accessibility, convenience, and exceptional amenities. Positioned right beside the motorway, we offer a location that is not only easy to reach but also free from the hassle of town traffic, parking concerns, and excessive costs.
Our strategic location makes us the perfect choice for meetings, conferences, and events. Without the stress of navigating through town traffic, attendees can arrive promptly and hassle-free. Plus, we provide ample parking space, eliminating any worries about finding a spot.
A standout feature is our Club Vitae Health Centre, complete with a 20-metre pool. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s a place to rejuvenate and unwind. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, our health centre offers the perfect opportunity to relax and maintain your fitness routine.
Our onsite Grain & Grill restaurant serves delicious food throughout the day, starting with a fully Irish breakfast to kickstart your morning. Our mouth-watering carvery and dinner menu feature signature dishes that cater to all tastes and preferences. You won’t need to venture far to enjoy exceptional cuisine.
How has the Maldron Hotel Portlaoise grown since it was first opened?
Maldron Hotel Portlaoise has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception, evolving into a modern and eco-conscious establishment.
Originally opened as Comfort Inn, the hotel’s journey took a significant turn in 2010 when it was acquired by the Dalata Hotel Group. This marked the birth of Maldron Hotel Portlaoise.
In 2018, a significant refurbishment project was completed, bringing a burst of bright colours to the forefront. This makeover not only refreshed the hotel’s appearance but also created a vibrant and inviting atmosphere for our guests.
We didn’t stop at the aesthetics. All our meeting rooms received a revamp, encompassing everything from equipment to furniture. These improvements enhanced our meeting room offerings, making us a preferred choice for business events and gatherings.
We are committed to environmental sustainability and have partnered with Green Tourism, a specialist environment accreditation partner, and implemented various eco-friendly initiatives. In 2021, we proudly achieved gold status in recognition of our efforts and we have retained this accreditation every single year since.
Our commitment to the environment continues and plans are in place to move away from traditional boilers and install heat pumps and PV panels.
Maldron Hotel Portlaoise’s growth journey reflects our dedication to providing an exceptional guest experience while embracing sustainability and innovation. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our continually evolving and eco-conscious hotel.
Do you have any news or future expansion plans you can share with us?
As we look to the horizon, Maldron Hotel Portlaoise is poised for an exciting future marked by a strong commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. We believe that sustainability is not just a trend but a responsibility, and we’re ready to make some significant changes.
Firstly, in our pursuit of sustainability, we’re bidding farewell to traditional boilers and embracing heat pumps. Additionally, we’re installing cutting-edge PV panels to harness the abundant Irish daylight, reducing our carbon footprint in the process.
While technology and infrastructure are important, we recognize that our team is at the core of our hotel’s success. That’s why we’re continuing to invest in our dedicated staff, nurturing their talents and ensuring that they provide exceptional service to our guests.
Speaking of technology, we’re also focused on enhancing the guest experience. We’re exploring innovative solutions to provide a seamless stay. Imagine a future where a robot delivers your order right to your Maldron Hotel door! It’s all part of our commitment to making your visit even more convenient and enjoyable. Stay tuned for more exciting developments on the horizon!
For anyone looking to work, visit, or invest in Laois, what would you say are the best things about being located here?
Positioned at the crossroads of Ireland, Laois offers exceptional accessibility. It’s a gateway to anywhere in Ireland, with well-connected road networks and proximity to major cities like Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway. This strategic location makes it a prime choice for businesses, travellers, and investors.
Being part of Laois means becoming part of a welcoming and tight-knit community. The sense of belonging and community spirit in Laois is second to none. It’s a place where people genuinely care about their neighbours, and newcomers are embraced with open arms. The support is always evident in our fundraisers and we are very grateful for everyone’s support.
Whether you’re seeking a place to live, visit, or invest, Laois has something special to offer that caters to a diverse range of interests and goals.
Visit www.maldronhotelportlaoise.com to find out more.
Business News
- James McElwee is newly elected President of Laois Chamber Alliance – James McElwee is newly elected President of Laois Chamber Alliance – Laois Today
- Huge congratulations to everyone involved with Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, crowned Ireland’s tidiest town for 2023. Congratulations are also in order for Portlaoise, awarded a Gold medal and Durrow awarded a Bronze medal overall.
- Budget 2024: The main points as €14 billion package announced – Budget 2024: The main points as €14 billion package announced – Laois Today
- Congratulations to the two Laois winners at the 2023 Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Awards:
5-star Hotel: Ballyfin, Co Laois
Newcomer: Bramley Restaurant, Abbeyleix, Co Laois
Business Supports
- €9m of funding was allocated to Local Enterprise Offices in Budget 2024. This allows your Local Enterprise Office to extend financial supports and mentoring to more small businesses. Read your guide to Budget 2024 here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a93a4-your-guide-to-budget-2024/
- To help your business remain competitive, Enterprise Ireland’s Green Transition Fund offers funding to begin green initiatives, and for innovation and investment in decarbonisation. Find out more: https://rebrand.ly/GreenTransition
- If your Laois business is exporting to Great Britain, prepare now for the new Brexit changes on 31st January 2024. The UK, excluding Northern Ireland, will introduce new import declaration requirements and checks on goods. Find out more here: http://gov.ie/brexit
What’s coming up…
- Innovation is key to staying ahead of the competition. If you’re thinking of developing new products, processes or services, sign up for Enterprise Ireland’s Agile Innovation Webinar on Thursday, 19th October from 12pm to 1pm. Learn more: https://rebrand.ly/Agile-In
- X (Twitter)101 Masterclass with Local Enterprise Office Laois, takes place online on Tuesday 31st October, from 9.30am to 12pm. Book your free place here: Online Bookings – Laois (localenterprise.ie)
SEE ALSO – Check out more Business Briefings here
