The general manager of Co. Laois's Ballyfin Demense, Damien Bastiat, was presented with the award for "AA Hotel of the Year" 2018 by minister for transport, tourism and sport Shane Ross at a ceremony held in Dublin on Wednesday April 25.
Commenting on the venue's win, AA director of consumer affairs Conor Faughnan said, “Ballyfin Demense has, in its short history, become one of the finest hotels in Ireland, and perhaps one of the finest hotels in the world, a fact which only serves to highlight the impressive nature of the hospitality industry in Ireland. It takes a lot to impress our AA inspectors and to reach the standards required to win 'Hotel of the Year' requires years of dedication to putting the customer first. Our eagle-eyed inspectors leave no stone unturned and follow the most stringent inspection standards in the industry. Beyond the beauty and scenery that Ballyfin Demense has to offer, it also boasts a friendly and highly professional staff who ensure every customer has a first class experience. We are proud to name Ballyfin Demense as our 'AA Hotel of the Year' for 2018.”
The AA’s head inspector described a stay at Ballyfin as being akin to “being in a private home, with the atmosphere of a period Irish house with all the facilities of a five-star resort. With 20 rooms and suites, it is a very special place that has won many international awards in its short history.”
On accepting the award, Bastiat asserted, “We are very proud to gain this recognition for the hard work our team puts in every day. It’s a real testament to the Ballyfin ethos and to the beautiful property we are lucky enough to work in.”
© 2018 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
