The Lodge Hotel, the family-owned hotel in Coleraine, has been acquired by the Antrim-based McKeever Hotels for an undisclosed sum.
The change of ownership coincides with the retirement of Ivor Boyd and Norma Wilkinson, who have ran The Lodge Hotel for 30 years, along with their third partner, the late Brian Stockman who joined the business in 2003.
'Strong Family Values'
“The McKeever Group has built its reputation on strong family values which very much reflect our own," said Ivor and Norma.
"We’re delighted they recognised both the quality of our offering and the clear synergies between our hotels which will ensure The Lodge Hotel becomes a natural extension of the McKeever Group."
The McKeever Hotel Group
The McKeever Hotel Group is a family-run business based in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The group owns five hotels in Northern and southern Ireland, including Corr’s Corner Hotel, the Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim, the Adair Arms Hotel in Ballymena, Dillons Hotel in Letterkenny, and the Dunadry Hotel in Antrim.
Last year, McKeever Hotels announced a banking partnership with Ulster Bank, as the hospitality group sets out fresh plans for growth. The partnership saw the business refinance to the bank to expand and upgrade its hotel portfolio, with major investments at two of the group’s flagship hotels.
Eddie McKeever is the managing director of McKeever Hotels and grew up in the hospitality industry. His father, Eugene McKeever MBE, established the McKeever Hotel Group in 1986, and Eddie’s mother, Catherine, and sister, Bridgene Keeley, are also part of the company.
'Local Community'
“We’re so pleased to welcome The Lodge to the McKeever family and regard this investment as great news, not just for staff and customers, but for the local community and the hospitality sector as a whole," said Eddie McKeever.
"The links between our hotels are many, not least the strong focus on quality service, professionalism, and customer care."
Read more: Eddie McKeever Of The McKeever Hotel Group Discusses The Family Business
