Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced that it is opening a second property in Ireland in Spring 2006, with the new build five star Sheraton Fota Island Golf Resort & Spa, Cork.
Starwood is working with property company Fleming Construction to develop the 133 room luxury Sheraton resort, on the beautiful Fota Island in County Cork, on the site of the existing Fota Island Golf Club. The resort will also ultimately include over 250 luxury residential lodges.
Fota Island is a scenic island in Cork harbour, just north of the larger island of Cà³bh. The island lies off the N25 Road from Cork to Waterford. Located 20 minutes from Cork airport, the new hotel will be a great location from which to explore Southern Ireland, while also taking advantage of all the facilities on offer to resort guests. The island is also host to Ireland’s only wildlife park – as well as the historic Fota House with its famous gardens.
In June 2006 Fota Island golf course is hosting the AIB Irish Seniors Open Golf Championship. With the launch of the new resort, the existing PGA endorsed golf course will be enhanced by the provision of an additional 9 holes, creating a world-class golf destination, with challenging features to test the skills of any golfer.
The hotel is 9km from Cork City, which is the current European Capital of Culture. The surrounding business parks house many international companies such as Motorola, Black & Decker, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.
For events and meetings the hotel will offer six meeting rooms, with capacities from 6 Roeland Vos, president, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Europe, Middle East & Africa said, “We are thrilled to be opening another hotel in Ireland. Since we opened the Westin Dublin in 2001 we have been looking for other opportunities in this market. When the Fota Island proposal came up it was what we had been waiting for.”
John Fleming, managing director, Fleming Construction, said, “We chose Sheraton because it is a great brand to be working with on this project. Fota Island is already highly regarded as a golf course – the new hotel, residential lodge development and extensive spa facilities will really add to the appeal of this part of Ireland for leisure, incentive and conference business. With Starwood already having a presence in Ireland and a proven track record with the success of the Westin Dublin, they make an ideal hotel management partner for us.”
In addition to the Westin Dublin, Starwood Hotels & Resorts currently operate nine hotels in the UK & Ireland, including the Westin Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire; the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh; The Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly; the Sheraton Park Tower, Knightsbridge and the Sheraton Heathrow.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. www.starwood.com
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