Iconic hotel has welcomed World Cup legends and Oscar winners
August 2022: The first hotel at Dublin airport opened in 1972 with its success taking off immediately, now, 50 years and 4.5 million guests later, its popularity remains sky-high.
Designed by award-winning architect, Sam Stephenson of Stephen Gibney & Associates, the hotel was known as the Dublin International Hotel when it first opened.
In 2014 Ireland’s largest hotel operator, Dalata Hotel Group Plc took over and it became the 4* Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport.
Now to mark the hotel’s 50th anniversary, Dalata Hotel Group, which is committed to continuous investment in the hotel, is planning a special event to celebrate past and present staff, many of whom have been working there their entire careers.
People like Pat Fox, who is the current Head of Transport has been with the hotel for 49 years. Pat was preceded by his father who was a member of the hotel’s opening team.
Another long serving member of staff is David Steel who has been with the hotel for 43 years. David, who is also the current Executive Chef for the Irish football team has met many personalities who have stayed at the hotel, including Joan Collins when she was at the height of her fame.
The longest serving female member of staff is Jacinta Gorman, who has been with the hotel for 42 years.
As a key member of the Food & Beverage team, Jacinta is passionate about giving every guest to the hotels bar and restaurant an amazing experience and is a well-known friendly face for many. Jacinta has also welcomed many famous guests over the years, along with her mother, sister and daughter who have all worked at the hotel.
Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport General Manager and President of the Irish Hotels Federation, Denyse Campbell said that our people are the driving force behind the success of the business and create a positive consistent customer experience in line with our company culture.
She said: “This is a special place, and I am thrilled that we are able to invite past and present staff to the hotel to celebrate the 50th anniversary on August 27.
“Both in my capacity as General Manager and President of the IHF I am really looking forward to the event and catching up with colleagues, both past and present. As hospitality is defined by the people, its vital to celebrate such a landmark achievement of the hotel and many careers that started at the hotel.
“There are so many wonderful stories from this hotel but perhaps one of my favourite aspects is the number of romantic relationships which were sparked here.
“A total of 12 couples met at the hotel when they were part of our team with several weddings taking place and then later their children coming to work here – it’s a true family affair.
“The hotel has also provided a springboard for many people to go on and have exceptional careers right across the hospitality industry. We are particularly pleased that we have been able to help people along in their careers.
As the closest hotel to Dublin Airport, the hotel provides an excellent location for business meetings with meeting rooms all air-conditioned and kitted out with AV equipment.
“Our spacious, modern and soundproof bedrooms guarantee a good night’s sleep prior to taking off or after touching down while our excellent Grain & Grill Restaurant serves European dishes in contemporary surroundings with expertly brewed coffee in the Red Bean Roastery. The Bar offers casual dining options and perfectly mixed cocktails.”
Out of the 4.5 million guests who have checked in since 1972, a number of them have been world famous sporting and movie stars as well as Irish Presidents.
Legendary Ireland football manager, Jack Charlton and Olympic gold medal boxer, Michael Carruth have stayed at the hotel as have Oscar winning actors, Mel Gibson and Colin Firth. Musical greats also to have graced the hotel vary from Metallica and Spice Girls. There have also been countless religious and political figures and in the 1990s the crew of Air Force One briefly swapped the US President’s plane for the comfort of the hotel.
Dalata Hotel Group CEO, Dermot Crowley said Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport deserves to be recognised as one of Ireland’s iconic hotels.
He said: “As the first hotel at Dublin Airport, this is a hotel which is steeped in history.
“For many Irish holidaymakers it is the place, which down through the years, has marked the beginning of their well-earned holiday. We send them off already relaxed and refreshed.
“While for people arriving in Ireland they can be assured of a warm welcome at Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport. For the past 50 years the hotel has been a great ambassador for Ireland, welcoming the great and the good to our country.”
Just a three-minute walk, or to be exact 267 metres, from the airport terminals, the hotel is conveniently located for anyone making an onward journey.
It has witnessed many historic moments during the last 50 years including Concorde visiting Dublin in 1982 and it hosted the opening celebration for the airport’s new T2 terminal.
To find out more about Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport visit www.maldronhotels.com/dublin-airport.
