Dalata celebrates 50 years of Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport

Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport is celebrating 50 years in business, having opened by Dublin airport in 1972. Designed by architect Sam Stephenson of Stephen Gibney and Associates, the hotel was known as the Dublin International Hotel when it first opened. Later, in 2014, Dalata Hotel Group took over the site and it became the four-star Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport. To mark its 50th anniversary, Dalata Hotel Group is planning a special event to celebrate past and present staff, many of whom have been working there their entire careers. This includes employees such as Pat Fox, the current head of Transport, who has been with the hotel for 49 years, as well as David Steel who has been with the hotel for 43 years. The longest serving female member of staff is Jacinta Gorman, who has been with the hotel for 42 years. Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport general manager and president of the Irish Hotels Federation, Denyse Campbell, said that the employees 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.” She added: “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.” Dalata Hotel Group CEO, Dermot Crowley said Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport deserves to be recognised as one of Ireland’s iconic hotels, adding: “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.” As the closest hotel to Dublin Airport, with a three-minute walk to the airport terminals, the hotel provides an excellent location for business meetings with air-conditioned meeting rooms that feature AV equipment. Its soundproof bedrooms are said to “guarantee a good night’s sleep prior to taking off or after touching down”, while its Grain and Grill Restaurant serves European dishes in contemporary surroundings. The Bar offers casual dining options and perfectly mixed cocktails.