BrookLodge Hotel
By Jessica, November 8, 2008
The AA, Ireland’s longest established hotel grading organisation, inspects over 700 establishments in Ireland each year as part of the awards process. Constantly striving for innovation, the BrookLodge Hotel stood out as this year’s overall winner for its unique offering against a background of impeccable green credentials.
Speaking at the 2008 AA Hospitality Awards, Conor Faughnan, Public Affairs Manager AA Ireland said
“BrookLodge is a hotel that the Irish industry can be very proud of. They have created a unique experience in Macreddin Village and have done so with an eye to both the business and the environmental future. Our Inspectors have been consistently delighted at the quality of service and the whole guest experience at BrookLodge. The investments in quality are there for all to see and it is very pleasing to see them rewarded for their work. We are proud and delighted to name The BrookLodge Hotel & Wells Spa as the AA Hotel of the Year.”
Commenting about their win, Evan Doyle, co-owner of the BrookLodge Hotel and Director of the Organic Trust said
“The whole concept behind The BrookLodge Hotel & Wells Spa evolved from the original Strawberry Tree Restaurant in Killarney. We opened the hotel with a promise to provide the best in organic food and invest in a greener future, long before either was considered fashionable. We are delighted that all our efforts in championing good, green and organic are continuously recognised for excellence.”
In the nearly ten years since The BrookLodge Hotel opened its doors, Macreddin Village has experienced a revival. Today the hotel is a warm and welcoming 90 bedroom establishment, decorated in true country house style. It includes its own designated ‘Resort Spa’, a country pub and microbrewery, a smokery and bake house, Brook Hall (a dedicated function venue) craft shops, an equestrian centre and Macreddin Golf Club, designed by Irish Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley. The renowned Strawberry Tree Restaurant at The BrookLodge Hotel, serving only wild and organic food, is the only restaurant in Ireland to hold a Full Organic Licence.
While it has become known as the food village, The BrookLodge Hotel has taken each of its green and organic commitments very seriously throughout its expansion. Owned by the Doyle brothers, the hotel has invested over €2 million in equipment and initiatives that minimise its impact on the environment, ensuring its backdrop in the lush surroundings of the Wicklow mountains is a truly green one.
Also announced this evening was the Ballygarry House & Spa, winners of the AA Courtesy and Care Award.
