BWH Hotel Group has launched in Ireland and has said that it is targeting Irish hotel owners, developers and investors in all market segments with a new-look brand portfolio.
Formerly Best Western Hotels & Resorts, the group recently rebranded to BWH Hotel Group and acquired global hotel brand WorldHotels, which is comprised of a collection of approximately 300 hotels and resorts that are spread out around the world.
BWH aims to have 10 hotels in Ireland within five years and is targeting both existing properties and new builds with at least 75 rooms in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
BWH has a portfolio of 17 brands with approximately 4,700 branded hotels in operation and a global footprint covering over 100 countries. In Ireland, BWH is looking to establish the BW Signature Collection, Best Western Plus, Best Western Signature and Best Western Premier brands as well as new boutique brands, Sadie and Aiden.
Bunratty Castle Hotel of Bunratty, Co Clare, has been announced as the first BW Signature Collection hotel in Ireland. The 144-room hotel, owned by The Blarney Woollen Mills Group Limited, will operate under its own name but with the additional opportunities offered by being part of the BWH Hotel Group portfolio.
"Thrilled"
BWH's international director of development, Vivienne Nyhan, stated, "We are thrilled to launch the BWH Hotel Group in Ireland and demonstrate the evolution of the brand in recent years to the Irish market. Following the acquisition of upper upscale and luxury hotel collection, WorldHotels, the group now boasts a portfolio of hotel brands in every chain scale segment.
"We are also delighted to welcome Bunratty Castle Hotel as a BW Signature Collection by Best Western hotel, and we look forward to working closely with the management and staff."
Welcoming New Association
Meanwhile, Freda Hayes, CEO of The Blarney Group Limited, commented, "Bunratty Castle Hotel is a beautifully situated property located next to Bunratty Castle. We welcome our newly announced association with BWH and look forward to working with their team to promote the hotel and the charming village of Bunratty, County Clare."
"Delighted"
Bunratty Castle Hotel general manager Danny Corbett added, "We are delighted to be part of the first wave of new hotels to join the BWH Hotel Group, BW Signature Collection portfolio in Ireland and to take advantage of all the benefits this global powerhouse offers."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
