Last week, a company-linked to the owners of the hotel, Eoin Doyle and Ray Byrne, submitted a planning application with Kildare County Council for the expansion. The significant plans would see a new 25-bed extension to the site, as well as a standalone spa area with sauna, steam room, pool and treatment rooms.
Mr Doyle said the hotel had been experiencing solid demand since it opened just over two years ago, with the proposed expansion potentially creating up to 30 jobs. The hotel currently has around 50 staff.
Mr Doyle cited a shortage of hotels in the area as among the reasons for the hotel’s need to expand.
“It was a good time for us to come along,” he said. “We are in the grounds of Goffs, and they have a number of big sales throughout the year so there has always been demand from that.
“We are the de-facto base for those who want to be right beside their horses,” he added. “We also have a lot of corporate business and breakaways from Dublin.”
He said The Club, which is part of his NHance Investments group of hospitality businesses, needed “a bit more space” and wanted to add a serious spa and meeting rooms.
“It can take a while, you’ve got to get planning, you’ve got to build,” he said. “Now is the time to go for it.”
At the same time as the owners look to expand The Club, Mr Doyle said the hotel will become part of Voco Hotels, the premium boutique brand of Intercontinental Hotels Group.
Mr Doyle said the Voco deal is a “marketing franchise agreement” and not an acquisition or investment by IHG. It means The Club must maintain certain standards and will recognise IHG’s member points.
NHance own, manage and operate a collection of hospitality enterprises, including boutique hotels, cafés, pubs, and spas.
According to its website, the group’s hotel portfolio includes Wineport Lodge in Athlone, Staunton’s on The Green in Dublin city centre and The Eccles Hotel in west Cork. Bars include The Brazen Head, The Auld Dubliner and The Norseman in Dublin.
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