Grand Hotel Malahide officially becomes the seventh property within the FBD Hotels & Resorts portfolio

Grand Hotel, Malahide, in County Dublin has officially become the seventh property within the FBD Hotels & Resorts portfolio.

FBD Hotels & Resorts recently acquired the iconic property from the Ryan family, the owners since 1974. The Grand Hotel joins the group’s portfolio of luxury four-star hotels and resorts, including Faithlegg, Waterford; The Heritage, Laois; Castleknock Hotel, Dublin; and Killashee Hotel, Kildare. It also owns and operates two resorts near Malaga on the Costa del Sol, Spain—Sunset Beach Club, Benalmádena, and La Cala Resort, Mijas. The Grand employs over 200 people, bringing the total number of employees within the farmer-owned business to 1,905 people and the total number of hotel rooms to 1,387.

As with previous acquisitions, FBD Hotels & Resorts plans to invest €5M into upgrading The Grand over the next three years. Initially, the focus will be on the refurbishment of the lobby, ground floor areas, and 40 bedrooms. This will extend to upgrades to the bar and dining facilities, conference, wedding, and leisure offerings in time.

Commenting, David Kelly said:

"We are honoured to be entrusted with the stewardship of this historic hotel, whose rich heritage and enduring legacy have made it a symbol of excellence in hospitality. The Ryan family and 200-strong team at The Grand have done an excellent job in preserving the timeless charm and traditions that have made it a venue of choice for many over the decades. We look forward to adding to this storied history as we start a new era of Grand Hospitality with FBD Hotels & Resorts. Our team has a proven track record in welcoming new colleagues and investing in opportunities for growth. Underpinned by a strong balance sheet, an innovative team, and forward-focused ownership, we look forward to further adding to The Grand as a treasured destination in the years ahead.”

Commenting, Karine Kavanagh, General Manager, said:

"This marks an exciting new chapter for the hotel, offering new opportunities to be embraced by our customers and staff alike. The team at FBD Hotels & Resorts have transformed other historic hotels with sensitivity, enhancing their original charm in a contemporary and sensitive manner. We look forward to this new era as part of the FBD Hotels & Resorts portfolio.”

Leading Irish and Spanish-based hotels, resorts, and property group, FBD Hotels & Resorts is part of farmer-owned investment company, Farmer Business Developments PLC.