BRUSSELS, Belgium - April 1, 2002 -- One of Ireland's
premier golf and sporting estates today became the 14th hotel to join the
international luxury portfolio of Conrad hotels -- the Mount Juliet(R)
Conrad(R), located in southeast Ireland just 75 miles from Dublin in Thomastown,
Co. Kilkenny.
The management agreement signed last month between
Conrad Hotels and Mount Juliet Properties, includes Conrad's management
and marketing of the hotel resort and its conference facilities. The 59-room
hotel resort features Mount Juliet House, the Hunter's Yard, the Rose Garden
Suites, four conference rooms with 2,800 square feet of meeting space and
a recently developed Mount Juliet Leisure Centre and Spa. Management and
operation of Mount Juliet's golf facilities and residential developments
are separate from this agreement and will remain under Mount Juliet Properties.
"I am delighted that Mount Juliet selected Conrad
to manage this landmark hotel," said Clement Barter, President of Conrad
Hotels. "The Mount Juliet Conrad has all the qualities to complement our
growing worldwide portfolio of fine city and resort hotels: an ideal location,
an international reputation -- made through its championship |
Mount Juliet, Ireland's premier golf and sporting Estate,
has entered into a Hotel Management Agreement with Conrad Hotels, the luxury
hotel tier of the Hilton family of brands. This Agreement, which will take
effect from the end of March 2002, will involve Conrad managing and marketing
Mount Juliet's hotel and conference facilities. These operations will be
marketed under the name of Mount Juliet Conrad and include Mount Juliet
House, the Hunter's Yard and conference rooms, the recently developed Spa
facility, and the Rose Garden Lodges. The Agreement is for a period of
8 years.
The management and operations of Mount Juliet's golf facilities
and the residential development operations carried out by Mount Juliet
Properties are separate from this Agreement and will remain under their
existing management. |
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golf estate's achievements -- and excellent business
and leisure facilities. It is an exceptional property which reinforces
our presence in Ireland and around the world."
The Killeen Group acquired the Mount Juliet Estate
from the McCalmont family in 1987. The Estate was then transformed into
one of Europe's leading leisure destinations with the conversion of the
house into a luxury hotel, the building of a Jack Nicklaus signature championship
golf course and academy and the development of residential properties set
discreetly through the land.
The hotel has won major awards for its hotels
and restaurants, including the AA Hotel of the Year in 1999, the RAC Gold
Ribbon for Excellence in 2000, the AA Rosette Awards for the Lady Helen
Dining Room and Kendals Restaurant. The golf course has hosted three Irish
Open Championships from 1993 to 1995, and many other prestigious competitions.
The WGC American Express Championship 2002 in September will also welcome
the world's best golfers.
"This is a tremendous boost for all of us at
Mount Juliet," said Dr. Tim Mahony, Chairman of Mount Juliet. "Our aspirations
have always been based on the highest international standards, while maintaining
a very distinctive Irish personality. We are happy that Mount Juliet is
now established as a significant luxury destination within Irish tourism.
Personally, I believe this agreement will not only have significant advantages
for us in Mount Juliet but indeed for Ireland as a top quality tourist
destination."
The accommodations at the Mount Juliet Conrad
are luxurious and diverse. Guests may choose between the classical Georgian
elegance of Mount Juliet House, the informal sporting atmosphere of the
Hunters Yard and Club Rooms or the spacious Rose Garden Suites which are
ideal for longer stays and families.
The culinary experience is memorable. Renowned
chefs offer international and creative cuisine in the Lady Helen Dining
Room, with panoramic views over the River Nore, or at the Kendals Restaurant
in the Hunters Yard. Traditional and sophisticated Irish bars are also
favoured by guests throughout the estate.
The 1,500-acre estate offers hotel guests the
opportunity to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities. Horseback
riding, golf, clay shooting and archery, rod and line fishing, shooting
in woodland, tennis, cycling, and croquet are some of the outdoor leisure
options available to the business and leisure guests.
The Mount Juliet Leisure Centre features a sauna,
a steam room, a 17-meter indoor heated swimming pool with whirlpool and
waterfall, a fully equipped gym and a wide range of classes available including
aqua aerobics, step, aerobics, swimming classes (private and group). Also
available at the Leisure Centre is a newly renovated Spa facility with
relaxation, health and beauty treatments.
Mount Juliet is part of one of the world's most
prestigious championship golf estates, hosting many international competitions
on its Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, including the WGC American Express
Championship, scheduled to take place in September 2002. Its Golf Academy
attracts golfers of all levels.
Conrad Hotels represents the luxury portfolio
of the Hilton Family of Hotels. Established in 1985, Conrad Hotels has
earned a reputation for exceptional style and personalized service among
the world's most demanding business and leisure travelers. There are presently
14 Conrad hotels operating in major gateway cities and exotic resort destinations
across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South
America.
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