Thursday, December 17, 2009

Outstanding Dublin Soul Award

The team at the Stillorgan Park Hotel would like to Congratulate Joan Freeman, founder of the renowned & respected Pieta House on being presented with the “Outstanding Dublin Soul Award 2009”.

The woman who is at the helm of an organisation for the prevention of self-harm and suicide has been presented with the accolade for her for her endeavours which have made such a dramatic impression on the lives of so many Dubliners.

"I am so honoured to be even considered for this beautiful award," she said. "However I can only accept it on behalf of the organisation rather than as an individual. Anyone can have a vision -- but it takes many, many souls to carry through."

Pieta House offer a holistic solution and groundbreaking approach involving daily, one-to-one counselling for people who have attempted to take their lives or engaged in self-harming behaviours & provides coping mechanisms for people who are in crisis and aim to give them reasons to live.

In aid of Pieta House, the Stillorgan Park Hotel will be hosting a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with international singer and star of ‘Blood Brothers’, Rebecca Storm.

For further details & ticket information please contact the Stillorgan Park Hotel on 01 2001800 or email Christmas@stillorganpark.com or visit http://www.stillorganpark.com/

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Top Things to Do in Dublin this Christmas!

The team at the Stillorgan Park Hotel have put together some of their top choice’s of things to do in Dublin during this Christmas Season!

7up Christmas on Ice in the RDS - There's something for everyone at 7up Christmas on Ice in the RDS. Skate and chill out listening to only the coolest music of the season. Delicious Ice Café to chase the chills away with a delicious hot chocolate, gourmet coffee, festive eats and treats or a tempting snack from the ever popular Chocolate Fountain. Enjoy the ultimate winter experience with ice skating, hourly snow falls, Skating Santa, and the magic of Christmas.

Leopardstown Christmas Racing Festival- This popular race course holds the renowned Annual Christmas Festival which is attended by people from far & wide. The festival runs from Saturday 26th December to Tuesday the 29th December & is one of the highlights of the National Hunt Season.

Dundrum Town Centre – Visit Santa’s grotto, a magical Winter Wonderland. From the glistening ice scenes of Lapland to the quaint snow-covered rooftops of Santa’s village and a traditional Nativity scene, children and adults alike will love the unique series of animated scenes within the grotto. Mrs. Claus is on hand to tell stories and you will also be treated to a sneaky peek at Santa’s elves busily working to get Santa’s sacks filled!
Children can enjoy transportation from McDonald’s to Hamleys on Dundrum Town Centre’s Christmas train, the Dundrum Town Centre Express.
Hamleys will host a magical Breakfast with Santa every Saturday and Sunday until December 23rd from 8am-9am, when Santa’s Elves will greet and entertain guests.

The Moving Crib - The Moving Crib in St. Martin Apostolate in Parnell Square in Dublin is still, for many people, one of the most charming aspects of Christmas in the City. It has fascinated generations of children from Dublin and all over Ireland, and 50 years after it first began it still draws the crowds. It features a selection of biblical scenes acted out by mechanical puppets including Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, the Three Wise Men and of course the Nativity. A true reminder of what Christmas is all about.

Take a trip to the Theatre – This year, there is a show to suit everyone in Dublin. From the Cheerios Panto Cinderella in the Tivoli Theatre, Jack & the Beanstalk in the Gaiety Theatre, A Christmas Carol in the Gate Theatre, to the Wizard of Oz in the National Concert Hall. Each show will be as enjoyable as the other; all you have to do is choose one!

The Live Animal Crib at the Mansion House - This unique event in the centre of Dublin will be open to the public outside the Mansion House. The Live Crib consists of a traditional nativity scene set among live animals in a specially constructed, life-size stable. The animals are brought to the Crib every morning and are returned to a farm on the outskirts of the city in the evening. It is the only one of its kind in the country and is meant as a gesture of goodwill from the Farmers of Ireland to the people of Dublin as they celebrate Christmas.

Funderland - Funderland is the largest travelling Theme Park in the Europe. There are always a host of attractions that are sure to appease even the most seasoned thrill seekers who dare to be suspended upside down, turned over or whisked through the air. When a complete day of satisfaction for the entire family is what is required a visit to Funderland is a must.
So whether you are young or young at heart why not come along and see why Funderland has become a national institution.

Dublin has something for everyone this Christmas. Let us know if there is an activity that you would like to add to our list!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Rebecca to take New Years by Storm..

Pieta House, Ireland's only centre providing a therapeutic service for the prevention of suicide and self-harm has announced the extension of its opening hours to cope with demand for its services. Suicide rates in Ireland have increased by 42% this year according to the CSO and similarly demand for Pieta House’s service is up by 120% on this time last year. It will now open four nights a week and on Saturdays to meet this demand.

Joan Freeman, CEO, Pieta House attributes this rise in its service to socio-economic factors that have caused an increase in suicide and self-harm rates throughout the country. Commenting on Pieta House's extended opening hours, Joan Freeman said: "We are inundated with new assessments at the moment and we definitely attribute this to the financial situation many people now find themselves in. We expect this to increase further in the New Year as financial difficulties deepen after Christmas. However, Pieta House, like all charities, is also struggling financially. We are now finding that demand is outstripping supply and we urgently need help to continue our work in 2010."
To help Pieta House fund its suicide prevention service into 2010 and raise awareness of suicide and self-harm in Ireland, Pieta House has launched an extensive Christmas campaign.

The Christmas campaign will include extensive fundraising activity, including a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at the Stillorgan Park Hotel in Dublin with international singer and star of ‘Blood Brothers’, Rebecca Storm.

For details & ticket information on the New Years Eve Dinner & Show please contact the Stillorgan Park Hotel on 01 2001800 or email Christmas@stillorganpark.com or visit http://www.stillorganpark.com/

For full details of Pieta House or to make a donation, visit www.pieta.ie.

Pictured above:
Daragh O'Neill, General Manager, Stillorgan Park Hotel
Rebecca Storm
Joan Freeman, CEO, Pieta House

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Marian Keyes Captivates the Audience on Friday Nights Late Late Show


The ladies at the Talbot Hotel Group are very excited to get a copy of Marian Keyes latest book “Brightest Star in the Sky”, which is sure to be another bestseller. After publishing many outstanding novels, Marian Keyes continues to keep her audience captivated with her quirky wit and relatable stories & is one of Ireland’s best loved female icons. Don’t take our word for it… check out her thoroughly entertaining interview with Ryan Tubridy last Friday on the Late Late Show at http://www.rte.ie/tv/latelate/index.html and click on “Marian Keyes”.

Let us know what you think!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Top 10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Meeting


Ensuring every detail fits into place is the hallmark of planning the perfect meeting. Attention to details and perfect planning also makes delegates feel that you have made them a top priority.

1. Know why you are Meeting;
Knowing the purpose of your meeting is a vital element of success. It determines the environment that will be needed for the event, the time that needs to be allocated to achieve your goal, the technical and equipment requirements required. For example if you are organizing a training session, will desks & computers be required for each person?
2. Budget for the Event;
Factors to take in to consideration when deciding on your budget will be the number of attendees, logistics of the event, catering & equipment requirements.
3. Know your Requirements;
When you know the type of meeting, you then have to plan the logistics. Assigning one person to look after the planning of the meeting and communication with delegates is recommended. Clear & Concise communication with the meeting venue and delegates is vital in ensuring you are providing exactly what your delegates require. Your requirements will be tailored around the needs of your delegates and what they expect.
4. Determine the Event Logistics;
Room Setup is a crucial factor in planning the perfect meeting. The room setup style depends on the type of meeting being held. Eg: Would you delegate require theatre style for a lecture? Or would a U shape setup suit better for your meeting? A useful tool in deciding is to ask the advice the venue’s conference coordinator as he/she will can recommend and advise. Next, think about the technology and equipment required, will you have guest speaker requiring a Podium and Mic? Will you require a projector for a presentation or internet access?
5. Catering Requirements;
Catering is another factor you have to take into consideration, this will depend on the number of breaks that you intend to take during the day, dietary requirements & menu preferences.
6. Choose the Right Location;
The location applies to all successful meetings. Off site meetings can be a way to encourage creativity & brainstorming. Consider the travel time to the event and how accessible the location is from all routes. Does it provide sufficient Car parking? Does it provide WiFi for your delegates? Are these elements complimentary or will a charge be incurred? What business service will be made available to you such as printing, copying, computer use and faxing? How easy is it to work with the facility? Are their staff as dedicated to achieving your goal as you are? If delegates are travelling from abroad or outside of the city, research and inform your delegates of available airlines, ground transport, routes & directions to the meeting location. Providing your delegates with a map will prove useful for them as they may not be familiar with the area.
7. Plan the Meeting Logistics;
Remember you are not only planning for the day of the meeting but also the pre-meeting & the day after also. Use checklists to ensure nothing is left out on the day and plan a debriefing with your venue coordinator, planners and your company to ensure all elements of the day have been looked after appropriately.
8. The Agenda;
The agenda is the key element to a successful meeting. This tells you when to start, who will speak, allocated break times, and when the meeting ends. You could also allocate someone to take the minutes of the meeting and results of brainstorms for future discussion.
9. Communication;
If your event runs over multiple days it is advisable to meet with your staff and the site coordinator to go over the running order for the day perchance details need to be changed or times need to be revised.
10. Conclude the Meeting on a Positive Note;
It is important that all delegates leave the meeting enlightened and looking forward to attending future meetings. Feedback is a good way of determining the delegate’s impression of the meeting and will give an indication if particular details that could be changed for the next meeting.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Stillorgan Park Hotel's Wedding Fair & Top Tips!



The team at the Stillorgan Park Hotel are busy preparing for our Wedding Fair on Sunday the 27th of September from 2pm – 6pm.

There is excitement in the air as we are launching our New All-Inclusive Wedding Package on the day & to celebrate, we will be offering couples a further 10% discount when they book our new package!

We will also be offering couples Complimentary Evening Finger Food for their guests when they book one of our existing wedding packages for a reception of 100 guests.

On the day we will be featuring:
• Top Bridal Fashion Show
• Wide Range of Renound Exhibitors
• Launch of our new all-inclusive Wedding Package
• Special Discounts for weddings booked on the day
• Chance to win a Romantic Break including Accommodation in a Luxury Suite, Champagne & Strawberry Arrival, His & Her Massages, a Sumptuous Evening Meal, €100 Gift Voucher for Dundrum Town Centre and more..

Our Wedding Co-ordinators discuss their Top Tips for Planning the Perfect Wedding;

Money Management
Plan for the type of wedding you can afford. Accept what you've got to spend and always keep this in mind when creating your perfect wedding.

Be Organized
It is the key to successful and stress free wedding planning.

Prioritize
Don't waste time getting carried away with the detail of your day until you have put in place the key elements. Remember to always confirm the Church before you confirm the Reception venue!

Plan Together
Start as you intend to continue, create your day together. Negotiate & Compromise with your intended & leave some room for family input!

Your Guest List
When planning your guest list, be sensitive to the desires and expectations of each other and your families. As a guideline, allocate 1/3 of the guest list to the Bride, 1/3 to the Groom & 1/3 to mutual guests. Be sure to send out your invites at least two months in advance!

Bridesmaid & Best Man
Have a reliable best man and chief bridesmaid. It is important that you can rely on them to carry out their responsibilities and duties.
Traditionally it is the best mans duty to protect the groom from bad luck, he must ensure that once the groom has begun his journey to the church he does not return for any reason!

Take a Break
Remember to take a time-out from wedding plans with your intended. This will help you both to not lose sight of why you are making the marriage commitment!

Did you know?
Something old:
represents the couple’s friends who will hopefully remain close during marriage. Traditionally this was an old garter which was given to the bride by a happily married woman to ensure future happiness.
Something new: symbolizes the newlyweds’ happy and prosperous future.
Something borrowed: is often lent by the bride’s family and is an item much valued by the family. The bride must return the item to ensure good luck.
Something blue: the custom originated in ancient Israel where the bride wore a blue ribbon in her hair to represent fidelity.

If you have a question or would like advice from our Experienced Wedding Coordinators, let us know and we will feature it in our next blog!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The Talbot Hotel Carlow - Top 10 in Ireland for Family Friendly Hotels!!


The Talbot Hotel Carlow are proud to be voted into the Top 10 for "Family Friendly Hotels in Ireland". Summer 2009 Essential Guide for Families stated that "this award is an actual true representation of reailty as its the peoples choice & it is voted by readers of 4 Kids 2009".

The editors also advised that "when you choose one of the top 10 Family Friendly Hotels, you can be confident that there will be a warm welcome for your whole family and there will be facilities to keep everyone entertained" - and this we can guarantee at the Talbot Hotel Carlow!!

Friday, July 24, 2009

Top 5 Facts about Ireland's Legendary Rock Band U2 & Travel Tips to the Event!


The whole of Dublin has been awakened with the arrival of the long awaited U2 360° Tour. To celebrate the homecoming of Ireland’s legendary Rock Band we wanted to share some not so well known facts about the band!

1. U2 formed in 1978 after Larry Mullen pinned a “musicians wanted” ad to the notice board at Dublin’s Temple Mount School.
2. U2 originally called themselves “Feedback”.
3. U2’s first single “11 o’clock Tick-Tock" was released in May 1980
4. Their single “A Beautiful Day” was used as Germany’s Official Olympics theme for the Sydney 2000 games.
5. U2 have sold more than 145 million albums worldwide and have won 22 Grammy Awards more than any other band. In 2005, the band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Rolling Stone magazine listed U2 at #22 in its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time

Gates for the concert open at 6pm and the show starts at 6:30pm. U2 are scheduled to be on stage at 9pm. Croke Park appeals to all concert goers not to park in the vicinity of Croke Park. Patrons are advised to travel to Croke Park via public transport. Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, DART & LUAS will all bring you to less than a 15 minute walk to the grounds.

Croke Park is situated in Drumcondra on the northside of Dublin. The entrance to the Hogan Stand is on Jones's Road and the entrance to the Cusack Stand is on St. Josephs Avenue.

The 46A bus (stop situated directly across the road from the hotel) runs every 5-10 minutes will bring you to Mountjoy Square, approximately a 10 minute walk from Croke Park.

The Luas Red Line runs every 5 – 10 minutes & will take you to Connolly Station, approximately a 15 minute walk from Croke Park.

The DART will take you to Connolly Station, approximately a 15 minute walk from Croke Park. Times are detailed below:
16.56 Greystones/Howth
17.15 Bray/Malahide
17.25 Bray/Howth
17.40 Bray/Malahide
17.45 Bray/Howth
17.57 Greystones/Howth
17.59 Bray/Malahide

Enjoy the Concert!!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

What is your opinion of Social Media?

As we all know, Social Media has become one of the most discussed topics of 2009. It provides new ways to connect with potential guests on a personal and interactive level. Everyone has their own opinion of the channels the work and the ones that don't.

We want to know what you, the clients think of Social Media, are you on facebook or are you a twitter user? Let us know your opinion of your favorite/or not so favorite social media site!

Would you book a hotel room through twitter & what do you look for in a hotel and travel blog?

We look forward to hearing what you think!

Follow the Stillorgan Park Hotel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/StillorganPark

Follow the Talbot Wexford on Twitter: http://twitter.com/TalbotWexford

Follow the Talbot Carlow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/TalbotCarlow
Become a Fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/talbotcarlow

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Talbot Hotel Carlow Wins Chamber Business Award for "Innovation in Marketing"


The Talbot Hotel Carlow were hosts of the prestigious Carlow Business Awards 2009 & were the proud winners of the "Innovation in Marketing" Award 2009 for its Weddings Product including weddings for €35 per guest.

The Chamber of Commerce quoted the following - ''The judges were impressed by the combination of creativity and innovation backed by robust project management in an industry where competition is fierce with huge pressure on both pricing and expectations''

The Talbot Hotel Carlow as Winners of the Innovation in Marketing Award demonstrated a comprehensive range of Marketing Methods to include:

~Market Research
~Regional & National PR
~Website
~In House Literature
~Advertising & Promotions
~Events Management
~Sponsorship Negotiations
~Customer Loyalty Schemes
~On-Line Marketing
~Third Party Liaison

Pictured left-right: Larry Bowe -General Manager, Karen O'Sullivan -Sales & Marketing Manager, Philip Gavin -Talbot Group Managing Director & David Walsh -President of the Carlow Chamber of Commerce

Monday, June 8, 2009

Beauty Tips from the White Pebble Spa


Did you know.....

...That the best time to bathe is when the stomach is empty?

…That salted water will help alleviate light-headedness some people experience when soaking in hot water?

…That baths deprive you of body fluids, and drinking alcohol before or during a bath increases the dehydration.

…Any substance applied to your skin, will also be absorbed by it? Choose your cosmetic and beauty products with this simple rule in mind... If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t wear it or use it on your skin.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Paddy Brennan says fairwell after 48 years...


Paddy Brennan said fairwell to the Talbot Wexford after 48 years of dedicated service, on Monday 6th April , 2009. Many family, friends and work colleagues were in attendance to celebrate this special occassion.
Paddy bagan his working career in July 1961 at thirteen and a half years of age as a bottle boy while on his summer holidays little did he know that 48 years later he would be leaving the hotel as Head Concierge.
Within in seven months of starting at the Talbot, Paddy was promoted to Junior Porter a position he took over from his brother Tony who left to travel to England.
Over the years Paddy has welcomed many people through the doors of the Talbot Hotel including the Presidents of Ireland, Taoiseachs and personalities such as singers Sandy Shaw, Adam Faith, Tom Jordan, Jim Begley, filmaker Godfrey Quigley, Christopher Plummer, Sir Robert Alford, Lord Dunmore, to name but a few.
While working at Talbot Wexford, Paddy met his wife-to-be, Gretta in 1972 while she was a waitress in the Grill Bar who were then married in 1974. Paddy and Gretta now have three children, Tommy, Patrick and Kevin who have also all worked at the Talbot Hotel.

We wish Paddy, Greta and family all the very best in the future from all at the Talbot Wexford.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Talbot Carlow's Mouthwatering Malteaser Cheesecake


Ingredients:
200g biscuits
100g butter
Assemble cheesecake tin, line with plastic strips & set in fridge
6 sheets of gelatine (soaked in cold water)
1/4 carton natural yoghurt
1/2 cup of sugar
340g cream cheese
Crushed malteasers
1 pint softly whipped cream

Method:
Dissolve gelatine leaves in cold water
Whip cream to soft peaks
Blend sugar, yoghurt & cream cheese
Melt gelatine allow to cool slightly
Add some cream cheese mix to the gelatine and fold back into the mix, fold in malteasers and whipped cream
Place mix onto biscuit

Garnish with a sprig of mint and one halved strawberry!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Be a Green Tea Beauty!


"Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one. (Ancient Chinese Proverb)

The benefits of green tea in a human body are so remarkable that it is believed that the key to a longer and healthier life may just be brewing in your cup!
Green tea can be used as a drink such as in tea or it can be applied to the skin through lotions. The benefits of green tea use can cover areas of health, weight loss and ageing reduction.

Skincare Benefits: Green tea extract is 20 times more antioxidant powerful than vitamin C and provides superior protection from free radical damage. This defense against free radicals is especially important for sun protection. Studies have shown that a product containing at least 5 percent green tea extract may help prevent skin cancer. The Yonka after sun tan prolonger contains three teas: green tea, white tea and red tea. This combination of teas helps combat free radicals while also helping maintain skin balance and leaving skin soft satiny and shimmered.

Check back regularly for more beauty tips from the team at the White Pebble Spa!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Talbot Hotel Carlow's Salmon Wrapped in Filo Pastry Recipe

Ingredients:
6 oz Salmon fillet
1 oz Philadelphia cream cheese
1 oz Butter
3 Sheets Filo pastry
3 Sticks asparagus
Seasoning


Method:
Cook the 3 sticks of asparagus in boiling water for 3mins take out and cool in cold running water. Chop the tips of asparagus into small pieces and mix with the Philadelphia cream cheese. Melt the butter in a microwave.
Lay out one sheet of the filo pastry on a damp tea towel then paint the melted butter on to it and repeat with the other sheets. Then fold the filo in half.
Place the seasoned salmon fillet on one end of the filo pastry and add the cream cheese mix on top. Fold the two ends of the pastry on to the salmon then roll pastry on to the salmon making sure that the cream cheese mix is on the top when you finished rolling
Cook in a hot oven at 180c for 20mins serve with baby boiled potatoes and tossed mixed salad.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Easter Ginger Bread Recipe from Stillorgan Park Hotel's Head Chef Enda Dunne

Ingredients:
¼ lb butter
½ lb brown sugar
2 eggs
12 oz flour
1 teaspoon lemon rind
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon bread soda
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ cup boiling water
8 tablespoons treacle


Method:
Sift the flour, soda, salt & spices. Cream the butter, add the sugar gradually, beating well. Beat in one egg at a time. Combine the treacle & boiling water. Add alternately with the flour to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Pour into a greased tin & bake for 45 minutes in a moderate oven at 180ºc. Enjoy!

Monday, April 6, 2009

A note from the General Manager of the Talbot Hotel Carlow


Hello, this is Larry Bowe, General Manager of the Talbot Hotel Carlow. I am originally from Waterford the ‘Deisce County’ and am currently living in Carlow with my wife & family. I have recently been proudly appointed as a board member for the National Council for the Irish Hotel Federation. I have an exciting & challenging year ahead which I am very much looking forward to.
I started my career as a porter in the Ryan Hotel in Killarney at the age of 16. I immediately loved the hotel industry & enjoyed looking after the various customers from home & abroad that stayed in the hotel. Over the years I have worked in many fantastic hotels such as the Granville Hotel in Waterford, O’Callaghan Hotels in Dublin and the Stillorgan Park Hotel.
For me a hotel should be a ‘home from home’ for our customers, with a warm & friendly atmosphere. This is easily created by the staff in the hotel with their friendly & welcoming approach to all our guests. Our customers are the most important aspect of our day and when a customer is happy so are we! The highlight of my day is definitely the busy lunch trade when I am up & around the bar chatting to all the regular customers. It’s a great way to find out what is happening in Carlow and how all our customers are doing! The day just fly’s by!
The beginning of the year has been very busy for us; we had a very successful VAT promotion whereby we paid the VAT on all our customers’ food which was great value to our customers. We also had a room sale in January & February; we sold out the available dates within 2 hours of it being live on our website.
As we create a home from home experience our customers certainly do feel at home here at the Talbot Hotel Carlow. Our WOW for the family special offer is still operating. For only €198 for 2 nights B&B & 1 Dinner for a family of 2 Adults & 2 Kids with a €35 voucher for the Dome its now better value to stay at the Talbot Hotel Carlow rather than at home.
We recently were awarded the Silver Award for the Green Hospitality Award, we are the only hotel in Carlow that achieved this award so we are very proud. Plans are already underway to with our Green Team for next year’s award and we are going for GOLD!!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

A note from the General Manager of The Stillorgan Park Hotel

Since taking up post as General Manager of The Stillorgan Park Hotel in April 2008, one of the first projects undertaken was a refurbishment of 110 bedrooms to a higher “Club Class” standard which have since been completed and welcomed by our guests. This year has been a challenging & exciting year so far & now more than ever before we need to make the experience at The Stillorgan Park extra special and exceed the expectations of all our guests. A satisfied guest who has had a “WOW” experience is better than any advertising we could ever buy.
Over the last year we have seen a nationwide drive in improving the Environment. The Stillorgan Park Hotel has set up “Green” initiatives within the hotel, including our very own “Green Team”& we have been making our contributions to improving our carbon footprint. Our efforts have been recognised with the Silver “Green Hospitality Award” for the second year in a row & the Envirocom Award for “Best Example of Sustainable Tourism in the over 50 employee’s category”. These accolades are the basis from which we can grow our Environmental programme as this will continue to be an important part of our business in the future.
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind hosted its annual Golden Ball on March 6th at the Stillorgan Park Hotel. The event was aimed at raising much needed funds for the organisation’s Assistance Dogs Programme for families of children with Autism. The Stillorgan Park Hotel has been the official sponsor of the Golden Ball for the past three years and looks forward to supporting this very important cause for years to come. In 2008, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind trained 27 Assistance Dog partnerships & we were delighted to have raised over €12,500 for the Assistance Dogs Programme at this year’s ball, which goes towards the plan of training 30 partnerships in 2009.

Signing off for now.

Daragh O'Neill

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Customer is King


Hello, this is Philip Gavin,

I have been the Group Managing Director of the Talbot Hotel Group for 4 years. The Talbot Hotel Group has three sister hotels, The Talbot Hotel Wexford, The Stillorgan Park Hotel & The Talbot Hotel Carlow. Throughout the years that I have spent involved in this industry I have seen many changes & developments. Who would have thought 10 years ago that the internet was going to become such a vital element to the daily communication & operation of the hospitality industry? I am now a convert myself and in today’s fast paced nation I would be lost without my mobile phone & email.

Blogging has rapidly become a growing method of direct communication and correspondence with customers. Talking to customers comes easily to me & I believe that feedback is vital. Blogging gives us a whole new way of engaging in conversation with our customers and this is how we learn and develop as a company.

“You can build, create and design the most wonderful buildings in the world, but without people those dreams may never be a reality” quote by Walt Disney. I have always felt that this sums up our industry & how important good staff with excellent customer service skills are to our business. Without good staff & loyal customers we wouldn’t be in business. I am a firm believer that in this current challenging economic climate, it is the hotel that operates with the mentality that the “customer is king” will be the very one that “survives the storm”. This motto has been instilled into the staff of the Talbot Hotel Group as each & every person is a vital link to the chain that is the hotel group.

With this mind I hope you enjoy reading the Talbot Hotel Group blog and hope this will be instrumental in helping us to continue providing “The Talbot Touch”.

A member of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), Philip Gavin was delighted to be elected as Vice President in 2009.