Top golf tourism award for Macdonald Marine Hotel and Spa

Macdonald Marine Hotel and Spa celebrate after being named “Most Outstanding Large Hotel of the Year” at the 2008 Golf Tourism Scotland Awards.

Responsible for raising the profile and reputation of Scotland's golf tourism industry, 2008 was the first year in which the Golf Tourism Scotland Awards were both nominated and voted for by Golf Tourism Scotland members in an online poll. Resulting in recognition for accommodation providers, golf courses, transport operators, caddie masters and tour operators

Speaking about the win, Macdonald Marine Hotel’s general manager, Seamus Coen, said: “We’re thrilled to have won this award. It’s a tremendous achievement and reflects the hard work of everyone in our team.

“Scotland’s east coast is a golfing paradise with world class links courses peppering the landscape. To be recognised as the leading large hotel by our peers is something everyone at the Macdonald Marine Hotel can be very proud of.”

Macdonald Marine Hotel and Spa overlooks North Berwick’s legendary West Links Golf Course with an additional 18 courses all within easy reach of the hotel. This coupled with a string of prestigious accolades for their leisure offerings make the hotel the perfect destination for those wanting to test their handicap on some of Scotland’s finest courses.

AA inspectors see stars with The Macdonald Compleat Angler

The Macdonald Compleat Angler was this month awarded four red stars, as the AA selected Inspectors’ Choice, launching the Marlow based hotel into the exclusive category as a leading hotel in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The prestigious accolade was secured in recognition of excellence for both the hotel’s exceptionally high standards of service, focus on training, sensitivity of refurbishment, and facilities re-inforcing the company’s position as a premier hotel brand.

Gaius Wyncoll, General Manager at The Macdonald Compleat Angler, said: “This is a tremendous accolade for the Macdonald Compleat Angler and can be attributed not only to the investment made to the property in recent years, but to the continuing hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of the team.

“This has been an incredible journey for us – from the attention to detail in the bedrooms to the provenance and quality of the menus in the restaurant, we have consistently delivered a high quality service, ensuring that customers’ expectations are not only met but more importantly exceeded! It is this dedication which sees our hotel also being short listed for the Large Hotel category of the Tourism ExSEllence Awards 2008.”

Gordon Cartwright, AA National Account Executive, explains: “Inspections over the last few years have witnessed the Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel develop excellent all round standards of service and investment. The award of four red stars in any hotel signifies a landmark in its development. In the case of Compleat Angler, this new four red star grading provides an accurate picture of a destination hotel that is seriously committed to providing a memorable experience for its guests.”

Ruaridh Macdonald, new Business Development Director for Macdonald Hotels and Resorts explains: “As last year’s winners of the prestigious AA Hotel Group of the Year we have demonstrated our commitment to improving and developing each of our unique hotels whilst maintaining brand consistency across our portfolio. It’s great to see that this year our hotels are being recognised individually by leading industry bodies for their outstanding achievement underlining the groups approach to driving standards and quality within the four and five star market.”

Macdonald Holyrood Hotel Appoints New General Manager

Macdonald Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of John Shevlin as new General Manager to its beautiful city center hotel in the heart of Edinburgh.

Recently joining the group, John moves from Galgorm Resort & Spa where he was Resort General Manger since January 2007 since refurbishing and relaunching the property on both the local and international market.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have John joining us”, comments Andrew Watson, Director of Marketing for Macdonald Hotels, “He has gained a reputation of building excellent staff teams throughout his career. He has proved himself invaluable throughout the industry by developing cutting edge business strategies, which increase revenue and sales. The staff at Macdonald Holyrood Hotel will really benefit from Shevlin’s knowledge and experience and we are sure he will surpass all our expectations.”

John’s career in hotel upper management has seen him move from strength to strength since his first role for the Jarvis Hotels. After refining his management skills he took on the role of General Manager for Barony Castle, before moving to RBS Gogarburn to open their Training & Conference Centre. John Shevlin remarks on his new position at Macdonald Hotels, “I aim to uphold Macdonald Hotels’ industry reputation of providing impeccable four and five-star deluxe service in exquisite settings. Boasting excellent facilities and stunning city views, the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel is an ideal property to host conference and meetings and this is an area I am looking to develop during my time with the Hotel.”