The owners of Great Southern Killarney are delighted to announce that Great Southern has become a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts — the world’s largest independent hotel brand that represents more than 750 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries. The Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection, of which Great Southern is the newest member, represents premier global properties that offer engaging stays and memorable moments. Described as authentic, intelligent, and approachable, this diverse collection presents responsive service and local dining that articulate culture and style.Ettienne van Vrede, CEO of Hayfield Family Collection said ‘The addition of the internationally recognised Preferred brand is fantastic news for Great Southern Killarney. We are delighted to be selected to feature in such an exclusive global collection of hotels and we are very proud of our team for achieving this accolade by consistently delivering exceptional personal service to all our guests. Preferred is an established global brand and will bring many new international guests to Killarney.’
Brenda Collin, Managing Director for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, stated ‘The Preferred brand connects international travellers to independent luxury hospitality experiences We are delighted to welcome Great Southern Killarney to the collection and to our global portfolio.’
Great Southern is described as Killarney’s Premier Historic Hotel. Opened in 1854 as the first purpose built hotel outside of Dublin, the Great Southern is a luxury Victorian gem with an impressive history. Today the hotel is led by local hoteliers, the Scally family, as part of the Hayfield Family Collection which also incorporates Hayfield Manor in Cork and the family’s original property, Killarney Royal.
Joe Scally, Chairman, Hayfield Family Collection, unveils a commemorative plaque at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel. Also in photo are from left, Claire Scally, Annemarie van Vrede and Ettienne van Vrede.
Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com