THE OWNERS of the luxury Castlemartyr resort in Co Cork have decided to end the management contract with the US West Paces Hotel Group, who operate the hotel under the Capella brand.
The announcement was made yesterday by Bob Warman, chief operating officer of West Paces Hotel Group. The Capella brand will be removed from the restored manor house and accompanying hotel operation.
The 17th-century manor houseis set on 220 acres that includes the ruins of an 800-year-old castle. from which Castlemartyr takes its name.
The hotel features 103 guestrooms, an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse and a spa and fitness centre, and was named an "ultimate escape" by Robb Report and included on Condé Nast Traveller's coveted 2008 Hot List.
A source said that a new five-star operator is set to take over the running of the hotel. Dromoland group is expected to get the contract.
The hotel opened its doors in August 2007 and was marketed initially to the US market, but the fall of the dollar has seen it focus more on the domestic market.
Initially, room rates ranged from €400 per night for the regular suites to €3,500 for the presidential suite. Rates have dropped slightly for entry-level rooms but hotel management insist that this is in keeping with industry trends.