Local Business Spotlight: The Rose Hotel

The award-winning Rose Hotel is a four-star hotel located in Tralee, close to the town centre set against the backdrop of the Slieve Mish Mountains. The ideal base from which to explore Kerry’s Wild Atlantic Way, The Rose Hotel has 161 modern guest rooms, (including Classic, Executive, Deluxe & Master Suite room types), Serenity Spa, Dott’s Bar, two restaurants, Rós Buí Terrace, conference and meeting rooms, a gym which is exclusive for guest use only & drying room for our guests who love outdoor pursuits. 

 1. The Rose Hotel is a true Tralee landmark. Can you tell us a little bit about its beginnings in 2016?

The story of The Rose Hotel is truly unlike any other hotel I feel. The hotel was purchased in 2015 by Dick & Eibhlin Henggeler as part of their daughter’s legacy, Dorothy, who was the 2011 Washington D.C. Rose. Mr & Mrs Henggeler’s time as parents of Dorothy as the Washington D.C. Rose was “the nicest thing that could happen to parents”. Their connection to Tralee was immense and they endorsed this by buying the property to create a 4 Star plus hotel that reflects the Roses of Tralee.

2. You have just celebrated 5 years in business — congratulations! How has the hotel and its offerings evolved over the years? 

In 2015/6 a major renovation of the ground floor of the hotel was completed, including doubling the dining capacity and kitchen area. Reconfiguration of the meeting rooms, function room and creating the new hub of the hotel, Dott’s Bar, including a whiskey bar and spacious dining area. The décor spec was detailed and bespoke furniture was commissioned to achieve the owner’s vision. Since then we have rebuilt Serenity Spa, built a new terrace, Rós Buí, added a new deluxe room type and a lot of capital investment took place in the back of house area which is vital for the smooth running of services for our guests. Basically, we just don’t stop! We also bought a Rolls Royce car for our wedding couples to use on their wedding day. Dott’s Bar was in immediate success with local customers and residents, a meeting place with great food and stylish décor. So when Rós Buí was designed we wanted to offer another very stylish venue yet with a different food offering of sharing plates and light bites, accompanied by a great drinks menu to complement the food offering. 

3. What makes a stay at The Rose so special? Do you have any special traditions? 

Our connection with the Rose of Tralee Festival creates a lovely connection with this amazing festival for past Roses and their families and the people of Tralee. Our tagline is “Kerry Hospitality At Its Best” and we believe that is the core of everything we do to ensure our guests have an exceptional hotel stay and experience.

4. What advice would you give to newly engaged couples looking for a Tralee wedding venue?

We have an amazing range of wedding venues in Tralee. Most couples have an idea of what they want and should look at all venue options before deciding, to make sure they make a connection with their chosen venue. It really is all about planning in advance and the right hotel can take the hotel part of their Special Day off their “to do” list and do most of the work for you! 

5. In your opinion, what is the key to building a successful local business?

Supporting the local community as much as you can and get involved either as a volunteer or some level of sponsorship, Tralee has a unique tradition of volunteering through the Rose of Tralee Festival, it’s an amazing spirit, and we take great pride in it. Local employment is very important for us as well and buying from local suppliers as much as possible. 

6. How has Covid-19 affected your business overall?

 At the very early stages of the pandemic, we put a business plan in place which revolved around, “flying the flag” to provide an essential accommodation service initially for frontline staff and then for all essential workers and services. This has kept many of our valuable employees in work and has kept the fabric of the hotel to the highest standard.   

7. In better times, what’s your favourite Tralee spot to have a bite, grab a pint, or just sit and watch the world go by?

Too many to mention and I won’t go there as we are spoilt for choice when it comes to options for food and the odd pint or two! I love a game of tennis and to head off on my bike when things are quiet, late in the evening, to keep up with what is happening around the town. It also gives me time to get some fresh air and get refreshed for the next day. 

8. What are you most looking forward to doing after the pandemic?

Seeing everybody getting back to normal and being able to get back to doing what we want to do. In particular welcoming back our staff and customers, when we re-opened at the end of June last year I was back doing what I love doing, being on the floor meeting customers and working with our team to ensure everything was up and running.

9. What does it mean to be from Tralee?

I am a proud Cork man but would consider myself to be a Tralee man! Thankfully I have always been a great follower of many sports, and every now and again get to remind the locals of my roots…Tralee is a great town with wonderful engaging people who love nothing better than a bit of banter, but what really stands out is the community spirit within the town. 

Tralee has all the offerings that a city provides but in a compact way, from our proximity to the sea and mountains, to walkways and the many sports and leisure activities, supported by all the services and commercial activity of a large urban setting.