A milestone has been reached in the construction of the north coast’s first five-star resort after its contractor handed over the property.
Martin & Hamilton Construction completed work this week on Dunluce Lodge outside Portrush, after starting in November 2022.
Dunluce Lodge is made up of 35 luxury suites, including eight in The Stookan, its private annex for larger groups.
It will also have a restaurant, wine vault, private dining spaces and a spa for members of the public and residents.
The lodge overlooks the fourth fairway at Royal Portrush Golf Club, which will host the 153rd Open Championship in July.
It’s the first five-star accommodation available on the north coast and is operated by US firm Valor Hospitality Partners, and owned by the Links Collection, also in the US.
It’s due to open next month, with a two-bed suite costing between £379 and £429 a night.
Construction company Martin & Hamilton has handed over Dunluce Lodge in Portrush after completing work. From left, David Hamilton of Martin & Hamilton, Wilma Erskine, director and brand ambassador, Dominic McTague of Martin & Hamilton and Stephen Meldrum, hotel general manager
Valor Hospitality Partners said it had been keen to work with the surrounding community in the business. It employs 80 staff, and will work with nearby food, drink and experience providers.
Other suppliers used include Lamont Stone in Coleraine, which provides the material for the barbecue area and the surround of the fireplace in the hotel’s restaurant.
Royal Warrant-holder Ulster Carpets in Portadown and Abbey Upholstery in Carrickfergus were also involved in the fit-out.
Stephen Meldrum, general manager, Dunluce Lodge, said: “We have worked in close collaboration with the team at Martin & Hamilton and we have been very impressed by their professional approach to the project.
“Their eye for detail and commitment to sourcing the finest materials available matched our own high standards during the construction process.
“The team shared our vision for meticulously creating a truly impeccable five-star hotel where every detail has been carefully considered.
“As Dunluce Lodge began to emerge from behind the scaffolding, we knew it was going to be a building which exudes charm and provides our valued guests with the perfect location to immerse in the breath-taking beauty of the Causeway Coast.
“Now the hotel has officially been handed over we can continue to fine tune our preparations for welcoming guests and providing truly unique and memorable experiences.”
David Hamilton, managing director, Martin & Hamilton Construction, said: “As a local construction company, it was a privilege to work on Dunluce Lodge.
“This hotel will be the jewel in the crown of the Causeway Coast and it’s a special feeling to know we played a central role in its delivery.
“Working with Valor Hospitality has been a great experience with real collaboration between ourselves and the client team benefiting the finished project in so many ways.
“With a firm focus on striving for the best possible finish and using the finest materials possible, I’ve no doubt Dunluce Lodge will quickly become an iconic destination.”
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News Catch Up – Wednesday 22 January