Diamond Coast manager wins at Irish Hotel Awards

MICHAEL Yates, general manager of the Diamond Coast Hotel in Enniscrone, was named the General Manager of the Year at the Irish Hotel Awards.

Now in its third year, the Irish Hotel Awards were held in the Galmont Hotel & Spa, Galway. With over 300 guests representing hospitality professionals from across the island, the evening was a celebration of outstanding excellence in the industry.

Michael was recognised for his hard work and dedication in his role with leading his team from the front.

Michael joined the Diamond Coast Hotel in August 2018 and in the short time he has been there he has overseen an investment of close to €750,000.

This included a full refurbishment of 32 family suites which can now accommodate families of up to eight, the refurbishment of the Bartragh Suite Ballroom and to complement this, the Diamond Coast Hotel has recently opened its wedding consultation room to allow wedding couples the privacy and respect they deserve when discussing their wedding plans. The refurbishment has also included a bespoke buffet design for the Coral Restaurant breakfast.

Already underway is phase two of the bedroom refurbishment with phase three planned for later this year.

Michael has over 25 years experience in the hotel and catering industry and has worked in some of the west of Ireland's largest hotels, including deputy general manager of the Connacht Hotel in Galway and Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar.

He is looking forward to a busy year ahead with a ground floor refurbishment of the hotel planned for 2020 which will include the lobby, bar, bistro and courtyard, and plans are already afoot for the opening of the spa & leisure club at the hotel.