Giant facelift for Causeway Hotel

The scheme, which also incorporates a general facelift for one of the North Coast's most popular venues, is designed to keep pace with the construction of the new 20m. state-of-the-art Visitors' Centre at the Giant's Causeway work on which has already begun.

General manager of the Causeway, Darrel Stevenson, revealed that plans are presently being drawn up to present to the owners of the hotel, The National Trust.

"We have already been in discussions with Trust officials who, ultimately, have the final say, but we are hopeful that the plan will be given the go-ahead," Mr. Stevenson told the Times.

In peak season, up to one thousand visitors a day visit the hotel for refreshments and the present management are keen to ensure that the hotel's high standards of quality food and customer care and attention are maintained.

Mr. Stevenson admits that the present facilities need to be enhanced by way of reconstruction as well as giving the hotel a general overhaul in terms of decor.

"No one can rest on their laurels. The new Visitors' Centre will set a benchmark that we all have to follow; that's why we recognise the need for a complete overhaul," he said.

Currently, part of the Causeway has been taken over by the Trust during the building programme for the Centre, but Mr. Stevenson has stressed that it's business as normal.

"While we have lost some space in our dining area, we have compensated for that by opening up other parts of the hotel which will enhance the dining experience," he said.

A section of the car park at the hotel has also been taken over, but alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate cars in another part. There will be a 6 charge for parking, but that money is refundable only to those who are visiting the hotel and spending a minimum amount.

"This is something we have no control over, but we can assure our patrons that they will NOT suffer any additional outlay from before. It's all about customer confidence and as far as we are concerned, the customer comes first," Mr. Stevenson said.

The Causeway Hotel was established in 1836 and sits beside the Giant's Causeway which is a World Heritage Site inscripted in 1986 and attracts visitors from all over Ireland and the rest of the world.

One hundred and fifty years ago, the then owner at the time promised

"by diligence and attention to do all in his power to promote the comfort of his guests and they may depend on his always keeping a well stocked larder and being well supplied with the choicest wines and liquors."