We were so proud when our General Manager, Jennifer stood on the stage with Georgina Campbell and hospitality guru Francis Brennan to accept the national award for Pet Friendly Destination of the Year. It was at a gala event in the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge Dublin crowded with the biggest hospitality personalities in the country. What an honour!
Georgina Campbell is a well known dog lover and read a fabulous citation about the Ocean Sands saying, “Clear arrangements, suitable accommodation, good walking on the doorstep and the ability to dine together transform a break for dog owners.”
She talked about the rest of the hotel facilities too, “The hotel has family accommodation, spa facilities and a choice of dining, with chef Marcin Szczodrowski bringing a strong focus on local and quality produce to the kitchen. The beach, sea and surrounding Sligo landscape provide natural attractions a-plenty and great outings.”
During her main speech, Georgina Campbell warned that the personal connection traditionally associated with Irish hospitality is under pressure as businesses increasingly turn to technology, automation and digital transactions. “In many places we visited we could see how warm human interaction is being replaced by cold digital transactions,” said Georgina Campbell. “The very qualities that once defined good hospitality such as knowing a guest’s name, offering a cup of tea, or simply taking the time to have a conversation are becoming less common.”
We’re very proud to say this is not the case at the Ocean Sands Hotel; we pride ourselves on a personal connection with guests and on genuine hospitality. We hope you can see the difference when you stay with us -with or without your furry friend.
Now in their fourth decade, these are the longest-running awards of their kind in Ireland. Established by food & hospitality writer Georgina Campbell, they recognise excellence across the country, with winners selected through independent, year-round assessments by a team of experts who book anonymously and pay their bills like any other guest. Businesses cannot enter themselves, ensuring the awards remain focused on genuine quality and hospitality.