
Popular Ayrshire hotel under new ownership after keys officially handed over
A much loved Ayrshire hotel is under new ownership.
The Carlton Hotel in Prestwick was officially handed over to independent hotelier Henry Fitzsimmons today.
The hotel had been owned by the RAD Hotel Group for the last 17 years, but it will remain in local hands with The Fitzsimmons Group also being owners of The Riverside Lodge Hotel in Irvine.
The transfer of ownership will see all 57 existing staff at The Carlton retained, with wages, benefits, and roles fully protected.
Gift vouchers bought under RAD Group will be honoured for the value at any of the RAD Group's hotels.
Aaron Kyle of The RAD Hotel Group said: 'The Carlton has been an important part of our journey, and we are incredibly proud of the team and reputation we've built here.
'We are confident that the hotel will continue to thrive under Henry's ownership and remain a valued part of the Prestwick community.'
Henry Fitzsimmons of the Fitzsimmons Group added: 'We're honoured to take ownership of The Carlton. This is a hotel with a great community and a fantastic team.
'Our goal is to build on the trust and loyalty The Carlton has earned over the years and continue delivering the warm, welcoming service that guests know and love. We're excited to invest in the future of the hotel and further strengthen our commitment to Ayrshire hospitality.'
All existing bookings, including weddings and events, remain fully secure with deposits under new ownership.
The Carlton Hotel will honour the value of any Carlton Hotel-labelled gift vouchers, while RAD Group-branded gift vouchers will be honoured across the RAD Hotel Group portfolio.
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Popular Ayrshire hotel under new ownership after keys officially handed over
The venue had been owned by the RAD Hotel Group since 2008. A much loved Ayrshire hotel is under new ownership. The Carlton Hotel in Prestwick was officially handed over to independent hotelier Henry Fitzsimmons today. The hotel had been owned by the RAD Hotel Group for the last 17 years, but it will remain in local hands with The Fitzsimmons Group also being owners of The Riverside Lodge Hotel in Irvine. The transfer of ownership will see all 57 existing staff at The Carlton retained, with wages, benefits, and roles fully protected. Gift vouchers bought under RAD Group will be honoured for the value at any of the RAD Group's hotels. Aaron Kyle of The RAD Hotel Group said: 'The Carlton has been an important part of our journey, and we are incredibly proud of the team and reputation we've built here. 'We are confident that the hotel will continue to thrive under Henry's ownership and remain a valued part of the Prestwick community.' Henry Fitzsimmons of the Fitzsimmons Group added: 'We're honoured to take ownership of The Carlton. This is a hotel with a great community and a fantastic team. 'Our goal is to build on the trust and loyalty The Carlton has earned over the years and continue delivering the warm, welcoming service that guests know and love. We're excited to invest in the future of the hotel and further strengthen our commitment to Ayrshire hospitality.' All existing bookings, including weddings and events, remain fully secure with deposits under new ownership. The Carlton Hotel will honour the value of any Carlton Hotel-labelled gift vouchers, while RAD Group-branded gift vouchers will be honoured across the RAD Hotel Group portfolio.


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