ONE of Kerry’s most iconic hotels is to be put on the market by NAMA.
The four-star Malton Hotel in Killarney, located in the town centre, is one of four hotels earmarked for sale in the coming months.
Given current market trends, it is likely to be sold for considerably less than the €40 million that changed hands when the property was acquired by a local consortium in 2006.
The other hotels NAMA plans to sell are the Ormonde in Kilkenny, the Meyrick in Galway and the Gresham Metropole in Cork.
The Malton, formerly the Great Southern Hotel, is located on six acres of gardens, directly opposite the railway and bus station, and it boasts over 180 guestrooms, a 15m swimming pool and leisure complex and self-catering holiday apartments.
A real favourite with locals, it has a huge conference and weddings trade and a highly experienced and skilled staff.
It has been a tourism focal point in Killarney since 1854, the year the first railway line to Killarney from Dublin was opened.
The hotel was built on land previously owned by Lord Kenmare and the business was initially known as the Great Southern and Western Railway hotel.
The building was designed by Frederick Darley who was the official architect to Trinity College.
Queen Victoria visited the hotel during her trip to Ireland in 1861 and other famous guests included Princess Grace of Monaco, Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Kennedy who had a suite named in her honour.
