A Ballina couple, whose family business was almost lost entirely in the recession, have weathered the tough economic times to reopen an institution in the locality - the Downhill House Hotel - under a new name as the Twin Trees Hotel.
The Moylett family first opened the doors of the Downhill House Hotel in 1942. Since then, local people have been celebrating some of the most important of life’s occasions at the hotel, from weddings to birthdays and anniversaries to christenings.
Rachel Smith, whose parents built up the Downhill House Hotel business in Ballina, this week described how the economic downturn had been “an extremely difficult time” for the Moylett family and their staff.
“In the last six years we struggled to keep the business going during the worst recession the hotel had experienced since its opening in 1942,” she explained.
“The Downhill House Hotel, as an independent family owned business, suffered, as did other similar businesses in the industry, during this recession. As a result, there was no choice but to close its doors and go into receivership.
“This was devastating, not only for my family, as my parents had built the business, but also for our staff.”
However, things are starting to look up for the hoteliers, as Ms Smith and her husband have battled back and managed to reopen the business.
“At great personal financial risk to my husband Davy and me, we made the hard decision to buy the hotel as we felt strongly that we didn’t want my parents’ and the family’s life work in the hotel to be lost,” she said.
“Through seven months of a struggle we have managed to re-open this wonderful hotel and re-named it the Twin Trees Hotel - after the two protected trees commonly known as ‘Monkey Puzzles’, which were planted in the early 1960s in the grounds and face the façade of the hotel.”
The Smiths are delighted to announce that they have refurbished the bar at The Twin Trees Hotel and have also revamped the bar menu.
The hotel has launched the return of its family friendly Sunday lunch, served in the Brosna Dining Room, overlooking the beautiful Brosna River Mini Waterfalls.
The hotel gym is now open after suffering a break-in to the property.
The function room is currently undergoingrefurbishment and will be shortly hosting a hotel and wedding showcase on September 27 and 28.
Ms Smith said there are many dates now available for 2015. “With the fantastic wedding packages available, there has never been a better time to be planning your wedding and visiting the Twin Trees Hotel, Ballina,” she added.
Contact the Twin Trees Hotel on (096 ) 21033 or visit www.twintreeshotel.ie for more information.
