Official plans for Tramore’s Grand Hotel have been revealed following years of speculation and change of ownership.

The once prominent hotel currently lies idle as it has done for the last eleven years, with a derelict site notice issued on the property that was subsequently removed.

WLR can confirm that the hotel will be converted into an ‘aparthotel’, that combines a hotel and apartments to provide accommodation.

An apartment hotel or aparthotel (also a residential hotel, or extended-stay hotel) is a serviced apartment complex that uses a hotel-style booking system. It is similar to renting an apartment, but with no fixed contracts and occupants can “check out” whenever they wish, subject to the applicable minimum length of stay imposed by the company.

This type of hotel is popular among all age groups and is seen as a more ‘informal’ accommodation that allows the end user to cater to their own needs and doesn’t depend on the provider of the accommodation to be as responsible for their stay when it comes to the overall experience.

They may also include a front desk and lounge area for guests to frequent.

Tramore’s Grand Hotel as pictured in its current condition this week.

Noel Frisby, owner of the Frisby Group who owns the Grand Hotel confirmed to WLR that they are in the process of putting together a planning application to convert the Grand Hotel into an Aparthotel adding that work is ‘ongoing’ with Waterford City and County Council with hopes to have a planning application submitted in the first week in May.

Mr. Frisby also added that there will be a significant presence at the property as the weeks progress, with the already existing structure remaining in place and being transformed.

The plans follow outcry from the local community regarding the hotel as reported on WLR this week.

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