How did you feel when you heard the news that the hotel could reopen today?
I was delighted to hear the news that we could finally reopen Harvey’s Point to welcome back our customers new and old. But most importantly that I could finally give the loyal hard working committed team at Harvey’s Point the great news.
What have you been doing during the lockdown?
I have been extremely busy during lockdown. I carried out works with Fáilte Ireland and the Donegal Tourism Recovery Taskforce. There was a focus on key industry leaders in Co. Donegal to capitalise on the fantastic exposure that Co. Donegal received during the summer months in 2020.
I have also completed a number of programmes, a strategic leadership programme with Cornell University. As well as a hospitality leadership and management programme by Shannon College of Hotel Management and NUIG which I have really enjoyed.
It has given me time to pause and reset to think strategically, an opportunity to innovate new strategies to ensure Harvey’s Point continued success as one of Ireland’s leading hotels.
Is Harvey’s Point Hotel ready for outdoor dining.
One of Harvey’s Point unique selling point is its location overlooking Lough Eske with its outdoor terrace. Our team of chefs have created a five-star casual dining menu with the introduction of Harvey’s Seafood platter
How are bookings going, do you think it will be a strong summer?
The bookings are extremely strong for the 2021 summer and beyond, we have had a lot of repeat guests from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland booking their summer breaks away which they would do every year.
We also have a lot of guests who are visiting Harvey’s for the first time, our Reservations Department is experiencing an enormous increase in bookings for longer stays.
Donegal is on couples’ bucket lists this year, with lots of questions about what to discover in Co. Donegal from blue flag beaches to the amazing Slieve League Cliffs, Donegal has become the place to discover.
What changes have happened since Harvey’s Point changed hands in 2019 and are there plans for the future?
The next chapter at Harvey’s Point is an exciting one, last year our Grand Ballroom has been refurbished and it is true luxury. We have also completed a refurbishment of our eight Lakeshore suites and we are introducing eight new suites to our current bedroom stock,
The ground floor has had a full refurbishment from new hand-woven carpet to signage in the style of luxury. We are also at the final stage of the exciting development of 20 new rooms on the top floor. These rooms will be finished to a very high standard, all with private balconies overlooking Lough Eske and the Bluestack mountains.
Will Harvey’s Point be bringing back the Sunday Carvery Lunch?
The famous Sunday Carvery Lunch will be back. People travel from far and wide to experience the Sunday lunch. We feel that lunch will be in high demand as it’s an experience that all the family can enjoy young and old. The selection of local produce is amazing. There will be lots of belated birthdays to be celebrated once restrictions ease.
Any special offers to entice visitors back to your hotel?
Our most popular package this summer has been three-night Staycation package which includes accommodation, full Irish breakfast overlooking Lough Eske. Complimentary cooking demonstration and wine tasting every Tuesday and Thursday, from €240 per night.
We have also introduced a new experience Mr. Noel Cunningham Harvey’s Point brand ambassador and Donegal person of the year 2020 and 2021 will take guests for a guided walk to experience the wild and raw nature of Lough Eske and the surrounding area.