First look at stunning historic Ayrshire hotel set for new era ahead of Royal Troon Open in 2024
A sought-after Ayrshire hotel is teeing up for an exciting new era after bringing back their old workforce.
The Marine Hotel in Troon is set to be a five-star destination for pro golfers and tourists keen to soak in its famous backdrop.
Set overlooking the iconic Royal Troon Old Course – the historic hotel has been reimagined under new owners who have launched ahead of the Open returning to town in 2024.
And although much has changed after a multi-million pound investment, some familiar faces are back to see historic hotel bounce back to life.
Concerns were raised after staff were made redundant in order for major upgrades to take place.
But Ayrshire Live can reveal that 80 per cent of the dedicated staff have returned, with those staff blown away by their plush new workplace.
Ayrshire Live was given an exclusive look at the hotel after an investment of more than £5 million — with more investment set to follow.
New US owners AJ Capital have already overseen a stunning transformation of another renowned golf hotel after the redevelopment of the Rusacks in St Andrews.
Now they hope their luxurious Troon addition to their growing success story of Marine & Lawn hotels can help the town celebrate its golf heritage.
General manager Michael Lavizani said: “Unfortunately over the last 30 years no one has shown the courage to think we need to reimagine it.
“I think with AJ Capital and Marine & Lawn it is the first time in three decades real change has occurred.
“We’re on the door steps of one of the most famous golf courses, it’s a bucket list for golf fans who would travel thousands of miles to play.
“We are the relation to these fantastic opportunities, this was purpose built as a hotel this is our 125th year anniversary, it’s a re-imagination of our space.
“We now have a luxury hotel to match the luxury golf course.
“And as well as creating this amazing new hotel, we were awful keen to bring a lot of our people back.
“You think this is the type of hotel where people have invested many years of their lives.
“Any good business what makes it good is the people who are in it. It is our people that make us.
“Yes the company can come in and spend the money but can we bring back that sense of pride that people have invested 10 years, 20 years in their workplace?
“Once we started our recruitment again so many of our people have come back and we have been delighted with that.”
Michael, 57, insists that redundancies were essential due to the scale of the work required areas of the hotel completely ripped out and started again.
Those dedicated staff who returned also received a pay boost – with hotel pledging to become a living wage employer.
There are fresh new faces in the building too with apprentice chefs sourced from Ayrshire College in Ayr with plans to add more youthful faces to the team.
In total, by the end of the year there will be around full-time roles created with an extra 20-30 casual roles also being created.
He added: “Our ambition is to have an apprentice in every department which also supports the government’s initiative of apprenticeships.
“Our industry has realised we need to bring people back into our industry, the pandemic has made people fall out of love.
“It is great to see young people coming back who are enthusiastic.”
The hotel has also boosted their wedding and banquet rooms – with couples set to tie the knot from later this month.
Rooms in the hotel have been given a fresh new look with modern twists and personal touches.
And the hotel boasts five stunning suites overlooking Royal Troon, which Michael says could host top golfers when the Open arrives in two years, with the hotel boss saying the new hotel is “perfect timing”.
Furniture has been shipped in from overseas with a hit design team in America helping to create the striking look of each area of the hotel.
A stunning bar, The Seal and restaurant The Rabbit have launched with the eatery including a brand new kitchen.
The fresh new look was ‘hidden’ from staff as they were training in another part of the hotel still yet to be renovated.
Thelma Dunlop breakfast supervisor, who worked at the hotel for 19 years, said: “When I saw what they had done I just said…wow!.”
Longest serving member Edna Cramb, 65, who has worked as a house keeping team member for 25 years said: “I’m really excited about it.
“Previous owners promised a lot…but you can see the difference now.
“I think a lot of guests will love the changes.”
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