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Travail Hospitality has acquired the 179-bedroom Hilton Dublin Airport and appointed Valor Hospitality Partners to manage the property ahead of a multi-million-euro refurbishment and planned rebrand to IHG Hotels & Resorts’ voco brand in 2027.
The acquisition marks Valor Hospitality’s first hotel in the Republic of Ireland, extending the company’s European management portfolio.
The property will temporarily operate as Northern Cross Dublin Airport before transitioning to the voco brand, with the rebranding process scheduled to begin in February 2027.
Subject to planning permission, the refurbishment will increase the hotel’s accommodation from 179 to 188 bedrooms, alongside improvements to its reception, café, bar, restaurant and fitness facilities.
The redevelopment will also introduce two new food and beverage outlets, designed to attract both hotel guests and customers from the surrounding area.
LUCA Architects and Studio Delaney are leading the design programme, which will include changes to the hotel’s arrival experience, public areas and accommodation.
Damien Gaffney, Co-founder and Director of Travail Hospitality, said:
“This is an important investment for Travail and reflects our confidence in Dublin’s hotel market and the long-term growth of Dublin Airport. Our ambition is to reposition the property as one of Dublin’s leading airport hotels, combining a comprehensive refurbishment with a distinctive offering and the quality of IHG’s voco brand.”
The planned conversion will introduce IHG’s premium voco brand to the property, joining an established European portfolio of hotels operating under the brand.
According to the announcement, voco currently has 46 operating properties across Europe, with a further 29 in development.
Valor Hospitality has previously managed hotel transitions to the brand in the UK, including voco Southampton and voco Fareham-Solent.
Leon Kenny, Co-founder and Director of Travail Hospitality, added:
“In Valor, we have selected an operator with the experience, culture and operational depth to guide the hotel through this transition and support its long-term success. We look forward to working with Valor, IHG and the existing hotel team to create a hotel that is a great place to work for our people and one that both local and overseas guests will enjoy returning to.”
Valor Hospitality currently manages 41 hotels across the UK and Europe, with its international portfolio extending to more than 100 properties.
The Dublin acquisition follows the opening of The Medlock, a Radisson Blu Hotel, in Manchester in September 2026.
The 401-bedroom property was developed in partnership with Manchester City Football Club and Radisson Hotel Group, with Valor responsible for hotel operations.
As part of the Dublin transition, existing hotel employees will join Valor’s hospitality management network.
Recruitment has also commenced for a General Manager to lead the property through its refurbishment and brand conversion.
Euan McGlashan, Global Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Valor Hospitality, said:
“Entering Dublin marks a great next chapter for Valor as we grow our presence across Europe. We’ve always been very intentional about our growth, finding the right opportunities in the right markets, with partners who share the same ambition.
“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Travail and IHG on this venture. I’ve got to know Leon and Damien over the past few years and have enormous respect for what they’ve built. Their journey mirrors our own at Valor in many ways – seeing opportunity, believing in what it could become and having the determination to make it happen.”
The appointment expands Valor’s operations into the Republic of Ireland as the company continues developing its hotel management business across Europe.
Brian McCarthy, President of Valor Hospitality UK & Europe, commented:
“We are very proud to begin this new chapter in Dublin and are eager to get started. Beyond the upcoming rebrand, our immediate priority is to welcome the hotel team into Valor and support them throughout the transition. We look forward to working with Damien, Leon and all at Travail Hospitality. It’s great to be in Dublin.”
The acquisition and management agreement establish the next phase of development for the Dublin airport property, with the refurbishment and voco conversion planned for 2027, subject to the necessary approvals.
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