The Carlton Hotel in Prestwick has been sold by the RAD Hotel Group to fellow Ayrshire independent hotelier Henry Fitzsimmons, owner of The Riverside Lodge Hotel in Irvine.
In a statement confirming the sale, RAD Hotels said that the Carlton had been a ‘valued part’ of its group since 2008, and was a much-loved destination for weddings, dining, and special events.
But as part of its ‘strategic focus on future developments’, RAD Hotels said that the time was right to ‘pass the baton to another passionate local business’.
The transfer of ownership will see all 57 existing staff at The Carlton Hotel retained, with wages, benefits, and roles fully protected to ‘ensure a smooth transition and continued service for guests’.
The acquisition, which formally completes next month, marks a new chapter for The Fitzsimmons Group as it further invests in Ayrshire’s hospitality landscape ‘reinforcing the value of locally owned, family-run businesses within the region’.
Robert and Vivien Kyle of The RAD Hotel Group said: “The Carlton Hotel has been an important part of our journey as a family business, and we are immensely proud of everything achieved there.
“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the entire team at The Carlton for their dedication and commitment over the years – they’ve been integral to its success and reputation.
“We’re also pleased to see The Carlton Hotel continue under local, independent ownership and are confident Henry Fitzimmons and his team will continue to deliver the warmth and hospitality guests expect from The Carlton,” said the Kyles.
“All existing bookings, including weddings and events, remain fully secure with deposits under new ownership, and the value of any Carlton Hotel gift vouchers will be honoured across The RAD Hotel Group portfolio.”
They added: “RAD Hotel Group remains committed to its award-winning portfolio across Scotland and has no plans to sell any other properties. This sale marks a natural step for both parties as they look to the future and continue investing in the growth and success of our remaining hotels. We wish Henry and his team every success for the future.”
Fitzsimmons commented: “We are absolutely delighted to bring The Carlton Hotel into our family business. It’s a fantastic hotel with a great reputation and a brilliant team already in place.
“We look forward to building on the strong foundations of Robert, Vivien and their full team. We can’t wait to continue to serve the local community and visitors to Ayrshire with the warmth and hospitality The Carlton is known for.”
