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Travail Hospitality has acquired the 179-room property currently trading as the Hilton Dublin Airport and, together with Valor Hospitality Partners, plans a major makeover that will reshape the site and its operations ahead of a rebrand to IHG’s voco brand in 2027.
What will change at the hotel
For now the property will operate under the temporary name Northern Cross Dublin Airport while work and approvals progress. The owners say an extensive, multi‑million‑euro refurbishment is planned, subject to securing planning permission.
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The project will not only refresh public areas and guest rooms but also expand capacity. The hotel is slated to grow from 179 to 188 keys, and to receive significant upgrades to the reception, café, bar and restaurant, bedroom accommodation and fitness facilities.
Brand move and timing
The hotel is set to join IHG’s voco portfolio, with the full rebrand scheduled to begin in February 2027. Voc o is described by IHG as a premium, personality‑led brand that blends global standards with individual hotel character.
Across Europe there are currently 46 operating voco properties and a further 29 in development, reflecting continued demand for the chain’s mid‑upscale offering.
Valor’s role
Valor Hospitality Partners will manage the property, marking the company’s first hotel in the Republic of Ireland. Valor brings a roster of more than 40 hotels across the UK and Europe and more than 100 worldwide.
Valor has experience guiding hotels through conversions to the voco brand, including projects in Southampton and Fareham‑Solent in the UK. The partnership with Travail is intended to combine Valor’s management expertise with Travail’s local development vision.
Leadership comments and local impact
Valor’s leadership described Dublin as an important market for the group’s European growth, and welcomed the collaboration with Travail and IHG to develop the airport property. Travail’s co‑founder said the aim is to create a hotel that appeals to both visitors and staff, and that provides an attractive workplace for local employees.
The owners expect current hotel staff to transfer into Valor’s broader network of hospitality professionals. Valor’s UK and European team has been recognised in The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work list for three consecutive years.
Recruitment and next steps
As part of the transition, recruitment has begun for a general manager to lead the rebranded hotel, with applications open to candidates. Work on the refurbishment and the formal rebrand will proceed once planning approval is obtained, with the voco transition planned to start in early 2027.
