Robert McHugh speaks to Saulius Cepkauskas, General Manager of Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre, about a unique new dining concept and his vision for hospitality excellence.
This article was originally published in the Winter 2025 issue of Hospitality Ireland magazine, in December of 2025.
Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre enjoys a prime riverside setting on Custom House Quay, adjacent to the city’s financial district and a short walk from the IFSC. With 324 modern rooms and flexible meeting spaces, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers.
Saulius Cepkauskas was recently appointed general manager, bringing a wealth of international hospitality experience. His arrival coincides with an exciting new chapter for the hotel, following the full renovation and relaunch of its bar and restaurant under the name Honey Fitz.
In this interview, Saulius shares his vision for creating memorable guest experiences and strengthening ties with the local community.
Saulius, congratulations on your new role. What is your vision for Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre over the next year?
Thank you. My vision is simple: to make every guest feel valued and every visit unforgettable. We want Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre to be known not just for its location and facilities, but for the warmth and care we provide.
Our goal is to deliver the best hospitality experience in Dublin – where guests feel at home and the community sees us as a trusted partner. Success is important and it’s a result of happy guests and engaged employees. When we create exceptional stays and meaningful connections, everything else follows.
We also want to give back to the community. By supporting local initiatives and creating a space where Dubliners feel welcome, we can make a positive impact beyond the hotel walls.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality?
I’m originally from Lithuania and started working in hotels while studying abroad over 25 years ago. What drew me in was the energy of hospitality – it’s a 24-hour business where no two days are the same. I love working with people and making a difference in their lives.
Holidays and trips are special moments for guests. Most people only get a few weeks a year to relax, and if we can make those days exceptional, that’s the greatest reward.
I also care deeply about my team. They spend so much time here, so creating a supportive, positive environment is essential. When we succeed, we celebrate together. When challenges arise, we face them as one team. That sense of unity drives me every day.
The new restaurant is named after John Francis ‘Honey Fitz’ FitzGerald, a charismatic Boston politician and proud Irish-American. How does the bar and restaurant celebrate the enduring bond between Ireland and the United States? Honey Fitz is about storytelling through food and design. We wanted a concept that honours Irish heritage while embracing the American connection that
Hilton represents.
The menu blends Boston-inspired dishes with Irish favourites, and the décor features graffiti art from both Dublin and Boston by the same artist – creating a unique cultural fusion. It’s a space where locals and visitors alike can experience something distinctive and authentic.
Is Honey Fitz designed mainly for hotel guests, or do you hope to attract the wider Dublin community?
Our ambition goes far beyond hotel guests. Honey Fitz has its own entrance and identity, and we want it to become a destination for Dubliners – especially those attending concerts or events nearby.We see it as a vibrant social hub where locals and travellers can connect over great food and cocktails. It’s about creating a sense of belonging for everyone who walks through the door.
If you had to recommend one dish and one signature cocktail, what would they be? For cocktails, the Boston Bull is a must-try – a perfect blend of Irish and American whiskey traditions.
As for food, the Boston-style clam chowder and lobster brioche rolls are standout dishes that bring a taste of Boston to Dublin. Of course, we also have classics like burgers, fish and chips, chargrilled steak or salmon, all prepared with care and quality.
What do you see as the biggest challenge of managing a large city-centre property?
Staying connected. In a busy hotel, it’s easy to get caught up in operations and lose touch with guests and staff. For me, the priority is to remain present – greeting guests, talking to the team, and noticing the little details that make a big difference.
Hospitality is about human connection. No matter how large the property, that personal touch is what turns a good stay into a great one.
Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth in Dublin’s hotel sector?
Dublin is perfectly positioned to become a leader in European hospitality. Removing the cap at Dublin Airport would unlock enormous potential for tourism, driving more international visitors and boosting the city’s economy.
Beyond leisure travel, I see strong opportunities in the meetings and events sector. Ireland is an ideal location for international conferences – strategically placed between the US and Europe – and Tourism Ireland does a fantastic job promoting the country as a business destination. Expanding convention facilities and attracting more large-scale events would create significant demand for quality accommodation and hospitality services.
Dublin also has a unique advantage when it comes to talent. The city attracts ambitious, skilled professionals, which is essential for delivering world-class service. With the right infrastructure and continued investment, Dublin can become one of the leading hospitality hubs in Europe.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
Travel is my passion – it helps me recharge and gain new perspectives. Spending time with my family is very important to me, and travel allows us to create memories together.
I also enjoy quieter moments like playing chess and reading. I have a stack of books waiting for me at home – about ten on my bedside table! Finding time to read is a challenge, but it’s something I truly love.
Anything else you would like to add?
Hospitality is more than a business – it’s about creating experiences that matter. Whether it’s welcoming guests from around the world or connecting with the local community, Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre is committed to delivering service with heart and making every stay unforgettable.
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