The best of the best in Australian hotels were on show at the prestigious Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence in Adelaide tonight.
More than 650 VIPs and industry guests gathered at the famous Adelaide Oval for the annual awards, with a dress code of ‘wear your whites’ to suit the unique venue.
The Overall Hotel of the Year - Metropolitan went to Cremorne Hotel, Unley in South Australia, Overall Hotel of the Year - Regional went to Grovedale Hotel in Victoria and Overall Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division went to The Langham Gold Coast.
The event was hosted by Australian entertainer Tim Campbell with singer Chris Sebastian the featured act. Presenters at the event included AHA National CEO Stephen Ferguson and a host of leading industry partners.
A highlight of the evening was the induction of industry legends, the Farquhar brothers from The Caxton Hotel in Queensland, into the prestigious Diageo Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame.
AHA National President David Canny said the national awards are a high-level clash between venues which have won top awards in their home states and territories this year.
“These finalists prove nothing compares to the atmosphere, the noise and the sheer joy of being out in a lively pub full of good people, good food and great drinks,” said Mr Canny.
“But our hotels are so much more. They are a part of our social fabric, a constant in a world of change and a real-world place for connection in increasingly online-focused and isolated communities.
“Our industry and its hard-working people have never been more and appreciated by the communities we serve and we all should be proud of that – my congratulations to all finalists, and particularly the winners.”
A full list of 2023 winners are featured below:
Excellence in Service - General Division: Simon Buchanan, Bentspoke Brewing, Canberra, ACT
Excellence in Service - Accommodation Division: Rob Weeden, The Fullerton Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Excellence in Service - Accommodation Division: Katelyn Jones, Crown Hotels Melbourne, VIC
Excellence in Service - Accommodation Division: Lynda Bailey, Mercure Belconnen Canberra, ACT
Front of House Employee of the Year - General Division: Declan Coffey, Hanky Panky Lounge, Darwin, NT
Front of House Employee of the Year- Accommodation Division: Toby Lier, Pullman Melbourne on the Park, VIC
Chef of the Year - General Division: Fernando Sanchez, Opera Bar, Sydney, NSW
Chef of the Year - Accommodation Division: Kelly Jackson, Crown Hotels Melbourne, VIC
Hotel Industry Rising Star - Accommodation Division: Dyan Suaco, The Langham Sydney, NSW
Hotel Industry Rising Star - General Division: Henry Wines, The Western Hotel, Ballarat, VIC
Outstanding Achievement in Training: The Langham Melbourne, VIC
Local Legend Award: Peter Appleby, The Grand Hotel Warrandyte, VIC
Outstanding Community Service & Achievement: The Old Woolstore Apartment Hobart, TAS
Excellence in Innovation, Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Practice: The Star Sydney, Pyrmont, NSW
Best Tourism Initiative: Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures, TAS
Best Bar Presentation & Service – Regional: Luna, Canberra, ACT
Best Bar Presentation & Service – Metropolitan: Cremorne Hotel, Unley, SA
Draught Beer Quality Award: The Shortland Hotel, NSW
Best Gaming Venue – Metropolitan: Cross Keys Hotel, Cavan, SA
Best Gaming Venue – Regional: Grovedale Hotel, VIC
Best Redeveloped Hotel - General Division: Portarlington Grand Hotel, VIC
Best Redeveloped Hotel - Accommodation Division: InterContinental Sydney, NSW
Best Restaurant – Metropolitan: The Brompton, SA
Best Restaurant – Regional: Furneaux Restaurant, St Helens, TAS
Best Restaurant - Accomm Mid-Range to Superior: The Wintergarden, Hydro Majestic Hotel Blue Mountains, NSW
Best Restaurant - Accomm Deluxe: Altitude, Shangri-La Sydney, NSW
Best Traditional Pub Accommodation: Oscars Hotel & Café Bar, Ballarat, VIC
Best Deluxe Pub Accommodation: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, NSW
Best Meeting and Events Venue: Adelaide Oval, SA
Best Sporting Entertainment Venue: Burleigh Town Hotel, QLD
Best Entertainment Venue: Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, SA
Best Entertainment Venue: Sandstone Point Hotel, QLD - Hall of Fame
Best Outdoor/Non Enclosed Facility: Victoria Park Hotel, WA
Best Retail Liquor Outlet: Eatons Hill Hotel, QLD
Hall of Fame: The Farquhar Family, The Caxton Hotel, QLD
All Abilities Hotel - General Division: Duke of Brunswick Hotel, Adelaide, SA
All Abilities Hotel - Accommodation Division: Crown Perth, Burswood, WA
Best Family Dining: The Marsden Brewhouse, NSW
Best Wagering Venue: V Hotel, Virginia, SA
Best Marketed Hotel - General Division: Cataract on Paterson, Launceston, TAS
Best Marketed Hotel - Accommodation Division: Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, Pokolbin, NSW
Best Bistro – Regional: Mountain View Hotel, Whitfield, VIC
Best Bistro – Metro: Harbord Hotel, Freshwater, NSW
Best Mid-Range Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne, VIC
Best Superior Accommodation: Mindil Beach Casino Resort, Darwin, NT
Best Suite/Apartment Hotel: The Langham Gold Coast, QLD
Best Lifestyle/Resort Style Accommodation: RACV Cape Schanck Resort, VIC
Best Hotel Bar - Accommodation Division: Rooftop at QT Perth, WA
Best Deluxe Accommodation: COMO The Treasury, Perth, WA
Best Luxury Accommodation: Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Bowen Mountain, NSW
Best Hotel Group Operator: Comiskey Group, QLD
Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional: Grovedale Hotel, VIC
Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan: Cremorne Hotel, Unley, SA
Overall Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division: The Langham Gold Coast, QLD
