The best of the best in Queensland hotels were on show at the prestigious Queensland Hotels Association Awards for Excellence in Brisbane on 3 June 2024. More than 1,500 VIPs and industry guests gathered at the Brisbane Exhibition Centre for the annual awards, and just like every year, it was a fabulous, stylish, and heart-warming event.
Amongst eclectic theming reminiscent of the venues of yesteryear, the Overall Hotel of the Year –
Metropolitan was awarded to the Bli Bli Hotel, while the Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional went to Exchange Hotel Kilcoy and the Overall Hotel of the Year – Accommodation Division went to QT Gold Coast.
The event was hosted by Pat Welsh and Sofie Formica, with Tenori as the featured act. Presenters at the event included QHA President Richard Deery and a host of leading industry partners.
One of the highlights of the evening was the induction of Scott Hogan from the Wellington Point Hotel as the prestigious Hotelier of the Year for his contributions to his community and the industry. It was also the opportunity to present the QHA’s highest honour, Life Membership, to industry legend Terry Morrow from the Landsborough Hotel, amongst many other hotels across the state.
QHA President, Richard Deery, said the 2024 QHA Awards for Excellence prove nothing compares to the atmosphere, the feeling of belonging, and the sheer joy of being out in a lively pub full of good people, good food, and great drinks.
“Queensland 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 appreciated by the communities we serve, and we all should be proud of that – my congratulations to all finalists, particularly the winners,” he said,
2024 QHA Awards for Excellence Winners
- Hall of Fame – Best Entertainment Venue: Sandstone Point Hotel (Bribie Island)
- Hall of Fame – Responsible Service Gaming: The Prince Consort Hotel (Fortitude Valley)
- Best Bistro – Metropolitan: Bli Bli Hotel (Sunshine Coast)
- Best Bistro – Regional: Exchange Hotel Kilcoy
- Best Hotel Bar – Accommodation Division: Iris Rooftop, Hotel X (Fortitude Valley)
- Best Hotel Bar – General Division – Metropolitan: The Prince Consort Hotel (Fortitude Valley)
- Best Hotel Bar – General Division – Regional: Blue Mountain Hotel (Harlaxton)
- Best Outdoor/Non-Enclosed Facility: Kirra Beach Hotel (Gold Coast)
- Best Sporting Entertainment Venue: Burleigh Town Hotel (Gold Coast)
- Best TAB Licenced Venue: Bli Bli Hotel (Sunshine Coast)
- Best Redeveloped Hotel – Accommodation Division: The Brook Hotel (Mitchelton)
- Best Redeveloped Hotel – General Division: Kirra Beach Hotel (Gold Coast)
- Front of House Employee of the Year – Accommodation Division: Stacey Leong, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort
- & Spa (Gold Coast)
- Front of House Employee of the Year – General Division: Zoe Marstella, Howard Smith Wharves (Brisbane)
- Employee Excellence in Service – Accommodation Division: Christoper Spielmann, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa (Gold Coast)
- Employee Excellence in Service – General Division: Dhan Tamang, Watermark Townsville
- Hotel Industry Rising Star: Jimmy Barker, Emporium Hotel South Bank
- Best Hotel or Pub Style Accommodation: Grand Old Crow Hotel (Crows Nest)
- Best Suite/Apartment Hotel: The Langham, Gold Coast
- Best Mid-Range Accommodation: Sandstone Point Holiday Resort
- Best Superior Accommodation: Crystalbrook Vincent (Brisbane)
- Best Deluxe Accommodation: The Langham, Gold Coast
- Best Marketed Hotel – General Division: The Full Moon Hotel (Sandgate)
- Best Marketed Hotel – Accommodation Division: W Brisbane
- Best Entertainment Venue: Lefty’s Music Hall (Petrie Terrace)
- Best Late-Night Entertainment Venue: Osbourne Hotel (Fortitude Valley)
- Best Family Dining: The Doonan Sunshine Coast
- Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division: Yamagen, QT Gold Coast
- Best Restaurant – General Division – Metropolitan: Deery’s Restaurant, Story Bridge Hotel (Kangaroo Point)
- Best Restaurant – General Division – Regional: Homage, Spicers Hidden Vale (Grandchester)
- Chef of the Year: Daniel King, QT Gold Coast
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet: Harry Brown, Eatons Hill Hotel
- Best Detached Bottleshop: The Full Moon Hotel – Bottlemart Boondall Sue’s Corner
- Best Draught Beer: Finn McCool’s Irish Bar Surfers Paradise
- Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practise: Green Island Resort
- Best Gaming Venue – Metropolitan: Browns Plains Hotel
- Best Gaming Venue – Regional: The Sun Hotel (Townsville)
- Best Meeting and Events Venue: QT Gold Coast
- Best Tourism Initiative: Sandstone Point Holiday Resort
- Keno Outstanding Community Service & Achievement – Accommodation Division: Hotel X (Fortitude Valley)
- Keno Outstanding Community Service & Achievement – General Division: Hotel Richards (Mitchell)
- Responsible Service – Alcohol: The Brook Hotel (Mitchelton)
- Responsible Service – Gaming: The Shafston Hotel (East Brisbane)
- Outstanding Achievement in Training: Kickon Group
- Best Hotel Group Operator: Hallmark Hospitality
- Overall Hotel of the Year – Accommodation: QT Gold Coast
- Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional: Exchange Hotel Kilcoy
- Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan: Bli Bli Hotel (Sunshine Coast)
- Hotelier of the Year: Scott Hogan, Wellington Point Hotel