Hotel industry’s finest shine in a ‘State of Origin’ showdown

South Australia scored big at the hotel industry’s own ‘grand final’, with SA hotels winning both Regional and Metropolitan Hotel of the Year awards at the Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence in Brisbane, earlier this week.

More than 700 VIP and industry guests gathered at The Star Brisbane for what AHA national President David Canny said was the hotel industry’s very own “state of origin.” Tim Campbell was host of the gala event, while hit makers The Rogue Traders provided top class entertainment.

Read the print edition of AccomNews HERE

SA walked away with Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional for McLaren Vale Hotel and Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan for Adelaide’s Arkaba Hotel.

Tasmania also claimed bragging rights with Overall Hotel of the Year -Accommodation won by The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel and the Northern Territory’s Dundee Beach Tavern won the Overall Hotel of the Year -Remote category.

The hotly contested Best Hotel Group Operator award went to Victoria’s Kickon Group. A highlight of the evening was the induction of hotel industry legend Justin Hemmes into the prestigious Diageo Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame – after a moving tribute by AHA NSW President Scott Leach.

Accommodation Australia CEO James Goodwin said the awards really did showcase the best in an industry that is world-class.

“Each and every day all the finalists and their teams work hard to provide the best experience for millions of patrons nationwide,” said Mr Goodwin.

“Whether its food and beverage or staff members who go above and beyond – Aussie hotels are the best in the world and that’s on display here today.

“Congratulations to all finalists, especially the winners, for all you do for the hotel sector and for your communities. You are all winners in my book.”

The finalists had all won at the state level at award ceremonies earlier this year.

The full list of 2024 winners:

Excellence in Service – General Division: Matthew Connell, Wharf Shed, Geelong, VIC

Excellence in Service – Accommodation Division: Justine Dorrell, Elements of Byron, NSW

Excellence in Service – Accommodation Division: Joanna Curruthers, Rydges Sydney Airport, NSW

Excellence in Service – Accommodation Division: Tegan Skyllas, Rydges Sydney Central, NSW

Front of House Employee of the Year – General Division: Zoe Marstella, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane, QLD

Front of House Employee of the Year- Accommodation Division: Jonathan Fambart, Capella Sydney, NSW

Front of House Employee of the Year- Accommodation Division: Christopher Speck, Mount Lofty House, Crafers, SA

Chef of the Year – General Division: Scott Mills, Sinclair’s, The Log Cabin, Penrith, NSW

Chef of the Year – Accommodation Division: Ebony Baker, Elements of Byron, NSW

Chef of the Year – Accommodation Division: Punit Fernandes, PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne, VIC Hotel Industry

Rising Star – General Division: Harry K Ripon, American Hotel Echuca, VIC

Hotel Industry Rising Star – Accommodation Division: Freya Downie, Crown Hotels Melbourne, VIC

Outstanding Achievement in Training: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, NSW

Outstanding Community Service & Achievement: The Grand Hotel Warrandyte, VIC Excellence in Innovation,

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Practice: Green Island Resort, QLD

Excellence in Innovation, Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Practice: Little National Hotel, Barton, ACT

Best Tourism Initiative: Tasmanian Wild Seafood Adventures, TAS

Best Tourism Initiative: Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, QLD

Best Bar Presentation & Service – Regional: McLaren Vale Hotel, SA

Best Bar Presentation & Service – Metropolitan: The Prince Consort Hotel, Fortitude Valley, QLD

Draught Beer Quality Award: Beach Hotel, Burnie, TAS

Best Retail Liquor Outlet: Hurley Cellars Panorama, SA

Best Gaming Venue – Metropolitan: Brahma Lodge Hotel, SA

Best Gaming Venue – Regional: Claremont Hotel, TAS

Best Restaurant – Metropolitan: Audreys, The Continental Sorrento, VIC

Best Restaurant – Regional: Furneaux Restaurant

Best Restaurant – Accomm Mid-Range to Superior: Aloft Perth, WA

Best Restaurant – Accomm Deluxe: TUNKI, Lakes Resort Hotel, West SA

Best Redeveloped Hotel – General Division: Arkaba Hotel, Fullarton, SA

Best Redeveloped Hotel – Accommodation Division: Hotel Alba Adelaide, SA

Best Traditional Pub Accommodation: Oscars Hotel & Café Bar, Ballarat, VIC

Best Deluxe Pub Accommodation: Stirling Hotel, Mount Barker, SA

Best Meeting and Events Venue: The Star, Sydney, NSW

Best Outdoor/Non-Enclosed Facility: Kirra Beach Hotel, QLD

Best Sporting Entertainment Venue: Arkaba Hotel, Fullarton, SA

Best Entertainment Venue: Osbourne Hotel, Fortitude Valley, QLD

All Abilities Hotel – General Division: Toormina Hotel, NSW

All Abilities Hotel – Accommodation Division: Dorsett Melbourne, VIC

Best Family Dining: Lakeside Village Tavern, Raymond Terrace, NSW

Best Wagering Venue: The Lakes Hotel, The Entrance, NSW

Best Marketed Hotel – General Division: Cabana Bar, Sydney, NSW

Best Marketed Hotel – Accommodation Division: Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street, VIC

Best Bistro – Regional: Royal Hotel Drouin, VIC

Best Bistro – Metropolitan: The Duke of Dural, NSW

Best Mid-Range Accommodation: Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, QLD

Best Superior Accommodation: Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer, VIC

Best Suite/Apartment Hotel: The Langham Gold Coast, QLD

Best Lifestyle/Resort Style Accommodation: Jackalope Hotels, Merricks North, VIC

Best Hotel Bar – Accommodation Division: Mary Mary, The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, TAS

Best Deluxe Accommodation: Capella Sydney, NSW

Best Luxury Accommodation: Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Canberra, ACT

Best Luxury Accommodation: Saffire Freycinet, Coles Bay, TAS

Best Hotel Group Operator: Kickon Group

Overall Hotel of the Year – Remote: Dundee Beach Tavern, NT

Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional: McLaren Vale Hotel, SA

Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan: Arkaba Hotel, Fullarton, SA

Overall Hotel of the Year – Accommodation Division: The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, TAS