The stars of Australia’s hospitality industry were honoured at the AHA’s 2017 National Awards for Excellence this week.

Nearly 500 guests gathered on the Gold Coast at the RACV Royal Pines Resort for the awards. 

AHA National President Scott Leach said: “The hotel industry is one of the most dynamic in the nation and a week rarely goes by without the launch of new ideas, renovations or complete re-developments at venues right across the country.
“Our industry sets the standard internationally and awards nights are about recognising our greatest asset, our people.” 

Western Australian triumphs

The Overall Hotel of the Year at a metropolitan level went to State Buildings in Perth, Western Australia.It was one of four major awards taken home by Western Australian businesses. 

“The results for Western Australia are fantastic and a reflection of the high calibre of offerings that businesses in the West have worked hard to achieve and maintain,” said AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods. 

“This is a significant recognition of the investment in hotels and hospitality businesses in WA and a positive sign for the future of the industry in the State.”  

At a regional level, the winner of Hotel of the Year was The Prince Alfred Hotel in Ipswich, Queensland (pictured, main).  

Tasmania’s big coups

Tassie took out three top awards on the night, Best Regional Restaurant went to Riversdale Estate, Hobart; while Hobart’s Henry Jones Art Hotel (staff pictured below) was named Australian hotel of the year in the accommodation division, while Launceston City’s 9/11 Bottleshop won the award for best retail liquor outlet.

Tasmanian Hospitality Association general manager Steve Old said: “For Tasmania to claim to have the Best Regional Restaurant in the country just goes to show the quality of food and operators we have in our state.

“The judges were impressed by the quality and presentation of the food at Riversdale Estate and commented on the friendly and professional staff.

“It was also great recognition to the Henry Jones … for winning such a prestigious award on the national stage.

“It goes to show what outstanding accommodation venues we have right here in Tasmania.

“For 9/11 Launceston City to be judged the best retail liquor outlet … is great reward to the hard-working team at Vantage Group in Tasmania.”

Full list of winners

Best Bar Presentation & Service – Metropolitan Cloudland, Fortitude Valley – QLD

Best Bar Presentation & Service – Regional The Western Hotel, Ballarat – VIC

Best Bistro – Metropolitan The Pumphouse Hotel, Melbourne – VIC

Best Bistro – Regional Casey Jones Gastropub, Canberra – ACT

Best Deluxe Accommodation Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Weston Creek – ACT

Best Entertainment Venue The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, Adelaide – SA

Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice The Star, Sydney – NSW

Best Gaming Venue – Metropolitan Old England Hotel, Heidelberg – VIC

Best Gaming Venue – Regional Shamrock Hotel, Mackay – QLD

Best Hotel Accommodation – General Division Royal Mail Hotel, Yea – VIC

Best Hotel Bar – Accommodation Division InterContinental Sydney Double Bay Stillery, Double Bay – NSW

Best Hotel Group Operator Colonial Leisure Group, Perth – WA 
Best Keno Venue Zagame’s Boronia, Boronia – Vic

Best Marketed Hotel – Accommodation Division Grand Hyatt, Melbourne – VIC

Best Marketed Hotel – General Division Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Watsons Bay – NSW

Best Meeting & Events Venue Hyatt Regency, Sydney – NSW

Best Mid-Range Accommodation Holiday Inn Express Sydney Macquarie Park – NSW

Best Outdoor/Non-Enclosed  Area The Feathers Hotel, Burnside – SA

Best Redeveloped Hotel – Accommodation Division – Rydges Southbank Hotel, South Brisbane – QLD

Best Redeveloped Hotel – General Division – Crows Nest Hotel, Sydney – NSW

Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division – Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel, Whale Beach –

NSW Best Restaurant – Metropolitan – COMO The Treasury – Wildflower, Perth – WA

Best Restaurant – Regional – Riversdale Estate, Hobart, TAS

Best Retail Liquor Outlet 9/11 Launceston City, Launceston – TAS

Best Sporting Entertainment Venue Hotel Darwin, Darwin – NT

Best Suite/Apartment Hotel Fraser Suites, Perth – WA

Best Superior Accommodation PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney – NSW

Best TAB Licensed Venue The Newmarket Tavern, Newmarket – VIC

Best Tourism Initiative National Wine Centre, Adelaide – SA

Chef of the Year Damian Brabender, OTIS Dining Hall Canberra – ACT

Employee Excellence in Service – Accommodation Division – David Wells, Hilton Darwin – NT 
Employee Excellence in Service – General Division – Anneliese Grazioli, Hot Tamale, Darwin – NT

Front of House Employee of the Year – Accommodation Division – Nikolas Adams, Stamford Plaza Melbourne – VIC

Front of House Employee of the Year – General Division – Kurtis Bosley, Woollahra Hotel, Woollahra – NSW

Hotel Industry Rising Star – Matt Clifton, MNT Investments/Donny’s Bar, Sydney – NSW

Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame – Mark Robertson OAM, VIC

Outstanding Achievement in Training Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Lovedale – NSW

Outstanding Community Service & Achievement The George Tavern, Greenhills – NSW

Overall Hotel of the Year – Accommodation Division – The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart – TAS

Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan – State Buildings, Perth – WA

Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional – Prince Alfred Hotel, Ipswich – QLD