The ‘best of the best’ in Australian hotels were honoured at the prestigious Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence today.

A record 730 VIPs and industry guests - including Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott - gathered for the awards extravaganza, held at Campbell’s Cove, Sydney Harbour for the first time.

New AHA National President David Canny said the event was the perfect start to a summer free from restrictions for the first time in years.

“Today is an opportunity for the best in the business to come together at the start of what is set to be a bright and prosperous Summer for our industry,” said Mr Canny.

“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. Today’s winners are proof that here in Australia we have the best hotel and accommodation venues, operators and staff in the world."

Speakers and presenters at the event included Order of Australia recipient Dylan Alcott who introduced the new Accessibility Award category for 2023, Australian Hotels Association National CEO Stephen Ferguson, event host AHA NSW President Scott Leach – who recently stepped down as national president after an unprecedented five years - and a host of leading industry partners.

Mr Alcott took part in a QandA telling the crowd of the importance of accessibility in hospitality venues.

Another highlight was the induction of Western Australian hospitality stalwart Neil Randall (pictured right) into the prestigious Diageo Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame.

AHA WA CEO, Bradley Woods said, “On behalf of the WA hotel and hospitality industry, congratulations to Neil Randall, the 2022 Diageo Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame recipient. Neil’s hospitality career spans over 40 years and will soon become the longest-serving President in the history of the AHA (WA). This award recognises a true industry icon.”

Winner of Overall Hotel of the Year at a metropolitan level, as well as Best Outdoor/Non- Enclosed Facility, went to Eaton’s Hill Hotel in Queensland, while at a regional level the Overall Hotel winner was Treendale Farm Hotel in Western Australia.

The best restaurant in the Accommodation Division went to Amara, Spicers Sangoma Retreat in NSW, while the Best Regional Restaurant went to Furneaux Restaurant, Tasmania.

The winner of the Deluxe Accommodation category was Crown Towers Sydney & The Ritz Carlton in Perth, while the Overall Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division went to The Tasman, Tasmania.

Beach Hotel, Byron Bay in NSW was recognised as Best Entertainment Venue, while the Best Tourism Initiative went to The Cove, Tasmania.

The prestigious Chef of the Year award on the accommodation side went to Paul Griffiths, QT Melbourne Victoria, meanwhile, Anthony Fullerton, The Gem Hotel, NSW took home the honours for the general division.

Peninsula Hotel, SA took home top honours for Best Bar Presentation and Service in a metropolitan area.

Hotel Industry Rising Star in the general division went to Sharni Aird, Verandah Bar, Sydney, NSW, whilst the accommodation division went to Meg Anderson, Eos by SkyCity, SA.

Some of the awards highlights are below:

  • Employee Excellence in Service - General Division WINNER: Paradise Valley Hotel, Belgrave VIC (Liam Fisher) Front of House Employee of the Year - General Division WINNER: Bar Beirut, Canberra ACT (Soumi Tannous)
  • Chef of the Year: WINNER: QT Melbourne, VIC (Paul Griffiths) and The Gem Hotel, NSW (Anthony Fullarton)
  • Employee Excellence in Service - Accommodation Division: WINNER: Cyprus Lakes Resorts, Hunter Valley, NSW (Shaun O'Bryan), Ovolo South Yarra, VIC (Amy Moylan), Crown Hotels Melbourne, VIC (Brad Francis), Crown Towers Sydney, NSW (Lauren Carinci)
  • Front of House Employee of the Year - Accommodation Division WINNER: Eos by SkyCity, Adelaide, SA (Siddartha Kaul)
  • Hotel Industry Rising Star: WINNER: Verandah Bar, Sydney, NSW (Sharni Aird), Eos by SkyCity, SA (Meg Anderson)
  • Outstanding Achievement in Training: WINNER: Berry Springs Tavern, NT
  • Outstanding Community Service & Achievement: WINNER: Barmah Hotel, VIC and El Cortez Hotel, Canley Heights, New South Wales
  • Excellence in Innovation, Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Practice WINNER: Howard Smith Wharves, Queensland
  • Best Deluxe Accommodation: WINNER: Crown Towers Sydney, NSW, The Ritz Carlton, Perth, WA
  • Best Luxury Accommodation: WINNER: Saffire Freycinet, TAS
  • 2022 Diageo Johnnie Walker Hall of Fame: WINNER: Neil Randall, WA
  • Best Hotel Group Operator: WINNER: Flower Hotels, NSW
  • Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional WINNER: Treendale Farm Hotel, Australind, WA
  • Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan WINNER: Eatons Hill Hotel, QLD
  • Overall Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division: WINNER: The Tasman, Hobart, TAS

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