Western Australia’s hotels collected a number of prestigious awards at the gala ceremony held on Queensland’s Gold Coast in September, claiming the two prized accolades of Australia’s best hotel and best restaurant.

Nearly 500 VIP and industry guests from across Australia were at The Star on the Gold Coast for the 2019 Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence.

At a glance:

• Western Australia’s hotels claimed the two accolades of best hotel and best restaurant at the 2019 Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence.
• Crown Towers Perth was awarded the Overall Hotel of the Year Award and Wildflower at COMO The Treasury claimed the Best Restaurant (Metropolitan) Award.
• The Court was named as the Australia’s Best Redeveloped Hotel (General Division).

Crown Towers Perth was awarded the esteemed Overall Hotel of the Year Award, Wildflower at COMO The Treasury claimed the Best Restaurant (Metropolitan) Award, whilst The Court was named as the Australia’s Best Redeveloped Hotel (General Division).

Long Chim won the Best Bar Presentation and Service (Metropolitan) Award and Daren Holscher from Odyssea City Beach was crowned with the Employee Excellence in Service (General division) Award.

Best Restaurant Metropolitan

Neil Randall (AHAWA President) who accepted the award on behalf of the venue, Wildflower at COMO The Treasury

Australian Hotels Association (WA) CEO Bradley Woods said WA had been very well represented at the awards and reflects the high standard of excellence that is synonymous with WA’s accommodation and hospitality industry.

“WA’s winners beat a strong field of competitors from across Australia – these are the best venues in the country so for WA to be awarded with the best hotel and best restaurant is a very strong endorsement for the state,” Mr Woods said.

“In recent years there has been a variety of new hotels, restaurants and pubs either open or undergo significant redevelopments, which has resulted in the industry reaching new levels of excellence in terms of accommodation and food and beverage offerings.”

“The quality of WA’s hotels and hospitality venues are unrivalled and provide visitors and locals with a range of affordable and quality options.”

AHA NSW and National President Scott Leach said the venues and their hardworking staff showcased the best of Australian tourism and hospitality to the world.

“Our national awards annually draw together the best venues of the year from right across Australia,” he said.

“Hotels which lead the way in innovation, in inspiration and in design. Together, our finalists show that when you’re at your pub - when you’re at your local - there’s no better place to be in Australia."

“We are here to celebrate the outstanding individuals who drive our hotel businesses and make them the engine room of the Australian hospitality and tourism industries. I want to congratulate all finalists and winners on a job well done.”

Mr Leach paid particular tribute to the efforts of the 2019 Hall of Fame recipient Paul Jubb - a fourth generation hotelier - over a lifetime in the industry.

“This year’s inductee is someone who has never forgotten that at our core we are an industry which serves,” he said.

“He has always put the needs of others before his own. Whether that be his customers, his family or his fellow publicans. He is true publican and a very deserving inductee into the Hall of Fame.”

In a more sombre moment, Mr Leach paid tribute to the late Peter Burnett.

“Peter made an undeniable contribution to our industry which has not just benefited us all - his efforts and achievements will echo through to the next generation, such was his impact and influence on our industry,” he said.

“We mourn the loss of Peter, as we honour his legacy.”

See also:

The Australian Hotels Association (WA) announce Accommodation Awards for Excellence

WA visitor results reveal record-breaking streak

Award winning Hyde, with its partner Accor, announces opening of a second location in Perth