By Triana O'Keefe – Australian Hotelier
The winners of the 2014 Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence were announced on Monday night at Jupiter’s Casino on the Gold Coast.
Hosted by the Australian Hotels Association, the awards are recognised as the most prestigious commendations in the hospitality industry with accolades across accommodation, dining, entertainment, marketing, training and talented employees.
Every year the competition exceeds expectations and this year proved no different. Each state was awarded for its top performing venues with the highly coveted Overall Hotel of the Year going to Merivale’s Ivy.
North Perth’s The Classroom was acknowledged as having Australia’s Best Bar Presentation and Service.
“It’s great to see Western Australian hospitality being recognised amongst the best in the country,” said AHA (WA) CEO, Bradley Woods.
Crown Metropol Perth was the biggest winner for WA, taking out two awards; Australia’s Best Redeveloped Accommodation Hotel, and the prestigious Overall Accommodation Hotel of the Year.
For the second year running, Eatons Hill Hotel have has taken out the title for Best Entertainment Venue in Australia with marketing manager, Kate Mogridge commenting: “It was certainly an honour, knowing we were up against the nation.”
Merivale picked up a hat-trick; fine-dining restaurant est. added another feather to its cap with National Best Restaurant of the Year (Metropolitan), and Palmer & Co’s Matt Fitzgerald was named National Bartender of the Year.
“The award is testament to our amazing staff who work tirelessly to consistently deliver exceptional service and world-class experiences, each and every day,” said Merivale CEO, Justin Hemmes.