Earlier this week 1500 VIPs and industry guests gathered at the Brisbane Exhibition Centre to celebrate the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) State Awards for Excellence.
The annual gala awards celebrated the integral role of hotels and pubs within Queensland communities.
QHA president Richard Deery presented on the event along with a host of leading industry partners honouring Queensland’s finest and most innovative hotels and pubs from Cooloongatta to Cape York.
Deery reflected on this year’s ceremony which reflects the strength and community spirit of Queensland’s hospitality industry.
“Queensland hotels are more than just venues – they’re woven into the fabric of our communities. In a world that’s constantly changing and becoming more digital, our pubs remain places of real connection and community,” he said.
“These finalists are a reminder that nothing quite compares to the atmosphere of a bustling pub – the sense of belonging, the shared laughs, and the simple joy of being surrounded by great people, delicious food and quality drinks.”
Deery not only praised the award winners, but the industry as whole.
“Our industry and its dedicated people have never been more valued. We should all take pride in that – congratulations to all our finalists, and especially to this year’s winners.”
Awarded for Excellence
This year, Les Pullos from Royal George Hotel was honoured as the prestigious Hotelier of the Year, for contributions to his community and the industry.
Porters Plainland Hotel took home five awards on the night including Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional; Best Bistro – Regional; Best Hotel Bar – General Division – Regional; Best Hotel or Pub Style Accommodation; and the Responsible Service of Gaming award.
General manager Mel Porter told Australian Hotelier the team are on cloud nine following the winning spree.
“Queensland has so many brilliant pubs, so the competition is always incredibly tight. Just being a finalist is such a thrill and then to be able to share wins with our team and family on the podium makes for a very special night.
Porter said the venue’s success comes down to the team behind it.
“Teamwork makes the dream work. We have an amazing team, and we try to be as clear as possible about what we want to deliver – a top-quality product with good old fashioned country hospitality. We also remain close to our customers – fix things that aren’t working and keep doing the things that make them happy.”
ALH Hotels took home two awards this year with The Brook Hotel, in Brisbane winning The Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan and Mermaid Waters Hotel winning Best Gaming Venue – Metropolitan.
Acknowledging the teams behind the awards, Paul Carew, ALH’s managing director, highlighted the commitment shown across both venues.
“These awards are a fantastic recognition of the hard work and dedication of our teams at both The Brook Hotel and Mermaid Waters Hotel.”
The recognition comes just two years after ALH invested almost $31m on a major transformation of the Brook Hotel. This included a new public bar, sports bar, beer garden, bistro with outdoor dining terrace and kids play area, function room, gaming room, and a four-storey hotel with 40 rooms.
“The Brook Hotel’s transformation has been a true labour of love, and to see it recognised as the best metropolitan hotel in Queensland is incredibly rewarding,” said Carew.
He added: “Similarly, Mermaid Waters Hotel continues to set the benchmark for gaming venues. These wins underscore ALH’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences and reinforce our position as leaders in the Queensland hospitality landscape.”
Kickon Group was recognised as Best Hotel Group Operator with CEO and founder Craig Shearer sharing his excitement for the team’s win.
“It’s a huge honour to be recognised. Awards like this aren’t why we do what we do, but they’re a great reminder that we’re on the right track. I’m incredibly proud of the entire team — from venue floor to head office — who give so much to help make Kickon what it is today”
Shearer credits the group’s success to strong team culture and shared values.
“For us, it always comes back to culture and purpose. We’ve worked hard to create an environment where people feel proud to be part of the team, and where amazing experiences — for staff and guests — are the priority. We care deeply, we back each other, and we keep showing up.”
The full list of 2025 winners:
- Hall of Fame – Best Hotel Bar Accommodation Division: Iris Rooftop, Hotel X (Fortitude Valley)
- Hall of Fame – Best Detached Bottleshop: The Full Moon Hotel – Bottlemart Boondall (Sue’s Korner)
- Hall of Fame – Best Mid-Range Accommodation: Sandstone Point Holiday Resort
- Best Bistro – Metropolitan: The Full Moon Hotel (Shorncliffe)
- Best Bistro – Regional: Porters Plainland Hotel
- Best Hotel Bar – Accommodation Division: Oaks Cairns Hotel
- Best Hotel Bar – General Division – Metropolitan: Chattahoochee Joe’s Honky Tonk Bar (Fortitude Valley)
- Best Hotel Bar – General Division – Regional: Porters Plainland Hotel
- Best Outdoor/Non-Enclosed Facility: Jacobs Well Hotel
- Best Sporting Entertainment Venue: Burleigh Town Hotel
- Best TAB Licensed Venue: The Imperial Hotel, (Eumundi)
- Best Redeveloped Hotel – Accommodation Division: Meriton Suites Broadbeach
- Best Redeveloped Hotel – General Division: Hotel Commonwealth (Ipswich)
- Front of House Employee of the Year – Accommodation Division: James Sweeney, Meriton Suites Broadbeach
- Front of House Employee of the Year – General Division: Shannon Stickells, Spicers Hidden Vale
- Employee Excellence in Service – Accommodation Division: Krityona Mehrotra, Sea World Resort
- Employee Excellence in Service – General Division: Matilda Duggan, Howard Smith Wharves
- Hotel Industry Rising Star: Sarah Hansen, QT Gold Coast
- Best Hotel or Pub Style Accommodation: Porters Plainland Hotel
- Best Suite/Apartment Hotel: The Langham, Gold Coast
- Best Mid-Range Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane
- Best Superior Accommodation: QT, Gold Coast
- Best Deluxe Accommodation: The Calile Hotel
- Best Marketed Hotel – General Division: The Beach Hotel, Townsville
- Best Marketed Hotel – Accommodation Division: Hotel X (Fortitude Valley)
- Best Entertainment Venue: Kings Beach Tavern (Caloundra)
- Best Late-Night Venue: Chattahoochee Joe’s Honky Tonk Bar (Fortitude Valley)
- Best Family Dining: The Doonan
- Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division: Yamagen, QT Gold Coast
- Best Restaurant – General Division – Metropolitan: Blackbird Bar, Dining & Events (Brisbane)
- Best Restaurant – General Division – Regional: The Woombye Pub
- Chef of the Year: Brad Casey, The Glen Hotel (Eight Mile Plains)
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet: Eatons Hill Hotel
- Best Detached Bottleshop: Black Sheep Bottle Shop – Everton Hills
- Best Draught Beer: Regatta Hotel (Toowong)
- Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
- Best Gaming Venue – Metropolitan: Mermaid Waters Hotel
- Best Gaming Venue – Regional: Beach House Hotel (Hervey Bay)
- Best Meeting & Events Venue: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
- Best Tourism Initiative: Sandstone Point Holiday Resort
- Keno Outstanding Community Service & Achievement – Accommodation: Division: Hotel X (Fortitude Valley)
- Keno Outstanding Community Service & Achievement – General Division: Howard Smith Wharves
- Responsible Service of Alcohol: The Caxton Hotel (Petrie Terrace)
- Responsible Service of Gaming: Porters Plainland Hotel
- Outstanding Achievement in Training: Howard Smith Wharves
- Best Hotel Group Operator: Kickon Group
- Overall Hotel of the Year – Accommodation Division: The Calile Hotel (Fortitude Valley)
- Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional: Porters Plainland Hotel
- Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan: The Brook Hotel (Mitchelton)
- Hotelier of the Year: Les Pullos, Royal George Hotel