AWARD WINNERS SHINE IN SA

The AHA|SA hosted the 2021 Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence on Tuesday night at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, with two hotels tying for the crown of best in South Australia.

SA’s 2021 Awards took place 26 October, with more than 750 guests and industry professionals in attendance.

Taking the prize for SA’s Best Overall Hotel this year were both the Bridgeport Hotel in Murray Bridge and the Marion Hotel.

Overlooking the Murray River, around 70 kilometres east of Adelaide, the Bridgeport Hotel has been owned for 25 years by Graham Hobbs and Ian Tregoning. After 11 years of planning and construction, they have realised their vision with the opening of their $45 million re-development, described by the judges as “a true masterpiece”.

Bridgeport offers 100 stylish accommodation rooms, quality dining, a bustling sports bar, and extensive meeting and events facilities.

It was also acknowledged for the creation of a ground-breaking jobs program for the long-term unemployed in the region.

Also winning top gong, for the second year in a row, was the Hurley Hotel Group’s Marion Hotel, which completed a $20 million transformation in September 2019.

Remodelled Marion Hotel. Image: Scott Palin

Gaining acclaim for Best Marketing & Promotion – General Division was the newly-renovated Peninsula Hotel in Taperoo, in Adelaide’s north, which also found two judges’ commendations, for Bistro Casual Dining – Outer Metropolitan, and Redeveloped Hotel – Metropolitan.

This year the AHA|SA introduced a new category, Adaption & Innovation, recognising venues that have displayed innovation, and adapted their business to cater for the challenges faced during trading restrictions. There were three joint winners for the inaugural title.

The Crown Inn at Kingston changed their model quickly to suit the community, finding an impressive turnover despite trading limitations. The Gumeracha Hotel created its own home delivery service, named ‘GuberEats’. The Playford answered the call to become a medi-hotel, demonstrating “remarkable” commitment to the comfort, mental health and appetites of their patrons.

Association GM Ian Horne stressed the customary high bar, even through continued challenging times.

“The incredible standards in food and beverage, service and experience set by all of our winners this year is a testament to the absolute resilience and innovation of the hotel industry.

“As we celebrate 150 years of the Australian Hotels Association (SA) branch, we are proud to be representing this incredible industry, and in turn, the 26,000 people it employs.”

The redeveloped Bridgeport Hotel Murray Bridge

Full list of winners at the 2021 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence

Draught Beer Quality – Malt Shovel Taphouse

Mid-Range Hotel Accommodation – Atura Adelaide Airport

Boutique/Superior Hotel Accommodation – Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets

Deluxe Hotel Accommodation – Eos by SkyCity

Bistro Casual Dining – Country – Dalrymple Hotel, Stansbury

Judges’ Commendation: The Stockwell Hotel

Bistro Casual Dining – Inner Metropolitan – Maylands Hotel

Judges’ Commendation: The Lion Hotel

Bistro Casual Dining – Outer Metropolitan – Stirling Hotel

Judges’ Commendation: The Peninsula Hotel

Restaurant – Accommodation Division – Oval Hotel – Five Regions

Restaurant – General Division Metropolitan – 2KW

Restaurant – General Division Country – Watervale Hotel

Bar Presentation & Experience – Country – McLaren Vale Hotel

Bar Presentation & Experience – Metropolitan – Mayfair Hotel – Hennessy Rooftop Bar

Judges’ Commendation: Mr Jones at The Gully

Outdoor or Non-enclosed Facility – 2KW

Sporting Entertainment Venue – Warradale Hotel

Community Service and Support – Berri Hotel

Marketing & Promotion – Peninsula Hotel

Tourism & Regional Promotion – Port Lincoln Hotel

Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice – Watervale Hotel

Judges’ Commendation: The Uraidla Hotel

Gaming Venue – Country – Tanunda Hotel

Gaming Venue – Metropolitan – Marion Hotel

TAB Licensed Venue – Morphett Arms Hotel

Meeting & Events Venue – Accommodation Division – Mount Lofty House

Meeting & Events Venue – General Division – Marion Hotel

Judges’ Commendation: The Lion Hotel

Retail Venue – Arkaba Hotel and East End Cellars – JOINT WINNERS

Redeveloped Hotel – Country – Bridgeport Hotel

Judges’ Commendation: The Stockwell Hotel

Redeveloped Hotel – Metropolitan – Uraidla Hotel

Judges’ Commendation: The Peninsula

Staff Development & Training – RD Jones Group

Judges’ Commendation: The Bridgeport Hotel

Chef of the Year – Anthony Giardina – Arkaba Hotel

Employee Excellence in Service – Accommodation Division – Chris Speck – Mount Lofty House

Employee Excellence in Service – General Division – Heath Johansen – Uraidla Hotel

Hotel Industry Rising Star – Holley Smith – Port Lincoln Hotel

Best Overall Hotel – JOINT WINNERS: Bridgeport Hotel and Marion Hotel

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