The Comiskey Group took home a swag of awards at the QHA Awards for Excellence this week, as they plan no less than five new projects in Queensland’s booming south-east.
As per the Queensland Hotels Association’s system, the highly awarded Eatons Hill Hotel was to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, having won Best Entertainment Venue three years in a row.
Founded three decades ago by Paul Comiskey, sons Robert and David Comiskey joined the Comiskey Group and together have built shopping and commercial centres, residential dwellings, childcare, and restaurants, but are probably best known for building, owning and operating acclaimed Brisbane venues the Eatons Hill Hotel and Sandstone Point Hotel.
Hoping for something beyond the pre-ordained Hall of Fame accolade, the 2021 Awards turned into the group’s greatest year yet, adding eight more to the portfolio’s already impressive collection; Eatons Hill Hotel took the prize in three categories, and Sandstone Point Hotel was awarded a whopping five trophies.
“It was a totally unexpected night,” director Rob Comiskey told PubTIC. “To win eight … I was blown away.”
Sandstone Point Hotel was presented one of the night’s top awards, Metropolitan Overall Hotel of the Year, but significantly, also got Best Outdoor Non- Enclosed Facility, for the third year in a row, meaning next year it too will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“After more than a year of turmoil and losses felt by everyone, particularly those in the hospitality industry, it was fantastic to come together as a team and as an industry to celebrate our resurgence.
“We cannot thank the Queensland Hotels Association Awards enough for putting on another great Awards for Excellence gala.”
First built six years’ ago, Sandstone Point Hotel was very different to what it is today, now incorporating a massive Big4 Caravan Park next door.
The QHA recently determined it was time to take another look, with positive feedback on the growth and integration with the resort, and the ongoing reinvestment that keeps the Group on the podium.
“We do constant renovations instead of massive ones,” explained Comiskey. “To stay fresh.”
Beyond keeping the extra-large-format Eatons Hill and Sandstone Point hotels up to date, the family recently let slip they have a conga line of greenfield sites in the works.
Comiskey says they have been very strategic about the locations, which are all in north Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
The family recently put to market a non-core asset, the Beachmere Hotel, to free up some capital ahead of works bringing no less than four new greenfield hotels plus another resort, coming online in the next few years.
“It’s exciting times.”
Awards
Sandstone Point Hotel
Best Entertainment Venue
Best Family Dining
Best Outdoor Non-Enclosed Facility
Best Marketed Hotel Accommodation (BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort)
Metropolitan Hotel of the Year
Eatons Hill Hotel
Best Meetings & Events Venue
Best Superior Accommodation
Hall of Fame Best Entertainment Venue
