The best of the Sunshine State gathered Monday night to recognise the winners of the Queensland Hotels Association’s prestigious State Awards for Excellence for 2025.
Over 1,500 VIPs and industry guests attended Brisbane Exhibition Centre to celebrate the integral part hotels play in communities. The room was adorned in ‘rock n roll’ décor, in a nod to the state’s booming live music scene.
A traditional highlight of the night is presentation of Hotelier of the Year, this year given to Les Pullos from the Royal George Hotel in Fortitude Valley, for contributions to both the community and the industry.
Major category Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan went to the Brook Hotel, in Mitchelton, operated by Australia’s biggest publican, ALH, which also took the prize for Best Gaming Venue – Metropolitan, at its Mermaid Waters Hotel.
ALH MD Paul Carew says the transformation of The Brook was “a true labour of love” and the wins are recognition of the “hard work and dedication” of the teams.
“These wins underscore ALH’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences and reinforce our position as leaders in the Queensland hospitality landscape.”
The counterpoint Overall Hotel of the Year – Regional went to Porters Plainland Hotel, which also picked up Best Hotel or Pub Style Accommodation.
Rounding out the majors was Best Hotel Group Operator, going to Kickon Group, backing up its winning the same award at the 2024 AHA Nationals.
Also counting pubs across Victoria and New South Wales, in Queensland Kickon’s portfolio includes the Grand View Hotel in Cleveland, Osbourne Hotel Fortitude Valley, Watermark Bar in North Ward, The Dock Mooloolaba, Plough Inn in South Bank Plaza and Riverland, Brisbane.
“We are thrilled to have been recognised by the industry amongst all the other winners on the night,” replied Craig Shearer.
“Very proud of the whole Kickon team, who make our venues so great.”
QHA President Richard Deery, who joined industry partners in presenting at the event, says “nothing quite compares” to the atmosphere of a bustling pub, brimming with people, laughs and a ‘sense of belonging’.
“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.”
FULL LIST OF 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