The AHA|SA Awards for Excellence for 2020 took place last night at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, ushering in a return to large industry events and honouring the Hurley Group’s magnificent Marion as Best Overall Hotel in South Australia.
The 2020 Awards had to be delayed due to COVID-19. All State winners automatically qualify for the AHA National Awards, scheduled to be held on 13 September 2021 – this year in Hobart.
Peter and Jenny Hurley’s portfolio took home a cabinet of awards this year, also snatching the gong for Best Outdoor or Non-Enclosed Facility, Best Gaming Venue – Metropolitan, and Best Redeveloped Hotel – Metropolitan for the $20 million transformation of the Marion Hotel, completed late 2019.
The overhaul, which incorporated a refreshed brand and personality, was recognised for its focus on hotel-style accommodation, food and beverage, functions, retail and gaming, with a renewed emphasis on interaction with the customer.
Sharing the spotlight, with no less than three awards, was the Watervale Hotel, bursting onto the podium for Best Restaurant – General Division Country, Best Tourism & Regional Promotion, and Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice.
Mount Lofty House consolidated its reputation as a premier luxury destination in the Adelaide Hills, awarded as Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation, and Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division, for the iconic Hardy’s Veranda Restaurant.
The evening also saw induction into the AHA|SA Live Music Hall of Fame of the Hurley Hotel Group, alongside Fahey Hotel Group, RD Jones Group, The Gov and the Tonkin family – all acknowledged for their multi-generational commitment to live music, but also for their innovation, and the employment and engagement of musicians and technicians in the state’s hotels.
Noting echoes of lockdowns and border restrictions still in play, Group ambassador Anna Hurley says it was “a great night” and great opportunity to both celebrate and reflect on the challenges of the past 12 months.
“I am so proud to be part of the incredible team at the Marion Hotel,” beamed Hurley. “We are always striving to do the very best we can, and it is an honour to be recognised.
“So many people have worked incredibly hard to achieve what we have here this year, and this hotel is a credit to them.
“We are all so excited for what’s ahead at the Marion Hotel in 2021. We all hope we have come through the worst of COVID and can work on improving everything we do and think of new and fun things for the future!”
AHA|SA GM Ian Horne spoke proudly of the industry, the “26,000 people it employs” and the road to recovery.
“Every year the AHA|SA Awards night is an important event for our industry, as we celebrate the exceptionally high standard of hotels in South Australia. But this year our Awards for Excellence is even more meaningful after such a tumultuous 2020 for the industry.
“Tonight we acknowledged and celebrated an industry that is resilient and innovative, strong and courageous.”
Full list of winners: 2020 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence
Draught Beer Quality – Country Vine Inn Barossa
Draught Beer Quality – Metropolitan The Barker
Mid-Range Hotel Accommodation – Atura Adelaide Airport
Boutique/Superior Hotel Accommodation – Crafers Hotel
Deluxe Hotel Accommodation – Mount Lofty House
Bistro Casual Dining – Country – Sevenhill Hotel
Judges’ Commendation – The Dalrymple Hotel
Bistro Casual Dining – Inner Metropolitan – East End Cellars
Judges’ Commendation – The Strathmore Hotel
Bistro Casual Dining – Outer Metropolitan – Crafers Hotel
Restaurant – Accommodation Division – Hardy’s Verandah
Judges’ Commendation – The Commodore on the Park
Restaurant – General Division Metropolitan – 2KW
Restaurant – General Division Country – Watervale Hotel
Bar Presentation & Experience – Country – Macs Hotel, Mount Gambier
Bar Presentation & Experience – Metropolitan Sailmaster Tavern
Judges’ Commendation – The Marion Hotel
Outdoor or non-enclosed Facility – Marion Hotel
Judges’ Commendations – The Republic Norwood and Sailmaster Tavern
Inducted into the AHA|SA Live Music Hall of Fame – Fahey Hotel Group, Hurley Hotel Group, RD Jones Group, The Gov/Tonkin Family
Sporting Entertainment Venue – Warradale Hotel
The Arkaba Hotel has received a Judges’ Commendation.
Community Service & Support – Joint Winner – Vine Inn Barossa, and Duke of Brunswick Hotel
Marketing & Promotion – General Division – Moseley Bar & Kitchen
Tourism & Regional Promotion – Watervale Hotel
Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice – Watervale Hotel
Gaming Venue – Country – Big River Tavern
Gaming Venue – Metropolitan – Marion Hotel
TAB Licensed Venue – Marryatville Hotel
Meeting & Events Venue – Specialist & Accommodation Venues – National Wine Centre
Meeting & Events Venue – General Division – The Highway
Retail Outlet – Attached – Stirling Hotel
Retail Outlet – Stand Alone – East End Cellars
Small Venue – Paloma Bar & Pantry
Redeveloped Hotel – Country – Big River Golf & Country Club
Redeveloped Hotel – Metropolitan – Marion Hotel
Judges’ Commendations – Sailmaster Tavern and Strathmore Hotel
Chef of the Year – Kevin Martel – The Playford
Employee Excellence in Service – Accommodation Division – Jane Heywood – Sage Hotel
Employee Excellence in Service – General Division – Jessica Bellwood – Marion Hotel
Hotel Industry Rising Star – Ben Rogers – National Wine Centre
Best Overall Hotel – Marion Hotel:
This incredible renovation of a historical but aged hotel into a southern suburbs gem has positioned the Marion as a shining star in the South Australian hotel industry. Its fresh and innovative approach extends across accommodation, food and beverage, functions and events, and customer service. The Marion Hotel is a wonderful example of true pub-style hospitality. The large investment in the business by the Hurley Hotel Group is an indication of the commitment to ensuring the hotel’s success, the ongoing support for staff and satisfaction of patrons.
The Marion Hotel sets the benchmark for hospitality in the state and is a very worthwhile winner of the ‘Best Overall Hotel in SA’.
