The Entrance and the Terrey Hills Tavern have taken out the prestigious Overall Country Hotel of the Year and Overall City Hotel of the Year awards at the 2009 AHA (NSW) Awards for Excellence tonight.

Master of Ceremonies and well-known comedian and television personality Mikey Robins announced the 48 winners from a field of 215 finalists at the glamorous presentation dinner, held at Star City Hotel and Casino. AHA (NSW) CEO Sally Fielke welcomed the 860 guests who attended the gala dinner, including the Hon Kevin Greene MP, the Hon Tony Kelly MP, the Hon Barry O’Farrell MP and the Hon George Souris MP.

Since 1993, the AHA (NSW) Awards for Excellence have been one of the most prestigious awards to be granted in the hospitality industry, as each category covers specific areas of a hotel’s operations. This year was no exception.

The Overall Hotel of the Year Award (City and Country) is judged on providing an excellent overall range of facilities, whilst maintaining an overall excellence in service. Key areas of the hotel were taken into account including food services, bar presentation, customer service, community support and involvement in industry activities. In 2009, both The Entrance and the Terrey Hills Tavern have proved that they offer the best overall hotel experiences in regional and metropolitan New South Wales.

The Winston, the Coogee Bay Hotel, Cruise Bar and the Clocktower Hotel in Grafton were also high achievers this year, taking out two awards each.

Special congratulations also goes to industry stalwarts John Ross OAM and Doris Bishop who were both inducted into the AHA (NSW) Hall of Fame.

AHA (NSW) CEO Sally Fielke said that all hotels in New South Wales should be congratulated on their outstanding achievements over what has been a challenging 12 months for the industry.

“The Awards for Excellence provide the opportunity to showcase our elite venues, which are operated by talented staff and motivated managers,” Ms Fielke said.

“They demonstrate the best of what we are. There is no doubt that hotels are well and truly at the heart of their local community.

“While there can only be one winner in each category, becoming a finalist is a major achievement in itself and every finalist should be proud of the hard work, dedication and passion that they and their staff invest into their businesses every day.”

Major award winners

• Chef of the Year: Jason Lucas, Cruise Bar

• Gastronomic Hotel of the Year: Riverview Hotel

• Heritage/Iconic Hotel of the Year: The Australian Hotel and the Rag & Famish Hotel (joint winners)

• Best New/Redeveloped Hotel Country: Clocktower Hotel, Grafton

• Best Tourism Initiative: Bonville International Golf Resort

Click here for the complete list of 2009 winners.

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