The Marion Hotel in Adelaide’s southern suburbs has been named the Best Overall Hotel in South Australia, at last night’s 2020 Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence.
Also taking out the honours for Best Outdoor or Non-Enclosed Facility, Best Gaming Venue – Metropolitan, and Best Redeveloped Hotel – Metropolitan, the Hurley Hotel Group pub has been recognised for its incredible $20 million transformation.
All State winners automatically qualify for the AHA National Awards to be held on 13 September 2021 in Hobart.
Completed in September 2019, the redevelopment of the 60s style Marion Hotel has brought a new lease of life into the venue.
With an extensive focus on hotel style accommodation, food and beverage, functions, retail and gaming, all areas of the hotel have been refurbished along with a refreshed brand and personality emphasising interaction with the customer.
Mount Lofty House in the Adelaide Hills cemented its position as the premier luxury destination in Adelaide, receiving two awards: Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation and Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division for the iconic Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant.
Two hotels have placed the Clare Valley region in the spotlight. Sevenhill Hotel has once again received the Award for Best Bistro Casual Dining – Country for its innovative, seasonal menu and outstanding customer service.
The recently renovated Watervale Hotel has burst into the hospitality scene winning three awards: Best Restaurant – General Division Country, Best Tourism & Regional Promotion, and Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice.
The Sailmaster Tavern won the title of Best Bar Presentation & Experience – Metropolitan.
Overlooking the picturesque North Haven Marina, the bar at the Sailmaster has been extensively renovated with multiple areas designed to take advantage of the spectacular view.
Last night also saw the induction of several hotel groups into the AHA|SA Live Music Hall of Fame.
Fahey Hotel Group, Hurley Hotel Group, RD Jones Group, The Gov and the Tonkin family were all acknowledged for their multi- generational family commitment to the well-being of live music gigs, the employment and engagement of musicians and technicians, and their support for innovation and entertainment in SA hotels.
“Congratulations to all the outstanding winners of the 2020 Hotel Awards for Excellence,” said AHA|SA General Manager Ian Horne.
“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.”
“We thank the community and the people of SA for supporting our great industry throughout 2020, and in turn the 26,000 people it employs.”
2020 Full List of Winners
| CATEGORY | Winner | Judges Commendation |
| 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 | Stirling Hotel |
| Deluxe Hotel Accommodation | Mount Lofty House | |
| Bistro Casual Dining – Country | Sevenhill Hotel | Dalrymple Hotel |
| Bistro Casual Dining – Inner Metropolitan | East End Cellars | Strathmore Hotel |
| Bistro Casual Dining – Outer Metropolitan | Crafers Hotel | Sailmaster Tavern, Stirling Hotel |
| Restaurant – Accommodation Division | Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant – Mount Lofty House | 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 | Marion Hotel |
| Outdoor or Non-Enclosed Facility | Marion Hotel | Republic Norwood, Sailmaster Tavern |
| Sporting Entertainment Venue | Warradale Hotel | Arkaba Hotel |
| Community Service & Support | Vine Inn Barossa – Joint Winner | |
| Community Service & Support | Duke of Brunswick Hotel – Joint Winner |
| Marketing & Promotion – General Division | Moseley Bar & Kitchen | |
| Tourism & Regional Promotion | Watervale Hotel | |
| Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice | Watervale Hotel | |
| Gaming Venue – Country | Big River Golf and Country Club | |
| 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 and Country Club | |
| Redeveloped Hotel – Metropolitan | Marion Hotel | Sailmaster Tavern, 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 |
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