The Australian Capital Territory’s leading accommodation hotels were last night (Jun 17) recognised at the Australian Hotels Association’s Awards (AHA) for Excellence gala dinner at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.

AHA Awards winner: Hyatt Hotel Canberra

Over 500 people, including the Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, attended the Awards gala dinner at Rydges Lakeside Hotel that saw 33 Awards handed out to Canberra’s outstanding performers in the ACT hospitality industry, including ten in the accommodation sector.

“The Hyatt Hotel Canberra, was awarded Best Deluxe Accommodation (5-star) despite competition for the new Hotel Realm,” said AHA ACT general manager Steven Fanner.

“Last year the Hyatt went on to win this category at the AHA National Awards and it now gets its chance to defend that title at the AHA Convention on the Gold Coast next month,” he said

The Hotel Realm did manage to pick up two Awards by taking out the prizes for Best Hotel Bar (Bacchus Bar) and Best Hotel Restaurant (Konoba Restaurant), and was also a finalist in Best Meetings & Events hotel in an excellent all around performance.

“Canberra’s largest hotel, the Crowne Plaza Canberra, defended its crown as Best Superior Accommodation (4-4.5 star) ahead of Novotel Canberra, Rydges Lakeside and the new Diamant Hotel Canberra,” Fanner said.

“With nine hotels contesting the Best Mid-Range Accommodation category, the task for judges was always going to be difficult, and in the end they were unable to separate the two winners Belconnen Premier Inn and Quality Hotel Woden.

“Both hotels present excellent value at the four-star level and did well to win in a field including previous winners The Brassey of Canberra and the Country Comfort Greenway.

“Rydges Lakeside had a successful evening, picking up the Awards for Best Meetings and Events Hotel and Best Environmental Practice, while its sister property Rydges Capital Hill produced the Best Front of House Hotel Employee Award winner Alicia Howe and Best Apprentice Chef Shay O’Brien.

“A previous AHA National Award winner for Best Suite/Apartment Hotel, the Clifton Suites was again winners in this category last night and will aim to regain their national crown at the AHA National Awards in on the Gold Coast next month,” he said.

The AHA National Awards are being held on the Gold Coast on July 17.