In a year where many hotels did it tough, the judges at the South Australian branch of the Australian Hotels Association decided to honour several hotel groups with induction into the AHA|SA Live Music Hall of Fame.

The 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.

But it was a hotel that underwent a massive renovation that took away the top gong, as well as several other awards.

Having undergone a $20 million transformation in 2019, the Marion Hotel was named the Best Overall Hotel in South Australia.

Owned by the Hurley Hotel Group, the 1960s chic hotel also won the Best Outdoor or Non-Enclosed Facility, Best Gaming Venue – Metropolitan, and Best Redeveloped Hotel – Metropolitan. And Marion Hotel employee Jessica Bellwood was recognised with Employee Excellence in Service – General Division.

Another refurbished pub, the Sailmaster Tavern in North Haven, won the title of Best Bar Presentation & Experience – Metropolitan for its multiple areas designed to take advantage of the spectacular view over the marina.

In the CBD, East End Cellars was recognised for having the best Bistro Casual Dining – Inner Metropolitan, as well as the top stand-alone Retail Outlet.

Outside of Adelaide, Mount Lofty House in the Adelaide Hills won Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation as well as Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division for the iconic Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant.

In the Clare Valley region, Sevenhill Hotel once again won Best Bistro Casual Dining – Country and the recently renovated Watervale Hotel nabbed three awards: Best Restaurant – General Division Country, Best Tourism & Regional Promotion, and Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice.

AHA|SA General Manager Ian Horne congratulated the award winners in front of a 750 strong crowd at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, and said all state finalists will be entered into the national awards being held on 13 September in Hobart.

“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,” Horne said.

“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