Refurbished pubs take out top gong at hotel awards
The annual AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence was held last night, with two pubs sharing the award for best hotel in 2021.
The new rooms at the award-winning Bridgeport Hotel in Murray Bridge.
The redeveloped Bridgeport Hotel in Murray Bridge and the recently refurbished Marion Hotel have both been named SA’s Best Overall Hotel in 2021.
Bridgeport Hotel owners Graham Hobbs and Ian Tregoning have realised their vision after 25 years of ownership and 11 years of planning and development with the re-opening of the 100-room hotel.
The $45 million re-development overlooking the River Murray has retained its local identity while adding stylish accommodation, quality dining, a bustling sports bar and extensive meeting and events facilities.
The owners also introduced a jobs program for the long-term unemployed in the region.
The top prize was shared with the Marion Hotel, which also won the award last year after having undergone a $20 million renovation.
Adelaide’s newest accommodation hotels also made their mark in this year’s awards.
Eos by SkyCity has won Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation while Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets won Best Boutique/Superior Hotel Accommodation and the Oval Hotel took home Best Restaurant – Accommodation Division for the Five Regions Restaurant.
Across the river, 2KW has won Best Restaurant – General Division for the second year in a row, and Best Outdoor and Non-enclosed Facility.
Outside Adelaide, the Dalrymple Hotel in Stansbury won the award for Best Bistro Casual Dining – Country and the newly renovated Peninsula Hotel in Taperoo won the award for Best Marketing & Promotion – General Division.
“Congratulations to all the outstanding winners of the 2021 Hotel Awards for Excellence,” said AHA|SA General Manager Ian Horne.
“The incredible standards in food and beverage, service and experience set by all of our winners this year is a testament to the absolute resilience and innovation of the hotel industry.
“Even through the continuing challenging times, the hotel industry and our people continue to lift, innovate and set high standards across all facets of our venues.
“As we celebrate 150 years of the Australian Hotels Association (SA) branch, we are proud to be representing this incredible industry, and in turn, the 26,000 people it employs.”
The 2021 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence was held on Tuesday 26 October at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Over 750 people attended this premier event with entertainment provided by Australian singer-songerwriter Sarah McLeod and Adelaide band, The Cast and hosted by Will Goodings.
