Revealed: Hottest hotels and venues in VIC
The best of Victoria’s hotels, venues, staff, and food have all been revealed at the 2017 Tourism Accommodation Australia (Victoria) Accommodation Awards for Excellence event.
Winners were announced at a gala dinner held at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne last Thursday evening.
The dinner was attended by in excess of 500 accommodation hoteliers and hospitality industry leaders, including representatives of the Victorian Government, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne City Council, Destination Melbourne, Australian Grand Prix Corporation, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Melbourne Convention Bureau and Queen Victoria Market.
The Outstanding Contribution to the Industry award recognises the sustained impact of a hotelier or industry leader, who has made a significant contribution to the Victoria’s tourism and accommodation sectors.
This year the recipient of this prestigious award was hotel industry doyen, Darryl Washington.
In his 46 years of service to the hospitality industry Washington has owned and operated hotels, held a number of Board positions with the Australian Hotels Association, including State and National President and Chair of the Accommodation Division, and been a founding and long serving director of United Innkeeper (Thirsty Camel).
Washington led many successful advocacy campaigns during his tenure and was instrumental in the concept creation and delivery of a winter marketing campaign for Melbourne hotels that was successful in generating 20,000 additional bed nights during the winter season and was the forerunner to Tourism Victoria’s seasonal marketing campaigns.
Other winners honoured were:
Accommodation Category Award Winners:
1. Deluxe Accommodation Hotel of the Year- QT Melbourne
2. Superior Accommodation Hotel of the Year – Amora Hotel Riverwalk, Melbourne and The Blackman, Melbourne, Art Series Hotel Group
3. Mid-Range Accommodation Hotel of the Year – Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens
4. Apartment Accommodation of the Year – Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
5. Boutique Style Accommodation of the Year- Lyall Hotel & Spa, South Yarra
6. Regional Accommodation of the Year- Mercure Warragul
7. Resort Style Accommodation of the Year- Balgownie Estate Vineyard Retreat and Spa, Yarra Glen
Specialty Category – Winners:
1. Deluxe Restaurant of the Year – Sofitel Melbourne on Collins – No 35
2. Hotel Restaurant of the Year- Amora Hotel Riverwalk, Melbourne – Fresco Restaurant
3. Regional Hotel Restaurant of the Year- Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld – The Royal Mail Dining Room
4. Hotel Bar of the Year- InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto – Market Lane Bar
5. Hotel Club Lounge of the Year- Park Hyatt Melbourne
Individual Excellence – Winners:
1. Administration Employee of the Year- Crown Towers, Melbourne – Ciara O’Brien
2. Concierge of the Year- Stamford Plaza Melbourne – Nikolas Adams
3. Engineer & Maintenance Employee of the Year- The Langham Melbourne – Anthony Sharp
4. Food & Beverage Services Employee of the Year- Rydges Melbourne – Carl Saltalamacchia and The Westin Melbourne – Pamela Gould
5. Front Office Services Employee of the Year- Sofitel Melbourne On Collins – Nasriya Juma
6. Hotel Industry Rising Star- Melbourne Marriott Hotel – Jessie Roden
7. Housekeeper Employee of the Year- Grand Hyatt Melbourne – Khalid Wattoo
8. Marketing Employee of the Year- Melbourne Marriott Hotel – Leah Tsakmakis
9. Revenue Manager Employee of the Year- Sofitel Melbourne on Collins – Muhammad Zeeshan
10. Sales Employee of the Year- Yarra Valley Lodge – Jessica Southerden
Property Performance – Winners:
1. Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice- Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne
2. Best Marketed Accommodation Provider- Grand Hyatt Melbourne
3. Excellence in Innovation- Grand Hyatt Melbourne
4. Outstanding Achievement in Training- Crown Melbourne
5. Outstanding Community Service Achievement- Atura Dandenong
Greg Moore, TAA (Vic) Chair praised the finalists, award-winners and individuals who were honoured.
“Recognising and rewarding excellence at all levels of our industry is very important as it is at the heart of engaging and motivating our people,” he said.
“The diversity and quality of hotels across Victoria is something for us all to be proud of and is worth celebrating. The properties and individuals who have been recognised tonight epitomise a commitment to the highest standards of excellence and contribute to positioning Victoria as premier visitor destination for local and international visitors.
“Congratulations to finalists and in particular all winning accommodation providers.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
@australia taa Tourism Accomodation Australia victoriaLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!