South Australia’s Best Hotels Honored for Excellence at AHA|SA Awards 2024

Leading members of South Australia’s hospitality sector have been recognized for excellence at the 2024 Australian Hotels Association SA Awards. The prestigious event took place at the Adelaide Entertainment Center on Tuesday 22 October, attracting more than 900 visitors, including prominent figures and industry professionals.

Among those present was the Premier of South Australia, the Rt Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, who delivered a speech at the gala. The Premier highlighted the critical role that hotels and pubs play in the state, not only as key centers of social and spiritual life, but also as vital drivers of employment and investment. He noted the impeccable quality of hospitality that South Australia offers, which helps position it as a destination state.

This year’s top honor, Best Hotel in the Overall Division (Metropolitan), went to the Arkaba Hotel (pictured above), which recently underwent its first major multimillion-dollar renovation in decades. This renovation appears to have paid dividends as the Arkaba Hotel has won several other awards, including Best Renovated Hotel – Metropolitan General Division, Best Entertainment Venue, Best Outdoor or Unindoor Facility – Metropolitan, Best Sports entertainment establishment” and, finally, an award for social activities. Service and support.

In the Country Division, McLaren Vale Hotel excelled, winning the Best Overall Hotel award for the second year in a row. The destination has united its heritage by integrating modern hospitality concepts while fostering strong ties with local wineries to boost tourism in the region. It also scored wins in the Bistro Casual Dining – Country and Bar Presentation & Experience – Country categories.

Mount Lofty House repeated the previous year’s success by being named ‘Overall Best Accommodation Hotel’, a recognition it will also receive in 2023. The addition of Sequoia Lodge to its facilities was noted as an expansion of its already extensive offerings. Mount Lofty House also retained the titles of ‘Best Luxury Hotel Accommodation’ and ‘Best Presentation and Bar Experience’ in the accommodation department.

AHA|SA CEO Anna Möller praised the winners for their outstanding work and commitment to excellence.

“Arkaba, the McLaren Vale Hotel and Mount Lofty House have reached the pinnacle of excellence,” Møller said.

“Arkaba is an example of what hardworking and entrepreneurial South Australian families can do. This award is a stunning tribute to their unparalleled commitment to excellence.

“I’m delighted with the McLaren Vale Hotel and Mount Lofty House. Their teams’ ability to take top honors two years in a row is an amazing feat and well deserved.

“But ultimately, today’s winners and nominees all reflect the incredible quality of South Australian hotels that provide world-class services across the state.”

Prime Minister Malinauskas shared: “I have no doubt that AHA|SA members will punch above their weight at the AHA National Awards later this year, competing with entries from the eastern states.

“Hotels, big and small, have benefited from the government’s efforts to attract visitors and grow the state through major events that were never planned before. These events could not achieve such success without a dynamic and resilient hotel industry that far exceeds its capacity.

“2024 was a big year for our hotel industry, and 2025 promises to be even bigger. That’s why it’s so important that both the government and the wider community continue to support an industry that in many ways leads by example and puts us on the world stage.”

2024 Winners at the 2024 Australian Hotels Association SA Awards for Excellence

General Hotel – Accommodation Department
Mount Lofty House

Hotel as a whole – General division Country
McLaren Vale Hotel

Overall the hotel is General Division Metropolitan
Hotel Arkaba

Bar Presentation and Experience – Accommodation Department
Mount Lofty House

Presentation and bar experience – Country
McLaren Vale Hotel

Bar Presentation and Experience – Metropolitan (joint winners)
Sterling Hotel

Bar Presentation and Experience – Metropolitan (joint winners)
Highway

Bistro with a relaxed atmosphere – Country
McLaren Vale Hotel

Bistro Casual Dining – Inner Metropolitan
Cremorne Hotel

Casual Bistro – Outer Metropolitan
Stanley Bridge Tavern

Chef of the Year
Renmark Hotel – Hugh Hazelwood

Community Service and Support (Joint Winners)
Hotel Arkaba

Community Service and Support (Joint Winners)
Highway

Accommodation at a Deluxe hotel
Delgatti Estate

Deluxe Pub Accommodation
Sterling Hotel

Draft Beer Quality Award (joint winners)
Taphouse Malt Shovel

Draft Beer Quality Award (joint winners)
Hotel Uraydla

Employee Excellence in Service – Accommodation Department
Mount Lofty House – Christopher Speck

Employee Service Excellence – General Department
Hotel Uraydla – Heath Johansen

Entertainment establishment
Hotel Arkaba

Family dinner
Flagstaff Hotel

Gaming establishment – ​​Metropolitan
Brahma Lodge Hotel

Gaming establishment – ​​Country
Middleton Tavern

Rising star in the hotel industry
“Highway” – Declan Hewitt

Practices of innovation, sustainable development and energy efficiency
Hotel Uraydla

Live music venue
Crown & Anchor Hotel

Luxury hotel accommodation
Mount Lofty House

Marketing and Promotion – Placement Department
Hotel Alba Adelaide

Marketing and Promotion – General Department
Macs Hotel, Mount Gambier

Venue for meetings and events – Accommodation and Specialists Department
Adelaide Oval

Venue for meetings and events – General Department
Marion Hotel

Accommodation in a mid-range hotel
Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites

Open or Unclosed Object – Country
Port Lincoln Hotel

Open or not closed object – Metropolitan
Hotel Arkaba

Renovated Hotel – Accommodation Department
Hotel Alba Adelaide

Renovated Hotel – Country General Department
South Australian Hotel, Mount Gambier

Renovated Hotel – General Division Metropolitan
Hotel Arkaba

Restaurant accommodation department
Lakes Resort Hotel

General Restaurant Division – Country
Hotel Renmark

General Restaurant Division – Metropolitan
2KW Bar and Restaurant

Retail liquor store
Panorama of Hurley Sellars

Sports and entertainment complex
Hotel Arkaba

Superior Hotel Accommodation
Oval Hotel

Licensed enterprise TAB
Grand Junction Tavern

WT Spurr AO Award – Tourism and Regional Promotion
Port Lincoln Hotel