'Best of the Best' Celebrated at Tourism Accommodation

Australia's leading accommodation hotels and outstanding employees were recognised at the Tourism Accommodation Australia 2013 National Awards for Excellence in Canberra.

Held in the nation's capital for the first time to celebrate Canberra's Centenary, more than 450 hotel industry leaders, hoteliers, special guests, diplomats and parliamentarians attended the annual Awards event at Hotel Realm to celebrate all aspects of Australia's vibrant hotel and hospitality sector.

Top honours this year went to the following venues:

• Park Hyatt Sydney (Sydney NSW) - Overall Hotel of the Year
• Hotel Realm (ACT) - Best Meeting and Events Venue
• Parmelia Hilton Perth (WA) - Outstanding Achievement in Training.

Park Hyatt Sydney

Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) Managing Director, Rodger Powell, said the prestigious Awards hailed accommodation hotels that demonstrated outstanding services, accommodation, entertainment, food and beverage.

"The 162 national finalists were winners of their respective AHA State and Territory awards level. Winning a national industry award is an outstanding achievement - and a tribute to the hard work and dedication of these hotels," Mr Powell said.

TAA also recognised the outstanding contributions made to the hotel industry by hard working employees including:

• 2013 Hotel Industry Rising Star Award - Timothy Hunt at Park Hyatt Sydney.
• Dixie Addison-Rolfe from the Diamant Hotel won Front of House Employee of the Year.
• Maria Macri-Nosari at the Sydney Harbour Marriott - Employee Excellence in Service Award

The full list of the 2013 AHA/TAA National Award winners:
Best Restaurant - Accommodation Division 
Altitude Restaurant at Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Best Redeveloped Hotel - Accommodation Division
SKYCITY Darwin

Best Marketed Hotel - Accommodation Division   
Hotel Realm, Canberra

Best Pub-Style Accommodation 
Victoria Hotel, Melbourne

Best Pub-Style Accommodation 
Daly Waters Historic Pub

Best Mid-Range Accommodation 
Holiday Inn Sydney Airport

Best Resort-Style Accommodation    
Saffire Freycinet

Best Suite/Apartment Hotel   
East Hotel

Best Superior Accommodation  
The Blackman - Art Series Hotels

Best Deluxe Accommodation    
Park Hyatt Sydney

Chef of the Year 
Bo Sorensen at Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

Front of House Employee of the Year
Dixie Addison-Rolfe at the Diamant Hotel

Employee Excellence in Service
Maria Macri-Nosari at the Sydney Harbour Marriott

Outstanding Achievement in Training      
Parmelia Hilton Perth

Best Meeting and Events Venue
Hotel Realm Canberra

Hotel Industry Rising Star   
Timothy Hunt at Park Hyatt Sydney

Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice      
Lakes Resort Hotel

Overall Hotel of the Year - Regional
Park Avenue Hotel Motel, Rockhampton

Overall Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division
Park Hyatt Sydney