Melbourne's Hotel Windsor Named Australasia's Leading Hotel in Prestigious World Travel Awards

Mr David Perry

Melbourne's Hotel Windsor has won the title of Australasia's Leading Hotel in the 21st annual World Travel Awards.

The award was announced at the World Travel Awards Asia and Australasia Gala Ceremony in Delhi, India. The Windsor is also now in the running for the title of World's Leading Hotel, to be announced in late November.

World Travel Awards - named the Oscars of the travel industry by the Wall Street Journal - is voted for by travel and tourism professionals and consumer travellers. It was established in 1993 to recognise, acknowledge and reward excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry worldwide.

"The Windsor is honoured and delighted to receive the title of Australasia's Leading Hotel," Hotel Windsor CEO Mr David Perry said. "Considering the extraordinary standard of the top hotels across Australia and the rest of Australasia, this is a remarkable achievement and we are grateful to the tourism professionals and the many loyal guests and customers who voted for us."

Mr Perry said the award underscored the value travellers placed on the quality of service.

"The Windsor celebrated its 130th anniversary last year and this history and heritage sets the hotel apart from modern hotel brands. To compete effectively and to remain an industry leader the Windsor must excel in customer service and attention to detail, and it is this effort and focus that won the award."

Mr Perry said the Windsor extended its congratulations to all nominees for the award.

The 180-room Windsor opened its doors in 1883. It pre-dates some of the world's leading grand hotels including the Savoy in London, which was built in 1889, the Waldorf Astoria in New York which dates back to 1893, and the Ritz Paris which opened in 1898.

Located in the heart of Melbourne, the Windsor is famous for its grand Victorian architecture, most notably in its architecture and heritage interiors including its grand stair atrium and the Grand Ballroom, and range of superior accommodation options. It is also renowned for its traditional afternoon tea, which has been served at the hotel since its doors first opened, and for its award-winning service.

"The Windsor is Australia's only grand Victorian-era hotel," said Mr Adi Halim, Owner and Hotel Director of the Windsor. "Its unique history is complemented by the highest possible standards of service and everything we do is designed to make every guest feel pampered and indulged.”

This award and nomination for World's Leading Hotel comes as the long-awaited redevelopment of the Windsor is set to begin. The AUD 330 million project is scheduled to be completed in 2018, creating 800 jobs during construction and 430 hospitality jobs upon completion. “The redevelopment will allow the Windsor to strengthen its position as Australia's only remaining Grand Heritage hotel and continue to set the benchmark for Australian hospitality through its award-winning service for many years to come,” said Mr Halim.