It was a night of celebration for the hotel industry on Thursday evening as a crowd of more than 700 gathered for the Accommodation Australia NSW Awards for Excellence at The Fullerton Hotel in Sydney.

Among the big winners was Capella Sydney, which took home the award for Metropolitan Deluxe Hotel of the Year and Spicers Sangoma Retreat, which was named Regional Deluxe Hotel of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Superior Hotel of the Year was awarded to Hilton Sydney in the Metropolitan category, while Rydges Resort Hunter Valley took the Regional title as well as the inaugural Workplace Health and Wellbeing Property of the Year Award and Best Innovation Project.

Celebrating twelve months since the formation of Accommodation Australia NSW, the event saw a record breaking 354 finalists across 38 categories, including the newly launched Workplace Health and Wellbeing Property of the Year, Best Outdoor Experience (including rooftop bars) and Best Casual Dining Experience Awards.

“It has been twelve months since the creation of Accommodation Australia NSW and what a first year it has been,” said Accommodation Australia NSW Co-Chair, Richard Doyle.

“We have built a new Association with a focus on putting the needs of members first, and we are very proud of everyone here tonight and what they have achieved for both themselves and our industry overall.”

Among the VIP guests in attendance were NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, Minister for Roads, Special Minister of State and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council The Hon. John Graham, MLC.

Acknowledging the contribution of hotels to the national tourism economy, Co-Chair Patrick Lonergan said, “Our industry employs more than 400,000 people and generates more than $17 billion each year.”

“Looking at the calibre of talent here tonight, I have no doubt our industry will continue to flourish for years to come,” he said.

Joanna Carruthers of Rydges Sydney Airport was named Executive of the Year, while Conference and Events Talent of the Year went to Tegan Skyllas of Rydges Sydney Central.

Chef of the Year was awarded to Elements of Byron’s Ebony Baker, and the Food and Beverage Talent of the Year was Vinura de Silva of Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort.

Restaurant of the Year (Deluxe Hotels) was awarded to Restaurant Amara at Spicers Sangoma Retreat, while the Mid-range/Superior award went to Glass Brasserie at Hilton Sydney.

Best Casual Dining Experience was won by Abode Bistro Bar at Parkroyal Darling Harbour; The Bar at InterContinental Sydney Double Bay was awarded Bar of the Year (Deluxe Hotels), while Jackalberry at Hyatt Regency Sydney won the Mid-Range – Superior category.

Best Outdoor Experience (Including Rooftop Bars) – a new category – was won by Aster at InterContinental Sydney, while Best Health Spa and Wellness Experience was awarded to Crown Spa at Crown Towers Sydney for the third consecutive year.

Redeveloped/Refurbished Property of the Year was awarded to Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant and Spa.

“The exceptional level of talent we have is what makes the NSW accommodation industry world-class,” said Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager, Stacey McBride.

“To see a group of people with such skill, talent, and dedication together under one roof celebrating each other’s accomplishments speaks volumes and I congratulate every finalist and winner on their hard work over the past year.”