Three venues star as South Australia’s winning hotels announced
The state’s best hotels were celebrated at the 2024 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence. See the list of winners
More than 900 guests, including Premier Peter Malinauskas, gathered at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre to celebrate the best of South Australia’s hospitality industry at the 2024 AHA|SA Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence.
The Arkaba Hotel was one of the night’s three big winners, claiming six awards, including Best Overall Hotel – General Division (Metropolitan). The Fullarton venue has recently undergone a transformative, multi-million-dollar renovation—its first major upgrade in decades.
The Arkaba also triumphed in the categories of Best Redeveloped Hotel – General Division Metropolitan, Best Entertainment Venue, Best Outdoor or Non-Enclosed Facility – Metropolitan, Best Sporting Entertainment Venue and Community Service & Support.
Anna Moeller, CEO of AHA|SA, said the Arkaba “exemplifies what hard-working and entrepreneurial South Australian families can do”, and praised their “commitment to excellence”.
The McLaren Vale Hotel was once again named Best Overall Hotel – Country, marking a rare back-to-back victory. This beautifully renovated 1850s venue continues to provide an exceptional experience across dining, bar, and outdoor areas, with a strong emphasis on local community engagement.
You might like
The hotel also took home the awards for Bistro Casual Dining – Country Bar and Presentation & Experience – Country. The judges noted the hotel’s collaboration with local wineries, calling it a “sophisticated effort to draw tourism to the region and consider businesses beyond its own”.
For the second year running, Mount Lofty House took home the coveted award for Best Overall Hotel – Accommodation. Judges praised the venue for its excellence across all facets, from accommodation and dining to customer service and tourism.
The Judges noted that the recent addition of Sequoia Lodge had “added the final element to the overall experience of this iconic venue”.
Mount Lofty House also secured awards for Best Luxury Hotel Accommodation and Best Bar Presentation & Experience – Accommodation Division. Christopher Speck of Mount Lofty House won for Employee Excellence in Service – Accommodation Division.
Stay informed, daily
“The Arkaba, McLaren Vale Hotel and Mount Lofty House have achieved the pinnacle of excellence,” Moeller said.
“But ultimately, all the winners and nominees tonight reflect the incredible quality of South Australian hotels, which deliver world-class experiences across the entire state.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas said 2024 has been “a massive year for our hotels industry, and 2025 is gearing up to be even bigger”.
“That is why it’s so important that both government and the broader community continue their support for an industry that is leading by example in so many ways and putting us on the world stage,” Malinauskas said.
Chef of the Year was awarded to Hugh Hazelwood from Hotel Renmark for his innovative approach and leadership in the kitchen, while Hotel Industry Rising Star was awarded to Declan Hewett from The Highway, for his outstanding dedication and leadership.
The Highway also shared the Community Service & Support with the Arkaba Hotel, celebrating both venues’ ongoing contributions to their local communities.
The WT Spurr AO Award for Tourism & Regional Promotion was presented to Port Lincoln Hotel for its continued efforts in promoting the region as a prime destination for visitors.
Other notable winners included the Crown and Anchor Hotel for Live Music Venue, Uraidla Hotel for Innovation, Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Practice and Heath Johansen of Uraidla Hotel for Employee Excellence in Service – General Division.
The South Australian Hotel, Mount Gambier was awarded for Redeveloped Hotel – General Division Country, while Hotel Alba Adelaide won for Redeveloped Hotel – Accommodation Division.
All the winners will now go on to represent South Australia at the AHA National Hotel Awards, set to be held in Brisbane on 25 November.
