Hotel Panorama takes top honour at SA hotel awards
The newly opened venue has been named Hotel of the Year at the 2026 AHA|SA Awards for Excellence, with Mount Lofty House and Kincraig Hotel also among the night’s big winners.
Hotel Panorama has been named South Australia’s Hotel of the Year at the 2026 AHA|SA Awards for Excellence, with the newly opened venue recognised alongside some of the state’s leading pubs, restaurants and accommodation providers.
More than 1000 hospitality industry representatives gathered at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, October 20, for the annual awards, which celebrate excellence across South Australia’s hotel industry.
Naracoorte’s Kincraig Hotel was named best regional pub, while Mount Lofty House retained its title as Best Overall Hotel in the Accommodation Division for the fourth year running.
Nine hotels won two or more awards, with COLAC Port Adelaide leading the field with five awards. Hotel Panorama and Kincraig Hotel each secured four.
AHA|SA chief executive Anna Moeller said the winning venues reflected South Australia’s growing appeal as a destination for visitors.
“South Australia is the Destination State and each of these winners is a destination in themselves,” she said.
“Hotel Panorama had everyone talking when it opened – and it hasn’t missed a beat. It has aced every element of a modern Australian hospitality experience, bringing accommodation, dining, entertainment and events together in one impressive destination.”
The Kincraig Hotel was recognised for its transformation into a country hospitality destination, revitalising a Naracoorte institution established in 1930.
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Mount Lofty House’s latest win recognises its luxury accommodation offering, which combines heritage architecture, contemporary interiors and South Australian hospitality.
The awards come as hotels and pubs continue to play a significant role in attracting visitors and supporting regional communities.
AHA|SA president David Basheer said venues had continued to invest in their businesses and staff despite rising operating costs.
“Our hotels and pubs are the heartbeat of the community and the lifeblood of the visitor economy,” he said.
“Many of these winners are small and family businesses. They have invested in their pubs and in their people. Without exception, each venue has risen above soaring business costs to set new levels of excellence.”
Chefs and emerging talent recognised
The awards also recognised talent across the state’s kitchens, with Alessandro Mangione of Mount Lofty House named Chef of the Year in the Accommodation Division.
Matthew Sherriff of the Strathmore Hotel took out Chef of the Year in the General Division.
Two hospitality professionals were recognised for their emerging leadership, with Taylor Dowd, venue manager at the Marryatville Hotel, named Rising Star in the General Division.
Judges praised Dowd as “a dynamic emerging hospitality leader whose rapid progression to Venue Manager reflects her drive, versatility and talent”.
Adrian Cerbo of Sofitel Adelaide won the Accommodation Division Rising Star award. The event sales manager was recognised for building client relationships and bringing teams together to deliver successful events.
The Best Redeveloped Hotel – Metropolitan award resulted in a tie, with Lockleys Hotel and COLAC Port Adelaide sharing the honour.
Dining and entertainment highlights
Dining awards highlighted the breadth of the state’s hospitality offering, from neighbourhood pubs to destination restaurants.
Payneham Tavern won Family Dining, while Kincraig Hotel was recognised for Bistro Casual Dining – Country.
East End Cellars took out Bistro Casual Dining – Inner Metropolitan, with COLAC Port Adelaide winning the outer metropolitan category.
Mount Lofty House won Restaurant – Accommodation Division, Hotel Renmark took out Restaurant – General Division – Country, and 2KW Bar & Restaurant was named the metropolitan winner.
Live music also featured prominently, with The Gov winning Best Live Music Venue.
The long-established Hindmarsh venue hosted more than 500 live gigs in the past 12 months, selling more than 100,000 tickets and recording 47 sell-outs. Its program has continued to bring international acts to Adelaide while supporting emerging local artists.
The Arkaba was named Best Entertainment Venue, following its 2025 national AHA award win. Its offering spans Top of the Ark, Lounge Bar and Sportys, with judges recognising its continued support for live entertainment and local talent.
All South Australian winners will now progress as finalists to the AHA National Awards, which will be announced on November 30.
The 2026 awards were attended by Premier Peter Malinauskas, who addressed the audience, with support from major industry supporter Tabcorp and corporate partners Asahi Beverages, Coopers, Hostplus and Lion.
Full list of winners
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