South Australia’s best hotels crowned

The Arkaba Hotel in Fullarton was crowned Best Overall Hotel — Metropolitan for the second consecutive year at the Hotels Association South Australia (AHA SA) Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence on Tuesday night.

It followed the Hurley Hotel Group venue that recently underwent a $12m renovation to its dining areas, Top of the Ark function space and live sports bar in 2023 winning Overall Hotel of the Year — Metropolitan award at the AHA National Awards last November.

Some 1,000 industry guests were at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre event last night, with a record number of nominations and a mixed bag of regional and city venues taking out top honours.

“Last night was not just about celebrating the winners but was also an incredible reflection of what has been achieved as an industry,” AHA SA CEO Anna Moeller said.

Brendan Boothroyd was named Chef of the Year for his innovative menus across more than 20 Duxton Pub venues across SA — with his “leadership and creativity” key factors to the award.

Moeller said the Arkaba’s wide range of services and products was a contributing factor to it taking out a gong.

“They have an amazing sports bar, capacity for functions and meeting spaces and the infamous Top of the Ark,” she said.

“The service the staff provide is second to none and there’s always something going on at the Arkaba — from live music to the incredible dining experience.”

The venue now employs more than 150 staff across its accommodation, retail, food and beverage services.

The Arkaba also took home the Best Entertainment Venue, Sporting Entertainment Venue and Meeting and Events Venue awards last night.

The Loxton Hotel took out top regional spot with the Best Overall Hotel — Country award.

It follows the venue’s 2022 Best Overall Hotel — Country award after an extensive redevelopment to include a modernised bar and an acclaimed new beer garden.

“What they have done in terms of the ambience and the fit-out of the place all comes together to provide a wonderful experience,” Moeller said

“It’s so important that this is happening in our regions as well as our metropolitan hotels.”

Established in 1908, the community-owned pub has reinvested over $100,000 annually into local schools, clubs and events.

Loxton Hotel was also awarded Best Bar Presentation and Experience — Country.

Another notable winner was Mount Lofty House which received its third consecutive Best Overall Hotel — Accommodation Division award.

The award recognised the venues excellence in accommodation, functions, tourism, dining and customer service.

Moeller said it was important to recognise pubs and the “hard work and dedication” of employees across SA after a difficult period for the hospitality industry.

“I think when people are under any kind of pressure — like the cost-of-living crisis — it’s important that there are places that mates can get together and socialise,” she said.

“It’s so good for people’s wellbeing and mental health and pubs can provide that experience.

“Hotels have always provided a place for people to come together to celebrate.”

All SA winners will head to the AHA National Awards in Queensland on 17 November.

Full list of venue winners: