Hotel leaders from across New South Wales came together at Darling Island Wharf in Sydney last night to celebrate the worthy winners and highly commended at the 2025 Accommodation Australia NSW Awards for Excellence.
More than 380 nominations were received across 42 categories, surpassing previous years, with winners from corporate CBD hotels to regional resorts.
New categories added this year included Luxury Hotel of the Year, won by Capella Sydney, which also took home the award for Bar of the Year for McRae Bar; Best Hotel Breakfast, which was won by The Dining Room, Park Hyatt Sydney; and Best Boutique Accommodation Experience was awarded to Ovolo Woolloomooloo.
Other top awards included Metropolitan Deluxe Hotel of the Year, which was won by The Darling and Regional Deluxe Hotel of the Year, which went to Bells at Killcare. The Redeveloped/Refurbished Property of the Year title was awarded Song Hotel Sydney.
A highlight of the evening was the induction of respected hotelier Michael Johnson into the Hall of Fame.
Johnson, who retired as CEO of Accommodation Australia last year, impressive career trajectory, working his way through the ranks in hotels and holding several general maanger positions, before being appointed as CEO of Tourism Accommodation Australia, and later of the united Accommodation Australia, guiding members through the pandemic and the rebuild of an industry
Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager Stacey McBride spoke of Johnson’s humility and character, saying he challenges the old adage of “nice guys finish last”.
The lively room hushed to a silence to listen to Johnson’s acceptance speech, in which he thanked the industry, the Accommodation Australia and praised the leaders continuing to represent members. He said he’s “having a ball” in retirement.
In the people awards, Jennifer Brown of InterContinental Sydney was awarded Executive of the Year, while the Chef of the Year title was bestowed on Anthony Flowers from Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour.
McBride said the standard of entries this year was top quality.
“These are hotels which lead the way in innovation, in staffing and in service and the task of narrowing down the finalists in each category to just one winner was extremely difficult for our team of independent judges,” McBride said.
“I congratulate all the winners for their commitment to our industry, their commitment to serving people and for their huge contribution to the NSW economy.”