The hotel industry came together at ICC Sydney last Friday (7 September) for the 2018 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence.
More than 700 industry professionals attended the event, which recognised top achievers across nearly four dozen categories.
The award for meetings and conference property, presented by Spice Magazine, was awarded to joint winners Hilton Sydney and Uluru Meeting Place at Ayers Rock Resort. Highly commended was awarded to Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley in New South Wales.
Hilton Sydney general manager Ronald van Weezel says the accolade was only possible with the ongoing commitment of the hotel’s passionate team.
“Receiving the award for best meetings and conferencing property reflects the focus we have always placed on our events offering,” he says.
“Additionally, we undertook the renovation of the conference and event space that was completed in early 2017, restyling all four levels to achieve a contemporary residential feel. We also embraced a journey of innovative menu offerings meeting today’s needs with a focus on integrating healthier food and current dietary requirements.”
Ray Stone, executive general manager sales, marketing and distribution at Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, says Uluru Meeting Place has become a popular choice for conferences, events and incentives.
“We are proud to be named this year’s winner of the HM Award – it reinforces that Ayers Rock Resort and Uluru Meeting Place has the facilities and service to create and deliver incredible events,” he says.
“One of the key highlights for business event clients is the ability to hold an event in a bucket list Australian destination, with truly sense-of-place experiences and activities and first class accommodation, dining and meeting facilities.”
Hilton Sydney was also a joint winner of the business hotel award, sharing the achievement with Sheraton on the Park, Sydney.
“Receiving the award for best business hotel reflects our approach to constantly be improving in order to meet the needs of both today and future travellers,” says van Weezel.
The award for best marketing campaign, presented by Spice‘s sister publication A LIST Guide, went to joint winners AccorHotels Australia for the MGallery by Sofitel ‘Inspired by Her’ campaign and West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton for its launch campaign.
Pullman Melbourne on the Park received a highly commended for its launch of The Cliveden.
Other notable award wins included Park Hyatt Sydney in the luxury hotel category; QT Sydney for boutique hotel; The Rees Hotel, Queenstown as this year’s top New Zealand hotel; and Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for the best new hotel.
