The standout achievers of the state’s multi-billion-dollar tourism accommodation sector were honoured on 17 July at the 2025 Accommodation Australia NSW Awards for Excellence.
This year’s awards broke all records with more than 380 nominations received across more than 40 different categories, including the new Best Hotel Breakfast, Best Boutique Accommodation Experience and Luxury Hotel of the Year categories.
Winners ranging from small family-run regional motels to five-star CBD hotels received their awards at a gala function at Darling Island Wharf, Sydney in front of the “who’s who” of NSW hospitality.
Accommodation Australia NSW General Manager Stacey McBride said the nights winners were not just some of the state’s best hotels - but would rank among some of the top venues in the world.
“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,” she 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.”
One of the highlights of the night was the induction of hotel industry legend and former CEO of Accommodation Australia Michael Johnson into the Hall of Fame – which saw the entire room erupt in applause as the popular recipient took to the stage.
One of the big awards of the night was the brand-new category; Luxury Hotel of the Year, won by Capella Sydney, which also won Bar of the Year for McRae Bar. Metropolitan Deluxe Hotel of the Year was won by The Darling and Regional Deluxe Hotel of the Year went to Bells at Killcare.
Motel of the Year went to Berrima Bakehouse Motel which was also rewarded for Outstanding Community Contribution, while the newly launched Best Boutique Accommodation Experience was awarded to Ovolo Woolloomooloo and Redeveloped/Refurbished Property of the Year was Song Hotel Sydney.
In the people awards, it was Jennifer Brown, InterContinental Sydney who took out Executive of the Year, while Chef of the Year was Anthony Flowers from Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour.
Another new award launched this year was Best Hotel Breakfast, was won by The Dining Room, Park Hyatt Sydney, while Best Outdoor Experience went to Aster Bar at Intercontinental Sydney.
For all the winners visit: www.accommodationawardsnsw.org
