Best Metropolitan Redevelopment
JUDGING (85% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION + 15% WRITTEN SUBMISSION)
*ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS
OVERVIEW
This category is for venues that have undergone an overall hotel redevelopment or have built a brand-new establishment. Venues must be situated in a metropolitan location. Click here to refer to metropolitan boundaries.
To be eligible to enter this category, the redevelopment/new build must have been completed between 1 January 2024 and 30 May 2025.
The written submission should address the essential elements listed here plus the following:
CATEGORY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
- Evidence that the redevelopment project is finished and was completed between 1 January 2024 and 30 May 2025
- Philosophy behind redevelopment and entrepreneurial vision i.e., evidence of target market research
- Evidence of architectural innovation, décor and design features within the redevelopment, refurbishment, or new venue
- Evidence of refurbishment enhancing the overall standard of the premises
- Evidence of improved popularity due to the redevelopment
- Information provided on the total redevelopment of the total dollar value of the entire renovation
- Redevelopment appropriate to clientele and consistent with the needs of the relevant customer base post development
- Ambience of the redeveloped areas within the venue
- Environmental and energy saving considerations
- Staff efficiency improvements
- Access considerations for those with disabilities
SITE INSPECTION GENERAL CRITERIA
- Décor and design characteristics
- Internal and external approach (signage, car parking and entry and exit facilities)
- Popularity of venue and alignment to local market
- Comfortable and positive experience for customers
- Food and beverage experience and offerings (presentation, accuracy, appearance, variety, and quality)
- Hygiene and cleanliness
SITE INSPECTION EXPERIENCE CRITERIA
- Ambience – audio visual, lighting, music
- Staff friendliness and knowledge
- Knowledge and implementation of RSA
- Efficiency of operations throughout the experience
2024 WINNER – Darling Pavilion, Sydney
Categories
Experience Awards
- Best Family Friendly
- Best Regional Local
- Best Metropolitan Local
- Best Outdoor Experience (including rooftop bars)
- Best Late-Night Venue
- Best Sporting Entertainment Venue
- Best Wagering Venue
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet
- Best Draught Beer Quality
- Best Wine List
- Best Cocktail List
- Best Regional Gaming Venue
- Best Metropolitan Gaming Venue
- Best Unique Bar Experience (Including small, cocktail, lounge or themed bars)
- Disability Inclusion & Access Award - Nominations Not Required
The following categories are judged by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
- Best Live Music Venue
- Heart of the Community
- Best Environmental/Sustainability Practices
- Best Bush Pub
- Best Marketing Activity
Property Awards
Food Awards
FOOD AWARDS OVERVIEW- Best Steak
- Best Parmi
- Best Steak Sandwich
- Best Burger
- Best Sunday Roast
- Best Cheap Eat Meal (under $20)
- Best Regional Casual Dining (Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Metropolitan Casual Dining (CBD & Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Restaurant
People Awards
Overall Hotel Awards - nominations are not required
- Individual Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - Group Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - Regional & Metropolitan Hotel of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - People’s Choice Award
Note: Every AHA NSW member venue is eligible to win this award