Best Regional 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 regional location. Click here to refer to regional 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 – The Beach Hotel, Merewether
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)
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
- Disability Inclusion & Access Award
- 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