The AHA NSW Awards for Excellence are recognised as the most prestigious awards program in the hospitality industry. The awards honour the achievement of excellence in NSW hotels across a variety of categories including accommodation, dining, entertainment, marketing, social media, community service and talented employees.

Nominate today and experience the rewards! NSW hotels reflect the best in the nation. The high standard of our winners are acknowledged by the industry nationwide with numerous winners in NSW going on to win the national award in their category.

Please click below to view some of our previous winners:

2024

2023

IMPORTANT DATES

NOMINATIONS OPEN

THURSDAY 1 MAY 2025

NOMINATIONS AND WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS DUE

WEDNESDAY, 11 JUNE 2025

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

WEDNESDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2024

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE PRESENTATION CEREMONY

WHEN: TUESDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2024
WHERE: WINX STAND, ROYAL RANDWICK RACECOURSE
TIME: 1:00PM
DRESS: DAYTIME COCKTAIL

CATEGORIES

EXPERIENCE AWARDS

1.   Best Family Friendly
2.   Best Live Music Venue
3.   Heart of the Community
4. Best Environmental/Sustainability Practices
5.   Disability Inclusion and Access Award
6.   Best Regional Local
7.   Best Metropolitan Local
8.   Best Bush Pub
9.   Best Outdoor Experience (including rooftop bars)
10.   Best Late Night Venue
11.   Best Sporting Entertainment Venue
12.   Best Wagering Venue
13.   Best Retail Liquor Outlet
14.   Best Draught Beer Quality
15.   Best Wine List
16.   Best Cocktail List
17.   Best Regional Gaming Venue
18.   Best Metropolitan Gaming Venue
19.   Best Marketing Activity
20.  Best Unique Bar Experience
   (Including small, cocktail, lounge or themed bars)

PROPERTY AWARDS

21. Best Innovative Refurbishment
22. Best Regional Redevelopment
23.   Best Metropolitan Redevelopment
24.   Best Traditional Pub Accommodation (under $150)
25.   Best Deluxe Pub Accommodation ($150 and over)

FOOD AWARDS

26.   Best Steak
27.   Best Parmi
28.   Best Steak Sandwich
29.   Best Burger
30. Best Sunday Roast
31.   Best Cheap Eat Meal (under $20)
32.   Best Regional Casual Dining
(Northern / Southern / Western)
33.   Best Metropolitan Casual Dining
   (CBD & Eastern / Northern / Southern / Western)
34.   Best Restaurant

PEOPLE AWARDS

35.   Industry Rising Star
36.   Employee Excellence in Service
37.   Regional Chef of the Year
38.   Metropolitan Chef of the Year

OVERALL HOTEL AWARDS - nominations are not required

39.   Individual Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All individual hotel finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award
40.   Group Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All group hotel finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award
41.   Regional Hotel of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award
42.   Metropolitan Hotel of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award
43. People's Choice Award
Note: Every AHA NSW member venue is eligible to win this award

FAQ

Who can enter the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence?

The AHA NSW Awards for Excellence is open to all current financial members of the AHA NSW General Division.

Can I enter multiple categories?

Yes you can nominate in as many categories as you wish, where your hotel meets the specific judging criteria.

Some categories require a written submission. Do I need to provide one?

Please refer to the nomination details for each category. If a category specifies judging by “Written submission,” you must include this as part of your entry, along with the nomination fee. Venues without the required written component will not be judged, as it contributes to the overall score.

I entered the awards in 2024. Can I reuse the same written submission for this year?

No, you cannot reuse a written submission from a previous year for the same category. Each year, you must provide a new submission that addresses all the current criteria. Judging criteria may change annually, so a previous submission will not be accepted.

Do categories judged by “100% Anonymous Site Inspection” still require a written submission?

No, categories judged solely by “Anonymous Site Inspection” do not require a written submission.

Why is there a nomination fee?

The nomination fee covers the costs of the judging process, including the judges' time, travel to your venue, and the preparation of your feedback report.

What does it mean if a category requires “voucher funds” to be supplied?

Some categories require venues to provide additional funds to cover accommodation or meal costs for the judging process. This ensures the judge can fully experience the venue without financial limitations. The amount is flexible, allowing each venue to determine a value that appropriately reflects what will be assessed. Specific voucher fund requirements for each category are outlined in the nomination details.

The following categories require additional funds;
• Best Family Friendly
• Best Traditional Pub Accommodation
• Best Deluxe Pub Accommodation
• Best Steak
• Best Parmi
• Best Steak Sandwich
• Best Burger
• Best Sunday Roast
• Best Cheap Eat Meal under $20
• Best Regional Casual Dining
• Best Metropolitan Casual Dining
• Best Restaurant

Please note: we are not accepting vouchers as a form of payment in the 2025 AHA NSW Awards for Excellence.

Is all the judging conducted by the AHA NSW?

No, none of the judging is actually conducted by the AHA NSW. All judging is carried out by independent third parties who are specifically hired by AHA NSW to judge each venue. All comments, feedback and scoring from judging reports are the views of the individual judge and not AHA NSW.

When can I expect the judges to come to my venue?

Judging can begin to take place any time after your completed nomination is received. All judging is completely anonymous except for the ‘people award’ categories where a personal interview is required to take place, and the draught beer quality category where a time will be booked in by the judge to view the cool rooms and back of house components of the venue.

CAN VENUES RECEIVE COPIES OF THE JUDGING REPORT(S)?

Judging reports which contain feedback from judging your venue can be distributed upon request after the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence Presentation Ceremony has taken place.

How do I start the nomination process?

Go to the NOMINATIONS/LOGIN tab and set up your account:

Click "Create Group Account" if you manage multiple venues.
Click "Create Single Venue Account" if you are entering only one venue.

Once logged in, you can nominate your venue in one or multiple categories, purchase tickets, and upload written submissions and photos.

What is the difference between a “Group Login” and a “Single Venue Login,” and which one should I use?

Two types of logins are available to streamline the nomination process:

Group Login – For companies that own multiple venues. This allows you to register and nominate each venue individually while keeping them linked under the same hotel group. It also helps in identifying eligible groups for the “Best Group Hotel Operator” category.
Single Venue Login – For independently operated venues. This option is for venues that are not part of a larger group and only need to register a single location.

Choose the login type that best matches your venue’s ownership structure.

IS MY LOG-IN INFORMATION FROM THE 2025 AWARDS STILL ACTIVE?

No, all 2024 login information has been deleted. To nominate for the 2025 Awards for Excellence, you must create a new login.

How do I buy tickets? Can I purchase them when nominating?

Yes, tickets can be purchased at the same time as submitting your nominations. Ticket sales are open during the nomination period and will officially close on Monday, 13 October 2025. For pricing details, please visit the TICKETS page on the website.

When does Early Bird pricing end?

Early Bird pricing will conclude on Monday 15 September, 2025.

How does my Hotel become a finalist for Hotel of the year?

To be eligible for Hotel of the Year you must enter a broad range of categories and be a finalist in the categories that you have entered.

Can I get a refund if I decide not to enter the category after I have paid?

If you change your mind after the closing date of nominations you will not be eligible to receive a refund.

Do I have any recourse if I believe I have been judged unfairly?

No. The judges’ decision is final.

OUR PARTNERS

The presentation of the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence would not be possible without the support of our partners and we acknowledge their invaluable, ongoing contribution to the industry.

TICKETS

Please note, all prices include GST.


Table of 10	Member: $2,900 // Non Member: $4,400
Individual Ticket	Member $300 // Non Member: $440
Regular Price as of 16 September 2025
Table of 10	Member: $3,200 // Non Member: $4,400
Individual Ticket	Member $340 // Non Member: $440

Non-financial Members of the AHA NSW will be placed on a waiting list.
Finalists, Members, Sponsors and Associates of AHA NSW will receive first priority of tickets available.

If you have any questions regarding ticketing, please contact awards@ahansw.com.au or call 02 9281 6922 for more information.

Click here to login