FOCUSING more on families helped an Albury venue achieve success in this week’s Australian Hotels Association NSW awards for excellence.
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Soden’s Hotel won best family friendly hotel at the annual awards, beating nine other finalists in the category.
Two other Albury venues, Beer DeLuxe (best casual dining venue, country southern) and Soho (best cocktail/lounge bar) were finalists in their sections.
Wagga’s Duke of Kent Hotel took out best casual dining venue, country southern.
Soden’s venue manager Scott Rylah said the hotel’s layout, menu, children’s room and accessibility all contributed to its family atmosphere.
Mr Rylah said moving to full table service last year had assisted the venue’s growth.
“All standards have lifted accordingly, it's been great,” he said.
“Bit of a relaunch of the hotel with that, making it a bit more intimate and family friendly at the end of the day.
“That's what we were shooting for and I'm so happy we've achieved it.”
Australian Hotels Association NSW chief executive officer John Whelan congratulated Soden’s on its hard work and dedication over the past year.
“Hotels are an important part of the social fabric and it is encouraging to see so many young families embracing the industry offerings,” he said.
“Soden’s management should be extremely proud of the atmosphere they have achieved and the sense of community welcome.”
Mr Rylah said Tuesday’s presentation night in Sydney, attended by more than 900 guests, had been a wonderful gathering.
He called the victory a fantastic achievement against quality finalists and said he was proud of all the staff.
“It’s great for the hotel, great for the community,” he said.
The team members also passed on their sympathies to the family of SS&A Club chief executive Tim Levesque, who died on Wednesday.
“Our condolences go out and our hearts are heavy with what's happened,” Mr Rylah said.
