A Sunshine Coast hotel that opened little more than six months ago has scooped a major gong at an awards night recognising the best in Queensland’s hotels industry.
Maeva Hospitality’s Bli Bli Hotel, which opened at the end of October last year, took out Overall Hotel of the Year – Metropolitan at the Queensland Hotels Association Awards this week.
It was one of three awards the hotel won at the black-tie event, which was attended by more than 1500 people at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Maeva Hospitality director Scott Armstrong said he was thrilled to be recognised by his industry peers for the quality of the Bli Bli Hotel, which also took out Best Bistro – Metropolitan and Best TAB Licensed Venue.
“We are humbled that a family-owned and operated business like Maeva Hospitality can compete against some of the biggest corporate players in the industry and take home prestigious metropolitan awards for our Bli Bli venue,” he said.
“This is a real credit to all of our team to be given these awards after only opening a little over six months ago. The support we have received from the local community as well as suppliers and our staff has been truly appreciated.
“We now look forward to competing with other state winners in the national Australian Hotels Association Awards, which will be held at the Queens Wharf Casino in November this year.”
The $32 million Bli Bli Hotel spans across three levels and features a modern 300-seat bistro, children’s play area, function room, sports bar, a dedicated gaming lounge and a drive-through or walk-in bottle shop.
It wasn’t the only Sunshine Coast venue recognised. The Doonan, which also opened last year, by Comiskey Group won the award for Best Family Dining.
Comiskey Group director Rob Comiskey was delighted that The Doonan was acknowledged.
“We are so proud of what we have achieved at the venue and are honoured to have been recognised for our efforts,” he said.
“Being a family-owned business, we take pride in the facilities we offer for all ages and the family-friendly environment we aim to create.
“We are ecstatic to have won a title that is very meaningful to us: this award encompasses our values and how we operate our venues.
“The success of The Doonan is a true testament to our talented staff and the support of the local community and our visitors.”
And industry legend Terry Morrow, from the Landsborough Hotel, was presented with the QHA’s highest honour, life membership.
QHA president Richard Deery said the awards recognised the sheer joy of being out in a lively pub full of good people, good food and great drinks.
“Queensland hotels are so much more. They are a part of our social fabric, a constant in a world of change and a real-world place for connection in increasingly online-focused and isolated communities,” he said.
“Our industry and its hard-working people have never been more appreciated by the communities we serve and we all should be proud of that – my congratulations to all finalists, particularly the winners.”
Like stories about Sunshine Coast people doing great things? Help us deliver more by registering for our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article.
