An historic and iconic hinterland hotel, which recently underwent a $5m renovation, has claimed one of Queensland hospitality’s top honours.
The Imperial Hotel Eumundi was named Best Hotel/Pub-Style Accommodation at the Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) 2026 Awards for Excellence earlier this week.
The annual awards recognised businesses spanning luxury resorts, fine-dining restaurants and regional pubs and community hotels across Queensland. This year, the awards attracted a record 443 nominations across 47 categories.
The Imperial Hotel’s win stood out among regional Queensland results, underscoring the Sunshine Coast hinterland’s growing reputation as a tourism and hospitality hotspot.
Behind the venue, Comiskey Group directors David and Robert Comiskey – whose portfolio includes Sandstone Point Hotel, Eatons Hill Hotel, The Doonan and The Imperial Hotel Eumundi – were jointly named Hotelier of the Year.
The group was also one of the night’s major winners, taking out multiple categories, including Best Hotel Group Operator, and celebrating Eatons Hill Hotel’s induction into the QHA Hall of Fame.
In a statement following the awards, the Comiskey brothers credited their team for the success.
“Awards like these aren’t possible without the incredible teams behind each venue,” said director Robert Comiskey.
“From chefs and bartenders to managers, cleaners and grounds staff – it’s a team effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for their hard work and passion.”
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The awards also reflected the continuing growth of the family-owned hospitality group, which has become one of Queensland’s largest independent hotel operators.
“Being able to bring my three boys to the awards this year made the night even more special,” said director David Comiskey.
“Sharing the success of our family business with them – seeing first-hand what we’ve built and what it means to people – is something I’ll always cherish.”
Other Hall of Fame inductees announced at the gala included Yamagen at QT Gold Coast, The Langham Gold Coast and Burleigh Town Hotel.
Major honours also went to Emerald’s Mayfair Ridge Tavern, named Regional Hotel of the Year, Sandgate’s Full Moon Hotel, which took out Metropolitan Hotel of the Year, and JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, named Accommodation Hotel of the Year.
QHA chief executive Bernie Hogan said the awards highlighted the depth and diversity of Queensland’s hospitality sector.
“Queensland has a well-earned reputation as Australia’s most hospitable state and the QHA’s annual Awards for Excellence are our chance to honour those venues and people who work tirelessly to make locals and visitors alike feel welcome,” he said.
Several category winners will now go on to represent Queensland at the Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence in November.
