Wodonga's Huon Hill wins national hotel award
WODONGA hotel Huon Hill claimed a national award in a success described as also being a win for the whole Border.
Huon Hill, on the corner of Reid and Havelock Streets, took out the best regional bistro section of the Australian Hotels Association national awards for excellence.
General manager Veronica Parker represented the hotel at the gala dinner at Jupiters Casino, Gold Coast, last week.
"It was a privilege to be nominated and when they announced the winner we nearly fell off the chair, so it was great," she said.
“We’ve only been open for two years and we were up against pretty stiff competition who have been in the industry for a long time.
“So to win this award is really satisfying and quite remarkable.
"It's fantastic for the people of Albury-Wodonga to have such an award-winning dining area in their region.
"I'm just over the moon, I think it's wonderful for the area."
More than 450 people, representing hotel and accommodation venues around Australia, attended the annual awards night last week.
Huon Hill’s victory followed similar success at the Victorian awards in November.
Mrs Parker said all employees, including chefs, front of house, events and bar staff, cleaning and maintenance, contributed to these results.
"It is a full team effort,” she said.
“I'm very, very lucky to have such highly skilled staff basically that enjoy coming to work and looking after people."
Judges visited Huon Hill anonymously during the year to assess the hotel’s food, service and overall hospitality experience.
"We didn't know they were coming, we don't even know who, when or whatever when they came," Mrs Parker said.
"I'd like to think that we treat everyone the same and not knowing is probably a good thing.
“We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and a focus on providing fabulous food and excellent customer service.
“I think we’re quite unique in that it is a friendly, relaxed environment.
“We just need to keep the standard up and try and go to the next level now."
The general manager said Huon Hill was entering its busiest time of year.
"We're starting to really get into full swing now with wedding season," she said.
The hotel will again contest the state awards in November and there are plans to attend the presentation night.
"It's a time for all hoteliers to get together,” she said.
“Do a bit of networking and catch up.”
Source: Border Mail, Janet Howie, 23rd September 2015
Originally published as: Wodonga's Huon Hill wins national hotel award
