Whyalla best for guests
The Sundowner Hotel Motel has shone a spotlight on Whyalla after being named Best Mid-Range Accommodation in the state.
The business won the acclaimed title at the Australian Hotels Association South Australian Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre last week.
Owners Fred and Verity Wyld received the award amongst more than 800 of their industry peers.
"We're very excited to have won," Mrs Wyld said.
"It's verification for all the hard work that our staff put in."
In their comments, the award judges said they were impressed with the Sundowner from the moment they drove in.
Judges noted the neat, tidy and well-maintained grounds that provide a lovely welcome to the venue.
"The facilities are exceptional and above standard," the judges said.
"The dining facilities are fantastic and they also offer room service.
"It's a one stop shop for travellers to the Whyalla region.
"The customer service is highly rated making it a very well-deserved winner in this category."
Mrs Wyld said the judging comments reflected the overall high hospitality experience guests received.
"It's a real testament to the hard work of our housekeeping staff," Mrs Wyld said.
"They take great pride in their work and this award is their reward."
Mrs Wyld said the award win was also something Whyalla should celebrate in and be proud of as it showed what Whyalla could do.
"The award puts a spotlight on tourism and hospitality operations in regional South Australia and bringing a spotlight on Whyalla can only be a good thing," Mrs Wyld said.
Mr Wyld said the pair was thankful for the praises they had received following their win and the continued support from the community and their peers.
"The Australian Hotels Association hospitality awards are quite prestigious and as a result of winning, we've received many accolades from within the industry," Mr Wyld said.
Hotel Eyre was also an award recipient on the night picking up Best Gaming Venue for country South Australia.
All winners from the South Australian awards will now go on to compete in the National Australian Hospitality Association Awards being held in Brisbane in September.
Source: Whyalla News, Kayleigh Bruce, 5th August 2015
Originally published as: Whyalla best for guests
