A suburban pub that has risen from the ashes to become one of SA’s most vibrant and modern hotels, has been recognised as South Australia’s Hotel of the Year for 2011.

The Walkers Arms Hotel – burnt to the ground by a devastating fire almost four years ago – received the industry’s highest accolade at the AHA|SA’s Hotel Industry Awards for Excellence 2011, held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

The Walkers Arms Hotel has been completely rebuilt from the ground up and delivers the very latest in technological advancements, environmental practices and offers a warm family-friendly atmosphere.

The $14 million establishment has in many respects moved away from the traditional pub set up, and does not include a front bar, TAB facility or bottleshop. However with 20 accommodation rooms, two premium dining areas, a 14-metre bar and an impressive beer garden featuring a 120 inch LED superscreen and personal booths with ipod docking stations, the Walkers Arms Hotel really does offer something for everyone.

"The Walkers Arms Hotel typifies all that is good about South Australia's hotel scene. It offers a vibrant modern atmosphere, with the latest in environmental practices and technological advancements, yet still retains a sense of community and family" said AHA|SA General Manager, Ian Horne.

The Walkers Arms Hotel was handed the top honour after collecting a massive four other Awards in other categories:

• Best Mid-Range Accommodation
• Best Out-door or Non-enclosed facility
• Best Redeveloped Hotel – Metropolitan (Joint winner with the Cremorne Hotel)
• Best Environmental Practice

Six other hotels were recognized with multiple honours at tonight’s awards:

• Sebel Playford Adelaide – Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation; Best Restaurant (Accommodation Division)
• Barker Hotel, Mount Barker – Best Bistro/Casual Dining (Country); Best Bar Presentation & Service (Country); Best Redeveloped Hotel (Country)
• Stirling Hotel – Best Restaurant (General Division); Best Function Operation/Facility (General Division) joint winner
• Cremorne Hotel – Best Bar Presentation & Service (Metropolitan); Best Redeveloped Hotel (Metropolitan) joint winner
• The Highway – Best Retail Outlet (Metropolitan); Best Marketed Hotel (General Division)
• Port Lincoln Hotel – Outstanding Community Service & Achievement; Best Tourism Initiative All winners from the AHA|SA Awards will now go on to compete in the National AHA Awards held in Sydney on the 21st of August 2011.

Click here for a full list of winners

The Walkers Arms Hotel in Walkerville was a standout performer at the Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence, winning two of five awards won by South Australian Hotels. It took home the awards for Best Environmental Practice and Best Outdoor/Non-enclosed facility.

Other SA Hotels which took home top national honours in their categories included:

• Port Lincoln Hotel – Best Tourism Initiative
• Cremorne Hotel – Best Bar Presentation & Service (Metropolitan)
• The Highway – Best Retail Liquor Outlet

Click here for more information

This means that from February 2011, all members will be paying the same rates of pay, penalties and allowances, irrespective of whether or not they are a Constitutional Corporation. For more information, log in to the AHA|SA Members Section of the website and go to the Industrial Relations tab.