South Australians have long celebrated the Arkaba Hotel’s rise to prominence, and now the Fullarton landmark has added another prestigious accolade to its collection. On Monday night, the hotel was named Best Overall Metropolitan Hotel at the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) National Awards for Excellence held on the Gold Coast. This marks a back-to-back win for the Arkaba, which also secured the title of Best Entertainment Venue, making it a memorable night for the establishment.
Hotel manager Brad Harper, who accepted the award with owners Peter and Jenny Hurley, expressed his overwhelming joy. “I think we were a little bit surprised to go back-to-back. It’s not exactly the easiest thing to do on a national level. It’s absolutely fantastic,” he shared. “Excitement, relief – we’re on cloud nine. It’s a huge achievement and an incredible honour.”
The Night of Recognition
Harper described the moment when the major award was announced as nerve-wracking. “We had a little bit of success early in the night, which was really nice. But once the headline went up and the nominees came on, that was the moment. That’s when the nerves kicked in,” he recalled.
Despite the tension, the awards night provided a valuable opportunity for networking within the industry. “The industry is like a big family. It was great to catch up with old faces – people you see once or twice a year at things like this,” Harper noted. “It gives us the chance to relax a little bit and enjoy ourselves.”
Community and Industry Impact
Upon returning to Adelaide, Harper was greeted with enthusiasm and congratulations from staff and patrons alike. “People were already coming up to me in the bar and the restaurant,” he said. “They’re proud – for the venue, the staff, the whole team.”
The Arkaba’s success is part of a broader trend of recognition for South Australian hospitality. Just days earlier, the hotel was named Australia’s Best Hotel at the Australian Liquor Industry Awards in Sydney. Additionally, the South Australian AHA awarded the Arkaba four accolades, including Best Entertainment Venue for its Sportys Bar, known for its 360-degree funnel screen and immersive sound system.
“We do [hospitality] very well, and we get a lot of glowing feedback from people visiting from interstate about how the hotel presents and the service levels and what we do,” Harper stated. “I feel like the industry is tracking pretty well.”
A Broader Sweep of Success
The AHA National Awards for Excellence, often described as the industry’s “grand final,” saw over 700 hospitality leaders gather to celebrate achievements across Australia. South Australia made a significant impact, with Brendan Boothroyd of Duxton Pubs winning Chef of the Year and the Watervale Hotel’s Penobscot degustation experience taking Best Regional Restaurant. The Loxton Hotel also claimed the title of Regional Hotel of the Year.
Harper believes these wins reflect the strength and dedication of the local hospitality scene. “Recognition from the industry is absolutely incredible. It’s humbling. It reflects the hard work and dedication from everyone in the team,” he said.
Looking Ahead
The Arkaba Hotel’s journey has been remarkable, especially following its $12 million renovation in 2023. This latest national recognition cements its place in Australia’s hotel landscape, a fact that South Australians have known for some time.
As the team at the Arkaba processes their achievements, Harper hints at future celebrations. “We had a glass of wine by the resort pool afterwards and just took a moment to reflect,” he mentioned. A more significant celebration might be planned for January, once the Christmas rush subsides. For now, he says, “it’s full steam ahead.”
The Arkaba Hotel is located at 150 Glen Osmond Rd, Fullarton, and is open Monday to Thursday from 7am to 11:30pm, Friday to Saturday from 7am to 12am, and Sunday from 7am to 11pm.
