The Prince at Kirrawee is believed to have achieved a shire first in winning the coveted award of 2017 Hotel of the Year – City.
But, the Feros Hotel Group could go one better, thinking they have a good chance of taking out the honour again next year with the Highfield Caringbah.
The three-level Highfield Caringbah, the shire’s first “vertical pub”, will open on Friday, December 8.
Chief executive Chris Feros said winning Hotel of the Year – City was “such a big achievement”.
“All the major players were there – stacks of good hotels,” he said of the awards night, held at The Star Event Centre and attended by about 1200 industry and business leaders.
“I don’t think the award has ever gone to the shire before.
“It’s a really big deal, and great for the area.
“During construction of The Prince, and after we opened, we thought we would have to be a good chance, but it’s a tough competition.”
As well as being named the best city hotel (The Headlands Austinmer Beach won the country category), the Kirrawee establishment also won awards for Best Family Friendly Hotel, Best New / Re-developed Hotel and Best Casual Dining Venue Southern.
”It’s pretty unusual to win so many awards in one night,” Mr Feros said.
“It shows we are a good all-round pub, which is what we set out to be – a family, suburban, community-minded pub.
“But now we are saying, ‘Imagine if we won it two years in a row’?
“Highfield Caringbah is really taking shape, and it’s going to be as special as The Prince.”
More than 600 nominations were received for this year’s awards across a record 50 categories.
