ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION INFORMATION
OVERVIEW:
Entrants are advised to read the criteria and guidelines closely. Please ensure your staff are aware that your property is entering the awards and that they can expect a judge to visit the property anytime from 5 May – 31 July 2025.
HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR MARKS:
- Audit yourself against each of the category criteria for example:
- Attention to cleanliness and hygiene.
- Are all your in-house marketing materials and menus well-presented or do they need replacing?
- Do all the lights and other fittings work in each room?
- Does your team promote the property’s facilities to guests?
- Are all legal notices clearly displayed?
- Does any furniture/blinds need replacing?
- Do your staff use the guest’s name where applicable?
COMMON PITFALLS:
- Operator not using guest’s name
- Not promoting property facilities
- Lack of knowledge of local events or attractions
- Lack of communication around delays – luggage, room service, meal service
- Lack of in-house marketing on display throughout the property
- Delayed delivery of meals
- Specials not available
- Lack of staff attentiveness to guests or clearing of tables
- General cleanliness and presentation of rooms and public areas
Categories
PROPERTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
The following categories are judged by written submission. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
PEOPLE AWARDS
The following categories are judged firstly by written submission, and then by an interview. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category.
Applicants are awarded on their performance with the nominating property, over the qualifying period 1 January 2024 – 2 May 2025. The candidate must be available to appear for an interview via zoom between 2 June - 25 July 2025. Applicants require a minimum of 6 months employment with the nominating property.
EXPERIENCE AWARDS
The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection some which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
Judging voucher information guidelines
Best Live Music Venue is judged 25% written submission, 25% interview & 50% site visit) . Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
FOOD AWARDS
The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
Judging voucher information guidelines
ACCOMMODATION AWARDS
The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
Judging voucher information guidelines
OVERALL HOTEL AWARDS - nominations are not required
- People’s Choice - NEW
- Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division
- Hotel of the Year - General Division