Newly renovated Arkaba Hotel crowned Best Overall Hotel in South Australia (Metro)
The Arkaba Hotel is proud to announce that it has taken out the coveted Best Overall Hotel – General Division (Metropolitan), as well as several other awards, at the 2024 Australian Hotels Association (AHA) SA Awards for Excellence.
Held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, 22 October 2024, the annual awards celebrate and acknowledge the best of the state’s hotel sector. The event attracted over 900 attendees, including the Premier Peter Malinauskas, who highlighted the critical role that hotels and pubs play in the state, not only as key hubs of community spirit but as contributors to the local economy.
The prestigious award comes after the iconic Arkaba Hotel completed a multi-million-dollar renovation thanks to long-time owners, Peter and Jenny Hurley.
This marked the hotel’s first major development in decades, unveiling a brand-new Lounge, Restaurant space, Sportys Bar, and a refurbished Top of the Ark earlier this year, bringing a contemporary look and feel to the popular venue.
Hurley Hotel Group Managing Director, Peter Hurley, is delighted that the transformation was a success and that the hard work has been recognised.
“The Arkaba was a world class development, crafted by superb architects back in 1965.
“There is an event based positive vibe in SA currently and that gave us the confidence to give the superbly located Arkaba a once in 60-year major revitalisation.
“We have a great team, including a highly motivated frontline crew. Collectively, they impressed the judging panel sufficiently to give us 6 awards including the prestigious Overall Best Hotel,” Peter said.
Hurley Hotel Group Publican, Anna Hurley, is also thrilled with the news and extends her gratitude to the significant work of all involved, as well as the hotel’s 160 dedicated staff.
“I am so proud of the entire team here at the Arkaba. We are so excited to receive these awards; it’s such an honour and it’s amazing to be recognised for all our efforts, especially among such an amazing group of venues.”
“We would also like to specially thank Folland Panozzo, who did an incredible job preserving the original architecture while revitalising the design to suit our modern business.”
“Additionally, we couldn’t have achieved this complicated construction without a supportive builder. Renovation of an 60-year-old building is always challenging but their flexibility and problem solving allowed us to stay open throughout construction and finish on time and on budget.”
“And of course the beautiful vision of Fleur Linke to work with the original design while giving it a really new look and feel.”
“We would also like to give a heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated staff members of the Arkaba Hotel who work behind the scenes and on the ground. Without their hard work and commitment, we would not have achieved such an incredible outcome…it truly is a fitting reward for us all!” Anna concluded.
As well as the main award, the Arkaba Hotel also took out the following:
• Best Redeveloped Hotel – General Division Metropolitan
• Best Entertainment Venue
• Best Outdoor or Non-Enclosed Facility – Metropolitan
• Best Sporting Entertainment Venue
• Community Service & Support
The Arkaba Hotel is open seven days a week and is located at 150 Glen Osmond Rd, Fullarton SA 5063.
For further media enquiries, please contact:
Belinda Bocson | 0402 358 000 | [email protected]
Claudia Ielasi | 0401 855 042 | [email protected]