For the fourth year in a row Star City’s Sean Connolly has been named Chef of the Year at the New South Wales hotel industry annual awards for excellence in the industry.

And Tony Bilson’s three hat restaurant Bilson’s at the Radisson Plaza Hotel grabbed the award for Restaurant of the Year for the second consecutive year.

More than 450 people attended the Australian Hotels (NSW) Accommodation Division Awards for Excellence held earlier this week to celebrate the state’s best 3, 4 and 5 star hotels.

The Observatory Hotel claimed the title of Deluxe Hotel of the Year for 2009, as well as taking out the Health Club & Spa Facilities of the Year award.

The hotel was also the joint winner in the Rising Star award. It’s employee Chriscelle Captio shared the award with David Greslin, Citigate Central.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley was named Regional Deluxe Hotel of the Year for 2009.

And the winners are:

Front-of-House Employee of the Year—Cameron Cundle, Sheraton on the Park

Hotel Industry Rising Star—Chriscelle Capito, The Observatory Hotel and David Greslin, Citigate Central

Employee Excellence in Service—Justin Maynard, Sydney Marriott Hotel

Chef of the Year—Sean Connolly, Star City

Concierge of the Year—Jorge Souza, Four Seasons Hotel and Simon Rose, Intercontinental Hotel Sydney

Housekeeper of the Year—Grace Esogon, Four Seasons Hotel

Regional Restaurant of the Year—Lilianfels Blue Mountains

Restaurant of the Year—Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney

Regional Brasserie/Café of the Year—The Carrington

Brasserie/Café of the Year—The Grace Hotel

Bar of the Year—Star City

Health Club & Spa Facilities of the Year—The Observatory Hotel

Redeveloped Hotel of the Year—The Sebel Surry Hills

Apartment/Suite Hotel of the Year—Quay West Suites Sydney

Regional Mid-Range Hotel of the Year—Loxley on Bellbird Hill

Mid-Range Hotel of the Year—Holiday Inn, Sydney Airport

Regional Superior Hotel of the Year—Crowne Plaza Newcastle

Superior Hotel of the Year—Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Regional Deluxe Hotel of the Year—Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

Deluxe Hotel of the Year—The Observatory Hotel

Outstanding Achievement in Training—Sydney Harbour Marriott

Outstanding Community Service—Sydney Harbour Marriott

Best Environment Initiative—Novotel Sydney Olympic Park

OH&S Hotel of the Year—Four Seasons Hotel

Function Venue of the Year—Sheraton on the Park

Food & Beverage Employee of the Year—Tony Mosca, Intercontinental Hotel Sydney

Public Relations, Sales and Marketing Employee of the Year—Nick Berry, Shangri-La Hotel

Human Resources Employee of the Year—Kathy York, Crowne Plaza Newcastle