Queensland’s hotel industry gathered last night for the 2009 Queensland Hotels Association Awards for Excellence to honour the operators who are leading the industry.

The Pineapple Hotel at Kangaroo Point was named Best Overall Hotel while Sam Gullo of the Breakfast Creek Hotel was awarded Hotelier of the Year.

In the accommodation division the Conrad Jupiters Gold Coast and Shangri-La Hotel Cairns shared the award for Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation five star.

Meanwhile, the Tamarind restaurant at the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino Cairns was named Best Prestige Restaurant.

QHA president Tom McGuire said the finalists in this years awards had raised the standards of the industry and shown an ongoing commitment to ensuring safe and enjoyable experiences for all patrons and guests.

"Queensland hoteliers place a great deal of importance on achieving and maintaining high standards,” he said. “This, in turn, raises customer expectations and community standards and increases competition – which improves our industry as a whole."

"Queensland hotels have worked hard to demonstrate their global competitiveness, proving they can proudly stand beside the world’s best."

The winners:

Judges Award-Best Overall Hotel—The Pineapple Hotel

Hotelier of the Year—Sam Gullo

Best Casual Dining-General Division, QA Hotel

Best Casual Dining-Accommodation Division—Aqua, Jupiters Townsville

Best Restaurant-general division—Fix Restaurant, Port Office Hotel

Best Restaurant-Accommodation Division, Zen, Conrad Jupiters Gold Coast

Best Prestige Restaurant—Tamarind Pullman Reef Hotel Casino Cairns

Best Environmental Practice—Holiday Inn Brisbane

Best Marketed Hotel 1-99 Employees—Chalk Hotel

Best Marketed Hotel 100+Employees—Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast

Best Function Operations/Facility—The Glen Hotel

Best Budget or Pub Accommodation 2 1/2 Star—Coolangatta Sands Hotel

Best Mid Range Accommodation 3-3 1/2 Star—Isa Hotel

Best Superior Accommodation 4-4 1/2 Star—Jupiters Townsville

Best Superior Accommodation 4-4 1/2 Star—Redearth Hotel

Best Boutique Accommodation Hotel—Emporium Hotel

Best Deluxe Hotel Accommodation 5 Star +—Conrad Jupiters Gold Coast and Shangri-La Hotel Cairns

Best Employee-Food & Beverage—Rebekah Millar, Sea World Resort

Best Employee-Guest Service—Sid Scott, Green Island Resort

Best Employee-Administration—Jago Coyle, Brisbane Marriott Hotel

Best Employee-Kitchen—Andrew Lincoln, Port Office Hotel

Best Themed Bar—Envy Lounge Bar & Club, The Lost City Hotel

Responsible Serving-Gaming—Spirit Hotels Queensland

Responsible Serving-Alcohol—The Caxton Hotel

Best Redeveloped Licensed Premises up to $2m—Port Office Hotel

Best Redeveloped Licensed Premises above $2m—Fitzy's on Church, Fitzy's Fibber Magee

Best Training Initiative—Rydges Southbank Brisbane

Best Retail Bottle Facility-On Premise—Yamanto Tavern

Best Detached Bottle Shop—Thirsty Camel Gumdale, Manly Hotel

Best KENO Facility—Exchange Hotel Laidley

Best Employee-KENO coordinator—Beverley Curtis, Fitzy's Loganholme

Best Gaming Venue—Hamilton Hotel

Best New Hotel/Tavern—Mango Hill Tavern

Workplace Health & Safety—Conrad Jupiters Gold Coast

Best Entertainment Venue—Coolangatta Hotel

Best Bar Presentation & Service—The Shelter Bar, Story Bridge Hotel

Most Outstanding Community Service & Achievement 1-99 Employees—Hotel Theodore

Most Outstanding Community Service & Achievement 100+Employees—Conrad Jupiters Gold Coast

Best PubTAB—Fitzy's Loganholme