Best Outdoor Experience (including rooftop bars)

JUDGING – 100% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION
ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS

JUDGING FUNDS REQUIRED: Funds for two adults to cover drinks and bar snacks must be provided to cover the cost of judging.
Voucher fund amounts should be inclusive of all applicable surcharges.

CRITERIA FOR ENTRY: Open to hotels offering an outstanding outdoor experience, including rooftops, beer gardens, terraces, decks, or courtyards.This category recognises a hotel’s outdoor space; rooftops, beer gardens, outdoor terraces, decks, and courtyards are all eligible to enter.

THE JUDGES WILL BE ASSESSING THE FOLLOWING POINTS:

Quality and consistency of customer service
Staff presentation, knowledge, and engagement with guests
Overall atmosphere and guest appeal of the outdoor space
Design, styling, and integration of the outdoor area with the hotel
Comfort and usability of furniture and layout
Beverage offering, presentation, and service quality
Availability and suitability of food offerings (where applicable)
Efficiency of service and flow during busy periods
Adaptability to weather conditions (shade, heating, cooling, rain cover)
Safety, security, and compliance with RSA and tobacco legislation
Cleanliness, hygiene, and general maintenance standards
Popularity, market appeal, and overall memorability of the experience

Categories

PROPERTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The following categories are judged by written submission. Entries may be submitted by either a hotel group or an individual property. Each group or property may submit one nomination per category.
Please note: Best Conference & Events Venue must be submitted for a single venue only.

1. Best Innovation Project
2. Outstanding Achievement in Training
3. Outstanding Community Contribution
4. Best Environmental/Sustainability Practices
5. Best Health & Wellbeing Practices
6. Best Conference & Events Venue
7. Best Marketing Activity

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 2025 – 11 March 2026.
The candidate must be available to appear for an interview via zoom between 20 April - 5 June 2026.
Candidates for Chef and Pastry Chef of the Year must be available for a practical cooking demonstration with the judge at the entrants' workplace.
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 funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

24. Best Casual Dining Experience
25. Best Hotel Breakfast
26. Restaurant of the Year
27. Bar of the Year
28. Best Outdoor Experience (including rooftop bars)
29. Best Health Spa & Wellness Experience

PROPERTY AWARDS

Best New or Redeveloped Venue is judged by 100% written submission.

30. Best New or Redeveloped Venue

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection which require funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

31. Disability Inclusion and Access Award
32. Best Budget Style Accommodation - NEW
33. Mid-Range Hotel of the Year
34. Best Apartment Style Accommodation
35. Best Boutique Accommodation Experience
36. Superior Hotel of the Year
37. Deluxe Hotel of the Year
38. Luxury Hotel of the Year