Crowne Plaza in Coogee has been recognised for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence at the 2021 HM Awards. The award honours the best in the hospitality industry across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
James Wilkinson, the awards’ chief judge and founder, said that this year’s recognition was particularly meaningful amidst the “most challenging in history for the Australasian accommodation industry” due to the pandemic.
“I’m proud to say the entries this year – from chefs to housekeepers, five-star resorts and apartment hotels – were incredible and it was terrific to see so many staff and properties highlight so many achievements in challenging times,” Mr Wilkinson said.
“The quality of the winners and highly commended recipients – a full list can be found below – represents some of the industry’s finest and well done to everyone in 2021 across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.”
Other hotels which shared the honour are Coral Sea Resort in Arlie Beach, Ovolo The Valley in Brisbane, and the Little National Hotel in Sydney.
Crowne Plaza in Coogee is currently under renovation and has completed Stage 2 of the project that involved the refurbishment of 209 rooms, the lobby, and the addition of meeting rooms and event spaces.
New General Manager
The win for Crowne Plaza in Coogee comes as the hotel welcomed its new General Manager, Melinda Lampier and new Director of Sales and Marketing, Benjamin Ferry.
Both executives boast of extensive experience in the hospitality industry as Ms Lampier had senior roles in IHG and Starwood’s group of hotels in NSW, Victoria, Vietnam and Thailand. Born in Bondi, the new boss said that she’s very passionate about Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
“I am a beach lover and this role which sees me return to my roots to help promote one of the most recognised seaside Sydney properties is a career favourite for me.”
Ferry, on the other hand, also worked with IHG in territories like Japan, the Middle East, and the South Pacific.
