by Mat Churchill

• Peninsula named best Hotel 4.5 Star/Luxury Accommodation
• Award to benefit region

The Peninsula Boutique Hotel has taken out Gold Honours at the National Accommodation Industry Awards for Excellence 2011 in Sydney last Friday.

Peninsula Boutique Hotel beat 15 national finalists from around Australia to win the Hotel Category 4.5 Star/Luxury Accommodation, beating some of the biggest names in the hotel industry in such as Radisson, Crowne Plaza, Accor and their Novotel brand as well as Sebel Groups.

Owner Sheryn Blundstone said the Accommodation Association of Australia had sent a mystery shopper to the property in May, unbeknownst to her and her staff, to assist in the evaluation which included service, facilities, location, inclusions and attention to detail.

“We didn’t know the mystery shopper visited, but we treat all our guests with the same attention and respect,” she said.

The awards were held in Sydney, and although Mr and Mrs Blundstone were in the city at the time, decided not to attend the awards as they did not believe they had a chance of winning.

"I came back to the hotel on Saturday afternoon...we just went on their (National Accommodation Industry Awards) website and there it was."

Mr and Mrs Blundstone have opertated Peninsula Boutique Hotel for the past three and a half years, and put the key to their success down to communication.

"It's all about communication within the staff, and involving them. Communication is so important," she said.

She made comment that the level of service in Port Douglas has improved greatly over the last six months.

"Obviously times are exceptionally tough and with the media reporting of cyclones and flooding the whole region has suffered. I believe that the whole industry has stepped up considerably to make sure service is being extended.

"I do believe that people were a little bit complacent there for quite some time and it was becoming a little bit reflective, but with times being tougher than what they were they've rethought their processes, what are they really doing, why are they here, and in turn I think the skill and service levels have increased dramatically."

Mrs Blundstone said the property would use the win to promote the destination in every possible way.

“My husband Phil and our entire staff are focussed on not just providing great accommodation and service but ensuring our guests experience the essence of this incredible place by the top class tours which showcase the natural beauty of the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef.’’

Chief Executive of the Accommodation Association of Australia said all awards handed out on the night were well deserved.

"The businesses and people who won these awards overcame many worthy finalists, and their (Peninsula Boutique Hotel) success is a tribute to their commitment to excellence in every facet of what they do, and to the tourism industry in Port Douglas."