A WARRNAMBOOL motel and restaurant has taken out honours at an Australasian awards, a win its owner says is thanks to its committed staff.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The city's Old Maritime Motor Inn was among six out of more than 100 Best Western franchise accommodation providers to take out the hotel achievement award at a ceremony in Noosa last week.
The Warrnambool motel won the award for its year-round online reviews, cleanliness and amenities, but above all owner Raj Patel said it came down to simple teamwork between his 32 staff.
"The main reason is just our staff, everyone is working towards a goal," Mr Patel said. "There's a lot of long-term staff here, in hospitality that's hard. For them to stay and enjoy their job I reckon that's a good thing."
The motel's Karen Wood also took out a 'heroes of hospitality' award after working in housekeeping for about a decade.
"For coming to work and enjoying it, that's a great achievement," Mr Patel said.
He said the trick to ensuring the motel had great staff was "treating them the way I want to be treated myself".
"I get in there and help, that's the way I have been taught right from the start," Mr Patel said.
The award is the second time Best Western has recognised the motel since Mr Patel took over ownership in 2014. He had worked as motel manager for a decade prior.
Mr Patel said about 65 per cent of guests were people travelling for business, mostly connected to the dairy and construction industries, while the remainder of guests were mostly tourists.
He said he wanted Warrnambool to host more events, particularly during winter months, to boost the numbers of tourists staying at the motel.
"I want a buzzing town with people walking around and enjoying the scenery," he said.
"By doing this and winning the awards, hopefully more people will come to the city."
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.