Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway was awarded Choice Hotels 2022 International Best of Choice Award at the group’s International “Unstoppable” Convention in Las Vegas at the end of April.
This International Award recognises the Wangaratta hotel as a stand-out Quality branded property and places it among the best in the Choice Hotels International network of over 2,000 Quality hotels globally.
The Best of Choice Awards recognise outstanding operators across each of the group’s brands: Ascend Hotel Collection, Clarion, Quality, and Comfort.
Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific CEO Trent Fraser said he was extremely proud to celebrate Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway’s success on a global level.
“Owners Wendy and Peter Lester have been part of the Choice Hotels group for many years and they set the benchmark in customer service excellence and their commitment to continuous improvement.
“I am delighted to see this exceptional hotel recognised at an international level as one of the Best of Choice properties,” he said.
This Award follows a successful year for the hotel, which was recognised in the Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific Gold Awards and won the Quality brand category in the group’s Hotel of the Year Awards for 2022. The hotel also won the 2022 Victoria Tourism Awards 4 – 4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation Category.
Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway owner Wendy Lester said it meant a great deal to the team to receive recognition for their hard work over the last year.
“We’re all very excited; it was totally out of the blue this year, she said. Adding “It is an honour to be recognised for our customer service excellence and commitment to continuous improvement. This accolade is a credit to all our team, many of whom have been with us since we purchased the Gateway and first called Wangaratta home some 29 years ago!”
Ms Lester said recognition was appreciated following the tough conditions of the past three years, noting she was proud to have managed to keep the team together during those times and to see the business flourishing in the ‘new normal.’
“It has certainly been busier in some areas this year, and we are now nearly at the end of a major refurbishment of the hotel. All our rooms were completed last year, we also refurbished our Atrium Restaurant and completed the beautification of our pool area,” she said.
The hotel has recently re-opened its accessibility rooms with a very high-end finish and new bathrooms along with the introduction of electric bikes for guests to hire, as part of a broader sustainability program.
“Improving our sustainability initiatives is the next big project which will begin in the coming months,” Ms Lester said.
Recent on-sight initiatives and upgrades
- Revitalised and upgraded hotel pool and outdoor dining areas.
- Beautifully renovated two accessible rooms, delivering an inclusive experience that welcomes and caters for everyone.
- Installed in-room Business IQ Technology, offering live HD, on demand casting, 1000+ movies and 100+ channels for guest access.
- E-bike fleet purchased and available for guests to hire – with hotel staff offering tour assistance, maps and pickup options for guests who decide to purchase wine, produce and goodies along their journey.
- Packages and collaborations formed with local tourism industry operators, including those in the renowned ‘King Valley Prosecco Road’ precinct.
- Guest windscreen cleaning – guests often receive a surprise on checkout to discover their windscreen has been cleaned whilst they were sleeping and a note wishing them a safe journey is tucked under their windshield. A small gesture that leaves a memorable, lasting impact.
Hotel staff are proud of the property’s reputation for going above and beyond, firmly believing the little things create the biggest impression. Hospitable acts include arranging a private wine tasting after hours; highlighting where to see kangaroos at dusk or suggesting a hot tip for the best coffee enroute to the snow fields. Partnering with businesses that may traditionally have been viewed as competitors is also vital, enabling a strong and viable visitor experience for visitors to the region.
Property background
Affectionately known by locals as ‘The Gateway’, Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway is so much more than just another hotel in a pretty Victorian country town.
It is a place guests describe as their ‘home away from home’ – where staff deliver ‘above and beyond,’ to ensure an exceptional stay. The property is located in the heart of Wangaratta’s central business district and is perfectly positioned for guests keen to explore Victoria’s High Country. Hotel facilities include award winning accommodation, conferencing, event and dining experiences.
Built in 1988, the property was acquired by the family-owned Jones Hotel Group in 1993 and renamed Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway under the Choice Hotels Asia Pacific banner.
The business has evolved over the last 29 years under the guidance of on-site managers and company directors Peter and Wendy Lester. The hotel currently employs 72 local people.
Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway
29-37 Ryley Street Wangaratta Victoria 3677
T: (03) 5721 8399
W: www.wangarattagateway.com.au