Brisbane’s The Calile Hotel has been named No.12, and The Best Hotel in Oceania, in the inaugral The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards announced in London this morning and was the only ANZ hotel to make the list.
The global invitation-only event, attended by representatives from the 50 nominated hotels, celebrated the highly anticipated reveal in one of London’s most historic venues, The Guildhall.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels list was created by The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy, an influential group of more than 580 independent leaders, each selected for their expert opinion of the international hotel scene. The list, according to organisers, promises to create the most egalitarian, useful and transparent hotel ranking system ever devised.
In attendance for the ceremony, The Calile Hotel Co-owner Catherine Malouf said she was extremely proud to be representing the Malouf family (owners) and employees from The Calile at such a significant celebration.
“This is a win for our team, our collaborators, our loyal guests and a win for Brisbane as a destination, and we are humbled to represent the Australian hotel industry on the world stage,” she said.
“There is no doubt The Calile Hotel has carved a name for itself and sparked a trend in ‘urban resorts’ with its bold architectural commitment, sustainable practises and by embracing its local and sub-tropic climate within an urban setting.”
Designed by leading architects Richards & Spence, recognised nationally and internationally for defining the look and feel of Brisbane’s James Street precinct – The Calile design embraces and advances an established tropical vernacular with the elevated light green stone-tiled pool and leafy pool terrace, outdoor dining, cabanas and sun lounges, key to embracing the climate.
Speaking at the opening of the awards event, Managing Director of World’s 50 Best Group Tim Brooke-Webb said, “The 50 Best Hotels has redefined hospitality – setting new standards and pushing boundaries to create unique moments for your guests.”
Hotel General Manager, Rob Unson said, being named 12th in the world was a fitting fifth birthday present for the 175-room boutique hotel and a great win for Australian tourism.
“It takes an outstanding team to deliver outstanding guest experiences, and I want to take a moment to thank the hotel team – from our housekeepers to our pool attendants, maintenance and kitchen teams and our front of house guest service attendants – who go above and beyond to welcome our guests back through the arches time and time again,” he said.
“This accolade is a testament to their professionalism, and this is a win for them.”
Voting criteria was based on selecting seven best hotel experiences during the voting period. Voters were asked to consider every element of the hotel’s operation from first contact point, to room comfort, quality of food and beverage, on site facilities and check out.
The announcement of The World’s 50 Best Hotels marks the “50 Best” group’s first global launch since 2009. It joins the highly regarded existing awards portfolio of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, The World’s 50 Best Bars and their respective regional editions, as well as the 50 Best Discovery culinary search engine.
