On the evening of Thursday 20 June, 2019 at the Tourism Accommodation Australia VIC Awards, InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto were the proud winners of three prestigious awards including Concierge of the Year awarded to James Spielvogel, Food and Beverage Service Employee of the Year awarded to Annie Crowe and Hotel Bar of the Year award to Market Lane Bar.
The TAA awards are recognised as one of the most prestigious hospitality and tourism awards, honouring the achievements of excellence in a wide range of categories in the accommodation industry and 2019 was the best year for the hotel, being nominated for a total of 9 awards including Concierge of the Year, Food and Beverage Service Employee of the Year, Chef of the Year, Front Office Service Employee of the Year, Hotel Industry Rising Star of the Year, Best Marketed Accommodation Provider, Best Hotel Restaurant of the Year for Alluvial, Hotel Bar of the Year for Market Lane Bar and Deluxe Hotel of the Year.
James Spielvogel, who took home the award for Concierge of the Year has been within the hospitality industry for over 19 years, a concierge for over 17 years and member of Les Clefs d’Or Australia for more than 9 years. When he is not at work, his duties continue as an member of Les Clefs d’Or Australia as the Chairperson of the National Interview Committee. James is as a true advocate and ambassador for the hotel and Les Clefs d’Or Australia.
“James takes pride in his appearance and I am proud to have him represent our concierge team at InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto. He wears the Les Clefs d’Or keys with pride and is a Les Clefs d’Or ambassador in everything he does.”
James Ridenour, Chief Concierge InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto and 3rd Vic President, Les Clefs d’Or International
Annie Crowe, awarded Food and Beverage Service Employee of the Year is well known for her bubbly, warm and kind nature. Annie transitioned from being a back of house pastry chef expressing herself through her food to a front of house barista, meeting and greeting hotel guests and expressing herself through her exceptional customer service skills and love of coffee.
“She goes beyond the call of duty when it comes to customer service. She has helped us book other events at the venue and always been extremely helpful. I think Annie is perfectly suited to the hospitality industry and I would be proud to endorse her. She is a great person and I wish her all the luck in her ventures.”
Sacha Kaluri, Teenage Exp
Market Lane Bar, awarded Best Hotel Bar of the Year previously took home the title back in 2017 and continues to showcase an intimate luxury bar experience for Melbourne. Diversifying and tailoring guests experiences, the bar continues to showcase cocktails and whiskey menus with signature Worldly Classics cocktails, a “Mysterious Potions and Cocktails” menu designed to celebrate Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play and housing a range of over 140 whiskey selections.
“The bar has a wide selection of spirits – unlike many hotel bars and is known for having one of Melbourne’s largest whisky selections – over 140! That’s a bit to get through. Pop in for a taste of five star luxury and service, and to escape the crowds with a whisky by the modern fire place.” Sarina.
A wonderful recognition for our individual colleagues, restaurant, bar and hotel at the TAA VIC Awards for 2019.
