Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka‘upulehu on Hawaii Island has been named the number one hotel in the world in the 2013 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.

In Australia the top honours went to Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney.

Based on the reviews submitted by the website’s millions of international users over the past year, the Travelers’ Choice Awards are recognized as a direct reflection of guest opinion and sentiment.

In Hawaii, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai was also named the number one Luxury Hotel in the World, number one Hotel in the United States and number one Luxury Hotel in the United States, as well as among the Top 25 Hotels for Service in the United States and the world.

Additionally, the Resort was recently named to the TripAdvisor list of Top 10 Hotel Spas in America, as determined by the results of a wellness travel survey of more than 1,100 respondents.

“We are thrilled to receive these accolades from the TripAdvisor community, and the fact that these awards are based on reviews and opinions of actual guests is of the utmost importance to us,” said Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Robert Whitfield.

“We continually strive to exceed the expectations of our guests, and provide them with the most extraordinary and highly personalized experiences.”

In Australia, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa was named Top Hotel and Top Luxury Hotel in the nation.

“It is gratifying to be named Australia’s best hotel by the global travelling community. It is a wonderful achievement for Emirates and we’re honoured to be recognised by our guests in these highly competitive awards,” said Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa General Manager, Joost Heymeijer.

“From the outset, we have always strived to deliver a unique, world-class Australian experience.

“From our commitment to conservation, thoughtful architecture and understated design to supporting local producers, it is clear our ethos has resonated with guests and we’re humbled by the glowing reviews on TripAdvisor,” he said.

Meanwhile, Queensland’s hotels have dominated the TripAdvisor Awards in Australia and Peppers Broadbeach has led the way.

The property, on Queensland’s Gold Coast, was named the number one accommodation property in Queensland and number two in the Top 25 Hotels across Australia.

Peppers Broadbeach General Manager, Adam Taloni, said the TripAdvisor accolade is a reflection on the level of service provided by his dedicated staff.

“Guests walk away from Peppers Broadbeach with memories of a great stay and a great experience on the Gold Coast and feel compelled to share it on forums like TripAdvisor,” he said.

“We have a beautiful product which is certainly a stand out on the Coast but the attention to detail provided by my staff, I believe, is what makes the difference,” he said.

Queensland Tourism Minister, Jann Stuckey, said the peer-reviewed TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards confirmed Queensland’s position as a provider of world-class accommodation.

“These awards recognise the preferences of travellers from around the globe and re-affirm that Queensland offers the best holiday experiences and accommodation options in some of the world’s most outstanding locations,” Stuckey said.

QUEENSLAND’S HONOURS

Top Hotels
Queensland has 16; next closest state NSW with 6

Top Luxury Hotels
Queensland has 13; next closest state NSW with 3

Top Bargain Hotels
Queensland has 10; next closest state Victoria with 6

Best Hotels for Service
Queensland has 9; next closest state NSW with 6

Top Small Hotels
Queensland has 8; next closest state NSW with 5

Top B&Bs and Inns
Queensland has 7, tied with NSW

The complete list of winners of the 2013 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for all categories can be found at http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/TravelersChoice

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management