‘Huge but rewarding challenge’: The Gerald Apartment Hotel wins best regional WA accommodation title at Australian Hotels Association awards

The Gerald Apartment Hotel has been named best regional WA accommodation at the Australian Hotels Association’s ball in Perth.

General manager Grant Pitman said it was an honour to receive the award after 18 months of work.

Mr Pitman had the vision to turn the old Town Towers into a 4.5 star hotel.

The Gerald opened earlier this year after the building had been empty for more than a decade.

“It has been a huge but highly rewarding challenge and one I couldn’t have done without the support of my family and staff,” Mr Pitman said.

The Gerald was named as the best regional accommodation over fellow finalist Fitzroy River Lodge in the Kimberley.

Mr Pitman said he was a firm believer in the tourism potential of Geraldton and the Mid West.

“We have so much on our doorstep, from the Abrolhos Islands to wildflowers, Aboriginal culture, heritage building, amazing beaches, fishing and water sports,” he said.

“We’ve been so well supported ... it’s really humbling.”

They were also nominated for WA’s Best Redeveloped Hotel, Best Apartment/Suite Accommodation, Best Restaurant with an Accommodation Hotel and Best Hotel Chef.

The ball was held on August 27.