New look Pretoria Hotel wins admirers
The Pretoria Hotel has been named the best re-developed hotel in country South Australia, according to the State branch of the Australian Hotels Association (AHASA).
Since taking over two years ago the owners, the Hurley Hotel Group, has begun a sweeping renovation of the two-storey stone building, which first opened in 1900.
The hotel's pokies have moved, creating space for a function room capable of catering for groups of up to 50 people, and a new deck on the bowling club side will allow smokers to get off the footpath.
The chairs have all been reupholstered and tables brought in, including tables with umbrellas at ground level in the beer garden - well suited to dog-walkers who want to drop in for lunch - and a 12-seat captain's table venue manager Jess Heard said was a feature of all Hurley hotels.
Even the carpet and wallpaper are new.
The final stage of the redevelopment will revamp the front bar and create a new bottle shop with a walk-in coolroom, plus an underground store where visitors will be able to hold wine tastings.
Ms Heard said the public reaction to the works and disruptions had been mostly positive.
"Because it's been so dramatic, some of the changes, it has been a bit of a shock to some people," she said.
"(But) people appreciate that there's some progress in the town.
"It's nice to be the one to be talked about."
The Hurley Hotel Group has about 10 properties in Adelaide and country South Australia, including the Arkaba Hotel and Alma Tavern.
Source: The Murray Valley Standard, Peri Strathearn, 7th August 2015
Originally published as: New look Pretoria Hotel wins admirers
