The couple's nearly 4-year-old daughter Mikayla is also a prominent presence in the operation.
Located in Peace St, near the Fenton Park motels area, Sport of Kings has 16 rooms which include two-bedroom apartments for families and sports groups, one-room spa apartments, and studios for corporate and couples.
The couple have 35 years' combined experience in hospitality - Ms Williams' background includes running a lodge outside Rotorua for a decade, and her husband previously organised corporate and team-building events.
Ms Williams said entering the awards had been very helpful.
"On a daily basis you just run your business. But with the awards, you have to put your business on paper, actually look at your figures, where you've come from, how you're getting there and what you're going to do to get you up to the next level," she said.
Sport of Kings spent a lot of effort focusing on key clients and on target markets such as mountain bikers, especially since the arrival of the Crankworx event.
Facilities include a purpose-built mountain bike washdown area, space to assemble, disassemble and store bikes, and bike boxes.
Recent developments have included building a mountain bike service station, with a dedicated pump and tools. The motel has also bought two E-bikes for guests to use on trips around the city.
Lead judge for the category, Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, said the Williamses knew Rotorua and the surrounding districts and provided information, helpful advice and visitor-experience ideas.
"More importantly, Tristen and Pete know people. Their motel provides quality accommodation in a family-friendly setting.
"Their care and attention for their guests is evident to all who visit and stay," she said.
Winning team
Sport of Kings Motel won the Trustpower Customer Service Distinction Award in the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards
