Receptionist Winners 2026

The winners of the 2026 NIHF Receptionist Awards have been revealed, celebrating front-of-house team members whose skill, adaptability and professionalism play a vital role in delivering outstanding guest experiences across Northern Ireland’s hotels.

After months of deliberation, the awards were announced by compere Pamela Ballantine at a glittering ceremony on 13 May 2026 at the Armagh City Hotel.

The competition continues to attract a remarkable number of entries and this year marks the 20th staging of the awards, reflecting the strength and depth of talent within the sector.

The Team Category winner was selected through an independent mystery shopping assessment carried out by Insight6. Those competing for the Receptionist of the Year titles undertook a series of practical challenges organised by Life Adventure Company, together with an industry knowledge test and formal interview process.

The winner of the ‘Reception Team of the Year’, supported by Net Affinity, was Shipquay Boutique Hotel in Derry-Londonderry. Dunluce Lodge in Portrush was awarded second place, with Corick House Hotel & Spa in County Tyrone taking third place.

In the ‘Most Promising Receptionist’ category, supported by Tourism Northern Ireland, Thomas Keeley-Henderson from the Stormont Hotel in Belfast was named winner. Fiachra Doyle from the Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa in Newcastle was runner-up, with Samantha Forsythe from Crowne Plaza Belfast in third place.

The ‘Receptionist of the Year’ award, supported by Access Hospitality, was presented to Tracey Forbes from The Lodge Hotel in Coleraine. Kristen McFeely from the Waterfoot Hotel in Derry-Londonderry was runner-up, with Clare Sweeney from Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry-Londonderry taking third place.

Reception Team of the Year (supported by Net Affinity): 

1. Shipquay Boutique Hotel, Derry-Londonderry
2. Dunluce Lodge, Portrush
3. Corick House Hotel & Spa, Clogher

Most Promising Receptionist (supported by Tourism NI): 

1. Thomas Keeley-Henderson, Stormont Hotel, Belfast
2. Fiachra Doyle, Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa, Newcastle
3. Samantha Forsythe, Crowne Plaza Belfast 

Receptionist of the Year (supported by Access Hospitality): 

1. Tracey Forbes, The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine 
2. Kristen McFeely, Waterfoot Hotel, Derry-Londonderry
3. Clare Sweeney, Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry-Londonderry

Thank you to Tourism Northern Ireland, Access Hospitality, Net Affinity, Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Insight6 and Life Adventure Company for their support. Thanks to the Armagh City Hotel for the awards night and also to the Clayton Hotel for hosting the assessment day.

Photos from the Assessment Day can be viewed here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUek8

Photos of the Dinner and the award winners can be seen here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCUaTc

The video of the Assessment Day can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/x9QwNhb0o1c