Derry hotels secure top honours at national hospitality awards ceremony
Local receptionists and teams are recognised for outstanding professionalism and guest care excellence
PICTURED ABOVE: Left to right: Megan McLaughlin from Shipquay Boutique Hotel, winners of the Reception Team of the Year category; Kristen McFeely from Waterfoot Hotel, runner-up in the Receptionist of the Year category; and Clare Sweeney from Bishop's Gate Hotel, third place in the Receptionist of the Year category.
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 May 13 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. 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 was runner-up, with Clare Sweeney from Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry taking third place.
Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) President Vicky Green congratulated all the winners and finalists: “Reaching the final of the NIHF Receptionist Awards is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, professionalism and skill demonstrated by all participants throughout a rigorous process.
Megan McLaughlin from Shipquay Boutique Hotel (Derry), winners of the Reception Team of the Year category; Front Office Manager Philip Murphy from Stormont Hotel Belfast, who collected the award on behalf of Thomas Keeley-Henderson, winner of the Most Promising Receptionist category; and Tracey Forbes from The Lodge Hotel (Coleraine), winner of the Receptionist of the Year award.
“What stood out this year was the confidence, passion and professionalism shown by all our finalists. Their commitment to hospitality and to delivering outstanding guest experiences highlights the strength of talent across our industry.
The team from Shipquay Boutique Hotel, winners of the Reception Team of the Year category.
Vicky added: “We are grateful to our sponsors and partners for their continued support, including Tourism Northern Ireland, Access Hospitality, Net Affinity, Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Life Adventure Company and Insight6. We also thank the Armagh City Hotel for hosting the awards dinner and the Clayton Hotel for the assessment day.”
The competition, organised by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, was launched in 2004 and has grown in popularity over the years.