BEHIND-the-scenes staff who underpin the entire guest experience at the north's leading hotels and guest houses have been recognised at the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) 11th annual housekeeping awards at the Hilton Templepatrick, hosted byBBC weather guru Barra Best.
This year there were four categories acknowledging recent expansion and increased rooms within the hospitality and tourism sector, when the winners were:
:: Under 50 bedrooms - Tara Lodge; runner-up - Shipquay Boutique Hotel.
:: 50-99 bedrooms - Belmore Court & Motel; runner-up - Ballygally Castle Hotel.
:: 100-149 bedrooms - Ibis Belfast City Centre; joint runners-up - Maldron Belfast International & Roe Park Resort.
:: 150 bedrooms and over - Grand Central Hotel Belfast; runner-up - Jury's Inn Belfast.
NIHF president Stephen Meldrum said: "This year we had a record 72 entrants from our hotel, guest house and guest accommodation members.
"It's amazing to think that the first year we had a lunch in the Wellington Park with 50 people, and that a decade later we have over 150 people enjoying an awards night of glitz and glamour here at the Hilton.
"This competition recognises the housekeeping teams of Northern Ireland, and the vital part they play in the running of our hotels.
"The Federation acknowledges the importance of their role and is delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate their success. They display commitment on a daily basis that goes above and beyond the call of duty."
Award sponsors included Tourism Northern Ireland, Bunzl Rafferty Hospitality Products, Ecolab, King Koil and Linencare.
