News Release 1 October 2008
Bolton Hotel’s Receptionist Named Wellington Hotel Receptionist Of The Year
Wellington’s leading five-star hotel, the Bolton Hotel, is celebrating after its front-of-house receptionist, Heather
Firth, was named Wellington Hotel Receptionist of the Year. The prestigious award was presented to Heather at an event
hosted by the Association of Room Divisions Executives of New Zealand (ARDENZ), recently.
Ms Firth, who has worked at the Bolton Hotel since January 2008, was nominated for the competition by the Hotel’s Client
Service Manager, Meredith Ellis.
Meredith Ellis said: “We are thrilled that Heather won this award, and gained the recognition that she deserves. She is
a valued member of our reception team, who do a fantastic job front-of-house. Reception is the first point of call for
guests of the hotel, and it is important that the service received is of an extremely high standard. Heather winning
this award shows that our staff training and the resulting customer service is of this high standard, which is a great
endorsement of the hotel and what we stand for.”
The tough competition, which was entered by receptionists from around the greater Wellington region, comprised a number
of elements. Heather faced a panel of judges, underwent role-playing and scenarios, and completed a written
questionnaire. This is the first year that the Bolton Hotel has entered the competition.
In addition to working part-time at the Bolton Hotel, Heather is also studying for a Bachelor of Commerce degree at
Victoria University. Heather, who is originally from Kerikeri, Northland, has worked in the industry since 2002 and her
prior experience includes a front office internship at the Phoenix Airport Marriot in Arizona, United States, as well as
front desk positions at the Langham Hotel in Auckland, the Copthorne Hotel and Resort in the Bay of Islands and the
Radisson Hotel in Sydney.
Warwick Angus, Director of the Bolton Hotel said: “This is a great honour, not only for Heather, but for the Bolton
Hotel. This award demonstrates industry recognition of our services, and is consistent with our desire to deliver an
incomparable level of accommodation in a friendly and professional setting.”
ENDS