Switzerland’s Best Receptionist and Housekeeping Contest
Applying for the Switzerland’s Best Receptionist Contest
The Competition:
Switzerland’s Best Receptionist contest consists of various stages where you will pit your skills against other Receptionists from all over Switzerland. The winner of this will go on to represent the AICR Switzerland at international level and will also receive a further development course. The whole process runs from October to January and is as per the below stages:
Requirements
A standard application form to be completed from each candidate to include the signature of the Front Office Manager (who must be an existing, fully paid AICR Member) and signature of the General Manager – to ensure authorisation and support
The Candidate
At the time of the selection process, the candidate must be a receptionist (not not supervisor assistant, etc.,) and available to participate the full weekend of the competition, also the following year (if the overall winner) including judging. One page brief CV/personal profile of the candidate to be forwarded with the application form in advance to the AICR Switzerland organising committee.
Competition Format
A. Back Office Tasks
Candidates will be examined in a series of back office tasks ( such as handling complains, answering demands, business calculations etc.) the duration of the exam lasts 90 minutes.
B. Group Assesement
Team Task Simulations: Finalists are grouped and presented with real-world hotel scenarios (e.g. guest complaints, staff handovers, meeting coordination, crisis response).Each group must work together to solve the problem, often within a 90 mins max timeframe, including preparation and presentation. The task setting mimics hotel daily operations—such as strategy meetings, shift briefings, or incident management—calling for teamwork, leadership, time management, attention to detail, and corporate awareness
C. Role Play
Jugdes
Judges Minimum panel of 5 judges (including last year’s winner) headed by a jury president.
1.Introduction – 5 mins max
One introduction question will be asked, based on themselves and the Hotel they work at e.g. to talk about themselves and their hotel.
Objective – to «relax and instill confidence».
2. Role playing – 15 mins max
The main part of the judging is the practical/role-play described as a «typical shift at Reception, when one never knows what to expect next»!
The outline scenario brief is sent in advance to finalists to familiarize themselves – especially knowledge of the fictitious hotel and situation described. (Advice – it is in each Country’s interest to submit details of their candidate on time to allow correct period to prepare).
Post Role Play
The Candidate will be invited to return to sit in front of the Judges and is given the opportunity to discuss/explain/talk them through their actions of Role-Play.
Objective – clarity to judges, self confidence to exit their interview.
General Information for Reference
Each Candidate is required:
- To report to the Interview room 10 minutes prior to Interview
- Wear their uniform
- Conduct Interview in English (should be considered when choosing the Candidate, to have a good command of English)
Results announced on Saturday evening.
Each Candidate can request the opportunity for feedback from the Judges/organisers after the competition.
Application form
Terms and Conditions:
- The person putting you forward must be a paid up member of the AICR Switzerland and currently work at the same hotel.
- All applicants must hold a permanent contract with the nominating hotel and have to be employed as a receptionist or similar throughout the duration of the competition. Placement students are not permitted to enter.
- Please be aware that you will need to be available to attend various stages of the Switzerland competition
- A maximum of 1 candidate can be nominated per hotel.
- The candidate(s) is required to attend the competition on the dates mentioned above and if they win will be required to attend the International Competition to be held in the beginning of next year.
Applying for the Switzerland’s Best Housekeeper Contest
The Competition:
The AICR – Switzerland’s best Housekeeper 2026 Competition celebrates excellence in housekeeping and recognises professionals who demonstrate outstanding technical skills, attention to detail, guest service and professionalism in luxury hospitality.
Candidates compete against the best housekeeping professionals from hotels across Switzerland through a series of practical and theoretical assessments reflecting a realistic working day in housekeeping.
The winner will receive an individual professional development opportunity.
Requirements
• Completed application form.
• Signature of the Executive Housekeeper (does not need to be an AICR member)
• Signature of the General Manager.
• One-page CV
The Candidate
At the time of the competition, candidates must be employed in an operational housekeeping position. The competition is designed for housekeeping employees working on the operational level.
- Examples: Room Attendant, Housekeeping Attendant, Public Area Attendant or similar.
- Management positions (Executive Housekeeper, Head Housekeeper, Assistant Executive Housekeeper) are not eligible.
- Candidates must be available for the complete competition weekend. (December 17.-20. 2026)
Competition Format
A. Operational Preparation (Mise en Place)
Preparation of the housekeeping trolley, cleaning equipment, amenities and review of guest profile.
B. Room Cleaning
Complete cleaning of a guest room according to luxury hotel standards.
C. VIP Guest Experience
Preparation of a personalised guest arrival including amenities and special requests.
D. Role Play & Laundry Challenge
Guest interaction, laundry handling, ironing and sewing tasks.
E. Written Knowledge Test
Housekeeping terminology, laundry, safety, sustainability, hotel standards and guest situations.
Judging
The competition will be evaluated by a panel of experienced Executive Housekeepers, and hospitality professionals under the leadership of a Jury President.
General Information
- Candidates must report 10 minutes before their scheduled start.
- Candidates must wear their hotel uniform.
- The competition will mostly be conducted in English.
- Results will be announced during the Gala Dinner on Saturday evening.
- Individual feedback may be requested after the competition.
Terms & Conditions
- Candidates must be employed by the nominating hotel throughout the competition.
- Placement students are not eligible.
- A maximum of 1 candidate may be nominated per hotel.
- Candidates must attend all competition stages.
What We Are Looking For
- Outstanding attention to detail
- Passion for housekeeping
- Excellent guest service
- Professional communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management and organisation
- Commitment to luxury hospitality standards
