On 25 November 2025, AICR France (Amicale Internationale des Chefs de Réception) unveiled the winners of its annual ‘Best Receptionist of the Year’ competition.
In the professional category, Disneyland Paris took first and second place with Camille Philippe, receptionist at the Disney Newport Bay Club, winning the 34th David Campbell Trophy, and Léna Meremetci, receptionist at the Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, taking second place.
Thanks to her national victory, Camille was able to represent France at the World’s Best Receptionist Competition in Belgium in January 2026. Camille returned to France with another award for her trophy cabinet, having won the Amicalists’ Choice (Audience) Award by SRate, the prize determined by public voting throughout the competition.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
Léna: I’m originally from Marseille and have a BTS in Environmental Services. I left the south of France for a year to work on a fixed-term contract in Ticketing. When I got back, it only took two months for me to realise that I missed being a Cast Member. So, I came back for a permanent contract in the Deployment department, helping the Ticketing and Parking teams with their operational needs. At the end of 2023, I chose to embark on a new path, focused primarily on strengthening my connection with guests. Through this placement, I discovered the profession of receptionist, serving as a back-up for nearly a year in the resort’s seven hotels. I discovered a true passion for welcoming guests, but as I was not always assigned to the same hotel, I missed the opportunity to connect with them throughout their stay and to develop the special bond that Disney creates. That is why I chose to continue my journey as a receptionist at Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, which provided everything I had been seeking: meaningful connections, continuity with guests, and stability and direction in my personal life.
Camille: I’ve been a receptionist at Disney Newport Bay Club for nine months now. Before arriving here, I led a number of lives, both professional and personal: I was a top-level track and field athlete, I worked as a lawyer in a notary’s office, and I’m also a singer. Although these experiences may seem very different, each taught me something essential: precision, perseverance, an eye for detail, the ability to listen and to express myself. Over time, they naturally led me to the hospitality industry, where I can combine everything I love – personal contact, outstanding service, and the opportunity to create meaningful moments for our guests.
What does your job involve ?
Léna: My job is to make guests feel at home in the hotel. I want them to experience unforgettable emotions and to leave with a lifetime of memories. We do all this by checking guests in and out, providing them with information, helping them organise their stay and always being there for them. Receptionists are also responsible for communicating with other departments, making sure that every task is carried out correctly and keeping track of rooms.
Camille: First and foremost, my role is to make our guests’ stay as pleasant as possible. Every day, I try to offer exemplary service; to be the receptionist I would like to have in front of me if I were in their shoes. For me, striving for excellence means paying attention to the smallest details, listening attentively and showing a real desire to be of service to others. My goal is simple: to ensure that every moment spent in my company contributes to the magic of their stay, that they feel welcomed, cared for and appreciated. It is this human dimension that gives my work its true meaning.
What do you like most about your job?
Léna: What I value most is building relationships – engaging with guests, asking questions, providing information, and inspiring them to dream. I also love hearing their stories, dreams, and things they discovered during their visit. These interactions are what I find most fulfilling.
Camille: Honestly, the thing I love most about my job is connecting with people. I love meeting our guests each day, chatting with them and feeling that I can make a real contribution to their stay. I particularly enjoy being able to anticipate their needs, sometimes before they even express them. Seeing their faces light up, helping them, being there at the right moment. That’s what makes my role so meaningful and what makes me appreciate every day.
Do you have a memorable moment to share with us ?
Léna: It’s a fairly mundane story, but one morning, after breakfast, a lady came up to me and said she’d left her handbag in the Manhattan Restaurant. I asked my team, and they explained that the restaurant’s Cast Members had already brought it to us. When I returned it to the guest, she was visibly happy and relieved – and she presented me with a thoughtful gift: a 3D-printed piece of artwork featuring Spider-Man. That’s when I realised that guests can bring us as much magic as we bring them.
Camille: One experience that really struck a chord with me was the arrival of a family I accompanied as part of the Disney Wish Program. There was a little girl among them, bursting with life and energy, her eyes shining with dreams. From the moment we first met, I knew that this trip would be something special. Accompanying her and her family throughout their adventure was a real privilege. Watching her amazement, her laughter, and her moments of pure happiness reminded me why I love my job – because sometimes we are fortunate enough to witness profoundly moving, human experiences. Since then, not a day goes by when I don’t think of her. This experience touched me deeply and reminded me of the human and emotional responsibility we have as receptionists and Cast Members.
Can you tell us about the Campbell Trophy?
Léna: The David Campbell Trophy is a prestigious competition for receptionists from 4- and 5-star hotels in France. For 34 years, the AICR, an association based near Antibes, has held this competition to celebrate the hospitality profession and to motivate new generations to strive for excellence.
Camille: The David Campbell Trophy celebrates excellence in our profession, rewarding expertise, professionalism and the quality of service we offer our customers. The winner goes on to represent France at the World’s Best Receptionist Competition. It’s also a great opportunity to meet receptionists from all over France, talk to them, share best practices and discover different ways of delivering memorable customer experiences.
What inspired you to enter this competition?
Léna: To be honest, my Team Leaders were the ones who encouraged me to take part and saw my abilities. There’s also my colleague William, who took part in the competition 2 years ago and came 2nd, and who’s wanted me to enter since we met. I also heard that this could open up a network of contacts in the hotel industry, so I wanted to seize this opportunity.
Camille: I heard about this competition through my Team Leaders, who encouraged me to enter from the start. Their confidence gave me the boost I needed to embark on this adventure. I’ve always loved a challenge, so I saw this competition as an ideal opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and hone my knowledge of the hospitality industry. It was really a no-brainer: when an opportunity like this presents itself, you seize it. So, I decided to go for it, fuelled by ambition, energy, and a generous dose of enthusiasm.
What steps did you take to prepare for the competition ?
Léna: First of all, I had to think about the subject, and I asked my whole team for their ideas, with a survey, because I was representing the hotel but more importantly my whole team. The scripts for the various videos were developed and then filmed. When I learned I had reached the final, it took me a moment to process, but the support of my leaders and team quickly gave me confidence. We organised practice sessions in public, to get the best possible feel for the conditions during the competition.
Camille: My preparation centred on two areas: exchanging ideas and working in the field. I spent a lot of time talking to my Team Leaders, whose advice helped me understand the expectations of the competition and clarify the message I wanted to convey. I decided to write most of my eloquence speech on my own, as writing is a passion and I wanted it to genuinely express who I am. I then fine-tuned it with the help of my Team Leaders. Ultimately, I wanted to remain true to myself, and I think that’s what guided all my preparations. We also worked on role-playing exercises, some of which were quite intense, which helped me to anticipate situations that I might encounter during the competition. However, it is through being with our guests, practicing my profession, and refining my interactions that I learn and grow best. Nothing teaches you more than hands-on experience, and, most importantly, it enabled me to stay authentic throughout the entire journey.
How did you feel when you found out where you stood in the competition?
Léna: I’m really proud to finish in second place, thanks to my experience at Disneyland Paris. I’m very grateful to my team and everyone who has supported me since I arrived at Disney.
Camille: My win felt like a mixture of immense pride and gratitude. I was proud of my commitment, perseverance and determination. And so grateful to my Team Leaders, who have invested so much in me and believed in me from the outset. What touched me the most was the feedback from the juries after the announcement. They came to congratulate me and explained that what had made the difference – and won unanimous agreement – was my professionalism, authenticity, and spontaneity. They said they felt I was sincere, without ever trying to put on a performance. And I truly believe that the greatest achievement is to win by being yourself. This competition was not only a true challenge but also a personal adventure, allowing me to grow, create lasting bonds, and represent my hotel and resort with pride.
What advice would you give to a junior receptionist?
Léna: To have fun, to dare, and to believe in yourself. And above all, take an interest in the guests and reach out to them. And always keep smiling.
Camille: My main advice to a junior receptionist would be to stay true to yourself and follow your heart. It’s essential to be compassionate and always act with good intentions. I didn’t have much experience of working in reception before taking part in the David Campbell Trophy, but that didn’t stop me from winning. Believing in yourself and always giving your best are the keys to success and to creating unforgettable moments for our guests.