The Hotel Inspector (2005– ) User Reviews

sorting out the hotel business with an expert eye

[didi-5 · 6/10 · 10 July 2008]

Like numerous other series (Gordon's Kitchen Nightmares - restaurants; Mary, Queen of Shops - boutiques), 'The Hotel Inspector' works to a formula.

This means a hotel which is failing, with difficult owners, brings in an expert (Ruth Watson for the first three series) who stands back and finds out what needs doing, then ensures it is done.

Of course this means conflict between owners and expert, and a good hour for the viewer - it is always entertaining, after all, to watch someone else make a hash of things.

Ruth Watson's no-nonsense style, without being offensive, is perfect for this kind of programme. From series four, a new inspector - Alex Polizzi - is slightly less abrasive, but not less insightful.

Very entertaining - Polizzi nails it!

[dakjets · 8/10 · 10 October 2022]

For years, Alex Polizzi has been the hotel inspector who has visited the most deplorable and special hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts in the UK. That this series is constantly expanding with new seasons is easy to understand; it is very entertaining and funny. Her insights, sharp analyzes in combination with a friendly, professional attitude make for very good television.

To make such concepts work there must be a "helper" who has the right knowledge. Something Polizzi oozes. It is also instructive for those of us who have no idea about hotel management. And recognisably, we've probably all visited hotels that have given us some, shall we say, "surprises".

Fascinating to see how she manages to get the owners on the right track, but I don't always agree with her renovations LOL.

Terrific Show

[jamesnady · 10/10 · 19 October 2016]

This show is very interesting, I can't stop watching it, I'm addicted. Alex Polizzi has a way of humoring the audience, her personality makes the show in my opinion. I also love the information she gives to aspiring hoteliers.

Anyone who is thinking of starting their own hotel business should definitely watch this show. It's very informative and entertaining, every episode has a new and unique look into the adversities people have when creating a business in the hotel industry.

Some people choose not to listen to Alex Polizzi's advice this never ends well for the hotelier. This is entertaining because Polizzi has had a lot of experience in hotel industry but some are very reluctant to change.

The Hotel Inspector shines

[safenoe · 9/10 · 17 December 2016]

I've just watched The Harrogate Motel episode of the 12th season of The Hotel Inspector, and it's a reality show I can always enjoy watching. Alex Polizzi is an informative and entertaining host who doesn't bully the hotel people she is helpfully advising. I know there's an audience who get excited if a reality TV host swears and verbally pushes the unsuspecting "contestants" round, but I like Alex's calm and deliberative style.

In The Harrogate Motel, Alex inspires the mother and son owners of the Harrogate Motel, and helps them to transform it into an equine type B&B, reflecting the passion for horses the owners have. Giddy up it is!

Highly Recommended.

[destiny_west · 9/10 · 28 January 2023]

I absolutely love Alex Polizzi.

The Hotel Inspector is a fantastic reality show, where Alex who has vast hotel experience including being born into a hotel dynasty goes around to failing hotels to help them bring themselves out of their hole.

Alex offers tough love and holds no punches. She is sharp, clever and knows exactly what needs to be done, but it is whether the owners will follow her instructions or not.

I would love to see a Gordon Ramsay and Alex Polizzi crossover, with Gordon handling the kitchen side of things and Alex the hotel side, I think that would be absolute dynamite and truly put a bomb under the owners of any failing establishment.

This show is highly recommended and one you can revisit from time to time.

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[Lavarock7 · 9/10 · 6 March 2024]

I have binge-watched about 12 seasons so far. Having been in a similar industry, I can relate in the restructuring and reconditioning of rooms and the customer service side of things.

After seeing all those episodes, If I was the inspector and trying to convince the owners to make changes, two phrases come to mind.

One is from a TV show called Dr. Phil here in the U. S. where Dr. Phil often tries to change people fro the better. Aperson will explain their issues and DR. Phil will say "How is that working for you?". The idea being that they have a problem and have not done something to change it. This is also evident in this series. People don't want to change and think that even though they have no idea what they are doing, that they are in the right because they THINK they are smarter than the experts.

The second phrase I would tell the hoteliers is this "If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got!". This of course means that you have to change things to be able to control how they will be redirected.

Even making small changes to a menu to test its acceptance, or trying different pricing can make a world of difference. If you drop the prices of rooms until you are full, then slowly increase them to find the sweet spot.

I think the series does a good job showing these ideas but I just wish those two quotes were used to help convince the owners.