Ep 3. Safari
- 45 min
The Hotel Inspector season 3 episode 3 titled Safari follows the host, Alex Polizzi, as she visits a hotel in Monmouthshire, Wales. The hotel, which is situated in the countryside and surrounded by stunning landscapes and views, is struggling to attract guests and maintain its standard despite its advantageous location.
The episode begins with Alex arriving at the hotel to meet the owners, husband and wife team, Caroline and Brian, who are eager to show her around the property. Alex is quick to spot several issues, starting with the exterior of the building which is unkempt and in dire need of a facelift. As she steps inside, she notices a damp and musty smell, and immediately becomes concerned about the cleanliness and hygiene of the hotel.
During her initial tour, Alex observes that the decor and furniture in the hotel are outdated and lack personality. The rooms are drab and uninspiring, with bland wallpaper and unappealing furniture, and some of the beds are uncomfortable. Furthermore, she discovers that the hotel’s restaurant is not being used to its full potential, and both the menu and the service need a significant improvement to attract guests.
Alex also highlights a significant staffing issue. The couple has left their young and inexperienced son in charge of the hotel, without providing him with any proper training or support, resulting in poor communication and mismanagement. The hotel has also struggled with retaining staff, leading to a lack of maintenance and cleanliness throughout the property.
Alex spends time with Caroline and Brian, and they go over the hotel’s finances, which show clear signs of financial difficulties. Caroline and Brian are both passionate about their business and are keen to make the necessary changes to turn things around.
Alex then sets about giving the hotel a complete overhaul, starting with redecorating the exterior of the building with a fresh coat of paint. She then meets with a local carpenter to create unique furniture pieces that will add character and charm to the rooms. Alex also works with the kitchen team to improve the restaurant’s menu, focusing on locally sourced produce and adding exciting dishes that will attract guests.
The most significant change comes in the form of staff training. Using her expertise and experience as a hotelier, Alex conducts a training session with all the staff to improve their customer service and communication skills. She also provides guidance on maintaining the overall standard of the hotel, including tips on housekeeping and maintaining cleanliness throughout the property.
As the episode comes to a close, Alex unveils the transformed hotel to Caroline and Brian, and they are both overjoyed at the changes that have been made. The hotel now has a unique personality and charm; the rooms are welcoming and comfortable, and the restaurant’s menu has been completely revamped. The hotel’s online reviews have already started to improve, with guests praising the cleanliness and the staff's friendly and welcoming manner.
Overall, The Hotel Inspector season 3 episode 3 Safari is an empowering and motivational story that showcases the importance of investing in your business, staff, and customer service. Alex Polizzi’s expertise and guidance have helped the hotel owners turn their struggling business into a thriving enterprise and gives the audience a sense of the necessary steps needed to improve the quality of their services.
