Ep 8. Woodlands
- 45 min
The Hotel Inspector is a British reality television show that follows hotelier and businesswoman Alex Polizzi as she visits struggling hotels across the United Kingdom, offering her expertise and advice on how to improve their operations. In the third season, episode eight, titled "Woodlands," Alex visits a bed and breakfast situated in the quaint countryside town of Narberth in Wales.
Woodlands is a six-bedroom Victorian property that has been converted into a bed and breakfast. The owner, Rhian Lewis, bought the property in 2006, and after extensive renovations, opened the doors to guests. However, the business has been struggling for several years, and Rhian is struggling to make ends meet. The rooms are often empty, and when there are guests, they leave negative reviews about the state of the property. Rhian is at her wit's end and is desperate for help.
When Alex arrives at Woodlands, she is immediately struck by the overgrown gardens and the exterior of the property, which is in need of some TLC. Once inside, she is met with a rather outdated and cluttered reception area. Alex's first impressions are that the property is in dire need of a makeover, and the first step in transforming the business is to declutter and modernize the communal areas.
Alex is quick to spot the areas that are letting the property down, and she immediately sets to work with Rhian to address them. She suggests repainting the reception area, decluttering shelves and surfaces, and introducing more comfortable seating for guests. Alex also realizes that the overgrown gardens need attention and advises Rhian on how to turn them into an asset for the business by creating a serene and inviting outdoor space.
Moving on to the accommodation, Alex is appalled by some of the rooms, which are tired and worn. She suggests that Rhian invests in new bedding, towels, and window dressings to give the rooms a fresh and inviting feel. She also advises Rhian to invest in new mattresses and to replace outdated and mismatched furniture.
Alex is keen to get feedback from previous guests, and she arranges a meeting with a local couple who stayed at Woodlands a few weeks ago. The couple had written a scathing TripAdvisor review, and Alex wants to find out exactly what went wrong during their stay. The feedback is honest and critical, but Alex takes it on board and agrees to make the changes that the guests suggested.
Back at Woodlands, Rhian is overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done, but Alex is on hand to offer support and guidance. Together, they work tirelessly to update the property, and by the end of the episode, the transformation is remarkable. The gardens are unrecognizable, and the interiors are fresh, modern, and inviting. Rhian is over the moon with the changes, and she feels that her business has been given a new lease of life.
The Hotel Inspector, season 3, episode 8, gives viewers a fascinating insight into the challenges faced by small business owners. It's a heartwarming and uplifting episode that shows what can be achieved with hard work and determination. Alex Polizzi is inspiring, and her knowledge and experience are invaluable to Rhian and viewers who may be facing similar struggles. Overall, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in the hospitality industry or those looking for some inspiration.
