Ep 6. African Queen

The Hotel Inspector is a popular British reality television show which follows established hotelier and businesswoman Alex Polizzi as she visits struggling hotels and attempts to turn them around with her expert advice and experience. Season 5 episode 6 is titled "African Queen" and follows Alex as she travels to Warwickshire to visit a 14-bedroom hotel in the countryside that boasts an impressive range of African-themed decor and memorabilia.

As soon as Alex arrives at the African-themed hotel, she is struck by the unique and impressive decor. From the moment guests arrive, they are surrounded by tribal masks, zebra-print cushions and lush greenery, but Alex is quick to point out that the hotel's concept is not enough to make it a successful business. Despite the impressive decor, the hotel is struggling with a poor reputation and low occupancy rates.

Alex begins her inspection by checking into the hotel herself and taking a look around the rooms. She notes that while the decor is striking, some of the rooms are in need of maintenance and cleaning. In addition, she observes that the hotel's main communal areas feel empty and lack atmosphere. Alex meets with the hotel's owner, Claire, who reveals that she has been running the hotel for 13 years but has struggled to make it profitable. She explains that the hotel has an identity crisis, and despite the African theme, it doesn't have a cohesive brand or marketing strategy.

Alex starts working with Claire and her team to tackle the hotel's issues head-on. She suggests that the hotel needs a more focused brand identity that will attract the right kind of guests. Alex suggests that Claire consider a more specific theme such as a safari lodge or a conservation-focused hotel that will appeal to environmentally-conscious travelers. She also recommends that Claire invest in marketing and social media to increase the hotel's visibility and attract customers.

Next, Alex turns her attention to the hotel's restaurant, where she observes that the food is not on par with the decor. She meets with the head chef and goes through the menu, pointing out areas where they can improve both the quality of the food and the presentation. Alex suggests adding more African-inspired dishes and using locally-sourced ingredients to create an appealing and unique menu.

Throughout the episode, Alex works closely with Claire and her team to improve the hotel's operations. She turns her attention to every detail, from improving the hotel's online presence to revamping the garden space. Alex encourages the staff to take pride in their work and provides them with the tools they need to succeed.

As the episode draws to a close, Alex takes a final walk around the hotel and notes the significant improvements that have been made. She's pleased with the progress that has been achieved and is confident that the hotel is on the path to success. The episode ends with a final scene of happy guests enjoying a meal in the newly refurbished restaurant, satisfied with the changes that have been made to this unique and special hotel.

Overall, The Hotel Inspector season 5 episode 6 "African Queen" is an engaging and insightful episode that focuses on the importance of strong branding and marketing in the hospitality industry. Alex Polizzi's expertise is on full display as she identifies the issues holding the hotel back and works with the team to implement changes that will improve the hotel's reputation and attract new customers. The episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to improve their own hospitality business.