Ep 4. Sandygate Hotel

The Hotel Inspector is a British television series that follows hotelier and businesswoman Alex Polizzi as she visits struggling hotels and provides expert advice to help them turn their fortunes around. In season six episode four, titled "Sandygate Hotel," Alex visits a hotel located in Devon, England.

The Sandygate Hotel is a family-run business that has been operating for over 50 years. It is situated in a prime location by the sea, and its owners, siblings Paul and Amy, are proud of their establishment. However, despite its fabulous location and longevity, the Sandygate has been struggling financially. The hotel has recently undergone significant refurbishment, but occupancy rates are still low, and the siblings' relationship has become strained.

The episode begins with Alex arriving at the hotel and taking a tour of the premises. She quickly notices that the lobby does not make a good first impression - it is cluttered, and the reception area is untidy. The first-room Alex inspects is spacious but in desperate need of redecorating. She encounters poor-quality carpets and unflattering artwork in several of the other bedrooms. A lack of attention to detail and poor housekeeping is immediately apparent, both of which the Sandygate will have to improve in order to be competitive.

The hotel's bar and restaurant are also in bad shape. The bar lacks atmosphere and looks shabby. Alex suggests a more modern design and recommends reducing the clutter and getting rid of the odd mix of furniture. The restaurant also needs to be revitalized, with an updated menu, better lighting, and a new vibe. Alex suggests a more contemporary approach to the interior decor.

Throughout the episode, Alex meets and speaks with the Sandygate staff and some of the guests. She learns that the hotel has the potential to be a fantastic tourist destination, but that feedback from guests points to poor service and a lack of attention to detail. She observes a divide between the family's management of the hotel and their employees, which she believes contributes to poor customer service.

Alex advises Paul and Amy on how they can improve their hotel's reputation and increase occupancy rates. She suggests that they focus on a niche market and aim to attract couples rather than families, making changes such as reducing the family photos scattered throughout the hotel. Alex visits a competitor in the area that is successful and caters to couples, taking inspiration from their interior design and menu.

The episode culminates with Alex implementing changes around the hotel and re-evaluating the food. She advises the staff on better customer service techniques and introduces activities that will make the hotel more attractive to couples. Finally, it comes down to how the hotel owners, Paul and Amy, will take the expert advice and move forward from it.

Overall, this episode of The Hotel Inspector is a great example of how Alex Polizzi expertly advises small business owners, in this case, a struggling hotel, on how to up its game. The episode showcases the importance of attention to detail, the significance of customer service and marketing to your niche demographic. Alex Polizzi insightfully explains how a business's image can be reinvented by modern collaboration and harmonisation between the team and the owners. The Sandygate Hotel is a great opportunity for audiences to learn and gain valuable insights about how to manage a hotel successfully.