Ep 1. Series 7, Episode 1
- April 18, 2011
- 42 min
The Hotel Inspector is a British reality television show in which a hotel industry expert visits struggling hotels in the UK in an attempt to turn them around. In the seventh season's premiere episode, titled Series 7, Episode 1, the inspector visits a bed and breakfast in the heart of Eastbourne.
The guesthouse in question is the Langtons, which is run by a family of three - mother, father, and daughter. The family is struggling to keep the business afloat and has lost their passion for it, resulting in poor reviews and a gradual decline in bookings. The inspector, Alex Polizzi, arrives to assess the state of the property and the family's attitudes towards their business.
Upon arrival, Alex is immediately struck by the poor condition of the Langtons. The exterior of the building is shabby and in dire need of a fresh coat of paint, and there are weeds growing in the front garden. Inside, the property is cluttered with outdated furniture and knick-knacks, giving it a cluttered and unkempt appearance. The family's cramped living quarters are also in a poor state of repair, with peeling wallpaper and damp patches on the walls.
As Alex begins to delve deeper into the Langtons' operations, she discovers that the family is overworked and understaffed. They are responsible for everything from cleaning to cooking to checking in guests, and they are struggling to keep up with the workload. This chaos is reflected in the guest experience, with guests complaining about slow service and a lack of attention to detail.
Alex sets about implementing a series of changes to help turn the business around. She insists on a complete overhaul of the guest rooms, starting with new bedding and fresh coats of paint. She also recommends a decluttering session in both the guest rooms and the family's quarters, and encourages the family to invest in some new furniture to give the property a more modern look. Additionally, she suggests they hire more staff and establish clear roles and responsibilities to make daily tasks more manageable.
As the week progresses, Alex's changes begin to take effect. The Langtons' guest rooms are transformed into chic, modern spaces that receive glowing reviews from guests. The family's living quarters are also revamped, giving them a more comfortable and spacious environment in which to live and work. Alex's insistence on hiring more staff pays off, allowing the family to focus on their individual roles and providing the guests with better service.
By the end of the episode, the Langtons have undergone a complete transformation. The property is now an attractive and modern guesthouse with glowing reviews and increased bookings, and the family is reinvigorated with a newfound passion for their business. Alex's changes have been a resounding success, and the hotel inspector leaves with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that she has once again managed to turn a struggling business around.