The Hotel Inspector

Alex Polizzi pays a visit to the Swan Hotel, a 16th‑century establishment situated in the village of Harleston, Norfolk. During her trip she walks through the historic building, taking note of its long‑standing heritage while also confronting the stark reality that the hotel has never achieved an official rating and has not turned a profit at any point in its existence. The episode follows her as she surveys the property’s condition and the challenges it faces, highlighting the contrast between its centuries‑old charm and its ongoing financial difficulties. Through her observations, viewers get a clear picture of a historic inn that remains unrated and unprofitable.

Alex Polizzi journeys to Chorlton, the stylish suburb of Manchester, with the aim of turning round Metro Café. The establishment is described as a struggling greasy‑spoon that incorporates a Persian twist into its menu. In the episode, Polizzi works on the café’s challenges, seeking ways to boost its appeal and improve its performance. Her visit focuses on the dual identity of the venue – the familiar comfort of a traditional British snack bar combined with the distinctive flavours of Persian cuisine – and on finding practical solutions to help the business stay afloat. She looks at the décor, menu and service, trying to match the Persian touches with local diners’ expectations. The episode shows her effort to balance authenticity and commercial viability.

Alex Polizzi sets out to turn the fortunes of the African Queen, a floating hotel moored on the Thames, around. Her mission quickly runs into a pair of stubborn hurdles. First, the vessel’s exterior looks decidedly scruffy, its worn façade doing little to attract guests. Second, the hotel’s host is overly eager, bordering on overzealous, which creates additional friction for Polizzi as she tries to implement changes. Despite her best intentions, these two factors – the uninviting appearance and the host’s excessive enthusiasm – stand in the way of her efforts to revive the business on the river. She hopes the changes will draw more patrons and keep the hotel afloat.

The aim of the series is to turn around the financial performance of Glangrwyney Court, a guest house perched in the Black Mountains of Powys. Although the property enjoys a five‑star rating and maintains a decent occupancy rate, it is still operating at a loss. The programme follows efforts to boost its profitability, addressing the gap between its high service standards and its current monetary shortfall. By focusing on strategies to improve revenue while preserving the guest house’s reputation, the show seeks to make the establishment financially sustainable. The focus stays on practical ways to boost income while preserving the five‑star quality, testing pricing and management tweaks to end the loss.

Alex Polizzi steps in to lend a hand to a British couple who run a sizeable guest house in the Swiss Alps. Liz and Michael Callis own a 14‑bedroom property up in the mountains, and the pair have found the day‑to‑day demands increasingly hard to manage. With the workload building up, they’re struggling to keep everything running smoothly, from guest check‑ins to maintaining the many rooms. Polizzi’s involvement focuses on easing the pressure, offering practical advice and hands‑on support to help the Callises regain control of their business. The aim is to get the couple back on track so they can continue welcoming visitors without feeling overwhelmed.