The Hotel Inspector

Alex Polizzi works to boost the fortunes of the floating hotel, the African Queen, as it sails on the Thames. She confronts obstacles including the vessel’s scruffy exterior, an over‑zealous host, and the challenges of operating a hotel in a river setting.

African Queen is a television programme presented as a single episode, falling under the broader category of a programme rather than a series. It follows the familiar format of a hospitality‑focused show, with the host stepping into a unique setting to try and turn things around. In this instalment, hotelier Alex Polizzi takes on the challenge of revitalising a floating hotel called the African Queen. The vessel is moored on the River Thames, and Alex’s mission is to lift its fortunes and make it a more appealing destination for guests. During her visit, Alex discovers that the hotel’s outward appearance looks rather scruffy, which immediately puts a dent in its appeal. Adding to the difficulty is an over‑enthusiastic host whose zeal, while well‑meaning, creates further obstacles for the improvements Alex is trying to implement. The episode therefore centres on Alex’s efforts to overcome these two main hurdles – the unkempt exterior and the host’s overzealous approach – as she works to give the African Queen a fresh start on the Thames. Her aim is to transform the floating inn into a more polished and welcoming establishment, despite the challenges she encounters.