See more TV reviews

The Hotel Inspector (BBC America)

common sense media says

Reality show won't be a five-star experience for kids.

parents & educators say
See 1 review | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although this British reality series about a high-profile hotelier who tries to help struggling bed and breakfast owners revamp their inns is pretty mild overall, it probably won't appeal to most kids. Expect occasional strong language (like "piss" and "f--k," the latter of which is bleeped); hotel staff and guests are also sometimes shown drinking and smoking.

Positive messages: The show doesn't send particularly strong messsages (either positive or negative), but it does sympathetically highlight the difficult nature of the hotel business and many of the challenges that hotel owners must face in order to successfully run their business.
Positive role models: The show's hostess is no-nonsense in her opinions and delivery, but it's clear that she genuinely wants to help the people she's mentoring.
Violence: Occasional mild arguments between Watson and hotel owners.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Curse words like "piss" and "f--k" are occasionally heard; the strongest are bleeped for U.S. audiences.
Consumerism: Features a variety of real English hotels and bed and breakfasts, but usually not in a good way.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Staff and guests are shown smoking and drinking (beer, martinis, wine) in the hotels' bars/restaurants.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Hotel Inspector

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about what goes into running a hotel. What types of skills do you need in order to be successful in the hospitality business -- or can anyone run a successful hotel?
  • What are some of the differences between British and U.S. series? The similarities?

What's the story?

What's the story?
THE HOTEL INSPECTOR follows renowned hotelier/author Ruth Watson as she attempts to whip struggling British hotel and bed and breakfast owners into shape and jump-start their failing businesses. In each episode, Watson observes every detail of a new establishment, noting the hotel's cleanliness, staff efficiency, food quality, and customer service. After delivering her no-nonsense opinions, she leaves a detailed plan for owners to follow in order to transform their ailing hotel into a five-star guest experience. Upon her return, she finds that while some owners are able to fill their rooms with satisfied patrons, others are better off just checking out.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The series highlights the complicated, demanding nature of the hospitality industry and offers a lot of information about what goes into creating and maintaining a successful hotel and/or bed and breakfast. Watson's careful attention to the endless mundane details of hotel management sometimes makes the show a little tedious. But the quirky, rather clueless hotel owners Watson mentors provide odd moments of entertainment.

While there's some smoking, drinking, and language, overall the show is still pretty mild, and adults who like this sort of thing may find it worth watching. But in the end it doesn't really have anything to offer kids.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: BBC America
Cast: Richard Vranch, Ruth Watson
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: BBC America
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

Review It

 

Review The Hotel Inspector

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

sheikha1997
adult
17
 
A bit of fun and education for entrepreneurs and travelers
'The Hotel Inspector' is a refreshing find! I am an American who has traveled extensively and can relate to this show for many reasons: as a trip down memory lane, for entrepreneurial insight and as delightful entertainment that is witty, clever and full of interpersonal dynamics including Ruth's own rye sense of delivery and summation. Love it!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see The Hotel Inspector?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Other business-centric picks
For kids who love reality TV
Browse more TV
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines