Parents' Guide to

The Hotel Inspector

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

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

TV BBC America Reality TV 2005
The Hotel Inspector Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 1 parent review

sheikha1997
sheikha1997 Adult
June 16, 2009
age 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!
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

THE HOTEL INSPECTOR follows renowned hotelier and 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?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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? Can anyone run a successful hotel?

  • What are some of the differences between British and U.S. series? Are there similarities?

TV Details

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