The Hotel Inspector Channel 5

Most of the ones that relate to our industry are really just an excuse for a cheap makeover programme.  A new piece of Masterboard  here a few rolls of woodchip there and a lick of paint all over seems to be the remedy for everything.

Not so however on the Hotel Inspector programme last Thursday (13 Sept). Instead of suggestions from good old Ruth Watson (the Hotel Inspector) about how to make your business more presentable and achieve a good grading from VisitBritain here was a chap whose business had all the décor in place but needed help in putting bums in beds. So no new wallpaper then...?

You had to feel a little sorry for the chap whose business was examined. He had everything he had invested in the premises and was really on his uppers. He was also a gentleman, a somewhat rare commodity these days.

His fear appeared to be that loosing his 'hotel' status because he did not offer a dinner service would be the end of his business. Ruth was there to tell him that the new classification of 'Guest Accommodation' as promoted by VisitBritain was the answer to all his worries. He has difficulties accepting that and was reluctant to change.

I am not sure about Ruth's man management skills She undoubtedly had trouble in communicating this message to him but eventfully she did and with a little promotion and good will from the neighbours he made the change and has apparently not looked back.

So are there any important lesson for us to learn form this programme?
Well I would offer:

• Don't be afraid of change
• Be prepared to accept or at least examine another (professional) perspective on your business. 
• Keep on top of industry topics and direction.
• Remember that your business is unique BUT that certain rules apply to all businesses.
• If you are prepared to go in a different direction give it a fair crack of the whip.

So will I be watching Ruth again? Well I will tune in and see, my real question is

Is VisitBritain paying her bill? (and if not they should be!)