Mike Smith
The Hotel Inspector is back for its milestone 20th season, continuing its legacy as Channel 5’s longest-running factual series. Led by acclaimed hotelier Alex Polizzi, the series follows her mission to save struggling hospitality businesses across the UK.
Whether you’re a loyal fan or a new viewer, this comprehensive blog covers everything you need to know — from when it airs to where to watch, cast details, and full episode descriptions.
How to watch The Hotel Inspector Series 20 in Australia on Channel 5
To watch The Hotel Inspector Series 20 in Australia, use a trusted VPN and connect to a UK server. Once connected, go to the My5 website or app, which is Channel 5’s free on-demand streaming service. Create a free account with a UK postcode, then stream every episode online from Australia.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a UK-based server.
- Open the Channel 5 website or launch its app, then login or sign up for a new account.
A UK postal code is required for registration. You can use a UK postcode generator if needed. - Watch The Hotel new series 2025
The Hotel Inspector Season 20 (2025) Synopsis
In this landmark 20th season, The Hotel Inspector expands its scope beyond traditional hotels. Alex Polizzi visits guesthouses, B&Bs, glamping sites, restaurants, and pubs on the brink of closure. With the UK hospitality industry still recovering from economic challenges, staffing shortages, and high operational costs, the stakes have never been higher.
Polizzi delivers her signature no-nonsense advice, pushing reluctant owners out of denial and guiding them to make business-saving transformations — sometimes with tension, tears, and even resistance.
When Does The Hotel Inspector Season 20 Premiere?
The Hotel Inspector Season 20 premieres on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 9:00 PM BST on Channel 5. New episodes are scheduled to air weekly in the same primetime slot. Each episode will be available for free streaming on My5 platform.
Can You Watch The Hotel Inspector Season 20 for free in Australia?
With a premium VPN service, you can watch The Hotel Inspector Season 20 for free in Australia by connecting to a UK server. Once connected, visit the Channel 5 My5 platform, which offers full episodes at no cost.
The Hotel Inspector Season 20 Episode Guide
Season 20 of The Hotel Inspector, starring Alex Polizzi, begins on Thursday 17 July 2025 and is expected to have 8 episodes, following the established format of prior seasons.
Episode 1 – The Ramblers’ Rest
Air Date: 17 July 2025
Location: Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Summary:
Alex Polizzi answers the call of first-time hoteliers Terry and Nikki, who have poured everything into launching a guest house and spa. Facing low bookings, mounting debt, and serious operational disarray, Alex must deal with excuses and inexperience. Can she turn their dream business into a viable enterprise?
Episode 2 – Westbrook Lodge
Air Date: 24 July 2025
Location: Margate, Kent
Summary:
Tracy and Colin run an 11-bedroom B&B on the Kent coast, but after investing nearly £200,000 of their life savings, they are failing to attract guests. With no ownership of the building and no long-term plan, Alex must guide them toward profitability before it’s too late.
Episode 3 – St Mary’s Gate Inn
Air Date: 31 July 2025
Location: Arundel, West Sussex
Summary:
Husband-and-wife team Dave and Katie attempt to transform a 500-year-old pub into a gastropub with boutique rooms. With no hospitality background, a family to support, and opening day approaching, Alex helps them brace for reality.
More episodes will be added here as they air weekly.
Who Is Hosting The Hotel Inspector Season 20?
The 20th season is hosted by Alex Polizzi, a respected hotelier and hospitality consultant with decades of experience. She has hosted the series since 2008, taking over from Ruth Watson. Known for her direct yet empathetic approach, Polizzi combines interior redesign, business insight, and tough love to help revive failing venues.
Outside the show, she co-owns The Star in Alfriston and runs the Polizzi Collection, which includes:
- Hotel Tresanton (Cornwall)
- Hotel Endsleigh (Devon)
- The Star (East Sussex)
The Hotel Inspector Season 20 Cast
The show does not feature a recurring cast. Each episode highlights:
- Alex Polizzi – Series host and hotel expert.
- Local business owners – Different in every episode; usually couples or families running the venue.
- Occasional supporting staff or contractors – Featured depending on the location and renovation needs.
Is The Hotel Inspector Suitable for All Ages?
The Hotel Inspector is generally suitable for all ages. It is a factual series with no offensive language or graphic content. Some episodes may include strong opinions, heated conversations, or emotional moments as struggling business owners are challenged, but the show is considered appropriate for family viewing.
FAQs
How many seasons of The Hotel Inspector are there?
The show has reached Season 20 as of 2025. Earlier seasons are also available on My5 for streaming.
Has Alex Polizzi always hosted the series?
No. The original host was Ruth Watson, who led the show from 2005 to 2008. Alex Polizzi took over from Season 4 onward and has hosted ever since.
Is The Hotel Inspector based on a real person?
Yes. Alex Polizzi is a real hotelier with extensive industry credentials. She brings authentic business experience to each episode.
Where is Alex Polizzi’s hotel?
Alex Polizzi co-owns The Star in Alfriston, East Sussex. It is part of her Polizzi Collection, which includes boutique properties in Devon and Cornwall.
Will there be more seasons after Season 20?
While Channel 5 has not officially confirmed Season 21 yet.
The Hotel Inspector Season 20 Trailer
You can check out this preview for the new series of The Hotel Inspector:
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