It’s time to Check-in to Channel 4’s Hotel GB

There have been a few famous TV hotel’s in the past, from the comedy of Fawlty Towers to the dramas at Crossroads and more recently Hotel Babylon. Yes over the years viewers have lapped up the fictional worlds of hospitality. Channel 4 now take the TV hotel to a new level…

In Channel 4’s ideal hotel you’d find Gordon Ramsay running the restaurant and Mary Portas taking charge of the guest rooms. Gok Wan would be running the Bar and events; Phil Spencer would be Maitre d’; and Dr Christian Jessen would head up the gym. Kim Woodburn would take on Head of Housekeeping, Kirstie Allsopp would dazzle as Concierge and Katie Piper run the Spa. And Hilary Devey might even pop in for a surprise appearance…

And for one week only the stars of the network will open the doors to Hotel GB, the first ever hotel staffed by a television station’s most well-known and popular faces. For seven days, these Channel 4 personalities will take over a real hotel establishment and staff it with unemployed people desperate for a chance in an attempt to show that hard work and a great attitude are the best way to get on.

“From the restaurant, to the rooms, from the functions to the guests, Hotel GB will be slick, exciting and packed full of surprises. For the Channel 4 stars, the challenge is to ensure the Hotel makes as much money for employment charities as possible, and to get their trainees into full-time employment by the end of the week.” Channel 4 state.

Gordon and Mary will throw their teams straight in at the deep end and with all of them relatively new to the job, it is going to be tough. Whether they sink or swim will determine not only the success of their team, but also the trainees’ future. Each day the Hotel will open its doors to guests that need to be checked in, served food in the restaurant, and entertained in the bar. There will be breakfasts to make, rooms to clean, complaints to manage, requests for the concierge and plenty of surprises. The professionalism of all the teams will be put to the test – how will they cope if guests aren’t happy with the service? Or if anyone is particularly troublesome and even refuses to pay? With all the hotel’s takings going to unemployment charities, there really is a lot at stake. Which team will come up trumps and raise the most money, Gordon’s or Mary’s?

“Hotel GB will be big, bold, multi-layered, and hugely entertaining” Channel 4 promise.

Hotel Stars Then and Now

The Crossroads Motel opened its doors five nights a week on ITV in 1964 and ran for almost 25 years with at its peak 18 million viewers checking in for a nightly dose of drama and draylon.  But are Channel 4’s faces of Hotel GB up to the standards of Meg Richardson and her Midland motel staff?

Restaurant

Gordon Ramsay, Chef Hotel GB

Gordon is equally as famous for his f-ing just as much as his culinary skills. Has no problem with the opposite sex, unless they’re Australian, expects the best and isn’t afraid to make it clear when he’s far from impressed. Has inspired foul-mouthed food wannabes across the nation. And endorsed a strong alcoloic drink.

Shughie McFee, Chef Crossroads Motel

The Scottish chef was short of temper and, if we’re honest, cooking skills. He liked the kitchen to run smoothly and was never afraid to put his staff in their place. Shughie had women trouble – he couldn’t get near them. Is said to have inspired celebrity Ready Steady Cook chef Kevin Woodford to go into catering. Liked a strong alcoholic drink, as long as someone else was paying.

Hospitality

Mary Portas, Hotel GB

Direct and vocal, standards have to be high and image is a must. There is no room for tat with Mary, nor slackers. Not likely to be seen getting down and grubby to improve room service. Red hairdo is part of the image which suggests authority. Has a keenness for wide white collars.

Meg Richardson, Crossroads Motel

High standards were the order of the day, the chalets of the Crossroads Motel shouldn’t have a nylon fabric out of place. When staff failed to meet the standards expected it wasn’t uncommon for Meg to pull on her rubber gloves and do the job herself. Winner of hairdo of the year 1974, which Lulu – a fellow redhead – picked up the gong on her behalf. Wore wide white collars.

Bar

Gok Wan, Hotel GB

It’s all about the style darlin’ as Gok gives the events and beverages his expert eye. The man who put classy chic into the nations female wardrobes will hope to bring sophistication and style to the hotel bar and function room. Gok isn’t a shy type, he’s out there and doesn’t care who notices.

Roy Lambert, Crossroads Motel

Dowdy Roy liked fast cars and blonde women, a beer and a magazine. As long as the bar was stocked and the management happy Roy was content. A man of simple tastes and simpler friends, such as village idiot – Benny Hawkins.

Housekeeping

Kim Woodburn, Hotel GB

Outrageous Kim says what she thinks and doesn’t care much what people think of her. She’s eaten insects in the jungle and shown her bloomers to the nation. When dusting its glamour all the way, just because laundry needs washing doesn’t mean it can’t be done with glitz and flare as her feathered rubber gloves prove.

Kath Brownlow, Crossroads Motel

Kath didn’t like a fuss, and certainly shyed away from the limelight. Dilmas were a problem to her, and she didn’t like to upset others, often opting to say nothing rather than speak her mind. Anything for an easy life she’d say. Glitz to Kath was a new frock from Marks and Spencer.

Leisure Centre

Christian Jessen, Hotel GB

Getting people into health awareness and fitness is top of Dr Christian’s priority, the right information and the right route to a better lifestyle is order of the day. The right equipment and friendly atmosphere puts clients in a happier place.

Adam Chance, Crossroads Motel

Adam didn’t care particularly what your fitness needs were as long as you’d paid to use the facilities. More concerned with wooing women than watching the weight of others.  Facilities were limited, but tastefully surrounded by plastic potted plants.

Hotel GB is opening it’s doors on October 1^st and airs nightly on Channel 4.