Series 7 - Welcome Traveller Inn, Pembrokeshire
Alex is at the Welcome Traveller Inn in west Wales.
Alex is at the Welcome Traveller Inn in west Wales.
Alex answers an SOS call from Jon Sweeney.
Can Alex save a huge country house hotel?
Comments (58)
1 year ago
Paul Amphlett
Duncan! just seen a bit of my woodland nymphs on the TV, hope everyone has enjoyed the artwork. I am currently working on something you might be very interested in. Say hello to Alex and the kids
1 year ago
Becky Tombs
Hi Duncan and Alex and kids. We will be watching tomorrow but dont care what she says we love Hill house and will be back very soon!!! Love to all, The Tombs, Taylor and Morrey clan!
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1 year ago
Mrs Sharon Sharpe
Hi Duncan, I was so disappointed that the Hotel Inspector changed my favourite room. It has just reminded me how both my husband and I really enjoyed staying at Hill House and will be booking soon. I am glad you stuck to your guns and surprised that she didn't see how you had a brilliant sense of humour. Thank god your place has not been changed into some bland hotel that is the same as everywhere else. As for the reviewers; they just reminded of teachers telling you were not the norm - who cares and who wants to be average? You're certainly not - stay the way you are!!! One sausage would be enough for me on the breakfast though :)
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1 year ago
Richard Hammond, Chief Executive, greentraveller.co.uk
As mentioned in the programme, as a result the work that Duncan has done to create an eco-friendly accommodation, we'll be featuring The Hill House on greentraveller.co.uk shortly...
1 year ago
John Barleycorn
Duncan needs to get his act together. HELLO DUNCAN, wake up and smell the coffee. You can be green and run a business; you just need to get your head out of the sand.
1 year ago
KM
what an absolute IDIOT
1 year ago
Mark Mccallum
love the show and think alex does an amazing job with all the places she goes.but on this one i think she got it slightly wrong with the decore of the room.as Duncan said,last thing people want is anther bloody mainsteam hotel room look.Agree with the clean and tidy the place not being tidy and clean and i hope you never change Duncan,as i thought it was nice to see someonewho is running a hotel that is not just in it for the money.as for the snobs that looked down their noses just because you tried to lighten the conversation,( chill ).if i am ever in the area i will definatly be booking with you.all the best for the future and hope to get to meet you .
1 year ago
Blue-fyre
How DARE you call him an idiot! Do you know how hard he works, he hasnt had a single holiday in YEARS! From the moment he wakes up to the moment he goes to bed (which is usually about 1am in the morning) he is working his but off to try and make the beds, clean the rooms, make the beakfasts, make the diners, look after the pigs and so so so much more, you cannot imagine how much he works. So dont judge from this program if you dont like it. Why dont you go and stay and see for yourself. YOU ROCK DUNCAN!!!
1 year ago
BillBard
I love HillHouse. No mention of how hard Duncan works looking after his very disabled elderly mother?? Looking after guests and raising three polite, well mannered and amazing children?? HillHouse is the most amazing B&B ever! I LOVE YOU DUNCAN AND ALEX - DON'T CHANGE!
1 year ago
John
Duncan may work very hard and that was obvious from the program but work hard does not equate to working efficiently. If he worked out his costs he would be able to make a realistic charge and hopefully a profit, which he could then use to employ local people to help him, thereby reducing his work load. At the moment he is just playing at it. No wonder some of his small but regular clientele keep coming back they see it as a cheap brake, they are milking you Duncan.
1 year ago
jo
small but regular clientele, I am one of those, I dont go because it is a cheap BREAK but because this place is a real gem, an absolute gem, the FUNDAMENTAL meaning of what Duncan is doing is the reason we go back!
1 year ago
sadie
have is missed the point here?....he asked for help?
1 year ago
jim
And if Duncan dont get his act together he will go bankrurpt and your beloved "little gem" will be sold End off
1 year ago
Kiki
I normally completely agree with Alex, but on this occasion Duncan, I love the look of your hotel! Normally on this program you see horrible old-fashioned rooms, but when it was showing yours at the beginning they all looked so nice! All you really needed was a good dusting and to put your prices up a little so you can hire a cleaner and have a little break and make sure this place survives. If people want to stay in a chain 2* hotel they will book one, (and pay more than at yours!) and completely miss out!
1 year ago
jo
kiki that is a great comment and probably the best suggestion. It may be that the hill house is doomed but fair play to Duncan for sticking to his guns, he has a vision and why on earth should he change that....The hill house might not be everyones cup of tea, but thats life, he attracts those that he wants to attract simple
1 year ago
Amused
"Hill House might not be everyones cup of tea, but thats life' - er, isn't that the point of asking Alex for help? They weren't getting enough business doing it their way? How anyone can consider working out the costings as 'stupid' is beyond me. I also feel quite certain that Duncan wouldn't have had such a problem with taking advice had the advice been coming from a man. I realise the man works hard but so do uneducated women in paddy fields. Work smarter not harder - and do your bleeding costings!!
1 year ago
suz
OK so I'm baffled.... Why oh why do these people invite experts of Alex's caliber only to ignore what she suggests they should do to make a profit only to dig in their heels and refuse to make changes or complain when they are made......?? She knows what she is talking about, so either don't invite her to your establishment and go bankrupt or invite her and take everything she suggests on board. Some people just don't like being told what to do. (especially by a powerful woman!)
1 year ago
Liz
I agree with Suz. Don't ask for help, if you don't really want it. To treat a person you invited in to help you so churlishly and arrogantly gives me a very negative impression of Duncan. I know it is just MY impression but I felt that this is a cynical man. Maybe he did the programme for free publicity. Maybe he did it because his poor wife is working hard to indulge his hobby and it was a sop to her. " I am trying to stop you having to go out to work, dear". If that's wrong Duncan, I'm sorry to tell you that, for some of us, it is what it looked like.
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1 year ago
Stuart
I stayed in Hill House in various rooms for several weeks whilst working in Monmouth during the shooting for 'The Hotel Inspector'. I have several observations. Duncan told me he didn't ask for help or invite 'The Hotel Inspector' he got a call from the production company who had found Hill House on a website. He figured the exposure would be good for business. The Hill House is comfortable, but you have to be able to appreciate that Duncan isn't in it to make pots of money, he loves what he does and as long as he breaks even and he, his guests and family have a good time doing it that's good enough for him. I have stayed in various B&B's in and around Monmouth and Ross and although the rooms are not immaculate, it was definately the best and most interesting place i stayed in. Keep up the good work Duncan.
1 year ago
Stuart
Katherine, please visit Hill House, Duncan is far, far from 'Poor, sad and deluded'
1 year ago
Jo
Katherine, please dont make assumptions on me, people are entitled to air their views without snotty comments following
1 year ago
Michael
But if he's not making money he surely needs to do something? Those who think nothing should or need change are being arguably selfish if ultimately the business fails?
1 year ago
Paul
Every time I watch this show I am completely engaged. Alex is masterful in the way she attempts to teach reason. Quirky or not these hoteliers seem to miss the fundamental fact that when you stay somewhere it HAS to be clean and that clutter just creates mess. Inconsistency never works on the masses and let's face it - business is about attracting the masses. It's all well and good to have an exclusive market but don't expect to make money from it.
1 year ago
Gabi
Duncan may not be in it to make pots of money but, as most of us, he needs to make a living. As said on the programme his wife works because the B&B doesn't make much and Duncan works all hours and can't afford staff. I am not sure that is what they are doing it for?!
1 year ago
Danielle
Me and my husband had our hand fasting at Hill House back in 2004 we've stayed a couple of times... we must go back again I love that hotel and I recommend it to anyone and everyone I know especially if they're feeling worn out or stressed... Duncan always makes our stay a pleasure and you go home feeling relaxed and refreshed ... Alex DID not understand what Hill House was all about I agreed 100% with Duncan Alex is used to big flashy hotels that are fast paced all the time that isn't what Hill House is about and she turned that room into a night at the Premier Inn .. I tell you though, I'm so glad she didn't touch the Dryad suit I would have gone mental.. I love that room
1 year ago
Stumpy
To me, the biggest problem with the place was that it was dirty, dusty and full of cobwebs. "Quirky" here meant "cluttered" and the problem with "cluttered" is that it is difficult to keep clean. What Alex was trying to do was make Duncan's life easier by removing the dust traps, generally tidying things up and make Duncan a real profit. How any businessman cannot know the cost of his raw materials a.k.a food is beyond me! I've stayed in some very quirky hotels around the world and the only thing that puts me off is lack of basic hygiene and cleanliness. For heaven's sake man, put up your prices to be able to hire a professional cleaner at least.
1 year ago
Simon
"Quirky" only attracts "quirky" people, who to date, have not been paying enough. IMO The "Dryad" suite was awful: horrendous artwork and "style", better-suited to a south Berlin bordello. I also got the impression that the Maitre d' refused to do the costings, because he didn't know actually how to do them...but... if it gets a thorough scrub and clean-up, I'd definitely try it for a stay. The food looked great. Maybe he should sell up and start a restaurant?
1 year ago
H.Fowler
why would you not want to take on board what alex was saying to you was beyond me you're either plain stupid or ignorant to the fact you seriously need a de-clutter theres alot of rubbish around the place that could do with putting in a skip and as for the room alex done was a remarkable transformation that would be the only room i would want to stay in if any everwhere needs a good clean its a health hazard.
1 year ago
bristolriot
We stayed there last year, and - with the greatest respect to Duncan's hard work - we had to agree with Alex's comments and advice. It should also be pointed out that Hill House is more like a 'home stay' than a hotel - so should probably be marketed as such...
1 year ago
Lydia
As Duncan continues to follow his unique format, I suppose he has a solution when he loses his home. It amazes me how his supporters continue to say "keep up the good work" but do not see that eventually he will lose it all one day as he stated quite clearly at the beginning of the show. His supporters do not provide enough income to maintain his family's lifestyle, hence why his wife is having to work elsewhere for "pittance". Whilst I understand what he wants to do, he would still need to compromise which Duncan finds impossible to do. Duncan needs to make changes to encourage more people to visit his establishment to enable him to secure his family's future of staying at his hotel as he wishes to do and enjoying it without the struggle.
1 year ago
Phillip
Brillant place - no nonsene, and a cracking chap to!!
1 year ago
Catherine
Hmmm.... After watching this show I felt that Duncan was a rather strange mix of arrogant idealist. I'm not surprised his wife works elsewhere as I would wonder how long their relationship would last if they worked together. Personally, I liked the heavy drapes et al and the cats and the food looked great, but it did seem like hobby rather than a business. The show certainly gave the place some free publicity but I'm not too sure if it did the proprieter any favours - he would put me off staying there as I dislike being spoken down to and ridiculed and he certainly seemed that type. I'm sure its popular with a small group of the London pseudo green brigade, but for those of us who live every day in a rural environment it seemed like a lot of armchair nonsense. When I pay to stay away from home, I expect to be treated politely and professionally and for the place to be clean; I don't appreciate being bombarded with somebody elses dodgy sense of humour - but that's just me....... I hope it works out for them, but playing at "The Good Life" costs money and clearly they are simply taking in paying guests to break even. Sorry, but this was a very annoying show.
1 year ago
Drew Agger
I absolutely hated what Alex did to the room, apart from the roll top bath which looked nice. I stayed at Hill House about 4 years ago. It's got so much potential, the atmosphere was lovely but yes it does/did? need a good declutter, tidy up in com areas inside and out and better clean of com areas. (the room we stayed in was lovely and clean) I would love to stay again if it's had a tidy up. Duncan clearly works really really hard, as does his wife i'm sure, it would be sacralidge (probably spelt wrong) for him and his family to lose the place, especially if someone else turned it into a horrible, predictable main stream boring hotel/B&B Wishing you the very best of luck that bookings improve and you can afford to hire some help in. But please don't change the look of the rooms they're great and magical and amazing. I'd also like to say how great it is that you're so passionate about animal welfare, the environment and supporting local business. So please please please don't lose this place, your morals are ashinning example to how things could be if more people gave a **** about this would we're destroying. Oh yes, and i liked Duncan's sense of humour but clearly some of the guests on the program struggled with it because they're BORING!!! Or more likely it was edited that way. Anyway, good luck. Would like to hear how it's going come the summer with a view to coming back - this time though we have a baby, would that be ok? Oh yes and i've got a very well behaved, extremely layed back (because he's gone virtually everywhere with me since he was 12 weeks old) lab X rescue dog that DOESN'T chase cats because he's mostly scared of them. Are well behaved dogs allowed? We would be wanting to do lots of walking etc so coming without him would be sad. Love and best wishes. Drew x PS. All the comments about the food are true, massive portions and yes charge more, charge more and use the profits tohire in help and make it work!! A dream come true. Please.
1 year ago
Fiona
i loved this place before she changed it!! Skeletons in the closets! What a laugh! Kooky and quirky with a pagan vibe! love it!! If everything was the same, how boring would that be! yeah could have done with a dusting, but what an ace place with lots to look at!!
1 year ago
johnnyw
well from what i see and hear i think that it has pros and cons to all this arguing about and to alex's coming,i agree to most ppl about the individuality of the place and its character,would love to stay there myself if i come across this place,and i agree on alex's suggestion about cleaning,decluttering and the budgeting,there is no point if he cant keep it afloat if he cant get a profit out of it,for the de-cluttering however some must go but some must stay,like the skeleton or the nymph painting lol but overall i hope he will make it more appealing with less clutter possible and CLEANER!
1 year ago
sue wood
Free publicity is very attractive, and possibly a free make-over. I agree the bedroom lost some character but cleanliness counts for a lot, and some business sense helps too.
1 year ago
Kimberley
My point as someone in the trade is ditch the pricing by person and £35pp in this day and age for huge rooms like his! where I am for that you would maybe get a tiny single with a private bathroom for that! and then if it was off peak! He wants to do it maybe £10 cheaper for single occupancy not half price no wonder they are not making money! also he needs to have a good sit down and look at what the competition are pricing and offering and I guarantee he would get quite a shock. Then if they were making a bit more money they could aford for his wife to help and maybe get a cleaner as well. The property has the ability to be a gold mine if managed properly. Also from a running perspective I would de-clutter simply to make their own lives easier its much less to dust and keep clean. Also fight for some corporate trade if there is any there.
1 year ago
daz
I love Alex she is genius when it comes to her business, hotels worldwide ask for her help, I listen to these owners moan about alex..her credentials speak for themselves why ask for her help if your not going to take any notice of her..
1 year ago
john lloyd
Wow your breakfast looked absolutely gorgeous to me and just the right size for me! Yummy also i liked the rooms and warm atmosphere this is the one occasion i think she ruined it it looked better before that blue didnt match at all! Keep up the good work and just increase your prices a bit maybe to keep you all in business x
1 year ago
spoon
If Duncan thinks he is doing so well, why invite Alex to Hill House. Aha, free advertsing, get real, of course the owner is in for something.
12 months ago
Mand
STUART your quote- "Duncan told me he didn't ask for help or invite 'The Hotel Inspector' he got a call from the production company who had found Hill House on a website. He figured the exposure would be good for business." -okay, fair enough, but the fact remains is that he did ACCEPT to take part in the show, knowing full well what the programme is all about.... Duncan wasn't forced at knife point to deal with Alex Polizzi now, was he?
11 months ago
Laa
I think duncan is a fool. Hes cleraly not making any money. Well, he's doing his family really proud then.. NOT!
11 months ago
miss mwahahaaaa
this is quite boring!!!! :L
11 months ago
Gillian
We stayed at Hill House a couple of years ago and love it because it is different and very welcoming and a real hideaway. I couldnt give a hoot about a bit of dust or the hoover being left out. Its about having a relaxed break and enjoying the surroundings. Duncan is a fab cook and we just dont want him to change anything but would be happy to pay more for what he offers. Never stayed anywhere before where the breakfast is all sourced locally and /or organic and super quality.His evening meals were wonderful-home raised pork-the best i've ever had. Keep up the excellent work Duncan
11 months ago
Iain
john LLoyd said it all. great show and Alex (goddess of my dreams) is usually right but she destroyed that main bedroom. I wish i could afford to go to Hill House but he's recently put his prices up. :)
11 months ago
Eric Cantona
I have stayed at this place and it is amazing. Alex just simply did not understand what made it special. I am glad Duncan did not listen to her changes. The north suite looked horrible after she ruined it. I found out about the place through tripadvisor and am so glad there are people out there who like the good things in life and have a bit of imagination. Keep it up Duncan, please!!!
9 months ago
Barry
If a person has the opportunity to obtain advice from someone like Alex and largely ignores her, doesn't appear to think cleanliness is important and doesn't know their costs then perhaps running any sort of accommodation is not for them.
9 months ago
pip
Why has no-one mentioned the hot tub under the stars, living room-type cinema and steam room downstairs - where else do you get all these ridiculously quirky and fantastically wonderful places to chillax of a weekend?
7 months ago
bb
OMG he was an idiot. why did he call in alex and then not take her advice. WHAT IS THE POINT.
7 months ago
Donna
I have stayed at HIll House on 2 occasions and will most certainly be returning in the near future.. Its like home from home for me with a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere every visit.. Duncan & Alex are 2 of the nicest people i have had the priviledge to meet, & kids who are respectful, polite & so well mannered.. The whole place has such a good vibe & The Dryad Suite will be seeing me very soon.. Donna
4 months ago
christina
He is totally arrogant person why ask for help when he does not listen you will lose your buissness if you do not wake up man , you can still be green but you need to make money so listen and learn
3 months ago
mike
Just watched this today, kept thinking why do people take part when they don't like the help! The owner seems to want to please people rather than make money for his family ! Get a grip and grow some!! That being said I agree what was done with the main room (ethnic?) was pretty crap, and thought the cobwebs other the bar was cool!
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1 month ago
Kim
Duncan has clearly lost the plot! Even though he doesn't seem bothered that they have no profit with the business, he has to do everything in the Hotel to keep it going, his wife has to go to work to keep them in food and clothing. Yes it's quirky............but that doesn't pay the bills!!! Certain type of people like all that clutter and dust but realisically if you had to close then those SAME people would just stay somewhere else!!!!!