by editorial office, chd

Hotel TV as source of industry debate: No television format has ever raised such heated discussion about the hotel industry. As „Hotel Inspector“, Heinz Horrmann, international hotel critic from Berlin and publisher of travel publications, is the focal point of the quite emotional discussions on service standards, test criteria, industry use and fouling one’s own nest. The new series on RTL, which recently achieved the top results of the day with a 17 percent market share (episode on Hotel Les Nations Berlin), had its biggest boost from a recommendation by federal association Dehoga – never officially confirmed, but reported by a reliable source – to better not apply for the TV examination. This was never disputed by the team of production company Granada (which also films “Rach – Der Restauranttester“ and “Dschungelcamp“); there were more than 80 applications from which the producers had to filter out privately run, average hotels such as the Holzschuhs in the Black Forest and the Alce on Majorca.

Criticism was particularly strong after the first episode: The one-man establishment of “Sachsenross“ in Altentau in the Upper Harz, of all things, was chosen to start off the series – a somewhat unlucky choice. It comes with no surprise that neither the infinite patience of Heinz Horrmann in the face of the stoic indifference of the owner/receptionist/chef/breakfast waiter, nor the sponsored extensive cleaning of the moldy establishment were to any avail. It raises the question, however, whether the establishment had any chance of survival in the first place. Episode 1 was widely regarded as a bad start. Nonetheless, Horrmann’s website at heinzhorrmann.com received not only comments by viewers criticizing the show concept, but numerous positive statements, as well. Mister Horrmann received mountains of letters and e-mails following each episode aired – most of them clearly positive and encouraging, according to his statements. Accusations claiming that he would publicly embarrass the hotels in front of the camera are unfounded, especially with the last three establishments in Baiersbronn (Holzschuhs), Dredsen (Am Friedensstein) and Berlin (Les Nations) having shown their ability to change and receiving public praise. From black to white sheep – for those hoteliers who were willing to learn, the show meant positive PR in front of an audience of millions and tangible increases in earnings. In several cases, Horrmann was able to establish contacts with hotel suppliers of major travel operators. Holzschuh was thankful and happy about the notedly positive feedback.