So, another renovation show. But this time, it’s Brits with more ambition than sense (and possibly money) taking on crumbling castles and dilapidated dreams in “Help! We Bought a Hotel.” Premiering Monday, December 2nd on Channel 4, this six-part series follows the predictably bumpy road to hospitality hell – or heaven, depending on how much spackle and sangfroid they possess.
Episode one throws us headfirst into the chaos, introducing a trio of mates grappling with a Welsh mansion that’s seen better centuries. Their goal: turn this wreck into a destination. Meanwhile, in France, a couple contemplates their last hurrah at a hotel they resurrected from the architectural graveyard, offering a stark glimpse of what awaits our Welsh adventurers. And just for a dash of continental flair, we’re whisked off to Italy, where a plumber-turned-hotelier and his artist partner tackle a historical palazzo.
The success of “Help! We Bought a Hotel” hinges on whether these renovations offer genuine drama (beyond the inevitable budget blowouts) and whether the personalities involved are as compelling as the peeling wallpaper they’re stripping. The series also promises advice from seasoned European hoteliers, which may prove more useful to viewers than the protagonists themselves. Tune in to see if these grand designs become grand openings or just grand illusions.
“Help! We Bought a Hotel” airs Mondays at 5:30 PM on Channel 4.
