Factual

Channel 4 has commissioned Fred's Ultimate Hotels, a new factual entertainment series that follows renowned hospitality expert Fred Sirieix as he travels the world exploring some of the planet's most luxurious hotels—and stepping behind the scenes to discover what it really takes to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Produced by Waddell Media, the series visits prestigious destinations including The Royal Mansour in Marrakesh, Royal Madikwe safari lodge in South Africa, Raffles Hotel Singapore, and Les Barmes de l'Ours in the French Alps.

Rather than simply showcasing luxury travel, each episode sees Sirieix experience the hotels from two perspectives. After checking in as a guest and sampling the property's amenities, he swaps comfort for a staff uniform, working alongside hotel teams to gain first-hand insight into the precision, teamwork and dedication behind five-star service. Throughout the series, Sirieix evaluates each property using his personal "Five Fs"—First Impressions, Facilities, Flawless Service, Fine Details and Feeling—before presenting a Hospitality Hero Award to a staff member whose commitment and professionalism have made a lasting impression.

Fred Sirieix said: “People often think the secret to a great hotel is the building, the food or the luxury. Of course those things matter, but for me it’s always about the people. The welcome, the attention to detail and the passion of the staff are what turn a wonderful hotel into an unforgettable experience. It was an incredible privilege to work alongside some of the world’s best hospitality teams and to see first-hand the pride they take in what they do. I hope viewers will discover some extraordinary places, but more importantly meet the remarkable people who make them so special.”
Jannine Waddell, Executive Producer at Waddell Media, added: "Fred is the perfect host for this series. As one of the world's leading hospitality experts, he knows exactly what it takes to deliver truly exceptional five-star service. But what makes Fred so special is that he's never afraid to roll up his sleeves and get back to the job he loves. Whether he's checking in guests, working front of house or supporting the team behind the scenes, he has enormous respect for the people whose passion and dedication create unforgettable experiences. Ultimate Hotels isn't just a celebration of extraordinary destinations and luxury escapes – it's a celebration of the remarkable staff who go above and beyond every day to make those experiences possible."
Channel 4 Senior Commissioning Editor Clemency Green described the series as “an intoxicating mix of escapism, warmth and discovery”, adding that viewers can expect “laughter, insight and a generous dose of wanderlust.”

The series is produced by Belfast-based Waddell Media, with Paula Campion serving as series producer, Luke Campbell as series director, and Jannine Waddell as executive producer. The series is sponsored by Tripadvisor.