Instant Hotel is an Australian reality competition series in which homeowners who operate short-term rentals compete to be crowned the best “instant hotel.” It originally aired on the Seven Network from 2017 to 2019 and later appeared on Netflix as a Netflix Original in many markets. However, it was removed from Netflix in March 2023 due to a licensing expiration. This guide explains why the show left Netflix, where you can still watch it, and offers a complete overview of its cast, seasons, and format, drawing on verified public records and editorial sources.
Last checked: 2026-07-02
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Show title: Instant Hotel · Genre: Reality competition · Country of origin: Australia · Original network: Seven Network · Number of seasons: 2 · Original run: 2017–2019
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-02.
Sources reviewed: official streaming service pages, Wikipedia, IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, TV Guide, Newsweek, Decider, PhillyVoice, Express, Reality Blurred, Reelgood, JustWatch.
We did not conduct on-site visits, staff interviews, or independent verification of the prize details. All claims are drawn from publicly available editorial and database sources.
At a Glance: Instant Hotel
- Australian reality competition series about short-term rental owners (PhillyVoice)
- Aired on Seven Network (Australia) from 2017 to 2019 (Newsweek)
- Added to Netflix internationally in late 2018; removed March 2023 (PhillyVoice)
- Called “one of the pettiest reality shows” by TV Guide
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Show title | Instant Hotel |
| Genre | Reality competition |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Original network | Seven Network |
| Number of seasons | 2 |
| Original run | 2017–2019 |
| Netflix availability | Removed March 2023 |
Timeline of Instant Hotel
- November 2017 — Season 1 premieres on Seven Network in Australia (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Late December 2018 — Season 1 debuts on Netflix internationally (Decider)
- June 28, 2019 — Season 2 launches on Netflix globally (excluding Australia) (Whats-on-Netflix)
- March 2023 — Instant Hotel removed from Netflix due to licensing expiration
Why was Instant Hotel removed from Netflix?
Netflix removed Instant Hotel in March 2023. The show was never a wholly owned Netflix production; it was licensed from the Seven Network, which originally produced the series. While Netflix branded it as a “Netflix Original” in many countries, it did not hold permanent rights. When the licensing agreement expired, the title was dropped from the platform (Newsweek).
Netflix licensing expiration
Streaming rights for Instant Hotel were limited. The show aired first on Seven Network in Australia, and Netflix acquired international distribution rights for a fixed period. After that period ended, the series was removed.
Where the show is still available
In Australia, Instant Hotel streams on 7plus, the free on-demand service of the Seven Network. For viewers outside Australia, availability is limited—JustWatch lists the show as unavailable in the United States as of mid-2025 (JustWatch). Some episodes may appear for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, but this varies by region.
“Instant Hotel is a Netflix Original that is full of petty drama.”
— PhillyVoice
Where can I watch Instant Hotel?
Since its Netflix removal, finding Instant Hotel requires some work. The most reliable option is the Seven Network’s free streaming service 7plus, available to viewers in Australia. For international fans, the show has been listed on Amazon Prime Video in some territories for purchase, and individual episodes may appear on other digital platforms (Express).
Streaming options after Netflix removal
7plus in Australia offers both seasons on demand at no cost (with ads). Outside Australia, no major subscription service currently carries the series. This means most viewers will have to purchase episodes individually or rely on a VPN to access 7plus.
Purchase or rental availability
As of June 2025, JustWatch shows no streaming availability in the United States (JustWatch). However, Reelgood includes the series in its database with metadata suggesting it may be available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video in select regions (Reelgood). We recommend checking local stores such as Amazon, Apple TV or Google Play.
Who is the host of Instant Hotel?
The hosting duties changed between seasons. Season 1 was hosted by Australian television personality Luke Jacobz. Season 2 replaced him with British TV presenter and designer Laurence Llewelyn‑Bowen, best known for Changing Rooms (Newsweek).
Host biography
Luke Jacobz, an Australian actor and TV host, presented Season 1. He was responsible for reading out contestant feedback and guiding the competition. Laurence Llewelyn‑Bowen took over in Season 2, bringing a more flamboyant style that shifted the show’s tone.
Judging panel
Hospitality expert Juliet Ashworth served as the professional judge across both seasons, adding her own scores to each property evaluation. In Season 2, Ashley also returned alongside Llewelyn‑Bowen, who acted as both host and design judge (Decider). Contestants themselves also scored one another based on both the property and guest behaviour, which fuelled much of the show’s interpersonal drama.
“Instant Hotel features colourful characters, interesting locations and cutthroat competition.”
— Exiled in Style (blog)
How many seasons are there of Instant Hotel?
There are exactly two seasons of Instant Hotel, comprising a total of 18 episodes (Reelgood). The show ran from 2017 to 2019.
Season 1 overview
Season 1 aired in late 2017 on Seven Network and later on Netflix in late 2018. It featured 10 teams of two, split into two rounds of five. Each team stayed overnight at the other contestants’ short‑term rentals and rated them on categories such as house, location, local attractions, sleep quality, and value for money. An expert judge (Juliet Ashworth) also contributed scores. The grand prize was an all‑expenses‑paid trip to California to stay at a high‑profile instant hotel (TV Guide).
Season 2 overview
Season 2 premiered on Seven Network in Australia in 2019 and landed on Netflix globally on June 28, 2019. The scale was smaller: only four teams competed over six episodes. The prize changed to AU$100,000 cash, and the casting call deliberately sought “fun, travel, adventure, and telling positive stories” — a shift from Season 1’s more confrontational tone (Reality Blurred).
Full Series Specification
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Show title | Instant Hotel |
| Genre | Reality competition |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Original network | Seven Network |
| Number of seasons | 2 |
| Total episodes | 18 |
| Host (Season 1) | Luke Jacobz |
| Host (Season 2) | Laurence Llewelyn‑Bowen |
| Professional judge | Juliet Ashworth (both seasons) |
| Prize (Season 1) | All‑expenses‑paid trip to California |
| Prize (Season 2) | AU$100,000 cash |
| Netflix removal date | March 2023 |
Similar Reality Competition Shows
If you can’t access Instant Hotel, these alternative series offer a similar mix of travel, design, and competition:
- The Fortune Hotel — A hotel‑themed reality competition that also features property owners competing for a prize.
- Hotel Costiera — Another series exploring the hospitality world with competitive elements.
- Stay Here (Netflix) — A home‑makeover show where designers transform short‑term rentals, though less competitive in format.
- World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals (Netflix) — A travel‑focused series that visits stunning rental properties without the competition aspect.
Our Recommendation
For viewers who want to watch Instant Hotel legally, the best current option is 7plus in Australia (free with ads). International fans should check Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play for purchase availability. If a purchase is not feasible, the closest substitute is The Fortune Hotel, which shares the same premise of property‑owning contestants competing for a grand prize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Instant Hotel a Netflix Original?
It was marketed as a Netflix Original in many regions, but the series was not produced by Netflix. It was originally produced by the Seven Network.
Can I watch Instant Hotel on 7plus?
Yes. 7plus, the free streaming service of the Seven Network, offers both seasons to viewers in Australia (ad‑supported).
What is the premise of Instant Hotel?
Homeowners who run short‑term rentals (Airbnb‑style) host each other overnight and rate one another’s properties based on location, cleanliness, value, and guest behaviour. The contestant with the highest combined score wins a grand prize.
How many seasons of Instant Hotel are there?
There are two seasons, totaling 18 episodes. Season 1 aired from November 2017 to 2018, and Season 2 aired in 2019.
Who is the host of Instant Hotel?
Season 1 was hosted by Luke Jacobz. Season 2 was hosted by Laurence Llewelyn‑Bowen. Hospitality expert Juliet Ashworth served as the professional judge in both seasons.