Ep 6. Homestead Hoarders Gone Wild

When a hotel struggles, it can be for any number of reasons. However, in Season 4 Episode 6 of Hotel Impossible, titled "Homestead Hoarders Gone Wild," host Anthony Melchiorri visits a hotel that is facing one of the most unique challenges to date: the owners are hoarders.

As soon as Melchiorri walks into the Homestead Inn, he knows that he has a daunting task ahead of him. The clutter and debris in the hotel are overwhelming, and it's clear that the owners have let their hoarding habits get out of control. Despite the piles of junk that litter the hallways and rooms, there are still guests staying at the hotel. Melchiorri is surprised to hear that some of them are actually returning customers, but he knows that this is no way to run a business.

To get a better understanding of the situation, Melchiorri sits down with the owners, a couple named Cheri and Charles. They explain that they started hoarding after a family tragedy, and it's been a struggle to keep the hotel clean ever since. Melchiorri knows that he can't just come in and clean up the hotel himself - he needs to teach Cheri and Charles how to let go of their hoarding tendencies and create a functional, welcoming environment for their guests.

One of the first things that Melchiorri notices is that the hotel's online presence is practically nonexistent. The website is outdated, there are almost no reviews online, and the branding is confusing. To address this issue, Melchiorri brings in branding expert Tiffany Dowd to give the Homestead Inn a much-needed facelift. Dowd works with Cheri and Charles to develop a new brand identity and website, and to create a social media strategy that will make the hotel more visible online.

While Dowd is working on the branding, Melchiorri and his team begin the massive task of cleaning up the hotel. They start in the lobby, which is overflowing with clutter. Melchiorri recruits the hotel's maintenance worker, Larry, to help him sort through the mess and get rid of anything that isn't necessary. As they work, they find all sorts of bizarre objects, including a taxidermied alligator and an old-fashioned popcorn machine.

As they move through the hotel, Melchiorri and his team discover that Cheri and Charles have been hoarding all sorts of things, including clothes, books, and even food. The hotel's kitchen is particularly alarming, as it's filled with expired food and garbage. Melchiorri knows that this is a serious health hazard and works with the owners to develop a new cleaning and inventory system that will prevent this from happening again.

One of the most heartbreaking moments of the episode is when Melchiorri discovers that the owners' hoarding has taken a toll on their personal lives. They're not only struggling to run the hotel, but they're also dealing with personal problems tied to their hoarding. Melchiorri brings in hoarding expert Dr. Robin Zasio to help Cheri and Charles understand why they hoard and develop strategies to overcome their habits.

The episode ends with a stunning renovation that transforms the Homestead Inn into a beautiful, welcoming space. Cheri and Charles have let go of their hoarding tendencies and are working hard to create a better life for themselves and their guests. With a new brand identity, social media strategy, and cleaning system in place, the Homestead Inn is poised for success.