Ep 11. Alpenhof Lodge, CA

The episode titled "Alpenhof Lodge, CA" is the eleventh episode of the second season of the reality TV series Hotel Impossible. In this episode, the host and hotel expert, Anthony Melchiorri, visits a family-owned lodge in the charming town of Mammoth Lakes, California, that is struggling to find success in the crowded hospitality industry.

The Alpenhof Lodge is a beautiful property located in a picturesque mountain setting, but despite its stunning views, it has been failing to attract guests and generate revenue. The lodge has been in business for over 50 years, but the owners are finding it hard to keep up with the competition, who have been investing heavily in advertising and modernizing their facilities.

As soon as Anthony arrives at the Alpenhof Lodge, he notices that the property is outdated and uninviting, with a lack of amenities and services that guests expect in a modern hotel. The rooms are small and cramped, with outdated furniture and decor that makes them feel more like a cabin than a hotel room. The staff is also inexperienced and untrained, which leaves guests feeling neglected and underserved.

Anthony starts his assessment by going through the hotel's financial records, which reveal that the owners have been struggling to pay their bills and maintain the property. He also spends time talking to the owners and staff, trying to understand their frustration and what they believe could help the hotel succeed.

During his stay, Anthony identifies several critical issues that are preventing the hotel from succeeding, including the lack of online presence, outdated decor, and insufficient amenities. He also discovers that the staff is unmotivated, with little experience in hospitality, and the owners are resistant to implementing his changes, fearing they may lose their identity as a family-owned lodge.

Anthony's professional expertise and experience come to the rescue as he sets to work revitalizing the property and restoring the lodge's identity while keeping up with modern trends. He persuades the owners to embrace the necessary changes, such as creating a website and improving their social media presence to attract guests.

The remodeling process is an intense and extensive effort, including renovating the lobby and reception area to make them more inviting and guest-friendly. Anthony also gives the rooms a modern, fresh look that capitalizes on the hotel's cozy, lodge-like atmosphere, upgrading the furniture, bedding, and linens to create a more comfortable environment.

To provide more activities for guests, Anthony proposes building a fitness center with exercise equipment along with suggestions for adding a sauna. He also recommends an in-house spa and a restaurant for the property, giving it all the facilities of a modern-day hotel while still preserving its identity.

Anthony's professional and friendly approach helps to turn the hotel's fortunes around as guests start to book rooms and appreciate the updates and changes. By the end of the episode, the Alpenhof Lodge has undergone a complete transformation, and the owners and staff are excited to continue the work that Anthony has started.

Overall, the episode is an exciting and engaging view of how a skilled professional can turn a failing hotel into a successful one. It is a valuable lesson for any hotel owner or aspiring hospitality expert wanting to own or manage a thriving business. It showcases that any hotel can be saved, but the owners need to be open to new ideas and be willing to make change if they want their hotel to succeed.