Ep 8. In the Doghouse

Hotel Impossible is a television show that focuses on transforming struggling hotels into successful businesses. The show is hosted by Anthony Melchiorri, a hotel industry veteran, who brings his expertise to help hotel owners identify their problems and provide solutions to improve their operations.

In season 3 episode 8, titled "In the Doghouse", Anthony visits the Doghouse Hotel in Antrim, Northern Ireland. The hotel is owned and operated by David and Julie Chambers, a couple who have no prior experience in the hotel industry. They purchased the rundown hotel as a retirement project, but the hotel has been struggling to attract guests and generate revenue.

Upon his arrival, Anthony discovers that the hotel is in an isolated location, which makes it difficult for guests to access. The hotel has a bar and restaurant, but they are poorly designed and lack atmosphere. The rooms are outdated and have not been renovated in years, leading to poor guest reviews and low occupancy rates.

Anthony is also concerned about the lack of management structure at the hotel. David and Julie are the only staff members, and they are overwhelmed with their responsibilities. They are also unsure how to market their hotel and attract new customers.

To start his assessment, Anthony spends a night at the hotel to experience what guests are going through. He finds the room uncomfortable, the bathroom outdated, and the bedding subpar. The hotel's staff is nonexistent, leaving him feeling unattended too.

Anthony then meets with David and Julie to discuss the issues at the hotel. They explain that they have been struggling to attract guests and are unsure how to improve their operations. Anthony advises that they need to invest in significant physical improvements in order to attract guests. He suggests redesigning the bar and restaurant to create an ambiance that is warm and inviting. He also recommends upgrading the rooms by introducing new and comfortable bedding, as well as creating more space.

In addition to the physical upgrades, Anthony assigns each of the hotel staff a specific role. He trains David and Julie's daughter to take on a management role and provide structure to the hotel’s operations. Anthony also teaches the couple how to market their property effectively, including creating a website that showcases the hotel's unique selling points.

The episode also shows the challenges Anthony faces in transforming the Doghouse Hotel. The construction crew faces several obstacles in upgrading the facilities, and Anthony must work closely with the hotel staff to ensure the transformation is a success.

In the end, Anthony's guidance and direction prove to be successful. The new and improved Doghouse Hotel is opened to rave reviews, with occupancy rates increasing by over 50%. David and Julie are thrilled with the transformation of their hotel and express their gratitude to Anthony for his guidance and expertise.

"In the Doghouse" showcases the importance of investing in a team that can transform a struggling hotel into a thriving business. It also highlights the value of listening to guest reviews and feedback to make necessary changes and evolve the business. Overall, this episode demonstrates how small changes can have a significant impact on a hotel’s success.