Ep 1. Full Throttle In Sturgis

In the season 8 premiere of Hotel Impossible, host Anthony Melchiorri travels to Sturgis, South Dakota, to help revive a struggling motorcycle-themed hotel called Full Throttle Saloon. Located in the heart of biker heaven, Full Throttle Saloon was previously featured on a hit reality show and has been a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts for years.

However, after a devastating fire destroyed much of the property in 2015, the hotel has been struggling to attract guests and stay afloat. In addition to financial troubles, the hotel is also dealing with numerous operational issues, including poor customer service, outdated rooms, and excessive noise levels.

As soon as Melchiorri arrives on the scene, he quickly realizes the enormity of the task ahead of him. The hotel is in dire need of a complete overhaul, both structurally and operationally. Melchiorri meets with the hotel's owner, Michael Ballard, to get a better understanding of the challenges the hotel is facing.

Ballard is known as the "Pit Bull" of the biker community and is passionate about his hotel and the culture it represents. However, his inexperience in running a hotel has led to a number of issues, including a lack of accountability among staff and a failure to address guest complaints and concerns.

To get a better sense of what guests are experiencing, Melchiorri books a room and spends the night at the hotel. He quickly discovers that the rooms are in desperate need of an upgrade. The furniture is old and worn, the bedding is uncomfortable, and the overall decor is outdated and uninviting.

In addition to addressing the physical needs of the hotel, Melchiorri must also work on improving the service and hospitality provided by the staff. He meets with the hotel's general manager, who admits that there is a lack of structure and organization among the staff. Melchiorri introduces a number of strategies to improve communication and accountability among the employees.

Throughout the episode, Melchiorri faces a number of challenges, including a staff member who is resistant to change and a difficult guest who refuses to follow hotel rules. However, he manages to stay focused on his goal of turning Full Throttle Saloon into a successful and welcoming hotel.

At the end of the episode, Melchiorri reveals the renovations he has made to the hotel, including updated rooms and a complete redesign of the hotel's bar and common areas. He also introduces new policies and training programs to improve the guest experience.

Full Throttle in Sturgis is a riveting episode that takes viewers on a journey through the ups and downs of renovating a struggling hotel. Anthony Melchiorri once again proves himself to be a capable and knowledgeable host, with a talent for navigating even the most challenging situations.