Ep 3. Applegate River Lodge

In the third episode of the second season of the hit show Hotel Hell, renowned hospitality expert and business coach Gordon Ramsay tackles the Applegate River Lodge in southern Oregon. The lodge, situated on a picturesque riverbank, was once a thriving business, known for its stunning location, cozy accommodations, and delicious food. However, over time, the lodge has fallen into disrepair, suffering from a lack of investment, poor management, and a general sense of neglect.

Upon arriving at the Applegate River Lodge, Ramsay is immediately struck by the sorry state of the property. The exterior of the lodge is unkempt and overgrown, with dead plants and debris littering the grounds. Inside, the decor is dated and tired, with old, worn furnishings and dingy, stained carpets. The restaurant, once a shining star of the lodge, is now a shell of its former self, with a limited menu and lackluster dishes.

But Ramsay is not one to shy away from a challenge, and he dives in headfirst, determined to turn things around. The first thing he does is meet with the owner of the lodge, a stressed-out woman who is clearly overwhelmed by the demands of running a hospitality business. Ramsay quickly identifies some of the key issues that are holding the lodge back, including a lack of leadership, poor communication, and a neglect of basic maintenance and cleanliness.

Over the course of the episode, Ramsay works to address these issues, offering practical advice and guidance to the owner and her team. He starts by tackling the restaurant, working with the head chef to revamp the menu and introduce new, exciting dishes that showcase the local cuisine. He also insists on better training for the staff, both in the kitchen and in the front of house, to improve the overall guest experience.

Beyond the restaurant, Ramsay is also determined to improve the appearance of the lodge and its grounds. He enlists the help of a local landscaping expert to spruce up the gardens and remove the debris that has accumulated over the years. Inside, he brings in a team of cleaners to tackle the ingrained dirt and grime that has built up on the walls and surfaces.

Throughout the episode, Ramsay is his usual frank self, calling out the owner and her team when they fall short, but also offering praise and encouragement when they step up. As always, his passion for hospitality and his commitment to excellence shine through, inspiring those around him to strive for greatness. In the end, whether or not the Applegate River Lodge is able to turn its fortunes around remains to be seen, but what is clear is that Ramsay has once again worked his magic, showing the power of strong leadership, hard work, and a commitment to quality.

Overall, the third episode of Hotel Hell season 2 is a compelling and engaging look at the challenges facing small businesses in the hospitality industry. Ramsay's no-nonsense approach and his ability to diagnose and solve problems quickly make for riveting television, and viewers are sure to be both inspired and entertained by his efforts to transform the Applegate River Lodge into a thriving business. Whether you're a seasoned hospitality professional or just someone who enjoys a good makeover story, this episode is sure to impress and inspire.