Ep 1. Angler's Lodge

Gordon Ramsay is back with a new season of Hotel Hell, and in the season 3 premiere, he visits Angler's Lodge, a struggling fishing resort in Island Park, Idaho. The lodge and its surrounding cabins have been in business for over 50 years, but the current owners, couple Brent and Afni, have only been running it for four years. Despite its prime location near some of the best fishing spots in the country, Angler's Lodge has been unable to attract guests and has been losing money every year.

Upon arrival, Gordon is immediately struck by the run-down appearance of the property. The cabins are outdated and dirty, the grounds are unkempt, and the staff seems disorganized and unmotivated. Gordon meets with Brent and Afni to discuss the issues plaguing the lodge, and they reveal that they've poured their life savings into the business and are on the brink of bankruptcy. Brent is a former tech worker who left his job to pursue his dream of running a fishing resort, while Afni is an immigrant from Indonesia who fell in love with Brent and moved to Idaho to start a new life with him.

Gordon begins his inspection of the property with a walk-through of the cabins. He's disgusted by the dirty carpets, stained bedding, and overall lack of cleanliness. He discovers that the cabins are infested with mice and spiders, and he's appalled by the rusted and outdated appliances in the kitchen. He also notes that the outdoor areas, including the barbecue and fire pit, are in desperate need of repair.

Next, Gordon turns his attention to the staff. He meets with head chef Randy, who has a reputation for being lazy and unreliable. Gordon is dismayed to find Randy sleeping on the job, and when he wakes him up, he's shocked to see that Randy is covered in tattoos, including one that says "I hate my job." Randy admits that he's been struggling with addiction, and his performance at work has suffered as a result.

Gordon also sits down with the waitstaff, who complain about the lack of communication and training they've received from management. They reveal that Brent and Afni are often absent from the property, leaving them to deal with guest complaints and issues on their own.

As Gordon continues his assessment of the property, he notes that the fishing equipment and boats are outdated and in poor condition. He also observes that the lodge doesn't have a clear brand identity, and there's no indication that it's a fishing resort aside from the name.

With all of these factors in mind, Gordon begins his transformation of Angler's Lodge. He brings in a team of designers to revamp the cabins and common areas, giving them a rustic and modern look that emphasizes the lodge's connection to the outdoors. He also hires a new chef, Dan, who brings fresh energy and creativity to the kitchen.

Throughout the episode, Gordon works closely with Brent and Afni to help them understand the changes that need to be made in order to turn the business around. He encourages them to be more hands-on in managing the property, and stresses the importance of investing in quality equipment and training for the staff. He also helps Randy get the treatment he needs for his addiction, and provides him with the support and resources he needs to get back on track.

In the end, Gordon unveils the newly renovated Angler's Lodge to Brent and Afni, as well as a group of potential investors. The lodge now boasts modern cabins, an updated kitchen, and a clear brand identity as a fishing resort. The staff have been retrained, and the equipment has been upgraded, making Angler's Lodge a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts.

Hotel Hell season 3 episode 1 is a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work, dedication, and good management in the hospitality industry. Gordon Ramsay's expertise and guidance help Brent and Afni transform their struggling business into a thriving one, and the stunning transformation of Angler's Lodge is a testament to what can be achieved with the right team and a commitment to excellence.