On The Radar: Hotel Impossible

The previews for this caught my eye and I've been following Hotel Impossible since it's debut on Travel Channel. Yes, it's another rip-off of the Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares formula reality show, but it's reasonably well done and with a somewhat original twist. It also touches a nerve with anyone that has ever stayed in a hotel. You never forget a bad room and we've all had one.

Anthony Melchiorri is the expert sent in to rescue desperate properties. He knows his stuff and pays attention to the small details. Melchiorri has a proven track record managing major properties like New York's Plaza Hotel, Nickelodeon Hotel and Resort and the landmark Algonquin Hotel among others.

The properties featured are usually older establishments with new owners that have little experience. News Flash: Hospitality is not a sit back and do nothing business. He's hard edged and honest with his critiques which aren't always welcomed by owners in a deep state of denial and that adds enough drama to keep reality fans interested without turning the show into a soap opera.

Beyond teaching staff the basics of acceptable cleanliness, customer service and doing the obligatory room makeover on a time restraint/budget, Anthony shows owners how to maximize profits from unused assets.

It's definitely one of the best of the "business makeover" reality shows on TV, albeit a small category. It's worthy of watching an episode or two to see if it's for you. Having Anthony Bourdain as a lead-in don't hurt.

All I can say is I hope that any room I stay in is up to Anthony Melchiorri's standards.