A family-run B&B that has been “failing to compete” with others in the area has been helped out through a popular TV show.
The Gatwick Turret, which is just over the Sussex border, has appeared on the Channel 5 series The Hotel Inspector.
A tease for the episode, which aired last month, reads: “Alex Polizzi tackles a family-run budget B&B, which is failing to compete with the hundred-plus hotels in the Gatwick Airport area.
“Can Alex get this business back in the black?”
Gatwick Turret appears on Channel 5’s The Hotel Inspector
The B&B in Horley is run by Ram, Anj and their son, Rai, and is just a mile down the road from Gatwick Airport.
Rai has recently taken over the running of the guest house from his parents after 25 years.
As with all Hotel Inspector episodes, hotelier and businesswoman Alex Polizzi visits the struggling business to try to turn its fortunes around by giving advice and suggestions to the owner.
During the episode, Alex found mismatched décor and too many running costs, and noted how the business was struggling to break even.
After going through the finances and recognising that the family were “not even making minimum wage”, she issued an ultimatum, saying: “We either need to make more money or sell it off.”
Despite this, there was a desire to turn around the business, and after days of renovations and small changes, Alex managed to help the family turn things around.
Rai later revealed that they are now making an extra £140 a week with their breakfast room and they managed to get some positive press.
A post shared by Gatwick Turret (@gatwickturret)
The Gatwick Turret is rated strongly on Tripadvisor, rated a 4.3/5 from hundreds of reviews.
The show was filmed last year, and one recent review reads: “Stayed here numerous times now. Absolutely ideal for early flights from Gatwick.
“Very clean, comfortable and quiet.
“Good value and lovely, friendly staff.”
Another said: “I returned to the Gatwick Turret as I was so impressed with my first visit and again Rai didn’t disappoint.
“Clean, spacious, everything I needed for two restful nights’ sleep and all with a friendly and helpful service.”
Recommended reading:
16th-century hotel hits the market with £200k price reduction
16th-century hotel hits the market with £200k price reduction
Independent bookshop ‘fighting for survival’ amid soaring bills
Independent bookshop ‘fighting for survival’ amid soaring bills
Man buys Sussex oven cleaning business after chance conversation
Man buys Sussex oven cleaning business after chance conversation
The Gatwick Turret is not the only hotel in the area to appear on the Hotel Inspector recently, with three other hotels in Sussex receiving help on the show’s latest series.
Alex Polizzi also visited The Castle Inn in Bramber and The Navigator Hotel in Bognor Regis in the latest series.
St Mary’s Gate in Arundel has also featured on The Hotel Inspector in a previous series.
Are you a fan of the Hotel Inspector on Channel 5? Let us know in the comments.