Juniper Hill Inn: 'Hotel Hell'

The owners of a Windsor inn recently endured some harsh criticism and it's being broadcast tonight on national television.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20120814/NEWS02/708149889

Published August 14, 2012 in the Rutland Herald Gordon Ramsay revamps Juniper Hill Inn By Christian Avard Staff Writer WINDSOR — Juniper Hill Inn co-owners Robert Dean and Ari Nikki knew what they were getting into when they invited Gordon Ramsay, an internationally renowned chef and reality television star, to their inn: brutally honest criticism. Ramsay is the star of “Hell’s Kitchen,” where aspiring chefs cook meals in a restaurant setting. They must withstand Ramsay’s harsh words, prepare meals to his satisfaction, and be the last cook standing. The winner goes on to work in one of Ramsay’s restaurants. His new show, “Hotel Hell,” premiered last night on the Fox television network. In this series, Ramsay visits struggling bed and breakfasts and inns across the country with hopes of turning them around. In the first two episodes, Ramsay and his team of hospitality experts meet with Dean and Nikki and Juniper Hill staff. Ramsay praises Dean for its historic charm and interior design. It all changes when Dean takes Ramsay into Room No. 1. Ramsay was amazed by the interior decorating but was distracted by a foul smell emanating from the bathroom. When Ramsay and Dean inspect the bathroom, they notice the toilet was not sealed properly. Ramsay was aghast and he let Dean know it “smelled like sewage.” Ryan Redicker, the inn’s former maintenance man, shows Ramsay Dean’s office, which is loaded with clutter, and the basement where all kinds of valuables are kept in a disorganized fashion. The basement is also where Dean and Nikki raise domestic pigs, which irritates Ramsay. “The five days were pretty gruelling,” Dean said with a laugh. “He was direct and tough and got to the point. We’d figure, we’ll go through several days of hell and get some good advice. Any innkeeper who says they’re not having problems is probably lying to you in this economy.” Ramsay did much more than de-clutter the inn. He improved their dining room menu, which now features farm-to-plate meals. His crew rebuilt their bar, also known as “The Blue Room,” and it is now a “local hangout,” which it hadn’t been before, Dean said. Room No. 1 is clean, the toilet is fixed, and occupancy is increasing. “Tonight’s episode is about redemption,” Dean said with a laugh. “Our bottom line goal is to promote Vermont and the town of Windsor. It cost us a little pain but we aired our laundry. This puts us in front of 10 million viewers. You can’t buy that kind of publicity.” Town Manager Tom Marsh said the town is prepared for the publicity they will receive after the shows airs. The town spent the summer repaving roads and fixing sidewalks. Today, the town will launch its new website, which it hopes will be the main portal for information. “We were told early on the town could expect up to 100,000 hits to its website per day following the airing. We’ll have a whole new look to it and (reveal) why you should come to Windsor,” Marsh said. Dean is excited about the possibilities that Windsor could benefit from the show. As to whether he wants to appear on “Hotel Hell” again, the verdict is still out. “Having him here was challenging but it does wake you up and refocus you. I feel like I’m back in the saddle,” Dean said. “Would I go through it again? That’s a big question. I’d have to think about that.” Dean said he and Ramsay “became good friends” after the filming. He still seeks Ramsay’s advice for running an effective inn. The second episode of “Hotel Hell” airs tonight. Check your local television listings for when it airs.