Alex Polizzi, star of Channel 5's The Hotel Inspector, issued an ultimatum to the owners of Gatwick Turret after spotting a major financial problem. The budget bed and breakfast in Horley, Surrey, is run by Ram, 62, Anj, 61, and their son Rai, 37. Despite its proximity to Gatwick Airport, the business was barely breaking even.
Polizzi calculated that each room cost £56 per night to run, leaving a profit of just £4. The owners were paying themselves only £1,000 each per month, which Polizzi described as below minimum wage. She told them: 'We either need to make more money or sell it off.'
After renovations and small changes, the family increased their breakfast room revenue by £140 per week and gained positive press, turning the business around.
