The Historic Calumet Inn must be horrid, awful and just plain bad’ to become a contestant on the reality, Fox TV series, “Hotel Hell.”
If that’s what the casting agent finds when she flies in for a visit between Feb. 22 and March 10, the hotel will be that much closer to becoming a reality TV star.
Vanda Smrkovski, who owns and operates the Pipestone hotel with her sister, Rina Smrkovski, has reached the point in the application process for the reality TV series where the FOX Network casting agent is coming to meet the owners, the staff and the hotel.
The premise of the show is that its host, Gordon Ramsay, travels across the country to fix “horrid hotels, awful inns and just plain bad bed and breakfasts,” according to the show’s official website. After he has uncovered all the dirty secrets, he puts the hotel owners and employees to work as he attempts to turn around the establishments. The show will even pick up costly renovations and modifications.
Smrkovski said she was contacted by the FOX network a few weeks ago and asked if the Calumet Inn would be interested in applying for a spot on the TV series. Her enthusiastic yes’ was followed by a long application letter. Several Skype interviews later, and the hotel’s staff is filling out questionnaires with the casting agent due from Los Angelos.
A lot of changes have taken place since the sisters took over operation of the Pipestone landmark following their Aug. 29, 2012 closing on the property.
“My only fear is we worked so hard to get a good team and they won’t find enough drama here,” Smrkovski said.
When it comes to the criticism the host showers down preceding the turnaround, Smrkovski had a bring it on’ attitude.
“I have such a small ego when it comes to this,” she said. “I’m open to any of their criticism.”
“Hotel Hell” premiered in August 2012 with six episodes in its first season featuring hotels from California, Idaho, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. FOX renewed the show for a second season. Host Ramsay, an internationally renowned chef and restauranteur, has three other FOX reality shows: “Kitchen Nightmares,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Master Chef.”
If the Calumet Inn makes the cut, filming would take place between May and July, Smrkovski said.
The show drew close to 6 million viewers during its first season, according to Nielsen Ratings.
“It would be pretty amazing,” to be chosen, Smrkovski said.
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