Hotel Revisited: Caribe Playa Beach Resort
In episode 1 of season 2, Anthony headed to the Caribe Playa Beach Resort to reinvigorate a hotel that's mere footsteps away from the beautiful tropical beaches of Puerto Rico. The owner, George Engel, had struggled to make revenue off this prime real estate, and the hotel had not seen a profit since 2006.
Although revenue wise, January 2013 proved to be 1% lower than January 2012, Caribe Playa has had a 30% occupancy increase in 2013. In January 2013, George put out a local email promotion offering a 50% discount on the room rate, which resulted in an extra 150 nights booked for the year. William, the manager hired during the filming of the episode, eventually resigned and his post was filled by Carlos, who oversees bookings, promotions/marketing, employee schedules and guest relations.
The AC units are being replaced in all of the guest rooms. Also, guests can now order food at the hotel restaurant, and it will be brought to them if they decide they want to lounge by the pool.
George and his wife Frances are doing well and are spending more time together now that Carlos is at the hotel everyday. George is open to selling the hotel, if a reasonable offer comes along.