Falcon Hotel, Cambridgeshire

This week, Hotel Inspector Alex Polizzi visits the Falcon Hotel in Cambridgeshire. Run by lifelong hotelier Colin and his daughter Jean, the duo took on the lease of this 16th-century coaching inn 11 years ago. But after centuries of guests coming and going, this old bird has seen better days. Despite rock bottom room rates of little over £40 per night, Colin and Jean are still struggling to pull in enough punters. Without enough cash coming in, the business is heading towards a make-or-break moment. The Hotel Inspector's first impressions aren't good. With both the building and the business in dire need of repair, Alex questions if things have just gone too far, and whether her visit is too little, too late! Eagle-eyed Alex looks deeper into the problem and discovers poor figures and tired interiors. But there's a glimmer of hope with a decent food offering. Can Colin and Jean tempt the locals back in with good, honest pub grub? Alex helps them transform the menu and sends Colin pavement pounding to promote the food. In time, the food income could fund a dramatic transformation, but for now Alex shows the duo how to furnish the rooms with basic amenities on a budget. Can the Falcon Hotel's fortunes take a turn for the better or will Colin and Jean have to consider flying the nest?