Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Hotel Impossible Comes To The AutoPort, Pennsylvania’s Oldest Motel

As the oldest motel in Pennsylvania, the AutoPort on 1405 S. Atherton St. has begun to show signs of wear. That’s why Anthony Melchiorri and the rest of the Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible” crew have started filming at the location to return the AutoPort to its former glory.

For those unfamiliar, “Hotel Impossible” is “Bar Rescue” for hotels. The popular show has successfully remade hotels from Puerto Rico to Greece, so the AutoPort should be in good hands. It began filming here on Monday and will continue until week’s end.

“We choose hotels based on the potential of success as well as location,” executive producer Brian Leonard said. “Each episode is tailored to the specific needs and struggles of that location.”

Leonard said a filming a segment requires an evaluation of the hotel, owners and business structure. “Hotel Impossible” will also bring in a designer to recommend aesthetics and Melchiorri will act as the primary business consultant.

The AutoPort was founded by Marion B. Meyer in 1936 after he saw a motel for the first time on a visit to Miami. It also includes a Clem’s Roadside Bar and Grill Restaurant, bar and pool. In 2007, it was purchased by Greg and Lynda Mussi and Kathy Punt, who wanted to preserve the motel’s historic location when Greg heard that the Meyer family had put it up for sale and it was at the risk of demolition.

“The hotel was already struggling when they purchased it, and with no hotel experience, it’s been a struggle for the owners ever since,” Leonard said.

Employee Rachael Hartman said filming began yesterday, and the rest of the “Hotel Impossible” crew arrived today. She said they’ve been focusing on renovating some of the rooms, and paying particular attention to the restaurant.

An air date for the episode about the AutoPort has not yet been announced. Below is an example of how the hour-long episodes of the show normally go.

Ben Berkman contributed to this post.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Tim Gilbert

Former Managing Editor of this site, now just makes lots of #content for it from the Phyrst’s Table 69. Senior from Philadelphia. First-generation Penn Stater. I might go to law school after this, but I might not, too. “For the Glory” is in my email signature because I’m a douche. [email protected] is my email if you want to tell me why I suck. Alternatively, you can call me out on Twitter @OlGilb.

State College Goodwill Sells Rare Lego Piece For Over $18,000

While it took some time for Goodwill experts to know what they had on their hands, initial offers for the piece came in at $30,000.

New Defensive Coordinator Tom Allen Brings Key Wrinkles To Penn State Football’s Defense

“We try to keep things simple so we can play fast.”

Women’s History Month: Five Influential Penn State Alumnae

To celebrate Women’s History Month, learn more about five influential Penn State alumnae.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Tim

Penn State’s New Academic Mark Is Just Awful

My brain is not able to understand how a team of people supposedly proficient in this industry gathered, looked at this new mark, and said, “Yes, this will do!”

Penn State Hoops To Host DePaul In Inaugural Gavitt Tipoff

James Franklin To Throw First Pitch At Yankee Stadium On April 28