The Hotel

A man from Essex nervously prepares to propose to his girlfriend, and a fellow guest awaits the results of a test for cancer. Meanwhile, manager Wayne Bartholomew is at a loss as he tries to deal with new assistant Amos, whose enthusiasm greatly outweighs his abilities.

Tom and Susanna, who arrive a couple of weeks before their wedding to make sure everything is in place. Susanna is five-and-a-half months pregnant and Tom's grandmother has been very ill so there is no time to lose. Even though he lives alone in a caravan with his dog, Fly, Hotel Manager Wayne is a bit of a romantic.

It's the school holidays and the Damson Dene is full to bursting with families and their young children. From reception to the gardens, from the bedrooms to the hallways and even under tables in the dining room, kids are everywhere, pushing the staff to the limits. Checking in this week are four families desperately in need of a break from the pressures of everyday life.

On one night at the Damson Dene, the lives of staff and guests change forever. Checking in are Richard and Rebecca from Manchester, who have two young babies and haven't spent a night on their own for 14 months. Richard's just turned 30, and when Rebecca asked him what he wanted for his birthday, he said 'a night's sleep'.

The Damson Dene comes under attack from guests complaining about everything from the décor to the food and the housekeeping, pushing manager Wayne and his staff to the brink. First to check in are mother and daughter Margaret and Sasha, who love value for money and make a point of seeking out bargain breaks.

Mysterious forces are at work at the Damson Dene when one of the hotel's showers appears inexplicably occupied baffling staff and guests alike. Local psychic Amanda is looking for a function room. She's running an event to show everyone that they too can be looked after by one of the angels she believes are all around us, if only we open our eyes.

Relationships are under the spotlight at the Damson Dene. Nadine and Christian are at the end of a two-month trial separation. They've come to the Damson Dene with their teenage children Beth and Luke and cocker spaniel Cassie in a last-ditch attempt to save their marriage and bond again as a family.

Trouble is brewing as manager Wayne clashes with his assistant, Marta. Marta was the acting manager until Wayne was hired a year ago, and their relationship was problematic almost from the outset. Now their dislike for one another has reached the stage where hotel owner Jonathan is forced to get involved.