Episodes

💡 AI is revolutionizing hospitality, but not how you think. The big hotel chains? They’re struggling to adapt. The real advantage? It belongs to small, independent operators who know how to leverage AI the right way. On this episode of The Hotel Investor Playbook, we sit down with Ari Smith, an AI scientist and futurist, to unpack: ✔️ How AI is making boutique hotels more profitable than ever ✔️ Where to automate—and where human service is irreplaceable ✔️ Why ultra-luxury stays will always...

🏨 How do you turn a seasonal boutique hotel into a $2M value-add opportunity? In this episode of The Hotel Investor Playbook, we sit down with Ryan Edwards, owner of a 17-unit boutique hotel in Maine, to break down the real strategies that make a seasonal hotel thrive. We cover: ✅ How he financed his $3.6M hotel deal with 75% bank financing ✅ The $100K revenue increase that added $1.4M in value ✅ How he built a 100% direct booking strategy (no OTAs!) ✅ Staffing challenges & using visa programs...

Luxury glamping—game-changing investment or overhyped trend? In this episode of The Hotel Investor Playbook, we sit down with Edward Haynes, a specialist in unique stays and experiential lodging, to unpack the massive growth in luxury outdoor hospitality. We cover: ✅ Why glamping demand is skyrocketing (and if it’s sustainable) ✅ How unique stays can outperform traditional hotels in revenue ✅ What it really takes to develop a profitable glamping site ✅ The biggest mistakes investors make i...

Do you feel like you’re always busy but never really making progress? In this episode of The Hotel Investor Playbook, we explore how to transform your vision into reality by cutting through the noise and focusing on what truly matters. Join Mike and Nate as they share their proven four-step process for executing your 2025 goals: from crafting a clear and compelling vision to creating accountability structures, setting measurable objectives, and tracking progress with a weekly scorecard. Whethe...

What happens when a hotel investment doesn't go as planned? In this candid episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, we chat with Tanya Rooney about the ups and downs of buying and operating a roadside motel. From discovering hidden challenges in partnerships and revenue projections to navigating the nuances of small-town hospitality, Tanya's story is packed with invaluable lessons. You'll learn: How to spot red flags during underwriting and due diligence. The differences between short-term ren...

What does it take to transform $400,000 into $10 million in hospitality assets while building a brand that wins awards in just a few years? In this special crossover episode, we’re featuring a conversation we had as guests on Direct Bookings Simplified, hosted by Gil Chan. In this episode, we reveal: •How we tackled fear and failure to seize opportunities others missed. •The strategies behind our 12% increase in direct bookings—adding $600K+ to our property valuation. •Why obsessing over gue...

Join us as we sit down with Bryan Tubaugh, a seasoned hotel management expert, to explore the common pitfalls of self-management, the benefits of bringing in a pro, and how to evaluate whether outsourcing management is right for you. Whether you’re buying or managing your first—or fiftieth—hotel, this conversation is packed with insights to help you maximize your investment.” Episode Summary: Hotel ownership comes with tough decisions, and none bigger than whether to manage your property yours...

Are you ready to take your short-term rental success to the next level? In this episode of The Hotel Investor Playbook, we sit down with Kim Herrlein, an accomplished STR investor who transformed her success into hotel ownership. Kim’s story isn’t about leaving short-term rentals behind—it’s about using her knowledge to scale into an exciting new chapter. She reveals how she sold a high-performing vacation rental to buy a boutique hotel for under $1 million, the challenges of renovations, and h...

Are you tired of paying high fees to online travel agencies (OTAs)? Imagine driving 70% of your bookings directly—and keeping more of your revenue. In this episode of The Hotel Investor Playbook, we sit down with Kerri Gibson, founder of Chalets Hygge, who has built an incredible hospitality brand with six short-term rentals and a boutique motel. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: •The importance of starting with a Google Business Profile to build credibility. •How to select the right ...

Join Mike and Nate, founders of Malama Capital, as they explore the critical role of a well-defined investment thesis in the hospitality industry. With $30 million in current real estate assets and a goal to build a $400 million business, they share detailed insights on creating and refining an investment strategy. From understanding guest avatars to leveraging capital expenditures and occupancy rates, this episode is packed with practical advice for both novice deal finders and seasoned investo...

Ever wondered what it takes to transform an empty building or raw land into a thriving hotel? In this episode of The Hotel Investor Playbook, we’re diving deep into the real estate development process with architect and developer Zeke Freeman. With over 20 years of experience and a current ground-up hotel project near the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, Zeke walks us through the entire journey—from identifying the right property to navigating zoning, entitlements, and building permits. We tackle...

In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Alex Kang, who purchased his first boutique hotel with no prior experience while maintaining a full-time W2 job. Alex shares his step-by-step process, from leveraging his skills from his MBA and software tech job, to joining a mastermind group that accelerated his learning. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, partnership, and leveraging his W2 network to raise funds for his $9 million hotel project. Kang provides practical advic...

With over 100,000 hotels in the United States, approximately 70% operate as branded or flagged hotels. But why is that? If you’re considering purchasing a hotel and debating between going independent or affiliating with a recognized brand, this episode is a must-listen. We’re joined by hospitality industry expert Neil Shah, who brings over 25 years of experience in hotel investing, with 13 hotels and 471 units purchased under his belt. Neil has worked with six different hotel franchises, includ...

In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, hosts Mike and Nate sit down with Gideon Spencer, the principal of Stonemont Capital, who purchased a $6 million hotel at the age of 32. Gideon shares his journey from starting in real estate with a fourplex to acquiring a boutique hotel, providing invaluable insights into market research, capital raising, and deal validation. The episode delves into practical steps for finding and analyzing hospitality deals, the importance of building broker rela...

In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, Michael and Nathan dive into the essential topic of hospitality operations, exploring the less-discussed but crucial aspects that drive a thriving hotel business. The conversation reveals how to navigate common operational pitfalls, emphasizing the importance of delivering exceptional guest experiences and building efficient systems. The episode covers a range of topics including the integral role of reviews, leveraging technology, implementing the...

In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, Mike and Nate introduce Kassidy Warren, a former corporate executive who transformed his life by diving into the world of short-term rentals and is now purchasing boutique hotels. Kassidy began his journey in 2015, renting out a spare bedroom for $35 per night, and now oversees a $12 million property portfolio across five states. This episode covers Kassidy's evolution from house hacking to becoming a savvy investor, focusing on high-design concept...

In this episode, hosts Michael Russell and Nathan St. Cyr delve into the value of attending mastermind conferences and networking events. They reflect on their recent 10-day tour of educational meetups, discussing key takeaways on boutique hotel investing, particularly focusing on operations, deal finding, capital raising, and marketing. The episode highlights the benefits of unique hospitality experiences and effective team building, emphasizing the importance of seeing the highest and best use...

In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, Michael Russell and Nathan St. Cyr share insights into the lucrative world of boutique hotel investments. They recount their journey from real estate investments in single-family homes and vacation rentals to leveraging boutique hotels for high cashflow and significant equity gains. The hosts elaborate on the unique opportunity this asset class presents, including less competition, fewer regulations, and potential seller financing options. They emp...

In this premiere trailer of The Hotel Investor Playbook, hosts Michael Russell and Nathan St Cyr dive into what their new podcast is all about. Get to know the duo behind Malama Capital and Howzit Hostels as they pull back the curtain on their experiences in the world of boutique hotels and experiential lodging properties. Discover why they've chosen this path, the passion that fuels their investment decisions, and what listeners can expect in upcoming episodes. From success stories to actionabl...