The Hotel Investor Playbook

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...

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: Hote...

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-performin...

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 imp...

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...

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—fro...

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 leve...

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...

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...

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 cove...

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...

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 ex...

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 prese...

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 in...