Is now a terrible time to buy a hotel, or the best buying window you will get this decade?

In this episode, Michael sits down with Suraj Bhakta, CEO of NewGen Advisory, a national hotel brokerage that has closed deals in 44 states. Suraj explains what he is actually seeing in today’s market, from the SBA shutdown fallout to the quiet distress building under the surface.

In this conversation, you will learn:

Why are the 2021–2022 performance numbers misleading so many sellers and buyers
Where distress is most likely to show up first, and how to spot it before the crowd
How to think about value-add when required upgrades do not pencil on the back end
Concrete steps buyers should take this week if they want to be ready when deals crack

If you are serious about buying hotels in this environment, this episode will help you see what is really happening behind the scenes and how to move with more confidence.

Follow and share the Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way.

About Suraj

Suraj Bhakta is the CEO of NewGen Advisory and Chief Legal Counsel for NewGen Worldwide, where he leads a national brokerage team that has executed hospitality transactions across 44 states. Drawing on over two decades of experience as both a commercial real estate attorney and a lifelong hotelier, Suraj has advised on more than $850 million in acquisitions and facilitated nearly $500 million in capital raises. He specializes in guiding investors through the full property lifecycle, offering expert counsel on complex market challenges ranging from financing and Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) to creative adaptive reuse projects.

Connect with Suraj

Email: suraj.bhakta@newgenadv.com

Phone: +1.602.648.2702

Website: https://newgenadv.com/

LinkedIn: Suraj Bhakta

Instagram: @newgenadvisory

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Connect with Michael:

Invest with Malama Capital: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Vergaderen in 2025 | POM S11E19

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