The Hotel Investor Playbook Hotel Investing Insights from the CEO of One of America’s Top Hotel Brokerage Firms | Suraj Bhakta E28
Apr 22, 2025
Suraj Bhakta, CEO of NewGen Advisory and a seasoned expert in hotel brokerage, shares invaluable insights on scaling hotel investments. He discusses the critical importance of planning your exit strategy even before acquiring properties. Suraj also explores the rise of boutique hotels and why extended-stay options are gaining traction. The conversation delves into effective capital-raising strategies beyond personal networks and offers perspectives on navigating complex hotel financing options. A must-listen for aspiring hospitality investors!
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From Mom-and-Pop Motel To Franchise Playbook
- Suraj grew up in hospitality; his parents bought an 18-room motel and scaled into franchises over time.
- He worked every hotel role from housekeeping to sweeping parking lots and learned operations firsthand.
Expect Longer Holds In Today's Market
- Today's acquisition costs and debt make hotel holds longer than before.
- Investors should expect longer runways to reach profitable exits than past decades.
Base Market Picks On Core Performance Metrics
- Use CoStar and STR/Smith Travel data to evaluate ADR, occupancy, and RevPAR before buying.
- Compare a property's performance to its competitive set and tier to judge opportunity.