The Hotel Investor Playbook

We're proving why hostels are one of the most powerful investment models in real estate. In this episode, Mike and Nate break down exactly why they’re going all-in on hostels and how they turn underperforming assets into award-winning hospitality destinations.You’ll learn:Why the U.S. hostel market is ripe for disruptionThe revenue model that turns $100 rooms into $300 cash machinesHow their guest-first brand became a marketing engineWhy “flawed” properties are actually a goldmine for this modelWhat Gen Z travelers are demanding and why hostels deliverPlus, some hints on what they're building next in Los AngelesIf you’ve ever considered buying a boutique hotel or investing in experiential hospitality, this episode will give you a whole new lens.Listen now and learn why hostels might be the highest-ROI play in the game. Connect with Mike and Nate:Los Angeles Investment Info: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

You don’t need to be an expert in everything to scale in hospitality, just need to align with the right consultants, operators, and partners who’ve done it before.In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Fish, CEO of Reliance Hospitality, to unpack how third-party operators help investors go from scrappy operators to institutional-level players. Bryan shares what most owners get wrong during acquisitions, how franchise agreements really work behind the scenes, and why your ability to scale comes down to the team you build around you.If you’re trying to grow beyond single assets and build a serious hospitality portfolio, this episode lays out the roadmap.About Our Guest:Bryan Fish is the CEO of Reliance Hospitality, a full-service hotel management, development, and consultancy firm with a growing portfolio across the U.S. and Europe. With experience opening and operating over 100 hotels, Brian brings deep expertise in brand strategy, operational efficiency, and investor alignment. Through Reliance, he helps owners optimize performance, navigate franchise relationships, and scale with confidence—whether they’re launching their first boutique or repositioning a $50M asset.Email: bfish@reliancehospitality.comWebsite: www.reliancehospitality.comInstagram: @bryan.fishLinkedIn: Bryan Fish Connect with Mike and Nate:Los Angeles Investment Info: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

After helping scale a family office real estate portfolio from $3 million to over $320 million, Reilly Brennan walked away from the comfort of a W-2 job to carve his own path in boutique hospitality.In this episode, we sit down with Reilly to unpack how he sourced and acquired two independent hotels in Duluth, Minnesota, one through creative seller financing, the other straight off LoopNet. We break down his underwriting process, deal structure, construction strategy, and how he’s building a brand that reflects his values, not someone else’s investment thesis.You’ll also hear:Why Reilly left the multifamily world for experiential hospitalityHow he underwrote a $700K deal in real time, then moved fast to close itHis approach to FF&E, design, and building a team from scratchWhat it actually feels like to go all-in on your own visionThe hidden value of small deals when you’re playing a long gameWhether you’re just getting started or thinking about scaling, this episode is full of honest insight about the hard work and fulfillment that come with betting on yourself.Connect with Reilly:Website: https://www.thetrailsidehotel.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.brennan.buzz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reilly-brennan-258968172/ Connect with Mike and Nate:Los Angeles Investment Info: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

In this episode, we dive into an uncommon but powerful financing strategy that could change how boutique hospitality projects get funded. Ian Joseph, founder of Branch, shares how he’s leveraging a USDA Rural Business Development loan to finance a $6M micro resort buildout in West Virginia - with just 3% down.We break down the entire capital stack, how USDA loans work for ground-up hospitality development, and why this financing tool is often overlooked by small to mid-size investors. Ian also shares his approach to designing high-ADR resort cabins, partnering with local economies, and building a scalable brand without taking on unnecessary overhead.What You’ll Learn:Why USDA Rural Business Development loans are a hidden gem for hospitality developersHow Ian structured a potential 97% LTV loan for his $6M projectHis step-by-step process for identifying profitable “hidden gem” townsHow to market a boutique resort before it’s even built (and pre-sell stays)The economics behind luxury micro resorts vs. short-term rentalsHow to scale hospitality assets while staying community-focusedWhether you’re an aspiring boutique hotel investor or looking for creative ways to finance your next project, this episode is a masterclass in using leverage the smart way.Connect with Ian:Email: ian@staywithbranch.comWebsite: https://staywithbranch.comInstagram: @staywithbranchFacebook: Staywithbranch Connect with Mike and Nate:Los Angeles Investment Info: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, we sit down with Suraj Desai, a hospitality finance expert who has helped close hundreds of hotel deals, to unpack everything you need to know about financing your next acquisition, renovation, or ground-up development.Suraj breaks down the full capital stack, from SBA 7a and 504 loans to bridge, CMBS, and mezzanine debt. He explains which types of financing work best for boutique hotels vs. flagged assets, why banks are pulling back, and what it really takes to get a deal funded in 2025.We also cover:The difference between good collateral and great sponsorship (and why you need both in today’s market)How to use bridge and mezzanine loans to scale faster, even with limited equityThe truth about SBA loans: how they work, who they’re for, and the major difference between 7a and 504What CMBS lenders really look for (and why they’re not always the bad guys)If you’re serious about buying your next hotel or just want to understand what lenders are looking for right now, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a masterclass in real-world hotel financing.About Suraj:Suraj Desai leads the hospitality practice at Black Bear Capital Partners, a nationally recognized capital markets firm that has closed over $28 billion in commercial real estate financing. With more than a decade of experience and over $800 million in hospitality debt and equity transactions, Suraj specializes in structuring creative and competitive financing solutions for boutique hotels, lifestyle assets, and independent operators. His team brings deep lender relationships across all major platforms including banks, credit unions, SBA, non-recourse lenders, bridge lenders, and mezzanine providers. Suraj is widely regarded as one of the go-to brokers for hospitality financing and has helped secure funding for properties ranging from $3 million to $50 million nationwide.Connect with Suraj:Website: https://bbcp-llc.com/Email: sdesai@bbcp-llc.comPhone: 773-314-7659Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suraj-desai-4276ba24 Connect with Mike and Nate:Los Angeles Investment Info: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, we sit down with Keir Weimer, founder of Weekender Hotels, to unpack how he’s building a boutique hospitality brand designed for the long haul. Keir shares how he aligned his business with his personal lifestyle, his on-the-road strategy for sourcing deals, and the frameworks he’s using to scale Weekender into a generational hospitality company.We dive into why building a recognizable brand creates enterprise value beyond just owning hotel assets, how he structures his investments for long-term holds, and why focusing on guest experience drives lasting financial results. Keir also breaks down his approach to acquisitions, how EOS has helped him step out of day-to-day operations, and how he’s setting up Weekender to inspire over a million guests a year.Whether you’re an investor, operator, or aspiring hotel owner, you’ll walk away with practical insights on scaling strategically, building brand equity, and creating a hospitality company that stands the test of time.Connect with Keir: Email: keir@weekenderhotels.com Instagram: @weekender_hotelsWebsite: https://weekenderhotels.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weekender-hotels Connect with Mike and Nate:Los Angeles Investment Info: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

What does it really take to scale from your first hotel acquisition to managing a hospitality portfolio worth tens or even hundreds of millions?In this episode, Michael and Nate sit down with Suraj Bhakta, CEO of NewGen Advisory, a leading hospitality brokerage with offices across 12 states and transactions in 44. Suraj brings over two decades of commercial real estate experience, having closed $850 million in hotel deals and facilitated nearly $500 million in capital raises. He’s also Chief Legal Counsel at NewGen Worldwide and a former managing partner of his own law firm.Together, we dive deep into the real-world playbook for growing a hotel investment business - whether you’re acquiring your first property or trying to exit a $15 million deal.We cover:– What makes a hotel market worth investing in– How to raise capital beyond friends and family– Why the real pros plan their exit before they even buy– SBA loans vs CMBS vs local banks: financing pros and cons– The risks and rewards of boutique hotels vs flagged properties– Why extended-stay hotels are gaining momentum– How top investors scale and what separates them from the restIf you’re serious about building wealth through boutique hotels and experiential hospitality, this episode will help you play the game like a pro.Connect with Suraj:Email: suraj.bhakta@newgenadv.comWebsite: https://newgenadv.com/Linkedin: Suraj BhaktaInstagram: @newgenadvisory Connect with Mike and Nate:Los Angeles Investment Info: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

In this special Saturday edition, we’re flipping the script. No guest today — just Mike and Nate giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s going on inside Malama Capital.After a listener reached out asking to hear more about our journey, we decided to hit record and share where we’re at, what we’re focused on, and how we’re thinking about the road ahead.We cover:Why Q2 is all about acquisitions and our $10M purchase goalHow we’ve restructured our team to create more bandwidthUsing ChatGPT to refine our buy box and narrow in on target marketsOur take on the current investment climate — and why uncertainty might be the window of opportunityIf you’re building your own hospitality investment business (or thinking about it), this is a real-time look at what that actually looks like.Click here to submit a dealClick here to get the Time / Energy Audit Connect with Mike and Nate:Los Angeles Investment Info: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

What do you do when you get fired from your job and get escorted out with a cardboard box? If you’re Sky McLean, you build one of the fastest-growing hospitality brands in Canada.In this episode, we sit down with Sky McLean, founder and CEO of Basecamp Resorts, owner of 14+ resorts, and operator of over half a billion in real estate. From bootstrapping her first hotel with a BMW loan to raising $40 million through Instagram, Sky’s story is a masterclass in grit, creativity, and bold vision.We dig into how she scaled her adventure-focused hospitality brand, her unique capital raising strategy, why she avoids big-name hotel flags, and how she balances leading 500+ employees with being a full-time mom and mountain sports junkie.Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your hotel portfolio, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical wisdom from someone who’s actually done it.Connect with Sky:Instagram: @skymcleanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sky-mclean-2299a420/Website: https://invest.basecampresorts.com/ Connect with Mike and Nate:Los Angeles Investment Info: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Zac Willms, co-owner of a successful glamping resort in Tobermory, Ontario, shares his journey of transforming a neglected trailer park into a lucrative outdoor destination. He discusses the lucrative potential of glamping, outlining strategies for low startup costs and high cash flow. Zac dives into clever marketing tactics, including influencer partnerships, to achieve a 70% direct booking rate. He also provides insights on investing in campgrounds, navigating zoning regulations, and planning for growth in outdoor hospitality.