

The Hotel Investor Playbook
Michael Russell & Nathan St Cyr
Welcome to The Hotel Investor Playbook, hosted by real estate investors and hospitality experts Michael Russell and Nathan St Cyr. As the founders of Malama Capital and Howzit Hostels, Michael and Nathan have a wealth of experience in owning and operating boutique hotels, hostels, and other experiential lodging properties. With over $30 million in real estate investments, including short-term rentals, long-term rentals, commercial retail, and hospitality properties, they bring a unique perspective on how to turn passion-driven investments into financial freedom.In this podcast, they share their roadmap for transitioning from traditional real estate investments to boutique hotels, offering listeners the insights and strategies needed to succeed in this niche market. Whether you're looking to learn about identifying the right property, managing operations, or understanding the financial complexities of boutique hotel ownership, The Hotel Investor Playbook has you covered.Join Michael and Nathan each week as they document their journey towards building a $400 million real estate-based business and bring you along for the ride. Subscribe now and start turning your real estate investment dreams into reality.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 29, 2025 • 45min
Hotel Marketing Decoded: What Every Owner Needs to Know | Anthony Chiaravallo E42
In this engaging conversation, Anthony Chiaravallo, founder and CEO of Vallo Media, shares his expertise in performance marketing for the hospitality industry. He reveals strategies for building effective hotel marketing campaigns that drive real bookings, emphasizing the importance of data analysis and customer engagement. Anthony explains how to identify if your hotel is ready for paid ads and discusses budget-friendly tactics for boutique hotels. He also addresses the impact of AI on advertising and how to adapt in this evolving landscape.

Jul 22, 2025 • 52min
Syndication Simplified: The Strategy That Builds Generational Wealth | Desiree Doubrox E41
Ever wondered how people raise millions to buy real estate without using their own money?In this episode, Desiree Doubrox breaks down the world of syndication and how she built an eight-figure fund while empowering hundreds of others to do the same. Whether you're new to investing or ready to raise capital for your first deal, this conversation simplifies the path to building generational wealth.You’ll learn:What syndication really is and how it applies beyond real estateHow to gain credibility even if you’re brand newWhy experienced operators want to partner with beginnersThe right mindset for raising capitalHow to structure your first deal (and avoid legal pitfalls)If you want to master the skill of using other people’s money to build lasting wealth, this is the episode to start with.Follow and share The Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way.About DesireeDesiree Doubrox is a seasoned real estate investor, broker, and syndicator with over 30 years of experience in the industry. She is the founder and CEO of HomWork, a co-living and co-working platform designed for professional women and remote workers. Through her $10 million fund partnership with Outsite, she’s scaling lifestyle-driven properties that combine community, productivity, and passive income. Desiree is also an educator, hosting workshops like “Syndications Simplified” to empower others, especially women, to build wealth through collaborative real estate investing.Connect with DesireeEmail: desiree@homwork.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desireedoubrox/Website: https://www.homwork.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homworklive/Connect with Mike and Nate: Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/investSubmit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submissionInstagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbookContact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

5 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 54min
A Masterclass In Experiential Hospitality With The Bolt Farm Treehouse Founders | Tori and Seth Bolt E40
Seth and Tori Bolt, co-founders of the luxury Bolt Farm Treehouse retreat in Tennessee, dive into their journey from music to hospitality. They share how their approach to guest experiences fosters emotional connections, resulting in 100% direct bookings. With a focus on love and intentional design, they discuss building a performance-oriented team culture and tackling industry challenges. Learn about their use of AI for streamlined operations and the impact of storytelling in creating memorable stays that transform lives and strengthen relationships.

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 11min
$187M Hotel Portfolio by Age 30: How to Choose the Right Deals, Brands, and Ops Model | Sujay Mehta E39
Sujay Mehta, a dynamic hotel entrepreneur who built a $187M hospitality portfolio by 30, shares his journey from neuroscience to real estate. He discusses how to smartly select hotel brands and operational models, drawing on personal triumphs and setbacks. Sujay reveals the secrets to competing with major chains and maximizing hotel value without extensive renovations. He also emphasizes the significance of culture in operations and the pitfalls of third-party management versus self-management. His insights provide a roadmap for budding hotel investors.

11 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 44min
Turning Passion into Profit in Rural Hospitality | Dave Cook E38
Dave Cook, the founder of Barn Door Hostel in Rumney, New Hampshire, shares his remarkable journey from a volunteer to a successful hostel owner. He reveals how he transformed an old chicken coop into a bustling basecamp for climbers and adventurers using sweat equity. The conversation dives into strategies for attracting guests to a seasonal market and navigating the complex regulations of rural hospitality. Dave candidly discusses the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, the balance between personal values and business growth, and his vision for the future.

5 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 37min
Bootstrapped Hospitality: Scaling Your Hotel Portfolio Without Major Capital | Austin Phippen E37
Austin Phippen, the dynamic owner of Chama Trails Motel and Turquoise Antler Hospitality, shares his journey of transforming a small roadside motel into a successful brand. He discusses the 'Motel Hack' mindset, emphasizing seller financing and the importance of positive reviews over immediate renovations. Austin explains how bundling properties enabled full staffing and highlights effective rural marketing strategies that drive direct bookings. His insights into navigating challenges in small-town hospitality make this a must-listen for aspiring investors.

Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
Building a Scalable Outdoor Hospitality Brand Through Franchising | Brian Linton E36
Brian Linton, co-founder of Finding Promised Land and a former $20M apparel CEO, discusses his pivot to outdoor hospitality. He reveals how a COVID-era motel purchase blossomed into a booming glamping brand. Linton shares insights on navigating zoning challenges, selecting prime land, and the benefits of owning business outright versus raising capital. His franchise model aims to expand Ferncrest to over 100 locations. Plus, he highlights the power of social media for brand growth, amassing 350K followers while keeping creativity alive in the hospitality sector.

Jun 10, 2025 • 51min
How to Know If Your CPA Is Helping You or Holding You Back | Kelly Tate E35
Not sure if your tax advisor is actually optimizing your returns, or just filing forms? In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, we’re joined by Kelly Tate, a CPA with over two decades of experience helping real estate and hospitality investors navigate the tax code with confidence.We dive into key strategies like bonus depreciation, Section 179, and cost segregation, and explore how to structure your entities to maximize tax efficiency, especially when you’re juggling both real estate ownership and active operations.Whether you’re an experienced sponsor or just scaling into your first hotel deal, this conversation will help you ask better questions, avoid common pitfalls, and gain peace of mind that your CPA is adding real value.Topics Covered:The difference between Section 179 and bonus depreciationHow cost segregation works and when to use itWhy your entity structure matters more than you thinkHow to know if your CPA is the right fit for real estate investingWhen to consider getting a second opinion on your tax strategyAbout KellyKelly Tate is a seasoned CPA, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder/CFO of KTA Financial Services, a Las Vegas-based firm specializing in bookkeeping and tax preparation for franchise owners. With over 15 years of experience, Kelly has built a reputation for helping clients navigate taxation, deal structure, and financing. Through KTA and his own firm, Kelly Tate CPA, he serves hundreds of businesses with innovative financial solutions and proprietary technology. His mission: to simplify and elevate financial operations so business owners can focus on growth.Connect with Mike and Nate: Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/investSubmit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submissionInstagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbookContact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Jun 3, 2025 • 37min
Why Hostels Are an Untapped Investment Opportunity in the U.S. | Mike & Nate E34
Explore the exciting world of hostel investments and discover why they're an untapped goldmine in the U.S. market. Learn how to transform underperforming assets into thriving destinations with innovative guest experiences. Uncover the secrets of successful marketing strategies that fuel growth, especially targeting Gen Z travelers who crave community. Delve into the financial advantages of rethinking revenue models and why flawed properties can be lucrative. This insight could reshape your view on hospitality investments!

May 27, 2025 • 45min
The Strategic Power of Third-Party Hotel Management | Bryan Fish E33
Bryan Fish, CEO of Reliance Hospitality, shares insights from his extensive experience in hotel management and development. He emphasizes the power of aligning with third-party operators to transition from small-scale to institutional investors. Bryan discusses common pitfalls owners face during acquisitions and sheds light on the complexities of franchise agreements. He also highlights the importance of building a strong team and makes a compelling case for strategic brand alignment in creating a successful hospitality portfolio.