The Hotel Investor Playbook

💡 AI is revolutionizing hospitality, but not how you think.The big hotel chains? They’re struggling to adapt. The real advantage? It belongs to small, independent operators who know how to leverage AI the right way.On this episode of The Hotel Investor Playbook, we sit down with Ari Smith, an AI scientist and futurist, to unpack:✔️ How AI is making boutique hotels more profitable than ever✔️ Where to automate—and where human service is irreplaceable✔️ Why ultra-luxury stays will always demand a human touch✔️ The AI-driven hospitality tech that’s leveling the playing field✔️ How micro-communities could be the future of resilient real estate investingAri is building a 550-acre micro-community in Vermont, integrating AI with nature-driven experiences—AND developing next-gen tech that could change hotel operations forever. If you’re in hospitality or real estate investing, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.📍 Links & Resources:•Connect with Ari: Balance Farm | FatRat.ai•Follow us for more: The Hotel Investor Playbook•Got questions? DM us on Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook🎧 Tune in now and get ahead of the curve in AI-driven hotel investing!Connect with Mike and Nate:Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.comInvest with us: Visit Malama-Capital.com for more information.

🏨 How do you turn a seasonal boutique hotel into a $2M value-add opportunity?In this episode of The Hotel Investor Playbook, we sit down with Ryan Edwards, owner of a 17-unit boutique hotel in Maine, to break down the real strategies that make a seasonal hotel thrive.We cover:✅ How he financed his $3.6M hotel deal with 75% bank financing✅ The $100K revenue increase that added $1.4M in value✅ How he built a 100% direct booking strategy (no OTAs!)✅ Staffing challenges & using visa programs for seasonal workers✅ Marketing strategies that fill rooms months in advanceIf you’re considering investing in boutique hotels, seasonal markets, or direct booking strategies, this episode is packed with gold.🔗 Connect with Ryan & Learn More:👉 Instagram: @FiveGablesInn👉 Website: https://fivegablesinn.com/Connect with Mike and Nate:Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.comInvest with us: Visit Malama-Capital.com for more information.

Luxury glamping—game-changing investment or overhyped trend?In this episode of The Hotel Investor Playbook, we sit down with Edward Haynes, a specialist in unique stays and experiential lodging, to unpack the massive growth in luxury outdoor hospitality.We cover:✅ Why glamping demand is skyrocketing (and if it’s sustainable)✅ How unique stays can outperform traditional hotels in revenue✅ What it really takes to develop a profitable glamping site✅ The biggest mistakes investors make in this space✅ How major hospitality brands are eyeing this marketIf you’re an investor, operator, or just fascinated by the future of hospitality, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!🔗 Connect with Edward & Learn More:👉 EJH Distribution: www.ejhdistribution.com👉 Posh Outdoors: https://posh.dealpage.io/Connect with Mike and Nate:Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.comInvest with us: Visit Malama-Capital.com for more information.

Do you feel like you’re always busy but never really making progress? In this episode of The Hotel Investor Playbook, we explore how to transform your vision into reality by cutting through the noise and focusing on what truly matters.Join Mike and Nate as they share their proven four-step process for executing your 2025 goals: from crafting a clear and compelling vision to creating accountability structures, setting measurable objectives, and tracking progress with a weekly scorecard.Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your hospitality business, these practical strategies will help you eliminate bottlenecks, empower your team, and move forward with confidence. Stop working harder and start working smarter—tune in now!Get our company structure by clicking this link here.Connect with Mike and Nate:Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.comInvest with us: Visit Malama-Capital.com for more information.

What happens when a hotel investment doesn't go as planned?In this candid episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, we chat with Tanya Rooney about the ups and downs of buying and operating a roadside motel. From discovering hidden challenges in partnerships and revenue projections to navigating the nuances of small-town hospitality, Tanya's story is packed with invaluable lessons.You'll learn:How to spot red flags during underwriting and due diligence.The differences between short-term rental investing and hotel operations.Why partnerships are like marriages - and how to choose the right one.Actionable steps to prepare for success in hospitality investing.Whether you're new to hotel investing or looking to avoid costly mistakes, this episode will give you insights and strategies to help you level up.🎧 Listen now and uncover the ultimate hotel investing hack: learning from the mistakes others have made.Connect with Tanya:Instagram: @tanyamnWebsite: Tanya RooneyPodcast: Tribe Builders PodcastConnect with Mike and Nate:Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.comInvest with us: Visit Malama-Capital.com for more information.

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 12% increase in direct bookings—adding $600K+ to our property valuation.•Why obsessing over guest experience, systems, and culture is the ultimate hospitality growth formula.Whether you’re an investor, operator, or someone with big dreams in hospitality, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world insights.Connect with Mike and Nate:Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.comInvest with us: Visit Malama-Capital.com for more information.

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:Hotel ownership comes with tough decisions, and none bigger than whether to manage your property yourself or bring in the pros. In this episode of The Hotel Investor Playbook, Michael and Nathan are joined by Bryan Tubaugh, founder of Aligned Hotel Management, who breaks down the biggest pitfalls of self-managing, the surprising advantages of professional management, and how expert insights can maximize your hotel’s profitability. Bryan shares real-world success stories, key strategies for due diligence, and insider tips on working with management companies to drive both revenue and NOI. Whether you’re an investor new to hospitality or looking to refine your portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can’t afford to miss.Listen Now: Learn how to make smarter decisions, save time, and boost your bottom line by leveraging the power of professional hotel management.Connect with Bryan Tubaugh:Website: https://alignedhm.com/ Linkedin: Bryan TubaughEmail: Bryan.Tubaugh@alignedhm.comConnect with Mike and Nate:Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.comInvest with us: Visit Malama-Capital.com for more information.

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-performing vacation rental to buy a boutique hotel for under $1 million, the challenges of renovations, and how she built a remote team to manage it all.Here’s what you’ll take away:•Insights into why short-term rental success can pave the way for hotel ownership.•Practical tips for finding and purchasing boutique hotels.•Lessons learned from operating a hotel remotely and turning it into a thriving business.Whether you’re considering your next big move or just curious about the world of hotel investing, Kim’s story is both inspiring and actionable.Connect with Kim Herrlein:Instagram: @purveyorsofleisure Website: www.purveyorsofleisure.comLinkedIn: Kim Herrlein, M.A.Amazon: Kim HerrleinLinktree: purveyorsofleisureConnect with Mike and Nate:Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.comInvest with us: Visit Malama-Capital.com for more information.

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 importance of starting with a Google Business Profile to build credibility.•How to select the right property management system (PMS) and tech stack to scale your business.•Why knowing your brand and ideal guest avatar is crucial for success.•How influencer collaborations and content creation can drive bookings and build your reputation.•Why crafting an exceptional guest experience leads to repeat bookings and referrals.•How to strategically use Google ads to target high-intent travelers.Kerri breaks down her multifaceted approach to direct bookings with practical, actionable steps anyone can follow. Whether you’re new to hospitality or looking to improve your booking strategy, this episode is a must-listen.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:•Chalets Hygge Website•Connect with Kerri on LinkedIn•Instagram: @kerri_reinvented•Tools like MEWS, StayFi, and MailChimp🎧 Listen now and learn how to take control of your bookings and grow your hospitality business!Connect with Mike and Nate:Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.comInvest with us: Visit Malama-Capital.com for more information.

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 rates, this episode is packed with practical advice for both novice deal finders and seasoned investors. They highlight the importance of clarity, market research, and realistic benchmarks to ensure profitable hospitality acquisitions. Tune in to learn how to protect investor capital while achieving outstanding results. Don't miss out on their tips for navigating the complexities of hospitality assets and maximizing value through strategic property improvements.Connect with Mike and Nate:Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.comInvest with us: Visit Malama-Capital.com for more information.