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
Apr 29, 2025 • 48min
Buying Hotels Is Just the Start: How to Build a Lasting Hospitality Brand | Keir Weimer E29
Keir Weimer, founder of Weekender Hotels, shares his vision of building a generational hospitality brand with nine boutique hotels. He discusses the importance of aligning personal and professional goals, as well as mastering hotel acquisitions through relationship-building. Keir emphasizes the need for a mission-driven culture in hospitality and the strategic pivots his brand has made post-COVID-19. He also delves into investment structures for long-term success and the challenges of securing capital in the hotel industry.
Apr 22, 2025 • 52min
Hotel Investing Insights from the CEO of One of America’s Top Hotel Brokerage Firms | Suraj Bhakta E28
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!
Apr 19, 2025 • 26min
Saturday Special: Behind the Curtain at Malama Capital | Mike & Nate E27
In a special Saturday chat, the hosts dive into the inner workings of Malama Capital. They reveal their ambitious goal of $10 million in acquisitions while restructuring their team for efficiency. Technology plays a key role, with ChatGPT helping refine their investment strategies. They also discuss the importance of establishing clear investment criteria to enhance decision-making. Lastly, they share insights on navigating a volatile market, highlighting emerging opportunities amidst uncertainty.
Apr 15, 2025 • 39min
How Sky McLean Built a $500M Hotel Brand from Scratch | Sky McLean E26
Sky McLean, founder and CEO of Basecamp Resorts, turned a job loss into a thriving hospitality brand with over 14 resorts and half a billion in real estate. She shares her journey from bootstrapping a hotel with a BMW loan to raising $40 million via Instagram. Sky discusses innovative financing strategies, her choice to avoid big-name hotel brands, and how she balances 500+ employees with being a full-time mom and outdoor enthusiast. This conversation is an inspiring blend of grit, creativity, and practical insights for aspiring hotel investors.
7 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 52min
Glamping for Profit: Low Cost, High Cash Flow, Massive Upside | Zac Willms E25
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.
Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 7min
Olympic Discipline, Million-Dollar Loss, and Building a Hospitality Portfolio | Adam G Dailey E24
Adam Dailey, a former elite athlete and CEO of Bronco Surf Capital, opens up about his journey from sports to hospitality. He dives into how Olympic-level discipline fuels high-performing hotel operations. Adam shares his experience of losing a multimillion-dollar business and bouncing back by spotting hidden value in struggling properties. He discusses the vital shift from solo ownership to a team-driven approach. Insights on raising capital, the balance of self-check-in technology versus personal service, and the importance of backup plans are explored.
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
From Motel Renovation to 300K Followers: The Innvestors Story | Brett McManus E23
Brett McManus, half of the viral Instagram account Innvestors, shares the inspiring journey of transforming a rundown motel into a booming business, alongside his wife, Casey. They discuss how to harness social media for growth while providing real insights into hotel operations. Brett reveals their unconventional path, focusing on authenticity over polished content, and the importance of leveraging SBA loans for financing. They dive into the valuable lessons learned from failures, making this a must-listen for aspiring hospitality entrepreneurs.
Mar 18, 2025 • 53min
Ground-Up Boutique Hotel Development in San Francisco - High Risk, Higher Reward? | Mike Demson E22
Mike Demson, an experienced hotel investor, shares his journey into developing boutique hotels in San Francisco. He delves into finding undervalued properties and maximizing financial returns by increasing density and lowering construction costs. The conversation highlights the balance between innovative design and operational efficiency, focusing on creating memorable guest experiences. Mike also discusses his second project in Sonoma, including plans for expansion and a partnership with IHG's Vignette Collection, providing valuable insights for potential hotel developers.
Mar 11, 2025 • 49min
What It Takes to Build a Revolutionary Hospitality Business | Brian Meyer E21
Brian Meyer, founder and CEO of Flow Home, a luxury floating home rental business, dives into the future of waterfront living. He discusses how he transformed a niche idea into a scalable brand, emphasizing innovative marketing and investment strategies. Brian also shares his insights on overcoming regulatory challenges and the critical role of partnerships in fostering growth. Learn about the unique design of flow homes and their market potential, as well as the vision for expanding into floating communities and resorts.
Mar 4, 2025 • 39min
Cost Segregation Made Simple: Unlock Massive Tax Savings in Real Estate | Brian Bigham E20
In this engaging talk, Brian Bigham, the Cost Seg Cowboy and Vice President at Madison Specs, shares his expertise on tax savings through cost segregation. He simplifies complex strategies, using the fun 'Pizza Method' to explain how real estate investors can accelerate depreciation and drastically reduce their tax bills. Brian also reveals advanced loopholes to take advantage of when selling properties and emphasizes the importance of professional guidance to navigate these financial intricacies. Perfect for those looking to keep more of their hard-earned money!
