The Hotel Investor Playbook
Michael Russell
Welcome to The Hotel Investor Playbook, hosted by real estate investor and hospitality operator Michael Russell. Michael is the co-founder of Malama Capital and Howzit Hostels, and has built a personal real estate portfolio exceeding $20 million.With an operator-first mindset, Michael brings a practical perspective to hotel investing. On the show, he breaks down what it actually takes to scale from short-term rentals into boutique hotels, covering deal sourcing, operations, capital strategy, and risk.Each week, Michael shares real lessons from the field as he builds toward a $400 million real estate business, giving listeners an honest look at the decisions, challenges, and strategies behind the growth. Subscribe and follow along as he documents the journey in real time.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 6min
From CEO of Days Inn to Launching Marriott’s Autograph Collection | Richard Kessler E47
Richard Kessler, a visionary hotelier with over 50 years in hospitality, shares key insights from his remarkable career. He talks about scaling Days Inn and launching Marriott’s Autograph Collection, focusing on finding opportunities during downturns. Kessler emphasizes the importance of reputation, vision, and teamwork in building lasting brands. He also reflects on how simple advice from his mother shaped his approach to success, proving that hard work and perseverance are essential in overcoming challenges in the industry.
29 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 56min
How To Use Social Media To Raise Capital And Find Deals | Soli Cayetano E46
Soli Cayetano, a real estate investor and boutique hotel owner, shares her inspiring journey from barista to a $13M portfolio. She reveals how she raised $2.5M in just 60 days using Instagram, highlighting the power of storytelling and personal branding. The conversation dives into the booming wellness trend in hospitality and the nuances of transitioning from residential to boutique hotel investments. Soli emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships while navigating the challenges of the hospitality sector, making bold moves crucial for success.
10 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 52min
Building Hotels That Last the Test of Time | Brandon Gore E45
Brandon Gore, a designer and builder with a passion for sustainable construction, discusses his innovative approach to developing The Outlier Hotel in Arkansas. He shares how intuition and data guided his land purchase decision and why he opted for a joint venture model instead of traditional syndication. The conversation dives into the luxury lodging market, unique architectural designs, and the importance of aligning projects with personal values. Brandon also highlights the financial advantages of accelerated depreciation and the power of trusting one’s instincts in real estate opportunities.
30 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 51min
The Marketing Playbook Every Small Hotel Owner Needs | Steph Weber E44
Steph Weber, a branding strategist and founder of The Weber Co., shares her insights on marketing for small hotels. She reveals how to identify your property's unique selling points and leverage limited resources for maximum results. Steph emphasizes the significance of guest experience as a powerful marketing tool and the shift from merely filling rooms to building a memorable brand. With her real-world experience owning a micro-resort, she provides actionable strategies to stand out in a crowded market.
14 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 44min
The Beginner's Guide To Building Wealth In Hospitality | Jonathan Mueller E43
Join Jonathan Mueller, a hands-on real estate investor and hospitality entrepreneur, as he shares his journey transforming neglected motels and campgrounds into thriving community spots. He discusses the importance of taking action instead of waiting for the perfect plan, revealing how he raised $300K in just 72 hours for an RV park deal. Learn about the pros and cons of motels versus RV parks, the nuances of seller financing, and how to navigate the challenges in hospitality investment while balancing risk and personal fulfillment.
10 snips
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.
13 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 52min
Syndication Simplified: The Strategy That Builds Generational Wealth | Desiree Doubrox E41
Desiree Doubrox, a seasoned real estate investor and CEO of HomWork, shares her expertise in syndication, a powerful strategy for raising capital without personal funds. She discusses how to structure deals and gain credibility as a newcomer, while emphasizing partnerships' importance. Desiree highlights the right mindset for fundraising and the value of mentorship programs. She also reflects on overcoming challenges in real estate, turning setbacks into lessons, and emphasizes the essence of community in building generational wealth.
14 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.
14 snips
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.
22 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.
