
The Hotel Investor Playbook
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.
Latest episodes

Feb 25, 2025 • 50min
From First Responder to Ground-Up Developer: An Inspiring Journey | Andrew Owlett E19
Ever dreamt of creating your luxury resort from scratch? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of ground-up hospitality development with Andrew Owlett, a visionary building a boutique wellness resort in Virginia— with plans to expand into three other states!Here’s what you’ll learn:🔥 The freedom and challenges of developing from scratch — Why Andrew chose to build rather than buy.🔑 Critical first steps — From forming the right team to finding the perfect piece of land.📍 Navigating zoning and special permitting — The do’s and don’ts of turning raw land into a thriving resort.💡 Game-changing strategies — Including how Andrew funds his projects by acquiring small businesses to generate cash flow.Andrew also gets real and personal, sharing how his experience as a first responder inspired him to create a wellness-focused retreat.If you’re curious about ground-up development, and wellness resorts, or want to learn how to turn a vision into reality, this episode is a must-listen!🔗 Connect with Andrew:Instagram: @AndrewOwlett👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!Hotel Investor Playbook — The podcast where we talk stories about how to make money investing in hotels. Connect with Mike and Nate:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Feb 20, 2025 • 57min
How AI is Disrupting Hotels—And Why Small Operators Have the Advantage | Ari Smith E18
Ari Smith, an AI scientist and futuristic micro-community developer, reveals how AI is reshaping hospitality, giving small hotel operators a significant edge over larger chains. He discusses how AI enhances the profitability of boutique hotels while stressing the importance of human touch in luxury stays. Ari also shares insights on building a 550-acre micro-community in Vermont, highlighting its unique blend of nature and tech. Tune in to discover innovative investment strategies and the evolving role of personalization in hospitality!

Feb 11, 2025 • 53min
Buying, Financing & Operating a Seasonal Boutique Hotel | Ryan Edwards E17
🏨 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:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Feb 5, 2025 • 45min
The Glamping Boom: Hype, Profits, & Pitfalls | Edward Haynes E16
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:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Jan 28, 2025 • 59min
From Vision to Execution: Our Framework for Hospitality Success | Mike & Nate E15
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:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Jan 21, 2025 • 48min
Lessons Learned from a Failed Motel Deal | Tanya Rooney E14
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 Podcast Connect with Mike and Nate:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 4min
Turning $400K into $10M: Lessons in Fear, Failure, and Direct Bookings | E13
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:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Jan 7, 2025 • 52min
How a Property Manager Can Help You Maximize Your Hotel Profits | Bryan Tubaugh E12
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.com Connect with Mike and Nate:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Dec 31, 2024 • 49min
Leveling Up: How To Turn STR Success into Boutique Hotel Ownership | Kim Herrlein E11
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: purveyorsofleisure Connect with Mike and Nate:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Dec 17, 2024 • 57min
How to Drive 70% Direct Bookings: Strategies for Hotel Investors | Kerri Gibson E10
Kerri Gibson, founder of Chalets Hygge, boasts a thriving hospitality brand with six rentals and a boutique motel. She shares ways to reclaim profits by driving 70% of bookings directly. Kerri emphasizes establishing a Google Business profile and selecting a fitting property management system. Discover how understanding your ideal guest and crafting memorable experiences can attract repeat visitors. She also discusses the power of influencer partnerships and the effective use of Google ads to reach high-intent travelers.