
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

Dec 10, 2024 • 44min
Building a Winning Investment Thesis for Hotel Success | Mike & Nate E9
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:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 2min
How to Build a Hotel: Expert Insights into Real Estate Development | Zeke Freeman E8
Zeke Freeman, an architect and developer with over 20 years of experience, shares his insights into transforming properties into thriving hotels, including a current project near Red Rocks Amphitheater. He discusses the intricacies of zoning and entitlement processes, creative property conversions, and the importance of a strong development team. Zeke provides valuable tips on risk management, raising capital, and maximizing ROI, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone interested in hospitality real estate.

Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 3min
How to purchase your first hotel while working a full-time job | Alex Kang E7
In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Alex Kang, who purchased his first boutique hotel with no prior experience while maintaining a full-time W2 job.Alex shares his step-by-step process, from leveraging his skills from his MBA and software tech job, to joining a mastermind group that accelerated his learning.He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, partnership, and leveraging his W2 network to raise funds for his $9 million hotel project.Kang provides practical advice on time management, setting clear goals, disciplined prospecting, and staying motivated through challenges.Whether you're juggling a full-time job or looking to dive into hotel investments, this episode is packed with invaluable nuggets for aspiring hotel investors.About Alex Kang:Alex Kang’s journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. After immigrating to Vancouver, Canada, as a teenager, Alex pursued a business education in Montreal and earned his CPA while working for a Big 4 accounting firm. Seeking bigger opportunities, he moved to Los Angeles to earn his MBA, which opened doors to management consulting and eventually a career in the tech industry.Alongside his professional journey, Alex developed a passion for real estate, starting with an ADU conversion at his primary residence and expanding to Airbnb properties in San Diego. Most recently, he co-acquired a boutique hotel and is actively involved in its rebrand and stabilization. Alex’s current pursuits span entrepreneurship, fitness franchising, small business acquisitions, and continued growth in the hospitality space.Connect with Alex Kang:instagram: @s.alex.kanghttps://www.primeridgeinvestment.com/ Connect with Mike and Nate:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 6min
Should You Operate a Branded Hotel or Go Independent? | Neil Shah E6
Neil Shah, a hospitality industry veteran with 25 years of experience and 13 hotels to his name, shares his insights on the choice between branded and independent hotels. He explores the advantages of brand support, marketing power, and the complexities of franchise fees. Shah discusses the significance of team motivation in hospitality, especially post-COVID-19, and how operational efficiency can enhance guest experiences. Tune in for practical takeaways that can guide your next hotel investment decision!

Nov 12, 2024 • 59min
How to Source, Underwrite, and Purchase Your First Boutique Hotel | Gideon Spencer E5
Gideon Spencer, Principal of Stonemont Capital, made waves by purchasing a $6 million hotel at just 32. He shares his journey from a fourplex to boutique hotel ownership, offering insights on market research and capital-raising strategies. Gideon emphasizes the power of building broker relationships and overcoming self-limiting beliefs in the investment landscape. He also discusses the nuances of investing in secondary markets and the effective use of Letters of Intent to enhance negotiation outcomes. Tune in for his motivational advice on scaling investments!

Nov 5, 2024 • 58min
The Hotel Investing Guide to Operational Excellence | Mike & Nate E4
Explore the hidden elements of operational excellence in hospitality. Discover how structured systems can enhance guest experiences and profitability. The conversation delves into the art of managing customer reviews, turning complaints into opportunities for trust. Uncover the importance of technology and detailed processes for smooth operations. Learn actionable strategies for creating memorable moments that boost both guest satisfaction and financial success in the hotel business.

Oct 29, 2024 • 55min
Transitioning From Investing in STRs Into Boutique Hotels | Kassidy Warren E3
In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, Mike and Nate introduce Kassidy Warren, a former corporate executive who transformed his life by diving into the world of short-term rentals and is now purchasing boutique hotels. Kassidy began his journey in 2015, renting out a spare bedroom for $35 per night, and now oversees a $12 million property portfolio across five states. This episode covers Kassidy's evolution from house hacking to becoming a savvy investor, focusing on high-design concepts and memorable guest experiences. Discussions explore the strategic shift from investing in residential STR's to boutique hotels, leveraging properties, financial freedom, and tax-saving strategies like 1031 exchanges and cost segregation. Kassidy emphasizes mindset, fitness, and resilience in his journey, while revealing his ambitious future goals and the importance of networking. Tune in for an inspiring story filled with actionable insights on real estate investing and the pursuit of dreams. Connect with Mike and Nate:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Oct 22, 2024 • 57min
Are Hospitality Investing Mastermind Conferences Worth It? | Mike & Nate E2
In this episode, hosts Michael Russell and Nathan St. Cyr delve into the value of attending mastermind conferences and networking events. They reflect on their recent 10-day tour of educational meetups, discussing key takeaways on boutique hotel investing, particularly focusing on operations, deal finding, capital raising, and marketing. The episode highlights the benefits of unique hospitality experiences and effective team building, emphasizing the importance of seeing the highest and best use of spaces. Notable insights include the long-term value of networking with industry experts like Ben Wolff and Devon Towle, the innovative business ventures such as floating homes and themed movie sets, and the transformative power of vulnerability and introspection in professional growth. Listeners are encouraged to assess their own journey to maximize the return on investment from such events, considering both the financial and personal growth aspects! Connect with Mike and Nate:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Oct 15, 2024 • 37min
Hotel Investing: The Best of Both Worlds | Mike & Nate E1
In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, Michael Russell and Nathan St. Cyr share insights into the lucrative world of boutique hotel investments. They recount their journey from real estate investments in single-family homes and vacation rentals to leveraging boutique hotels for high cashflow and significant equity gains. The hosts elaborate on the unique opportunity this asset class presents, including less competition, fewer regulations, and potential seller financing options. They emphasize the artistic and financial fulfillment derived from creating unique guest experiences in boutique hospitality, making it an attractive option for real estate investors seeking both immediate cashflow and long-term equity growth. Mike and Nate provide strategies and frameworks to help investors capitalize on this underappreciated segment of the real estate market, demonstrating its potential as the fastest path to financial freedom. Connect with Mike and Nate:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Sep 30, 2024 • 3min
Trailer: Welcome to the Hotel Investor Playbook!
In this premiere trailer of The Hotel Investor Playbook, hosts Michael Russell and Nathan St Cyr dive into what their new podcast is all about. Get to know the duo behind Malama Capital and Howzit Hostels as they pull back the curtain on their experiences in the world of boutique hotels and experiential lodging properties. Discover why they've chosen this path, the passion that fuels their investment decisions, and what listeners can expect in upcoming episodes. From success stories to actionable strategies, this episode sets the stage for a podcast designed to help you turn your own hotel investment dreams into reality. Tune in for a taste of the expert advice and insider knowledge that will guide you in navigating the world of boutique hotel ownership. Connect with Mike and Nate:Invest with Mike & Nate: malama-capital.com/invest Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com