The Hotel Investor Playbook

Michael Russell
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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.

  1. How Small Hotels Use Staff Content to Drive Direct Bookings | Scott Eddy E68

    6D AGO

    How Small Hotels Use Staff Content to Drive Direct Bookings | Scott Eddy E68

    Most hotel owners think the only way to reduce OTA dependency is to throw more money at Facebook ads or hire expensive marketing agencies. But the real solution isn't more budget, it's leveraging what you already have: authentic stories and staff who actually care about the guest experience. A hospitality marketing veteran who's advised VCs and built a 1.6 million social following reveals the direct booking playbook that independent hotels are using to reclaim revenue from OTAs. Scott Eddy has spoken at hundreds of conferences worldwide, doing the unexpected: giving away strategies that agencies charge thousands for. In this episode, you'll discover: Why rolling out the red carpet for OTA guests (instead of alienating them) converts 30%+ into direct bookersThe exact content categories that drive bookings and why shaky iPhone footage outperforms polished videosHow to make your front desk staff into content superstars without hiring an expensive agencyThe one Instagram metric (hint: it's not followers) that actually predicts revenueWhy "saves" and "comments" matter 10x more than likes for direct bookingsThe AI-discoverable scripting framework that's replacing traditional SEO for hotel discoveryHow long-form storytelling videos outperform short-form for brand discoverability (despite what Instagram tells you)The fatal mistake 80% of hotels make: posting beautiful property photos with promo text overlays that actively repel guestsIf you're serious about reducing OTA dependency and building a direct booking engine without a massive marketing budget, this episode will provide the roadmap. Don't make the expensive mistake of outsourcing what your in-house team can do better. About Scott Eddy Scott Eddy is a globally recognized hospitality brand strategist and digital pioneer who transitioned from a decade in investment banking to founding the first and largest digital agency in Southeast Asia. With a combined following of over 1.2 million, Scott has hosted the travel series Video Globetrotter on Lifetime Television and is consistently ranked among the top 15 hospitality influencers in the world. He now travels full-time as a consultant and keynote speaker, helping hotel brands convert authentic storytelling into measurable ROI while championing the "independent advantage" through raw, human-centered digital engagement. A genuine citizen of the world, Scott lives entirely out of hotels and cruise ships, leveraging his experiences in 85+ countries and 120+ cruises to provide a unique "perpetual guest" perspective on the evolving travel landscape. Connect with Scott Eddy Connect with Scott on LinkedIn. Follow Scott on Instagram or visit his Website. Learn how to use AI to underwrite faster, streamline operations, automate the busy work, and make better decisions. Start your 7-day free trial of the AI for CRE Collective here. Connect with Michael on Instagram or LinkedIn. Email Us at info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com Visit the Hotel Investor Playbook Instagram Invest with Malama Capital Submit a deal

    52 min
  2. How an Ex-Space Force Engineer Bought a $2.45M Motel With 10% Down | Jordan Malara E67

    JAN 20

    How an Ex-Space Force Engineer Bought a $2.45M Motel With 10% Down | Jordan Malara E67

    Most first-time motel buyers don't lose money on the purchase price. They lose it by underestimating CapEx, guessing on underwriting, and assuming they can "market" their way to higher occupancy. That's how people get smoked. In this episode, you'll learn a simple, real-world way to sanity-check a value-add motel deal, including what "light reno" actually costs per key and which levers really move ADR. My guest is Jordan Malara, an ex-Space Force engineer who went from managing short-term rentals to building a 60+ key hotel portfolio in just a few years. He's breaking down his first deal: a 27-key motel he bought for $2.45M with $500K in renovations, using SBA 7(a) and seller financing. What you'll learn: Why "$20K per key" is a better starting point than your optimistic spreadsheet numberThe hidden CapEx that blows budgets: sprinklers, fire systems, laundry equipment, and code compliance workJordan's 60% expense ratio sanity check, and why occupancy lifts are way harder than you thinkHow he structured SBA 7(a) + seller financing in second position (and what made the seller say yes)The upgrades that paid back fastest: amenities, lobby experience, and staff, not bathroomsHow he outsources revenue management and bookkeeping globally without bloating payrollIf you got value from this episode, share it with one friend who wants to buy a hotel. And if you want to talk through a deal, email me at info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com. About Jordan Jordan Malara is a former U.S. Space Force engineer turned hospitality entrepreneur who transitioned from managing satellite operations to building a high-performing portfolio of boutique hotels. Previously the Director of Operations for Renjoy, where he oversaw 180+ short-term rentals, Jordan co-founded Springs Hospitality to apply engineering-level systems to the revitalization of undervalued assets like the Adventure Inn Durango. He specializes in leveraging creative financing and narrative-driven branding to transform distressed properties into thriving community hubs, teaching investors how to scale from residential units to commercial hospitality with operational discipline. Connect with Jordan Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn. Follow Jordan on Instagram or visit their Website. Learn how to use AI to underwrite faster, streamline operations, automate the busy work, and make better decisions. Start your 7-day free trial of the AI for CRE Collective here. Connect with Michael on Instagram or LinkedIn. Email Us at info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com Visit the Hotel Investor Playbook Instagram Invest with Malama Capital Submit a deal

    1h 7m
  3. How a Pilot Bought a $10M Hotel With Zero Hotel Experience | Curt Marker E66

    JAN 13

    How a Pilot Bought a $10M Hotel With Zero Hotel Experience | Curt Marker E66

    Think you need hotel operations experience to invest in boutique hotels? That belief may be the only thing standing between you and building serious commercial real estate wealth. In this episode, you'll discover how a Gulfstream pilot raised $1.5 million and became co-GP on a 130-room boutique hotel in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains - without managing a single employee or making a single bed. A private jet captain who flies billionaires by day reveals his exact framework for partnering on commercial deals, vetting operators, and bringing value to the table through capital raising and deal analysis - not daily operations. When a USDA loan delay tested the partnership and threatened investor confidence, his communication strategy and the GP team's quick action turned a challenge into a case study on how strong partnerships weather any storm. In this episode, you'll discover: How to add massive value as a hotel investor without operations experience (the skills that actually matter)Why 80% of Curt's $1.5M came from his existing network (not Instagram followers) and how to leverage yours The critical questions to ask operating partners before co-signing on a major hotel acquisition Why booking 3,000 additional room nights and raising ADR from $85 to $129 proves the value-add model works The monthly communication framework that kept 100% of investors confident during an 8-month loan delayHow GPs can inject capital at 10% interest to avoid diluting investor shares during unexpected shortfallsIf you're ready to stop letting "lack of operations experience" keep you out of hotel investing, this episode shows you exactly how to raise capital, structure partnerships, and protect investor relationships, even when deals don't go according to plan. This is proof that you can build commercial real estate wealth without being the operator About Captain Curt Curt Marker is a 15-year veteran pilot and the CEO of Captain Capital, a commercial real estate firm specializing in developing high-demand assets such as small-bay industrial flex space and boutique hotels. As a third-generation aviator and active private jet captain for billionaires, Curt translates elite "cockpit discipline," safety checklists, and high-level service into rigorous risk management for his real estate projects. He is widely recognized for his radical transparency and "skin in the game" philosophy, focusing on building long-term trust and resilient wealth for his investor partners. Curt also hosts The Captain Curt Show, where he educates professionals on transitioning tax-inefficient income into high-performing, cash-flowing commercial portfolios. Connect with Captain Curt Connect with Curt on LinkedIn. Follow Curt on Instagram or visit their Website. Learn how to use AI to underwrite faster, streamline operations, automate the busy work, and make better decisions. Start your 7-day free trial of the AI for CRE Collective here. Connect with Michael on Instagram or LinkedIn. Email Us at info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com Visit the Hotel Investor Playbook Instagram Invest with Malama Capital Submit a deal

    55 min
  4. Attorney Reveals Why Most Hotel Syndicators Are Breaking the Law | Bethany LaFlam E65

    JAN 6

    Attorney Reveals Why Most Hotel Syndicators Are Breaking the Law | Bethany LaFlam E65

    Most first-time hotel syndicators are already breaking the rules; they just don't know it yet. If you've ever taken money from friends and family without the right structure, you may have accidentally sold securities. And if you're paying someone just to raise capital? That's another violation waiting to happen. In this episode, you'll learn exactly how to raise money for hotel deals without putting yourself or your investors at risk. A securities attorney who's structured hundreds of capital raises and lost $1 million on her own failed fund shares the hard lessons that transformed how she builds partnerships today. Bethany LaFlam now co-owns a boutique resort in Belize and is building a luxury hospitality portfolio, all while helping Main Street operators avoid the costly legal mistakes she's seen kill deals. In this episode, you'll discover: The #1 way sponsors accidentally break SEC rules (and how to stay compliant)Why 506B vs. 506C matters and how to choose the right structure for your raiseThe capital raiser compensation mistake that can get you investigatedHow to vet partners before you commit (including the exact questions to ask)Why "investor perks" like free hotel nights require careful legal structuringThe mindset trap that kept her broke for years after a failed $50M fundIf you're planning to raise capital for a hotel deal, this episode could save you from a costly legal mistake or worse, an SEC investigation. Don't skip the compliance conversation. About Bethany Bethany LaFlam is a seasoned securities attorney, real estate investor, and Managing Partner at Premier Law Group, where she helps syndicators navigate complex SEC regulations to raise capital safely and effectively. With over two decades of legal experience, she champions the "Power of OPE" (Other People’s Everything), a strategic framework designed to help entrepreneurs scale their wealth and businesses without burnout. Bethany is also the author of the bestselling book The Power of OPE and the founder of the Conscious Capital Collective, a community dedicated to intentional wealth creation and luxury hospitality investing. Connect with Bethany Connect with Bethany on LinkedIn. Follow Bethany on Instagram or visit their Website. Join The Conscious Capital Collective Learn how to use AI to underwrite faster, streamline operations, automate the busy work, and make better decisions. Start your 7-day free trial of the AI for CRE Collective here. Connect with Michael on Instagram or LinkedIn. Email Us at info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com Visit the Hotel Investor Playbook Instagram Invest with Malama Capital Submit a deal

    1h 1m
  5. Stop Treating Your Front Desk Like An Expense. It's A Profit Center | Geoffrey Toffetti E64

    12/30/2025

    Stop Treating Your Front Desk Like An Expense. It's A Profit Center | Geoffrey Toffetti E64

    Stop treating your front desk like an expense; it's costing you hundreds of thousands in property value. The biggest mistake boutique hotel owners make isn't about the property itself. It's ignoring the untapped revenue sitting right at your check-in counter. In this episode, you'll discover how to turn your front desk into a profit center that can add 5% to your bottom line and potentially $500,000 to your hotel's valuation. A hospitality revenue expert who helped pioneer the car rental upsell model and has spent 25+ years turning frontline employees into sales engines joins us to break down the exact system. Joffrey Toffetti's company, Frontline Performance Group, works with properties from 20-room boutiques to major brands, and his approach has transformed front desk agents from minimum-wage employees into top earners making $50K+ through incentives alone. In this episode, you'll discover: Why the "value mode vs. experience mode" mindset shift changes everything about guest interactionsThe 3-tier incentive structure that motivates front desk staff without blowing your budgetHow late checkout offers alone can generate $40,000+ annually (with almost zero cost)The conversion metrics and "URI" formula to track whether your upselling is actually workingWhy keyless entry and kiosks might be sabotaging your guest relationships and revenueHow to spot upsell opportunities during due diligence before you even buy a propertyIf you're serious about maximizing hotel profitability, this episode will change how you think about staffing and guest experience. Don't leave five figures on the table every year because your front desk doesn't know how to sell. About Geoffrey Geoffrey Toffetti is the CEO of Frontline Performance Group (FPG), where he leverages over three decades of experience to transform hospitality frontline teams into powerful revenue generators. Rising from a resort valet to the C-suite, Geoffrey has guided FPG’s expansion to over 2,500 properties across 100+ countries, helping global brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt unlock over $2.3 billion in incremental revenue. Through FPG’s innovative IN-Gauge SaaS platform and a "service-based sales" philosophy, he empowers hourly staff to elevate the guest experience while driving significant bottom-line profitability without additional capital expenditure. Connect with Geoffrey Connect with Geoffrey on LinkedIn or visit their Website. Learn how to use AI to underwrite faster, streamline operations, automate the busy work, and make better decisions. Start your 7-day free trial of the AI for CRE Collective here. Connect with Michael on Instagram or LinkedIn. Email Us at info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com Visit the Hotel Investor Playbook Instagram Invest with Malama Capital Submit a deal

    41 min
  6. Why Most Investors Never Buy Their First Hotel (And How You Actually Can) | Brian Resendez E63

    12/23/2025

    Why Most Investors Never Buy Their First Hotel (And How You Actually Can) | Brian Resendez E63

    Why do so many people dream about buying a hotel but never actually close one? In this episode, Michael sits down with Brian Resendez, CEO of SVN Northwest Hotel Advisors.  Brian has been involved in hundreds of hotel transactions across the Pacific Northwest and brings rare insight into what separates buyers who close deals from buyers who stall out. You will learn:  • The real reasons most buyers never get their first deal  • How successful investors overcome fear, uncertainty, and inexperience  • Why third-party management opens the door to bigger and better hotels  • What it takes to build the right team before you buy  • Why larger assets often perform better and are easier to operate If you want a real look into how hotel investing actually works, this episode will give you the perspective and confidence to keep going. Follow and share the Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way. About Brian Brian Resendez is the Senior Vice President of Hotels at SVN | Bluestone & Hockley, specializing in hospitality brokerage and land acquisition across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. With a diverse background spanning hotel operations for brands like Westin and Doubletree, commercial finance, and real estate, he offers a holistic perspective on complex transactions that goes far beyond typical brokerage. Brian recently closed a record-breaking 26 hotels in a single year, pioneering innovative hotel-to-housing conversions through Project TurnKey and actively advocating for diverse ownership as a Board Member of the Latino Hotel Association. He is dedicated to serving owner-operators in the $2 million to $20 million asset class, focusing on long-term relationships and operational fundamentals over simple transaction volume. Connect with Brian Connect with Brian on LinkedIn or by email at brian.resedez@svn.com. Visit their website: https://www.nwhotelinvestor.com/ Learn how to use AI to underwrite faster, streamline operations, automate the busy work, and make better decisions. Start your 7-day free trial of the AI for CRE Collective here. Connect with Michael on Instagram or LinkedIn. Email Us at info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com Visit the Hotel Investor Playbook Instagram Invest with Malama Capital Submit a deal

    46 min
  7. Global Resort Design CEO: Stop Wasting Capex on the Wrong “Upgrades” | Scott LaMont E62

    12/16/2025

    Global Resort Design CEO: Stop Wasting Capex on the Wrong “Upgrades” | Scott LaMont E62

    Boutique hotel investors often lose money in the same place: they renovate what’s visible, and ignore what actually drives guest behavior. In this episode, we talk about design as a business tool, not a decoration budget. The goal is simple: create a guest experience that feels intentional, sells itself, and supports your NOI, even when you’re operating without brand-level resources. My guest is Scott LaMont, CEO of EDSA, a globally recognized design and planning firm. Scott and his team work on hospitality projects worldwide, from master planning new destinations to repositioning existing resorts. You’ll hear: How to “program” spaces so they earn money at different times of dayWhat to look for during acquisition that signals hidden upsideWhy the lobby is not a pass-through, it’s a profit centerHow local partnerships create authenticity without big construction costsThe infrastructure investments (water, resiliency) owners regret skippingA practical way to use guest reviews as free due diligenceIf you’re graduating from Airbnb to your first hotel deal, this episode will help you avoid rookie capex mistakes and make design decisions that actually translate to revenue. Follow and share the Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way. About Scott Scott LaMont is the CEO and Principal of EDSA, a globally recognized planning and landscape architecture firm where he has spent nearly three decades shaping award-winning destinations for brands like Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton. An expert in “deconstructed hospitality” and nature-focused design, Scott combines environmental stewardship with pragmatic business planning to drive long-term value and ROI for developers. He leads with a collaborative, human-centered philosophy that integrates emerging technologies like AI to create authentic, immersive guest experiences that connect people with place. Connect with Scott on Instagram or LinkedIn. Visit their website: https://www.edsaplan.com  Learn how to use AI to underwrite faster, streamline operations, automate the busy work, and make better decisions. Start your 7-day free trial of the AI for CRE Collective here. Connect with Michael on Instagram or LinkedIn. Email Us at info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com Visit the Hotel Investor Playbook Instagram Invest with Malama Capital Submit a deal

    50 min
  8. The 3 Distress Signals That Make the Next 12 Months a Buyer’s Market | Suraj Bhakta E61

    12/09/2025

    The 3 Distress Signals That Make the Next 12 Months a Buyer’s Market | Suraj Bhakta E61

    Is now a terrible time to buy a hotel, or the best buying window you will get this decade? In this episode, Michael sits down with Suraj Bhakta, CEO of NewGen Advisory, a national hotel brokerage that has closed deals in 44 states. Suraj explains what he is actually seeing in today’s market, from the SBA shutdown fallout to the quiet distress building under the surface. In this conversation, you will learn: Why are the 2021–2022 performance numbers misleading so many sellers and buyersWhere distress is most likely to show up first, and how to spot it before the crowdHow to think about value-add when required upgrades do not pencil on the back endConcrete steps buyers should take this week if they want to be ready when deals crackIf you are serious about buying hotels in this environment, this episode will help you see what is really happening behind the scenes and how to move with more confidence. Follow and share the Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way. About Suraj Suraj Bhakta is the CEO of NewGen Advisory and Chief Legal Counsel for NewGen Worldwide, where he leads a national brokerage team that has executed hospitality transactions across 44 states. Drawing on over two decades of experience as both a commercial real estate attorney and a lifelong hotelier, Suraj has advised on more than $850 million in acquisitions and facilitated nearly $500 million in capital raises. He specializes in guiding investors through the full property lifecycle, offering expert counsel on complex market challenges ranging from financing and Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) to creative adaptive reuse projects. Connect with Suraj Email: suraj.bhakta@newgenadv.com Phone: +1.602.648.2702 Website: https://newgenadv.com/ LinkedIn: Suraj Bhakta Instagram: @newgenadvisory Connect with Michael on Instagram or LinkedIn. Email Us at info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com Visit the Hotel Investor Playbook Instagram Invest with Malama Capital Submit a deal

    42 min
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5
out of 5
66 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Russell
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Hotel Investor Playbook
  • Show Website
    The Hotel Investor Playbook

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