The Hotel Investor Playbook

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 experien...

Recent Episodes

Aug. 12, 2025

The Marketing Playbook Every Small Hotel Owner Needs | Steph Weber E44

Think great marketing is only for big hotels with big budgets? Think again. In this episode, we talk with Steph Weber, a marketing and branding expert who helps boutique hotel and STR owners drive direct bookings. She breaks down how she finds her audience, tells a compelling brand story, and uses …
Aug. 5, 2025

The Beginner's Guide To Building Wealth In Hospitality | Jonathan Mueller E43

Think you need a perfect plan to start investing in hospitality? Think again. In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Mueller, an everyday investor who went from zero experience and a failed multifamily deal to buying a $250K roadside motel and building a growing hospitality portfolio. He didn’t…
July 29, 2025

Hotel Marketing Decoded: What Every Owner Needs to Know | Anthony Chiaravallo E42

Is your marketing helping your hotel or just draining your budget? In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Chiaravallo, founder of Vallo Media, who has managed over $100M in ad spend for brands like Nike, Resorts World, and boutique hotels across the country. Whether you're trying to fill beds or…
July 22, 2025

Syndication Simplified: The Strategy That Builds Generational Wealth | Desiree Doubrox E41

Ever wondered how people raise millions to buy real estate without using their own money? In this episode, Desiree Doubrox breaks down the world of syndication and how she built an eight-figure fund while empowering hundreds of others to do the same. Whether you're new to investing or ready to rais…
July 15, 2025

A Masterclass In Experiential Hospitality With The Bolt Farm Treehouse Founders | Tori and Seth Bolt E40

Instead of chasing bookings, the founders behind Bolt Farm Treehouse create an obsession amongst their guests, and they do it with love at the center of everything. Their hospitality business heals relationships, attracts top...
July 8, 2025

$187M Hotel Portfolio by Age 30: How to Choose the Right Deals, Brands, and Ops Model | Sujay Mehta E39

Thinking about buying or operating a hotel, but not sure where to start? Sujay Mehta built a $187M hospitality portfolio by betting on himself, starting lean, and learning through execution. In this episode, he breaks down what most people get wrong about hotel investing and how you can start smart…