Ever wonder why some first-time hotel buyers close deals while others keep getting stuck?

This week on the Hotel Investor Playbook, Michael Russell sits down with Hunter Johnson, President of Investment Sales at US Hotel Advisors, who has worked on transactions from boutique mom-and-pops to $80M hotels.

Hunter has been on every side of the table. He’s seen the deals that close, the deals that die, and the blind spots new investors never notice until it’s too late.

In this episode, Hunter breaks down:

• How to understand today’s market cycle and why buyers still have the leverage
• What lenders actually look for on your first deal (and what instantly disqualifies you)
• How SBA 7a and 504 loans really work behind the scenes
• What sellers won’t tell you about pricing, cash flow, and expectations
• The creative structures that get deals funded when the numbers don’t pencil

If you’re hoping to buy your first hotel in the next 12–18 months, this conversation will save you time, money, and frustration. Hunter explains the reality most investors never hear until they’re sitting across from a lender.

Follow and share the Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way.

About Hunter

Hunter Johnson is the President of Investment Sales at US Hotel Advisors, a hospitality investment-banking firm specializing in the sourcing and structuring of debt, equity, and investment-sales transactions for hotel properties across the U.S.. Drawing on a background that includes commercial real estate, lending, finance, and property insurance, Hunter is uniquely positioned to advise clients on complex capital structures and transaction execution. His firm excels at securing non-recourse financing and raising sophisticated mezzanine or preferred equity, often for assets facing challenging circumstances such as low debt yields or rebrandings. Hunter strives to create trusted and lasting industry relationships while utilizing a competitive bid process to advise on the sale of various assets, including boutique properties, to yield above-market sales prices.

Connect with Hunter

https://ushoteladvisors.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-hotel-advisors/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-johnson-2778b120/

Connect with Michael:

Invest with Malama Capital: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Want to know what it’s like to go from short-term rentals to owning boutique hotels while still maintaining a healthy relationship?

This week on the Hotel Investor Playbook, Michael Russell sits down with Mitch and Katie Ehly, the husband-and-wife duo behind Fresh Coast Motel and Spruce & Shore Motel in Door County, Wisconsin.

They share how they scaled from Airbnbs to a full-fledged hospitality brand, revived two historic motels, and used automation to stay profitable without losing the guest touch.

You’ll learn how they:

• Transitioned from STRs to hotels (and what changed operationally)
• Revived historic properties into modern boutique experiences
• Turned self-check-in into a high-touch guest experience using video personalization
• Balanced business, marriage, and mindset while scaling fast

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your short-term rental business into something bigger, this is the episode to study.

About Mitch & Katie

Mitch and Katie are the husband-and-wife team behind Fresh Coast Motel and Spruce & Shore Motel, two boutique properties redefining the modern Door County getaway. Drawing on Mitch’s background in hospitality technology and leadership, and Katie’s creative eye for design and guest experience, the pair have transformed classic roadside motels into stylish, high-end retreats that blend historic charm with modern comfort. Their approach embraces self-check-in technology, thoughtful renovations, and authentic local storytelling to create spaces that feel both elevated and effortless. Together, they’re shaping a new wave of boutique hospitality in Wisconsin’s most beloved coastal towns.

Connect with Mitch & Katie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchehly/

Websites

https://freshcoastmotel.com

https://therefreshcollection.com/

https://spruceandshoremotel.com/

Instagram

https://instagram.com/mitchehly

https://www.instagram.com/spruceandshoremotel

https://www.instagram.com/freshcoastmotel

Connect with Michael:

Invest with Malama Capital: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com

Looking for hotel technology that can actually increase profit and reduce expenses without hiring an IT department?

This week on the Hotel Investor Playbook, Michael Russell sits down with Sue Graves, founder of Experience Alive, who has spent over 30 years in hospitality and now helps hotel owners implement practical, affordable tech solutions that make a real financial impact.

In this episode, you’ll discover several technology use cases you can implement today, including:

• Offload up to 50% of front desk calls through conversational AI
• Use delivery robots to run leaner night shifts and boost service speed
• Track linen and towels with RFID to cut losses and eliminate manual counts
• Build a sustainability story that supports better refinancing terms
• Plus more!

Whether you own a 50-room boutique hotel or manage a national brand, Sue shows how to make technology your competitive edge.

About Sue

Sue Graves is the Founder and CEO of Experience Alive, a hospitality technology consultancy helping hotels, restaurants, and convention centers modernize operations through AI-driven solutions, robotics, and guest personalization tools. With over 30 years of leadership experience at Marriott International and the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Sue brings a deep operational understanding to innovation in hospitality. As the founding chair of the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association’s Innovation & Technology Committee, she has championed initiatives that boost efficiency, guest satisfaction, and staff retention across the industry. A recognized voice on the future of tech in hospitality, Sue continues to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and real-world hospitality challenges, empowering teams to deliver more human-centered, high-performing experiences.

Connect with Sue

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suegraves/

Website: http://Experiencealive.com

Connect with Michael:

Invest with Malama Capital: malama-capital.com/invest
Submit a deal: https://www.malama-capital.com/deal-submission
Instagram: @the_hotel_investor_playbook
Contact Us: info@hotelinvestorplaybook.com