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.
The Hotel Investor Playbook
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 day
- What to look for during acquisition that signals hidden upside
- Why the lobby is not a pass-through, it’s a profit center
- How local partnerships create authenticity without big construction costs
- The infrastructure investments (water, resiliency) owners regret skipping
- A practical way to use guest reviews as free due diligence
If 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