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
The “Hotel Guru” on Where to Invest Next & How to Fund Deals | Bob Rauch E51
The hotel industry is changing: costs are rising, AI is here, and investors are getting more selective.
This week on the Hotel Investor Playbook, we sat down with Bob Rauch, better known as The Hotel Guru. From starting out as a dishwasher to building and selling a 20-hotel management company, then launching Brick Hospitality and managing nearly 1,000 rooms, Bob has seen it all.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How to spot hot markets (and avoid the ones that eat your profits)
- The truth about using robots and AI inside hotels
- The 4 core skills Bob believes every investor must master
Bob has 45+ years in the trenches, and he’s sharing real stories, wins, and lessons that can change how you invest.
Follow and share the Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way.
About Bob
Robert A. Rauch, CHA, widely known as “The Hotel Guru,” is a nationally recognized hotelier, consultant, and strategist with over four decades of experience in the hospitality industry. He is the Chairman of Brick Hospitality, Managing Partner of the Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites San Diego/Del Mar, and founder of Hotel Guru. This consulting firm advises hotel owners and investors on acquisitions, operations, finance, and marketing. A Certified Hotel Administrator, Rauch has also served as a faculty associate at Arizona State University, authored the industry newsletter Hospitality Innsights, and contributed regularly to leading hospitality publications. Through his leadership, market forecasts, and hands-on advisory, he has helped shape the future of hotel investment and management while mentoring the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Bob's Book
The Hotel Guru’s Journey: A Guide to Excellence in the Hotel Industry, launching October 2025, available on Amazon.
Connect with Bob
Website: hotelguru.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robertrauch
Facebook: facebook.com/hotelguru
Email: rauch.ra@gmail.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