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
Building a Lifestyle Hotel Brand in Costa Rica | Bill Graf E52
We’ve all dreamt of quitting our bland corporate jobs to buy a hotel in Costa Rica… well, today’s guest did that.
After leaving a private equity career in San Francisco, Bill Graf traded suits for surf towns and founded Onda, a hospitality brand in Costa Rica that blends the style of a boutique hotel with the social energy of a hostel.
You’ll learn:
- How to uncover hidden opportunities in small hotels that big players ignore
- What U.S. investors should know about buying real estate in Costa Rica
- His unique strategy for keeping his properties full year-round
This episode is a blueprint for spotting opportunities where others see risk… and will certainly have you daydreaming by the end of it!
Follow along with The Hotel Investor Playbook to discover how to invest in hospitality assets the right way.
About Bill
William “Bill” Graf is the founder and CEO of ONDA, a hospitality collective in Costa Rica that blends boutique hotel comforts with the social energy of a hostel. A former investment banker and private equity professional, Bill left Wall Street in 2016 to travel the world, visiting over 50 countries and experiencing firsthand the challenges of inconsistent accommodations. Inspired to create a better model, he launched ONDA to deliver reliable, community-driven stays in lifestyle destinations where major hotel brands won’t go. Today, Bill is building ONDA into a global hospitality brand focused on culture, connection, and transformational guest experiences.
Connect with Bill
Website: www.stayonda.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/williamgraf
Instagram: @billygoat_graf and @findyouronda
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