Hotels can be some of the most rewarding and riskiest assets in real estate. So how do you know which property to buy, how to structure the deal, and how to actually create value once you own it? In this episode of The Hotel Buy, host Sylvia Occhiuzzi sits down with Mathieu Mault of Activar Hotels to break down exactly that. Mathieu has built a career blending investment expertise with hands-on operational experience, focusing on acquisitions, capital structuring, and repositioning properties to maximize returns for investors. Together, Sylvia and Mathieu dig into: The most important things to underwrite before buying a hotel; How today’s lending environment is shaping deals and capital stacks; Why value creation goes beyond the purchase price and where most of it actually happens; The Canadian hotel markets and property types with untapped potential; and What first-time hotel investors need to know before jumping in If you want to better understand how to spot opportunities, manage risk, and create long-term value in the hotel space, this episode is a must-listen.

Dive into the latest episode of The Hotel Buy, featuring a conversation with Perry Vashee, President & CEO of Opal Hospitality. Perry shares his insightful vision for community-centric hotel development, from the remarkable DoubleTree by Hilton St. John's Harbourview to the recently announced Arbor Escapes concept in the Bruce Peninsula. Whether you’re in hospitality, real estate, or simply passionate about innovative guest experiences—this episode delivers.

In this insightful episode, host Sylvia Occhiuzzi sits down with Tom Nitsopoulos, a seasoned hotelier and one of several family members behind the Heart of Niagara Hotels. With decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Tom shares the evolution of his family's hotel business, and valuable insights into hotel investment and operations.

In the latest episode of The Hotel Buy, Alnoor and Sameer Gulamani of Bayview Hospitality Group share insights into their journey in the hospitality industry, starting from Bayview Hospitality’s humble beginnings to its evolution into a leading hotel investment and development firm. They discussed the current state of tourism and hotel investment in Canada, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the market. The episode provided valuable strategies for navigating the complexities of hotel development, including insights into securing financing, adapting to changing guest expectations, and overcoming regulatory hurdles. Alnoor and Sameer emphasized the importance of community engagement, sustainable growth, and strategic partnerships in successfully expanding hotel portfolios. Whether you're an investor, developer, or industry professional, this episode offers practical advice for thriving in today’s hospitality landscape.