The Hotel Buy

How do banks actually view hotel deals in today’s lending environment? In this episode of The Hotel Buy, host Sylvia Occhiuzzi sits down with Cam Woof, Associate Vice President of Hotel & Syndication at National Bank of Canada, to break down how lenders evaluate hotel investments across Canada. Hotels have long carried the reputation of being a “specialty asset class,” but as performance stabilizes and transaction activity picks up, lenders are reassessing their appetite for hotel lending. Cam shares how banks evaluate hotel investors, what separates a financeable deal from one that stalls, and how underwriting decisions are made around leverage, DSCR, and downside protection. The conversation also dives into capital stack structure, including vendor take-backs, mezzanine debt, and preferred equity, as well as how lenders approach renovation and repositioning strategies. For hotel investors, developers, and operators, this episode provides a practical look inside the lender’s mindset and what you can do to structure a deal that actually gets approved.

Brian shares practical guidance for both first-time and experienced hotel buyers navigating today’s market. He emphasizes the importance of aligning with the right brand partner, understanding total cost structures beyond the purchase price, and entering the business with a long-term mindset.Key takeaways include:Choose a brand that offers true operational and strategic support—not just a flagBe realistic about financing, construction, and renovation costs in today’s environmentFocus on fundamentals: location, demand drivers, and asset qualityBuild strong, transparent relationships with lenders and brand partners earlyFor first-time buyers, surround yourself with experienced advisors and operatorsBrian reinforces that success in hospitality comes from preparation, partnership, and patience, especially in a shifting economic and development landscape.

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.

Why you’ll want to listen:• Discover how Opal blends design, functionality, and local culture to elevate hospitality.• Hear about expansion strategies in both eastern Canada and growing markets.• Get inspired by Perry’s leadership, community-first approach, and commitment to operational excellence.

Key Topics Discussed1. Historical Roots and EvolutionTom shares the rich history of his family's foray into the hotel business, highlighting the milestones that have defined their growth.​2. Independent vs. Branded HotelsAn exploration of the pros and cons of operating independent hotels versus joining established brands, including insights into brand recognition, operational autonomy, and guest expectations.​3. Full-Service Hotel DynamicsA deep dive into the components that constitute a full-service hotel, emphasizing the integration of amenities such as F&B outlets and entertainment venues to enhance guest experience.​4. Food & Beverage (F&B) StrategiesDiscussion on the pivotal role of F&B in driving revenue and guest satisfaction, along with winning approaches to concept design and service delivery.​5. Entertainment Venues IntegrationInsights into incorporating entertainment options within hotel premises to attract diverse clientele and create memorable experiences.​6. Renovation Best PracticesTom offers practical tips for successful hotel renovations, focusing on the importance of having a solid plan, keeping the trades accountable and balancing modern design trends with functional requirements.​

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.

In this episode of The Hotel Buy Podcast, host Sylvia Occhiuzzi welcomes PJ Mercanti, CEO of Carmens Group. PJ shares insights on boutique hotel ownership, developing properties in a rising cost environment and how he and his family have successfully navigated the growth and evolution of a long-held family business.Listeners will explore the appeal of boutique hotels in a competitive market, along with the significance of event venues as vital extensions of hotels. PJ also discusses the operation and redevelopment of the Hamilton Convention Centre, FirstOntario Centre and FirstOntario Concert Hall and what the company has learned through these major renovation projects.Throughout the conversation, PJ reflects on Carmens Group’s strategies for growth and diversification, sharing successful projects and future endeavors. He offers valuable lessons and practical advice for aspiring hotel owners navigating the complexities of the industry.Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with expert insights and actionable takeaways that will inspire anyone in the hospitality industry.

Welcome to the Hotel Buy Podcast! We’re thrilled to kick off the second season with a fantastic episode, featuring none other than Marc Staniloff, founder, president, and CEO of Superior Lodging Corp. With decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Marc has been a driving force behind one of Canada’s most successful hotel development and franchising companies.In this episode, we dive deep into Marc’s journey, from his early days in the industry to leading Superior Lodging in establishing iconic brands and partnerships. We’ll uncover the secrets behind building a thriving hotel portfolio, navigating market challenges, and staying ahead in an ever-changing industry.Get ready for invaluable insights, candid stories, and expert advice from one of the top minds in the hotel business. Let’s jump in and start Season 2 of the Hotel Buy Podcast!

On this episode of The Hotel Buy, we are joined by Reetu Gupta, Speaker, Advocate, Philanthropist, Co-Founder & Ambassadress for The Gupta Group. Reetu shares stories and insights about her extensive career working in hotel investment & operations, as well as the dynamics of working in a family business.

On this episode of The Hotel Buy, Sylvia Occhiuzzi is joined by Hasheel Lodhia and Hanisha Sharma, Directors and Owners of JM Hospitality Inc., where they discuss a variety of topics including the unique aspects of second generation hotel ownership. 

Join us for this episode of The Hotel Buy with Tony Cohen, Partner and Executive Vice President of Crescent Hotels and Resort as well as President and CEO of Global Edge Investments. Tune in to hear how third-party management companies fold into the business of hotel operations as well as Tony's perspective on where the opportunities are in hotel investment today.

Meet Bob Jackson, the CEO and a Board Director of Vintage Hotels (LHPL). Bob has been in this role since 2009, he brings a successful track record of more than 25 years of experience in corporate and executive leadership. He is responsible for the overall financial and operational performance of the business. Bob has been highly successful in expanding the size, scope and value of the company. On this episode of The Hotel Buy, Bob Jackson of Vintage Hotels elaborates on amenities that are important to Vintage Hotels as well as general trends in the market. 

Join Sylvia Occhiuzzi for the next episode of The Hotel Buy. We'll be chatting with Sarah Sklash and April Brown from the June Motel.We're chatting about a variety of topics from acquisition to branding strategy and we'll hear all about the current renovation that they're doing at their Beaver Valley property.

Tune in below to the latest Hotel Buy episode featuring Don Cleary, President, Marriott Hotels of Canada. We caught up with Don before the holidays and he shared great insight into upcoming trends he foresees in the Canadian hotel industry. We also talked about his 34 year career at Marriott and what he's most proud of.

We are excited to announce our new podcast series, The Hotel Buy, presented by Beechwood. Each month, we'll bring you insightful discussions with industry leaders, deep dives into market trends and real-life case studies that highlight the landscape of hotel investment. Thank you to Minaz Rahemtulla for being our very first guest!  Minaz is the Executive Chair & Managing Director of LHM Canada with over 30 years of experience in hotels. Minaz brings an extraordinary level of deal structuring expertise, from viability, to financing, to partner sourcing. He has participated in many property acquisitions in markets around the globe. Spearheading the LHM team, he focuses specifically on due diligence, brand selection and negotiation, and financing and strategic planning.