In this episode of Masters of Moments, I share my experiences in hospitality and real estate investment, from raising $6 million for a preferred equity deal to handling unexpected challenges in hotel management. I also discuss the shift toward experiential and lifestyle hotels and why smaller investment opportunities can offer strong returns.  

I also discuss how technology improves hotel operations, makes it easier to manage boutique properties, and the potential benefits of incorporating residences into hotel projects. I also break down key strategies for building strong investor relationships and navigating market trends.  

Other topics include:  

- Finding value in overlooked investment opportunities

- Revenue strategies for hotel profitability

- Lessons learned from setbacks in hotel operations

Whether you're new to hospitality or a seasoned investor, this episode offers practical insights on building and managing successful hotel projects.

Connect & Invest with Jake:

Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JWurzak

1 on 1 coaching with Jake: https://www.jakewurzak.com/coaching

Learn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8Pwo

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:00:51) - Exploring Estelle Manor: A New Hospitality Trend

(00:02:46) - Insights from the Lodging Investment Conference

(00:04:13) - Opportunities in Small Deals and Private Equity

(00:06:54) - The Shift in Hospitality Preferences

(00:08:06) - Challenges for Traditional Hotels

(00:09:08) - The Rise of Experiential and Lifestyle Hotels

(00:09:50) - Case Study: The Breakers Hotel

(00:11:01) - The Middle Market's New Options

(00:20:16) - Automating Small Hotels: A Success Story

(00:28:24) - Scaling Challenges in the Hotel Business

(00:28:56) - Dealing with Hotel Incidents

(00:31:41) - Balancing Occupancy and Revenue

(00:33:30) - Strategies for Managing Hotel Rates

(00:37:55) - The Rise of Experiential Travel

(00:43:47) - Incorporating Residences in Hotels

(00:46:50) - Fractional Ownership and Real Estate Strategies

(00:53:16) - Creating a Unique Hotel Brand

(00:55:26) - Effective Communication for Raising Capital

(00:58:41) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links:

Estelle Manor - https://www.estellemanor.com

The Lodging Conference - https://www.lodgingconference.com

Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago - https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/illinois/hyatt-regency-ohare-chicago/ohare

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel - https://www.chicagoathletichotel.com

Muse - https://www.muse.com

SALTO Systems - https://www.saltosystems.com

DIAMO - https://www.diamo.com

Cost.com - https://www.cost.com

AutoCamp - https://www.autocamp.com

Belmond - https://www.belmond.com

LVMH - https://www.lvmh.com

All-In Podcast - https://www.allinpodcast.co

CloudKitchens - https://www.cloudkitchens.com