The most powerful part of a hotel stay isn’t the design or the amenities, it’s the feeling guests take home.

That’s the philosophy of Bashar Wali, one of the most candid and creative voices in hospitality, who's spent 30+ years building, operating, and reinventing hotels around the world.

In this episode of the Hotel Investor Playbook, Bashar shares:

• Why “give-a-shit-ability” beats corporate playbooks
• The power of emotional intelligence in hotel teams
• The biggest mistakes first-time owners make
• The difference between the three types of hotel deals (core, value-add, and opportunistic)

Bashar doesn’t hold back. Whether you’re an operator, investor, or aspiring hotelier, this conversation will reshape how you think about hospitality.

Follow and share the Hotel Investor Playbook so more people can learn how to invest in hospitality assets the right way.

About Bashar

Bashar Wali is a seasoned hotelier, entrepreneur, and the founder of This Assembly and Practice Hospitality, with over 30 years of experience leading and scaling some of the industry’s most innovative hotel brands. In this episode, Bashar shares his playbook across acquisitions, funding, marketing, and operations, revealing how emotional intelligence, design, and culture are just as critical as deal structures and NOI. From building authentic guest loyalty without points, to structuring creative capital stacks, to “making the magic” in operations, his insights are both tactical and timeless. Whether you’re a first-time hotel investor or looking to scale your portfolio, this conversation will give you actionable lessons to apply in your own ventures.

Connect with Bashar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basharwali

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basharwali

Website: https://www.thisassembly.com

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