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  • The Hotel Buy with guest Jeff Hyslop of InnVest Hotels

    The Hotel Buy with guest Jeff Hyslop of InnVest Hotels
    2026/05/14
    In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Hyslop of InnVest Hotels to discuss the realities of hotel investment and operations across Canada. Jeff shares insights into what makes the Canadian hotel investment market structurally different from the U.S., and why those differences matter for investors, operators, and lenders navigating today’s hospitality landscape. The conversation explores the operational demands of running a national hotel platform, the realities of deal flow and timing in Canada, and how regional differences impact brand value, labour availability, and operating performance. Jeff also reflects on lessons learned from managing hotels through multiple economic and industry cycles, offering practical perspective for both experienced and new investors looking at Canadian hospitality opportunities.
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    37 分
  • The Hotel Buy - Finance Episode Featuring Cam Woof of National Bank

    The Hotel Buy - Finance Episode Featuring Cam Woof of National Bank
    2026/03/12
    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.
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    34 分
  • The Hotel Buy Podcast with Guest Brian Leon of Choice Hotels Canada

    The Hotel Buy Podcast with Guest Brian Leon of Choice Hotels Canada
    2025/12/22

    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 flag

    Be realistic about financing, construction, and renovation costs in today’s environment

    Focus on fundamentals: location, demand drivers, and asset quality

    Build strong, transparent relationships with lenders and brand partners early

    For first-time buyers, surround yourself with experienced advisors and operators

    Brian reinforces that success in hospitality comes from preparation, partnership, and patience, especially in a shifting economic and development landscape.
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    38 分
  • The Hotel Buy with guest Mathieu Mault of Activar Hotels

    The Hotel Buy with guest Mathieu Mault of Activar Hotels
    2025/09/29
    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.
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    34 分
  • The Hotel Buy with guest Perry Vashee of Opal Hospitality

    The Hotel Buy with guest Perry Vashee of Opal Hospitality
    2025/09/03

    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.
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    32 分
  • The Hotel Buy with Guest Tom Nitsopoulos of Heart of Niagara Hotels

    The Hotel Buy with Guest Tom Nitsopoulos of Heart of Niagara Hotels
    2025/04/29

    Key Topics Discussed

    1. Historical Roots and Evolution

    Tom 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 Hotels

    An 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 Dynamics

    A 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) Strategies

    Discussion 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 Integration

    Insights into incorporating entertainment options within hotel premises to attract diverse clientele and create memorable experiences.​

    6. Renovation Best Practices

    Tom 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.​
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    32 分
  • The Hotel Buy with Guests Alnoor Gulamani and Sameer Gulamani of Bayview Hospitality Group

    The Hotel Buy with Guests Alnoor Gulamani and Sameer Gulamani of Bayview Hospitality Group
    2025/03/18
    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.
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    43 分
  • The Hotel Buy with Guest PJ Mercanti of Carmens Group

    The Hotel Buy with Guest PJ Mercanti of Carmens Group
    2025/02/07

    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.
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    38 分