The Hotel Buy

The Hotel Buy with guest Jeff Hyslop of InnVest Hotels

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.

The Hotel Buy - Finance Episode Featuring Cam Woof of National Bank

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.

The Hotel Buy Podcast with Guest Brian Leon of Choice Hotels Canada

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.

The Hotel Buy with guest Mathieu Mault of Activar Hotels

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.

The Hotel Buy with guest Perry Vashee of Opal Hospitality

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.