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The Hotelier Helpcast

The Hotelier Helpcast

By: Gerry MacPherson
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Welcome, dear listeners, to The Hotelier Helpcast Blog Posts – the sanctuary for independent hoteliers worldwide, seeking the keys to transform their properties into dream destinations for every guest. Each week, we plunge headfirst into the burning queries, the perplexing challenges, and the heartfelt struggles of managing an independent hotel. Why? Because we intimately understand the balancing act of reservations, appeasing the perpetually dissatisfied guest, and chasing that ever-elusive perfect review. And here’s the good news – you're not in this alone! We respect your time, so every episode is a no-nonsense guide, delivering straight answers sans the fluff. From the enchanting escapes of Venice to the rustic allure of a Nova Scotia hotel, journey with us through every corner of the hotel universe. We'll illuminate the shadows and tuck those pesky challenges to bed! Alongside expert guests, quirky anecdotes, and solutions that’ll have you exclaiming, 'Why didn't I think of that?!', 'The Hotelier Helpcast Blog Posts’ invites you to a weekly rendezvous with the vibrant community of independent hoteliers. It's enthralling, it's enjoyable, and most importantly, it’s tailored just for YOU. So, settle into a cozy chair, or perhaps, take a leap onto one of those extravagant hotel beds (we promise not to judge), and prepare to be inspired, amused, and enlightened. Welcome to 'The Hotelier Helpcast Blog Posts’! Now, let's set the stage for this suite party! Always remember – every question answered is a key to unlocking your hotel's potential, casting you as the hero in all your guests’ travel stories!Copyright@Keystone Hospitality Property Development | All Rights Reserved Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • How to Decide Between Building or Buying Your First Hotel-076
    Jun 5 2025

    Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF.
    https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/

    Should You Build or Buy Your First Hotel? | Episode 076 – Beds, Breakfast & Business



    In Episode 076 of Beds, Breakfast & Business, we tackle one of the biggest decisions a new hotelier will face: build or buy your first hotel? This isn’t just about square footage—it’s about strategy, lifestyle, control, and timing.

    🎙️ I break down the real-world pros and cons of each option, from construction delays and creative freedom to fast-track cash flow and fixer-upper surprises.

    You’ll learn how to assess which path makes the most sense for your location, target guest, and financial plan—and you’ll hear stories from other hotel owners who’ve taken both routes.

    Whether you're planning a luxury resort, historic inn revival, or budget-friendly motel reboot, this episode is packed with actionable advice and personality to match.

    📌 Episode Timeline:
    00:00 – Introduction: Build vs Buy, a lifestyle decision
    01:25 – Building your hotel: control, costs, and challenges
    03:58 – Buying an existing property: speed, surprises & second chances
    06:10 – Budget breakdowns: what it really costs
    08:15 – Time-to-launch realities
    09:55 – Design freedom vs legacy renovation
    11:20 – Walkarounds: why visiting the site can save you thousands
    13:10 – Key takeaways + course mention

    🎓 Get the full decision-making toolkit in The Hotel Owner’s Roadmap: Start, Manage & Growhttps://courses.keystonehospitalitydevelopment.com/course/the-hotel-owners-roadmap-start-manage-grow/

    💬 QUESTION: What’s your biggest fear about building or buying a hotel? Let’s talk in the comments.


    #Building a hotel #Buying a hotel #HotelOwnership #BuildOrBuy #HotelInvestment #HospitalityBusiness #HotelManagement #HotelStartup #IndependentHotelier #HotelConstruction #HotelRenovation #HospitalityTech


    ⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:
    https://hotelierhelpcast.com/2025/06/how-to-decide-between-building-or-buying-your-first-hotel-076

    Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”.
    https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download

    Join one of our groups
    Facebook
    LinkedIn

    Say hi on social
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehotelierhelpcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8811511/

    Listen to The Hospitality Property School PODCAST here
    https://hotelierhelpcast.com/HotelierHelpcastPodcast

    YouTube
    https://www.youtube.com/ @TheHotelierHelpcast


    A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development

    Show more Show less
    7 mins
  • How to Craft a Hotel Business Plan That Attracts Investors-75
    May 29 2025

    Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF.
    https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/

    How to Craft a Hotel Business Plan That Attracts Investors | Episode 075 – Beds, Breakfast & Business


    Episode 075 of Beds, Breakfast & Business is for every aspiring hotel owner staring at a blank Word doc wondering, “How do I write a hotel business plan that actually works?”

    In this episode, I’m walking you through how to create a clear, compelling business plan that showcases your hotel’s unique value—and grabs investor attention. You’ll learn how to define your concept with confidence, use realistic financials, avoid generic fluff, and design a plan that inspires trust from partners, lenders, and future you.

    This isn’t a corporate template you download and forget. It’s a working document that helps you launch smarter, market better, and avoid costly missteps.

    📌 Episode Timeline:
    00:00 – Introduction: Why your plan matters more than ever
    01:20 – Concept clarity: ditching the clichés
    03:10 – Market research tips that actually matter
    05:00 – Target guest profiling made simple
    06:55 – Financials: how to forecast without fantasy
    09:15 – Operations: planning for who’s doing what
    11:10 – Marketing strategy: beyond “just social media"
    13:00 – What to cut: fluff, filler, and fake numbers
    14:20 – Final tips + free course mention

    🎯 Want step-by-step guidance with templates and tools? Get The Hotel Owner’s Roadmap: Start, Manage & Grow here → https://courses.keystonehospitalitydevelopment.com/course/the-hotel-owners-roadmap-start-manage-grow/

    💬 What’s one smart (or surprising) thing you’ve added to your business plan? Share it in the comments—I’d love to know!


    💬 Don’t forget to share your biggest non-negotiable in your hotel concept. I read every comment!

    #HotelBusinessPlan #IndependentHotelier #HospitalityStrategy #HotelStartup #HotelMarketing #HotelFinancialPlanning #BoutiqueHotel #HotelOperations #HospitalityManagement #HotelSuccess


    ⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:
    https://hotelierhelpcast.com/2025/05/how-to-craft-a-hotel-business-plan-that-attracts-investors-75

    Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”.
    https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download

    Join one of our groups
    Facebook
    LinkedIn

    Say hi on social
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehotelierhelpcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8811511/

    Listen to The Hospitality Property School PODCAST here
    https://hotelierhelpcast.com/HotelierHelpcastPodcast

    YouTube
    https://www.youtube.com/ @TheHotelierHelpcast


    A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development

    Show more Show less
    8 mins
  • How to Choose a Hotel Concept That Matches You?-074
    May 22 2025

    Grab your copy of the “Unlocking Hospitality Success: 25 Must-Know Insights for Independent Hotel Owners” PDF.
    https://keystonehpd.com/the-hotelier-helpcast-pdf/

    How to Choose a Hotel Concept That Matches You | Episode 074 – Beds, Breakfast & Business


    Welcome to episode 074 of Beds, Breakfast & Business, where we dive into the heart of what makes a successful independent hotel: a concept that fits you.

    Have you ever wondered if your dream hotel idea aligns with your personal strengths, passions, and budget? In this episode, Gerry MacPherson explores why choosing the right hotel concept isn’t just a creative exercise—it’s a strategic decision that impacts guest satisfaction, profitability, and your sanity as an owner.

    🧭 Whether you're a future boutique hotel owner or transitioning from another hospitality business, this episode delivers smart, practical advice grounded in real stories from the field.

    Episode Breakdown:
    00:00 – Introduction: Your concept = your foundation
    01:20 – The power of leaning into your strengths
    03:35 – The danger of trying to be everything to everyone
    05:52 – Defining your vision with 4 key questions
    07:40 – Finding a market gap in your location
    09:50 – Aligning your dream with your budget and team
    11:40 – Why consistency is your secret weapon
    13:00 – Final thoughts + bonus course mention

    🎓 Ready to refine your concept and launch with clarity? Enrol in The Hotel Owner’s Roadmap: Start, Manage & Grow: https://courses.keystonehospitalitydevelopment.com/course/the-hotel-owners-roadmap-start-manage-grow/

    💬 Don’t forget to share your biggest non-negotiable in your hotel concept. I read every comment!


    #HotelConcept #hotelconceptdevelopment #hospitalitybranding #boutiquehotelowners #hotelstartupguide #independenthoteliers #guestexperiencegoals #hoteltips2025 #hospitalityleadership #hotelvision #hotelbusinesssuccess


    ⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:
    https://hotelierhelpcast.com/2025/05/how-to-choose-a-hotel-concept-that-matches-you-074

    Grab your copy of the free “Your Independent Hotel Blueprint”.
    https://hotelierhelpcast.com/hotelier-helpcast-pdf-download

    Join one of our groups
    Facebook
    LinkedIn

    Say hi on social
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehotelierhelpcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8811511/

    Listen to The Hospitality Property School PODCAST here
    https://hotelierhelpcast.com/HotelierHelpcastPodcast

    YouTube
    https://www.youtube.com/ @TheHotelierHelpcast


    A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development

    Show more Show less
    9 mins
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