In this episode of the Lo-Down, I sit down with Neil Shah, who brings 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry and now owns 10 hotels. We dive into his journey from hotel management to ownership and what it really takes to build and operate successful hospitality businesses.
Neil breaks down the differences between independent, soft-branded, and flagged hotels, and shares the pros and cons of each. We also talk about the importance of guest experience, team retention, and having a long-term vision when it comes to portfolio growth.
He shares how his financing strategies have evolved over time, what he looks for in investment partners, and why treating real estate like a serious business is key. If you're interested in hospitality or want to scale in real estate, there’s a ton of value in this one.

💥 If you got value from this episode, please share it with a friend who's interested in real estate or hospitality, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next one. Please give a thumbs up or 5 Star Review for the Podcast.

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👥 Connect with Neil Shah:
Website: www.inntechhospitality.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nilang007/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilangs/

🚀 Let’s Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenzo.mercado_
Website: https://www.mercasaventures.com

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https://www.youtube.com/@Lorenzo.Mercado

🎙️ Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lo-down/id1764777761

🎙️ Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YjwXXjvFT3mqve6uMF983?si=d2501028127246f3

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Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Neil Shaw and His Portfolio
02:45
Understanding Hotel Branding: Independent, Soft, and Flagged
05:55
Pros and Cons of Different Hotel Types
08:48
Transitioning Between Hotel Types
11:59
Starting in Hospitality: Neil's Journey
15:08
Key Traits for Potential Hotel Partners
18:10
The Importance of Guest Experience
20:55
Mindset Shift: From Manager to Owner
24:06
Common Pitfalls for New Hotel Owners
26:12
Building a Serious Business Structure
27:32
Effective Management and Staff Retention
30:43
Challenges in Scaling Operations
34:48
The Importance of Patience in Growth
37:28
Evolving Financing Strategies
40:51
Navigating Market Opportunities
43:31
Long-Term Vision and Portfolio Management
45:09
Defining the Ideal Investment Criteria
47:38
Unique Experiences in Hospitality
50:09
Final Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Investors