Business Details
23 Years
experience
Hotel Real Estate Asset Management Experts
Founded in 2003, hotelAVE is a leading hotel real estate asset management and advisory firm dedicated to creating value through innovation and a passion for achieving results. Our team of 48 professionals, including former hotel owners, operators, and financial experts, specializes in asset management, advisory services, investment management, and operational effectiveness. With a track record of success across 1,700 hotels and $12.5 billion in assets under management, we leverage data-driven insights and industry expertise to maximize value for clients.Our proactive approach combines deep market analysis, strategic planning, and hands-on execution to deliver above-market performance. Trusted by institutional owners and lenders, we prioritize client success through transparency, accountability, and a commitment to exceeding expectations in every project.
Services
Asset Management
Advisory Services
Investment Management
Operational Effectiveness
Lender Services
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- 48 professionals with 650+ years of cumulative hospitality experience
- Track record managing $12.5B in assets across 1,700 hotels
- Proven success in achieving #1 RevPAR rankings for clients
- Hands-on approach combining former owner/operator perspectives
- Data-driven strategies for sustainable above-market performance
What people say
Achieve #1 RevPAR ranking
Turnaround of our hotel
Surpassed investment objectives
Data-supported industry insights
Hands-on management style
Services
Asset Management
hotelAVE's proactive asset management combines deep market analysis with hands-on execution. Our team conducts comprehensive audits of financial performance, labor productivity, and brand compliance to develop customized roadmaps for maximizing returns. With a 2:1 asset-to-professional ratio, we ensure focused, outcome-driven strategies that align with owner goals. Our expertise spans new development, pre-opening, and receivership scenarios.
Advisory Services
We provide unbiased, data-driven advisory solutions for equity and debt decisions throughout the asset lifecycle. Services include acquisition due diligence, franchise negotiations, operational assessments, and disposition strategies. Our team's former owner/operator experience ensures practical, risk-aware recommendations that protect asset value and enhance returns for institutional clients and lenders.
Investment Management
Specializing in hotel real estate investment management, we offer tailored strategies for pension funds, family offices, and sovereign wealth funds. Our services include portfolio-wide sustainability initiatives, accounting compliance, and active asset management that consistently outperforms REIT benchmarks. We focus on hands-on management and local market expertise across North and Latin America.
Operational Effectiveness
Our 12-week on-site operational effectiveness program identifies and implements best practices for sustainable savings. We focus on labor efficiency, F&B profitability, and data-driven forecasting tools that deliver 4x return on cost within the first year. By working directly with management teams, we ensure lasting improvements in guest experience and owner returns.
Lender Services
hotelAVE provides specialized lender services including loan underwriting, forensic analysis, and receivership management. Our team combines former lender/operator perspectives with proprietary SOPs to protect asset value throughout the lending cycle. Services cover appraisal review, workout strategies, and REO asset management for major banks and special servicers.
People
Michelle S. Russo
CEO & Founder
Founded hotelAVE in 2003 after identifying a need for owner-focused asset management. Recognized as one of Lodging Magazine's most influential women in hospitality, she leads with a philosophy of innovation and accountability. Her 20+ years of industry experience drive the firm's strategic direction.
Chris Hague
Chief Operating Officer
Oversees daily operations and strategic implementation at hotelAVE. With extensive hospitality management experience, he ensures seamless execution of asset management plans across diverse portfolios. His operational expertise contributes to consistent client success in complex market conditions.
Loren Balsam
CIO & EVP of Advisory
Leads investment advisory services with a focus on data-driven decision-making. His expertise in equity/debt strategies and market analysis helps clients navigate complex transactions. With 15+ years in hospitality finance, he delivers actionable insights that protect and enhance asset value.
Questions
What hotel real estate services does hotelAVE offer?
We provide asset management, advisory, investment management, operational effectiveness, and specialized lender services for hotel real estate assets.
In which regions does hotelAVE operate?
We serve clients across North America, Latin America, and Europe with localized market expertise and strategic insights.
How does hotelAVE differ from other asset managers?
Our team's former owner/operator experience, 2:1 asset-to-professional ratio, and data-driven approach deliver measurable above-market performance for clients.
Can hotelAVE help with hotel operational improvements?
Yes, our 12-week operational effectiveness program consistently achieves 4x return on cost through labor efficiency and revenue optimization strategies.
