Buying A Motel May 2026

Financing was the next hurdle. While banks are often eager to lend for motels because they are seen as solid investments, the Millers had to present a rock-solid business plan. They secured a loan and officially took over the keys on a rainy Tuesday in April.

The reality of motel ownership set in quickly. Jack spent his first weekend fixing a leaking pipe in Room 4, while Sarah spent hours responding to online reviews and updating their booking system. They learned that the work never truly starts or stops; they were now on call 24/7. buying a motel

: Hire specialized professionals (brokers, accountants, solicitors) who understand the hospitality industry. Financing was the next hurdle

They hired a specialized motel broker and an accountant to dive into the finances. They spent weeks reviewing three years of financial statements and occupancy reports to ensure the business was actually profitable. During their due diligence, they didn't just look at the books; they walked the property, checking the back areas for signs of neglect and ensuring the building was structurally sound. The reality of motel ownership set in quickly

: Understand if you are buying the land and building (freehold) or just the right to run the business (leasehold).

Jack and Sarah Miller decided to trade their high-speed corporate lives for a 14-room roadside motel in the Catskills. They were tired of the 9-to-5 grind and wanted a business they could run together while living on-site.