Patrick Saada is helping to redefine how first-time investors approach the hospitality real estate market. With more than three decades of entrepreneurial experience across multiple industries, Patrick Saada brings a unique perspective to guiding newcomers toward profitable, sustainable opportunities in this competitive sector.
Working closely with Bohopo, a Cyprus-headquartered private equity real estate and hospitality investment firm, Patrick Saada supports a strategy built on acquiring, repurposing, and retrofitting underutilized city-center properties in major European destinations. These properties are transformed into high-quality boutique hotels that combine architectural charm with modern amenities, operated as part of a carefully diversified portfolio.
Building a Portfolio – Not Just a Property
For first-time investors, Patrick Saada emphasizes the importance of thinking in terms of a portfolio rather than a single property. Bohopo’s model treats each hotel as part of a broader asset collection, enabling diversification that enhances the Sharpe ratio – a key measure of risk-adjusted returns – while protecting against market volatility.
At present, Bohopo’s portfolio consists of ten assets: one under acquisition, four under development, and five operational, located in Athens, Brussels, Milan, and Porto. Room counts range from 20 to 50 per property, totaling 314 operational rooms. The firm aims to expand this figure to between 650 and 700 operational rooms over the next two to four years.
Why Location Matters
Patrick Saada identifies location as the single most important factor in hospitality real estate investment. City-center properties in high-demand markets, particularly those with a blend of business and leisure traffic, offer consistent occupancy rates and long-term growth potential.
Brussels, for example, is the political capital of Europe, attracting diplomats, business leaders, and tourists year-round. Milan and Athens bring a mix of international and domestic visitors, while Porto has emerged as a rising leisure destination with significant growth prospects.
The Value of Repurposing
Bohopo’s focus on repurposing redundant or underutilized properties offers a practical entry point for new investors. Converting existing structures avoids the high costs and extended timelines of new construction while benefiting from established infrastructure. This approach also aligns with sustainable development principles, revitalizing neighborhoods and preserving urban character.
Balancing Growth with Quality
Another key principle that Patrick Saada shares with first-time investors is the importance of prioritizing quality over rapid expansion. Bohopo ensures each property reflects its local environment, offering guests a distinctive experience that fosters repeat business and brand loyalty.
“Consistency in quality is what drives long-term value,” says Patrick Saada. “Even small boutique hotels can outperform larger properties if they deliver superior service and authentic character.”
Managing Risk Through Diversification
Spreading investments across multiple markets is central to Bohopo’s strategy. By operating in four different European cities, the company mitigates the impact of local economic downturns or seasonal dips in demand. This same principle can be applied by individual investors starting with a single asset as part of a broader group.
Looking Ahead
With Bohopo on track to nearly double its operational capacity in the coming years, Patrick Saada believes that now is a prime time for first-time investors to consider hospitality real estate. The combination of post-pandemic travel growth, rising demand for boutique experiences, and the potential for sustainable urban redevelopment creates a window of opportunity for those who approach the market strategically.
For newcomers, the roadmap is clear: choose the right location, focus on guest experience, think beyond a single property, and aim for sustainable growth. Under the guidance of Patrick Saada, Bohopo’s model demonstrates how disciplined, well-researched hospitality investments can deliver strong financial returns while enhancing the cities they serve.
