In a dynamic global landscape where travel preferences are shifting and cities are continuously reinventing themselves, few investors have shown the same level of intuition, strategic foresight, and emotional intelligence as Mr. Patrick Saada. As Chairman of Bohopo—a private equity hospitality platform that specializes in acquiring, retrofitting, and repurposing urban real estate into boutique hotels across key European centers—Patrick is redefining the relationship between place, purpose, and profitability.
But what drew him to hospitality in the first place? And why focus so heavily on Europe, particularly Brussels and Athens?
Patrick’s entrance into hotel real estate wasn’t purely financial. With a background in tech, real estate, and entrepreneurship, his approach is as multidimensional as it is human-centric. What truly attracted him to the hospitality sector was its power to create spaces that foster emotional connection, cultural immersion, and design-driven value.
“In a world driven by data, I’m driven by feeling,” Patrick often reflects. “A great hotel is not just an asset—it’s a living, breathing part of the city.”
At Bohopo, this philosophy is at the core. The firm transforms underutilized urban properties into thoughtfully designed boutique hotels, each tailored to reflect the unique soul of its neighborhood. Rather than pursue volume or replication, the strategy is one of curation and craftsmanship—emphasizing quality over scale, and identity over standardization.
Europe remains one of the world’s top travel destinations, with tens of millions of visitors arriving annually. Yet, despite this steady demand, many central urban areas still feature neglected or underperforming buildings—prime real estate waiting to be reimagined.
Patrick saw in this not decay, but opportunity: to restore, rebrand, and rejuvenate city centers with purpose-driven hospitality experiences.
In parallel, the global hospitality market itself continues to expand. According to Business Wire, the industry reached €3.64 trillion in 2021 and was projected to grow to €4.19 trillion in 2022—a year-on-year growth rate of 15.1%. By 2026, it is expected to hit €6.18 trillion, marking a compounded annual growth rate of 10.2%.
These strong fundamentals—driven by global population growth, the expansion of the middle class, experience-driven consumption, and technological innovation—support the long-term resilience of the sector.
Moreover, Patrick recognized that the rise of the online booking economy has significantly lowered the barrier to entry. Where once hospitality was dominated by major players like Hilton or Marriott, today independent brands and boutique properties can compete on equal footing through platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb. This democratization of access opened up fresh possibilities for innovation, creativity, and customer-centric thinking.
While often regarded as a political and administrative capital, Brussels is evolving into something deeper—a cultural and boutique hospitality hub. For Patrick Saada, the city offers more than just attractive real estate valuations; it represents a personal homecoming. Having long considered Brussels a second home, his investment is also an act of reinvesting in a familiar, meaningful place.
Brussels combines established infrastructure with hidden potential:
But more than that, Bohopo’s Brussels portfolio embodies a 'house of brands' strategy, where each property serves a distinct audience:
Together, they form a cohesive yet diverse offering—proof that boutique hospitality can be both segmented and synergistic.
In contrast to Brussels’ institutional calm, Athens is raw, emotional, and pulsing with energy. Patrick’s interest in Athens was not based on the common misconception of it being a year-round tourist city—on the contrary, it is a seasonal destination. However, that very seasonality, combined with affordable real estate and an emerging creative class, presented a compelling investment case.
Athens offered three strategic advantages:
Patrick’s Athens portfolio—Vasi, Apollo Palm, and Lekka Hotel & Spa—is built around this principle: taking forgotten or overlooked structures and reviving them into soulful, purpose-driven hospitality experiences. Each hotel speaks its own architectural and cultural language, yet all remain connected to the city’s timeless spirit.
Patrick Saada’s strategy isn’t built on following trends—it’s grounded in long-term value creation, cultural respect, and a deep understanding of human behavior. His philosophy combines design thinking, emotional intelligence, and financial rigor in equal measure.
Through Bohopo, he is not just developing hotels—he is shaping urban narratives, creating spaces that allow guests to feel inspired, welcomed, and connected.
In a world where hospitality is becoming increasingly transactional, Patrick’s work reminds us of its original purpose: to host, to uplift, and to leave a mark.
