About Us
Clever Hope is a hospitality advisory firm specialising in off-market assets, operator searches, hotel development and capital raising. We connect the right owners and investors with the right opportunities and support projects from acquisition and concept through to development and operation.
We also create commercial strategies for new launches and existing hospitality businesses, focused on positioning, revenue growth and long-term asset value.
Led by Mariana Heath Imbach, Clever Hope works with a senior specialist network of consultants across hotel operations, development, brand strategy, finance and investment.
What makes us different
Boutique strategy, hands-on execution
We pair high-level strategy with practical expertise across hotel development, management, commercial strategy, and bespoke event curation.
Early-stage & off-market involvement
We engage before projects reach the market: control, and informed decision-making from day one.
The right partners, at the right time
We curate tailored teams of trusted operators, specialists, and investors, ensuring the right expertise is applied at every stage.
Portfolio
We operate with exclusive access to off-market assets and projects in key international markets, with an active presence in Europe and the Americas. In Portugal, we specialize in the growth and consolidation of the lifestyle segment, identifying unique and distinctive properties from north to south of the country. Our approach combines strategic vision, market intelligence, and privileged access to opportunities reserved before they reach the open market.
About Us
Mariana Bettencourt Romão
Mariana Bettencourt Romão
Mariana Bettencourt Romão
Mariana is our board advisor, with more than 15 years developing projects in the areas of beauty, well-being, and longevity, with 6 years of experience at L'Oréal Group. Solid background in the entrepreneurial technology area, with investment fundraising for tech startups through Sparkl, an innovative initiative. Experience in fundraisi
Mariana is our board advisor, with more than 15 years developing projects in the areas of beauty, well-being, and longevity, with 6 years of experience at L'Oréal Group. Solid background in the entrepreneurial technology area, with investment fundraising for tech startups through Sparkl, an innovative initiative. Experience in fundraising, digital strategy, and user experience, business model, and value creation. Acts at the intersection between innovation, capital, and execution, with a focus on real estate and hospitality projects.
Mariana Heath Imbach
Mariana Bettencourt Romão
Mariana Bettencourt Romão
Mariana is our Managing Partner, a hospitality and events professional with international experience in Europe and the Middle East. Alumna of Les Roches (BBA/BSc in International Hospitality Management), she has worked with brands such as Accor, Fairmont, Sofitel, Jumeirah, and The Savoy London. Specialized in hotel development, she com
Mariana is our Managing Partner, a hospitality and events professional with international experience in Europe and the Middle East. Alumna of Les Roches (BBA/BSc in International Hospitality Management), she has worked with brands such as Accor, Fairmont, Sofitel, Jumeirah, and The Savoy London. Specialized in hotel development, she combines analytical vision and creativity, with certification in Hotel Asset Management (eCornell, 2025). Fluent in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish, she stands out for a global, collaborative approach and a natural talent for connecting people and opportunities.
Francisca Van Zeller
Rita Martins Bengtsson
Rita Martins Bengtsson
Francisca is our board advisor, with a degree in History from Royal Holloway College, University of London, Master's in Journalism and Post-Graduate in Enology, Francisca has a multifaceted experience in strategic communication and premium brand positioning, with a career in the wine and luxury hospitality sectors, including the Six Sens
Francisca is our board advisor, with a degree in History from Royal Holloway College, University of London, Master's in Journalism and Post-Graduate in Enology, Francisca has a multifaceted experience in strategic communication and premium brand positioning, with a career in the wine and luxury hospitality sectors, including the Six Senses Douro Valley. Fluent in three languages, with a high capacity for adaptation to different international markets. Acts in the connection between vision, capital, and execution, with a focus on sustainable projects with identity.
Rita Martins Bengtsson
Rita Martins Bengtsson
Rita Martins Bengtsson
Rita is our Senior Luxury Advisor, bringing over a decade of commercial leadership experience in the luxury hospitality sector. She has a strong track record of delivering growth across international markets, including Latin America and the United States, and was recognised as a 2019 “30 Under 30” talent in hospitality and tourism.
Special
Rita is our Senior Luxury Advisor, bringing over a decade of commercial leadership experience in the luxury hospitality sector. She has a strong track record of delivering growth across international markets, including Latin America and the United States, and was recognised as a 2019 “30 Under 30” talent in hospitality and tourism.
Specialising in premium and luxury segments, she has driven significant market growth and led high-profile international projects. Today, she advises operators, owners and investors on strategy, concept activation and performance optimisation within the hospitality industry.