Today we’d like to introduce you to Arvand Sabetian.
Hi Arvand, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always enjoyed taking on projects that others overlook and finding ways to make them better. I started my first business while I was still in high school, driven by a curiosity for technology and entrepreneurship. That company eventually grew into one of the largest independent web hosting providers before being acquired in 2014.
After that, I found myself drawn to real estate and hospitality because they combine so many things I enjoy—design, construction, technology, operations, and creating memorable experiences for people. Rather than building from the ground up, I love identifying properties with great bones that simply need a fresh vision and thoughtful investment to reach their potential.
That passion ultimately led to Zenstay, where our focus is breathing new life into unique boutique hotels while preserving the character that makes them special. We use technology to operate efficiently behind the scenes, but our goal is always to create places that feel warm, comfortable, and distinctly local for every guest.
Bella Notte is a great example of that philosophy. When we acquired the property in late 2025, it had tremendous potential but hadn’t seen a significant renovation since it was built in 2007. We reimagined the layout by converting underutilized spaces into additional guest suites, renovated every bathroom, added kitchenettes where they didn’t previously exist, improved soundproofing, and completely refreshed the exterior and landscaping. Today, it offers more rooms, better amenities, and a much more enjoyable experience while still maintaining the intimate feel that made it a neighborhood favorite.
Looking back, I’ve realized that the most rewarding part isn’t simply renovating buildings—it’s creating places that guests love returning to and helping revitalize neighborhoods one property at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not. Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve found that every stage of the journey brings a different set of challenges. Early on, it was simply figuring things out with limited resources and learning through trial and error. As the businesses grew, the challenges shifted toward building great teams, creating systems that could scale, and making difficult decisions with incomplete information.
Hospitality has been especially rewarding because no two projects are the same. Every property has its own history, physical challenges, and opportunities. With Bella Notte, for example, we weren’t just renovating rooms—we were rethinking how the entire property could better serve guests. That meant carefully redesigning the layout, modernizing spaces that hadn’t been updated in nearly two decades, and making improvements that guests may never consciously notice, like better soundproofing and more functional room layouts.
One lesson I’ve learned is that obstacles are usually where the biggest opportunities are hiding. If a project were easy, it probably wouldn’t be as rewarding or create as much value. I’ve come to enjoy solving those problems, whether it’s finding creative design solutions, navigating complex renovations, or figuring out how technology can improve the guest experience without taking away the personal touch.
At the end of the day, I try not to focus on the setbacks themselves. Every challenge has taught me something that made the next project better, and that mindset has been one of the biggest contributors to our growth.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Zenstay, we specialize in reimagining independent boutique hotels and unique hospitality properties. Rather than building new hotels from the ground up, we look for properties with character and history that simply need a fresh vision. Our goal is to preserve what makes each property unique while thoughtfully modernizing it for today’s traveler.
One of the things that sets us apart is that we handle every aspect of a project ourselves—from acquisition and design to construction, technology, and day-to-day operations. That allows us to make decisions with the entire guest experience in mind instead of treating each piece as a separate business.
We’re also passionate about using technology to enhance hospitality rather than replace it. Many of our hotels operate without a traditional front desk, allowing guests to check in seamlessly at any time while still having access to real people whenever they need assistance. Behind the scenes, technology helps us operate more efficiently, but the guest experience always comes first.
At Bella Notte, that philosophy meant transforming underutilized space into additional guest rooms, modernizing every accommodation, adding amenities like kitchenettes, improving soundproofing, and completely revitalizing the exterior and landscaping. We weren’t trying to change the personality of the property—we wanted to uncover the best version of what it could be.
What I’m most proud of is that every project we take on feels different. We don’t believe in creating cookie-cutter hotels. We want guests to remember where they stayed, not just where they slept. If someone leaves feeling like they discovered a hidden gem and can’t wait to come back, we’ve done our job.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
People often assume entrepreneurs enjoy taking big risks, but I’ve never really thought of myself that way. I actually spend a lot of time trying to reduce risk. I like gathering as much information as possible, understanding the downside, and making sure that if something doesn’t go according to plan, there’s still a path forward.
That said, I’ve certainly taken some significant leaps. Starting my first business in high school was a risk because I had no roadmap or guarantee it would succeed. Leaving that chapter after the company was acquired and investing heavily in boutique hospitality was another. More recently, we’ve taken on ambitious renovation projects like Bella Notte, where we’re investing not just in the buildings themselves, but in a long-term vision for what these properties can become.
For me, the biggest risk isn’t making a well-researched investment—it’s standing still. Markets change, technology evolves, and guest expectations continue to rise. If you’re not constantly improving and adapting, you’re actually taking a different kind of risk by falling behind.
I’ve also learned that the best opportunities often don’t look obvious at first. Many of the properties we pursue have been overlooked because they require creativity, patience, and a willingness to solve problems. Those are exactly the types of challenges I enjoy. When you can see potential where others see obstacles, that’s often where the greatest value can be created.
Ultimately, I believe successful risk-taking isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being prepared, staying adaptable, and having enough conviction to move forward when you believe in the opportunity.
Pricing:
- Nightly rates generally range from $149–$399, depending on the season, room type, and local events.
- Every stay includes complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, contactless check-in, premium bedding, luxury bath amenities, and in-room kitchenettes.
- Guests who book directly through our website receive our best available rates and exclusive offers.
- We believe boutique hospitality should be both memorable and accessible, delivering a premium experience without the premium price tag.
- Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and the area’s beaches and restaurants.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bellanotteinn.com/
