Leonardo Hotels, a renowned hotel chain headquartered in Berlin, boasts an impressive portfolio of over 160 hotels across Europe. It’s a testament to the vision of David Fattal, the founder of the Fattal Hotel Group, who started this journey in 2006.
This ambitious hotelier, hailing from Haifa, Israel, already had a successful tourism enterprise under his belt – Fattal Holdings Ltd based in Tel Aviv. His vision for Leonardo Hotels began with the opening of their first hotel in Nuremberg, Germany. This bold step marked the beginning of a truly international expansion.
A Global Footprint: Expanding Horizons
The name “Leonardo” became synonymous with Fattal’s global ambition. The company rapidly acquired hotels, initially focusing on Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Fueled by a blend of their own resources and external funding, the expansion continued to gain momentum.
Leonardo Hotels branched out into Israel, Hungary, Austria, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania. Their dedication to growth was further emphasized in April 2022 with the announcement of a new fund dedicated to further expansion across Europe.
Building a Legacy: Structure and Leadership
Leonardo Hotels is a key part of the Fattal Holdings group, with its European operations managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. The company’s hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, or they are leased.
The commitment to excellence is reflected in the size of their workforce: in 2021, over 2,700 individuals were employed by Leonardo Hotels Central Europe. Leading this bustling organization is Yoram Biton, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, who guides the company’s operations from its Berlin base.
A Family of Brands: Diverse Options for Every Traveler
Leonardo Hotels has evolved into a multi-faceted brand family, offering a range of options to suit various preferences. The four distinct brands – Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels – cater to different tastes and budgets.
Growing Stronger: Notable Acquisitions
Leonardo Hotels has made several significant acquisitions over the years, bolstering its portfolio and expanding its reach. Among the most notable acquisitions are the Jurys Inn hotels in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with a total of 51 hotels. Their acquisition of the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium, comprising 13 hotels, was another strategic move. The purchase of a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands is yet another testament to their continued growth.
Leonardo Hotels is a story of vision, determination, and global expansion. From its beginnings in Nuremberg, it has grown into a leading hotel chain, with a presence in numerous countries across Europe. The company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction continues to drive its success, ensuring a bright future for Leonardo Hotels and its diverse brand family.
