Leonardo Hotels, a prominent name in the hospitality industry, boasts a network of over 160 hotels, demonstrating its rapid growth and global reach. This impressive chain, headquartered in Berlin, is part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a company with a strong foundation in the travel and tourism sector.
This ambitious journey began in 2006 when David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier hailing from Haifa, established the Leonardo Hotels brand. At the time, Fattal was already leading Fattal Holdings Ltd, a reputable travel enterprise based in Tel Aviv. The very first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, marking the beginning of an impressive expansion. The brand’s unique name and logo were officially registered in 2007 in Germany, followed by an international registration in 2008.
Global Expansion: Spreading the Leonardo Brand
The birth of Leonardo Hotels marked a new era for Fattal’s hotel portfolio, propelling its international ambitions. The company quickly acquired properties in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, establishing a strong presence in key European markets. The expansion was fueled by smart investments, a combination of internal resources and funds from external sources.
This ambitious growth continued with the rebranding of hotels in Israel around 2009, followed by strategic acquisitions and new developments in Hungary (2011), Austria (2012), the United Kingdom (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021). These strategic moves solidified Leonardo Hotels’ standing as a major player in the European hospitality landscape.
In April 2022, the group unveiled plans for a dedicated fund, specifically targeted at further expanding its presence across Europe. This ambitious endeavor signifies the group’s unwavering commitment to growth and its vision for a wider international footprint.
A Family of Brands: Catering to Diverse Travelers
Behind the success of Leonardo Hotels is the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd, the parent company that oversees the brand’s operations. Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly owned subsidiary, acts as the central management team for the European operations.
Ownership of Leonardo Hotels rests with Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, with some properties operating under lease agreements. The company’s dedication to providing quality service is reflected in its impressive workforce, with 2,700 employees solely within the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe branch in 2021.
Yoram Biton, born in 1967 in Israel, leads the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe division as the Managing Director, based in Berlin. The Leonardo brand family encompasses four distinct hotel brands, each catering to different traveler needs: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
Significant Acquisitions: Expanding the Portfolio
By August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel group, including its primary and sub-brands, boasted a network of over 160 hotels, with a notable concentration in German cities.
Among the group’s most impactful acquisitions were Jurys Inn, encompassing 51 hotels in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and Apollo Hotels, with 13 properties in the Netherlands and Belgium. These acquisitions, along with the purchase of six hotel properties in the Balearic Islands, have significantly expanded Leonardo Hotels’ reach and solidified its position as a leading hotel operator.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
Leonardo Hotels has achieved remarkable growth in a relatively short period. The company’s success story is built on a foundation of strategic acquisitions, visionary leadership, and a commitment to offering diverse hospitality experiences. With its continued expansion and focus on innovation, Leonardo Hotels is poised to become an even more influential force in the global hospitality landscape. This is a brand that has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt to evolving market trends, providing travelers with comfortable, stylish, and memorable experiences.
