Leonardo Hotels, a prominent name in the hospitality industry, boasts an impressive network of over 160 hotels, as of August 2022. This impressive hotel chain is part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder, David Fattal.
The Story Begins
The story of Leonardo Hotels is an inspiring one, born from the entrepreneurial spirit of David Fattal. Hailing from Haifa, Israel, David Fattal already had a successful tourism company, Fattal Holdings Ltd, based in Tel Aviv, before he embarked on his hotel journey. In 2006, he laid the foundation for Leonardo Hotels by opening its first hotel in Nuremberg, Germany. The company’s unique brand identity was officially registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007, followed by international registration the year after.
Expanding Horizons
With Leonardo Hotels, Fattal set his sights on international expansion. He began acquiring hotels across Europe, starting with Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Driven by a combination of his own resources and funds from investment companies, the expansion continued, with the company acquiring and constructing hotels in Hungary (2011), Austria (2012), the UK (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), the Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021). This relentless growth is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences across the globe. The company’s dedication to further growth was solidified in April 2022, with the announcement of a dedicated fund specifically focused on expanding Leonardo Hotels’ presence across Europe.
A Strong Foundation: The Structure of Leonardo Hotels
Leonardo Hotels is an integral part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd group, with its European operations managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. Ownership of the hotels within the Leonardo portfolio resides with Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, or they are operated under lease agreements. The company’s commitment to its employees is evident in the impressive workforce of 2,700 individuals solely dedicated to Leonardo Hotels Central Europe in 2021.
Leadership and Vision: Guiding the Growth of Leonardo Hotels
Yoram Biton, born in Israel in 1967, plays a crucial role as the Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, with headquarters in Berlin. Under his leadership, the company has developed a distinct brand identity, offering a variety of hotel options to cater to different traveler needs. The Leonardo Hotels brand family encompasses four distinct brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This diverse portfolio allows the company to meet the needs of a wider range of travelers, whether they seek luxurious accommodations or stylish, contemporary spaces.
A Story of Acquisitions and Growth
By August 2022, the Leonardo Hotels group, including its various sub-brands, had grown to encompass over 160 hotels, with a significant concentration in German cities. The company’s impressive growth strategy has been characterized by strategic acquisitions, including notable acquisitions of the Jurys Inn brand in the UK and Ireland (51 hotels, as of April 2022), the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels, as of August 2018), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
Conclusion:
The story of Leonardo Hotels is a journey of ambition, innovation, and dedication. From its humble beginnings in Nuremberg, the company has blossomed into a global leader in hospitality, expanding its presence across Europe and beyond. With a commitment to providing exceptional experiences, a diverse portfolio of brands, and a strong leadership team, Leonardo Hotels is poised to continue its impressive growth trajectory, solidifying its position as a leading name in the hospitality industry.
