Leonardo Hotels is a thriving hotel chain with its headquarters in Berlin, boasting a collection of over 160 properties as of August 2022. The company is a key part of the Fattal Hotel Group, showcasing its commitment to providing high-quality accommodations across Europe.
A Visionary Founder and a Growing Empire
The story of Leonardo Hotels begins in 2006 with the entrepreneurial spirit of David Fattal, a hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel. At the time, he was already leading the successful tourism company Fattal Holdings Ltd. based in Tel Aviv. In 2006, the first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany. The company’s distinctive brand identity was formally registered in 2007 with the German Patent and Trademark Office, followed by international registration in 2008.
Expanding Horizons: A Global Footprint
With the launch of the Leonardo Hotels brand, Fattal embarked on a bold mission to expand his hotel portfolio internationally. The initial focus was on acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This expansion, financed with a combination of company funds and investment capital, continued with the rebranding of hotels in Israel around 2009. The company’s ambitious growth trajectory extended to Hungary (from 2011), Austria (from 2012), the United Kingdom (from 2015), Spain (from 2015), Italy (since 2015), the Netherlands (since 2016), the Czech Republic (since 2016), Ireland (since 2017), Poland (since 2017), and Romania (since 2021). In April 2022, the company announced a dedicated fund aimed at further expanding its presence across Europe.
A Strong Foundation: Structure and Leadership
Leonardo Hotels is an integral part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. group. The company’s European operations are managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, or they operate under lease agreements. In 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe employed over 2,700 people, highlighting its commitment to creating jobs and fostering local communities.
Yoram Biton, a seasoned leader born in 1967 in Israel, heads the Business Unit Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, with offices in Berlin. He is responsible for overseeing the operations of the brand and its various sub-brands, including Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
Significant Acquisitions: Expanding the Legacy
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel Group, encompassing its main brand and sub-brands, boasts a portfolio of over 160 hotels, with a notable concentration in German cities. Among the group’s most significant acquisitions are the Jurys Inn hotels 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 on the Balearic Islands.
Leonardo Hotels has grown into a major player in the global hospitality industry, driven by its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and its ongoing pursuit of expansion. The company’s strong leadership, diverse portfolio, and focused approach to development position it for continued success in the years to come.
