Leonardo Hotels, a thriving hotel chain with a presence in numerous European countries, has a fascinating story of growth and expansion. Founded in 2006 by the Israeli hotelier David Fattal, Leonardo Hotels started its journey in the German city of Nuremberg. The name and logo were officially registered in Germany in 2007, with international registration following the next year.
David Fattal was a seasoned entrepreneur in the tourism sector. He already headed Fattal Holdings Ltd., a company based in Tel Aviv, when he decided to launch the new hotel chain. This decision marked the beginning of the internationalization of his hotel portfolio.
From Germany to Europe and Beyond
The early years saw Leonardo Hotels expanding across Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. The company financed its growth through its own funds and external sources, acquiring existing hotels and building new ones. The expansion continued into Israel around 2009. This was followed by a surge in Hungary (starting 2011), Austria (starting 2012), the UK (starting 2015), Spain (starting 2015), Italy (starting 2015), the Netherlands (starting 2016), Czech Republic (starting 2016), Ireland (starting 2017), Poland (starting 2017), and Romania (starting 2021).
Leonardo Hotels has ambitious expansion plans for the future. In April 2022, the hotel group announced a new fund designed to further expand its reach across Europe.
A Network of Brands and Businesses
The Leonardo hotel chain is part of Fattal Holdings, a larger company founded in 1998. The European operations are managed by Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fattal Holdings. Most of the Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, or they are leased. In 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe employed a workforce of over 2,700 people.
Yoram Biton, who was born in Israel in 1967, heads Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, which is based in Berlin. The company has a diverse portfolio of hotel brands under its umbrella, including Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Legacy of Acquisitions and Growth
With over 160 hotels in its network as of August 2022, Leonardo Hotels has established a strong presence across Europe, with a particularly large number of hotels located in German cities.
The company has made some significant acquisitions over the years. These include the Jurys Inn brand in the UK and Ireland (51 hotels), the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
The story of Leonardo Hotels is one of ambition, innovation, and a clear commitment to growth. It is a testament to the dedication and vision of its founder, David Fattal, and his team. By strategically expanding its reach across Europe and diversifying its offerings, Leonardo Hotels has positioned itself for continued success in the dynamic hotel industry.
