Leonardo Hotels, a prominent name in the hospitality industry, is a hotel chain with a remarkable story of growth and expansion. Founded in 2006 by David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel, the company has rapidly expanded its presence across Europe, establishing a network of over 160 hotels by August 2022.
From Humble Beginnings to International Success
Fattal’s entrepreneurial journey began with Fattal Holdings Ltd, a tourism company headquartered in Tel Aviv. In 2006, he launched the first Leonardo hotel in Nuremberg, Germany. The brand’s unique identity was solidified in 2007 with the registration of its logo and name at the German Patent and Trademark Office, followed by international registration in 2008.
The Leonardo brand became Fattal’s vehicle for internationalization, with early acquisitions taking place in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. The company’s expansion was fueled by a combination of internal resources and funding from investment funds. This strategic approach led to the acquisition and construction of hotels in Hungary (starting in 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).
This relentless pursuit of growth was further amplified in April 2022 when the hotel group announced a new fund dedicated to expanding its European footprint.
A Family of Brands: Diversity in Hospitality
Leonardo Hotels is a part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd family, with its European operations managed by the wholly-owned subsidiary Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. Leonardo hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries or operated under lease agreements. The company employs over 2,700 people at its Central European division alone.
The brand’s leadership is spearheaded by Yoram Biton, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, who oversees operations from the company’s Berlin headquarters. The Leonardo family consists of four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This diverse portfolio caters to a wide range of travelers, offering a variety of accommodation options and experiences.
A Story of Acquisitions and Expansion
The Leonardo brand has witnessed significant growth through strategic acquisitions. Notable deals include the acquisition of the Jurys Inn brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland, adding 51 hotels to the portfolio. The company also acquired Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium, adding 13 properties to its European network. The expansion continues with the acquisition of six hotels in the Balearic Islands, solidifying Leonardo’s presence in a popular tourist destination.
By August 2022, Leonardo Hotels, including its sub-brands, boasted over 160 properties, with the largest concentration located in German cities. The company’s focus on expansion, strategic acquisitions, and commitment to providing diverse hospitality experiences has positioned Leonardo Hotels as a prominent force in the global hotel industry. The future looks bright for this dynamic company, and its journey towards further growth continues.
This article has explored the fascinating journey of Leonardo Hotels, highlighting its strategic acquisitions, expansion efforts, and diverse portfolio of brands. From its humble beginnings in Nuremberg to its global presence, Leonardo Hotels has carved a niche for itself in the competitive hospitality market. With a commitment to quality, expansion, and a diverse range of offerings, Leonardo Hotels is poised for continued success in the years to come.
