Leonardo Hotels, a thriving hotel chain headquartered in Berlin, has carved out a significant space in the global hospitality industry. With over 160 hotels under its banner (as of August 2022), it is a testament to the vision and hard work of its founder, David Fattal.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Dominance
The story of Leonardo Hotels is one of ambitious growth and expansion. The company was born in 2006, the brainchild of David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel. At the time, Fattal already helmed the successful Fattal Holdings Ltd, a tourism company based in Tel Aviv. He envisioned a new hotel brand that would cater to discerning travelers seeking comfortable accommodations and exceptional service.
The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, in 2006. The company’s unique logo and name were officially registered in Germany and internationally in 2007 and 2008, respectively.
A Global Expansion Strategy
With the launch of Leonardo Hotels, Fattal embarked on a bold international expansion strategy. His initial focus was on Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, where he strategically acquired established hotels. This was just the beginning. Fueling their growth with both internal funds and investments from various funds, Leonardo Hotels continued to expand its footprint, venturing into new markets.
Israel saw the rebranding of several hotels under the Leonardo Hotels umbrella around 2009. The company’s reach expanded further with acquisitions and new hotel constructions in Hungary (2011), Austria (2012), Great Britain (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), Netherlands (2016), Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021). The company’s dedication to expansion was further emphasized in April 2022 when they announced a new fund specifically designed to fuel continued growth across Europe.
A Well-Structured Organization
Leonardo Hotels is a subsidiary of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd, a testament to its strong financial foundation. The Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly owned subsidiary, serves as the management company for all of Leonardo Hotels operations in Europe. The hotel properties themselves are either owned directly by Fattal Holdings, one of its subsidiaries, or leased. In 2021, the company employed over 2,700 people in Central Europe alone, demonstrating its significant contribution to the regional economy.
A Brand Family for Every Traveler
Yoram Biton, the Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, is a driving force behind the brand’s continued success. He leads the team from their headquarters in Berlin. Under his leadership, Leonardo Hotels has evolved into a family of brands, offering a diverse range of options to suit various travel needs and budgets.
As of August 2022, Leonardo Hotels boasts four distinct brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. Each brand offers a unique experience, catering to different travel preferences and budgets.
Milestones in Growth: Acquisitions and Expansion
By August 2022, the Leonardo Hotels group (including its various sub-brands) had grown to encompass over 160 hotels. The majority of these hotels are located in German cities, reflecting the company’s strong foothold in its home market. Some of the most significant acquisitions in the company’s history include:
- Jurys Inn (United Kingdom and Ireland): With 51 hotels acquired in April 2022, this acquisition solidified Leonardo Hotels position as a leading player in the British and Irish hospitality markets.
- Apollo Hotels (Netherlands and Belgium): In August 2018, the acquisition of 13 hotels from the Apollo Hotels chain further expanded Leonardo Hotels’ reach across the Benelux region.
- Balearic Islands Hotel Portfolio: The acquisition of six hotels on the Balearic Islands, a popular tourist destination in Spain, demonstrated the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in key holiday markets.
A Future Full of Potential
Leonardo Hotels, a brand built on solid foundations and fueled by ambition, is poised to continue its impressive growth trajectory. With its diverse portfolio, innovative approach, and commitment to excellence, Leonardo Hotels is set to remain a leading force in the global hospitality sector for years to come.
