Leonardo Hotels, a prominent name in the hospitality industry, boasts a network of over 160 hotels across Europe. This impressive chain, headquartered in Berlin, is a subsidiary of the renowned Fattal Hotel Group.
From Haifa to the World: The Birth of Leonardo Hotels
The journey of Leonardo Hotels began in 2006, the brainchild of David Fattal, a visionary hotelier originally from Haifa, Israel. At the time, Fattal was already a successful entrepreneur, leading the Fattal Holdings Ltd, a tourism enterprise based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the start of a remarkable global expansion. The company’s distinctive logo and name were formally registered in 2007 in Germany, with international registration following in 2008.
A Strategic Expansion Across Continents
The establishment of Leonardo Hotels marked a significant step in Fattal’s strategy to internationalize his hotel portfolio. He began by acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, building a solid foundation for future growth. This expansion was fueled by a combination of internal funds and investment from external sources. In subsequent years, the company expanded its reach by acquiring or building hotels in Hungary, Austria, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania. The company’s commitment to global expansion is further emphasized by their announcement in April 2022 of a dedicated fund focused on accelerating growth throughout Europe.
A Family of Brands: Catering to Diverse Travelers
Leonardo Hotels operates under the umbrella of Fattal Holdings, with its European operations managed by the wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. The hotels are either owned directly by Fattal Holdings or its affiliates, or operate under a leasing agreement. By 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe employed over 2,700 people, a testament to the company’s significant contribution to the hospitality sector.
Yoram Biton, the Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, oversees operations from the Berlin headquarters. The Leonardo brand family encompasses four distinct hotel brands, catering to a diverse clientele: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Legacy of Acquisitions: Building a Global Network
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel group, including its subsidiaries, boasted a network of over 160 hotels, with a significant presence in Germany. Some of their most notable acquisitions include the Jurys Inn brand in the UK and Ireland, comprising 51 hotels, the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium, encompassing 13 properties, and a portfolio of six hotels on the Balearic Islands.
The story of Leonardo Hotels is one of calculated expansion, innovative brand management, and a dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences. This global hospitality empire, built on a foundation of strategic acquisitions and a commitment to continuous growth, is poised to continue its journey as a leader in the international hotel industry.
