Leonardo Hotels is a well-known hotel chain with a presence all over the world. Based in Berlin, the chain boasts over 160 properties (as of August 2022), making it a significant player in the hospitality industry.
This impressive network is a testament to the vision of its founder, David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier with a background in tourism. Fattal, originally from Haifa, Israel, established Fattal Holdings Ltd in Tel Aviv before venturing into the hotel business.
The Beginning: A German Start and Global Expansion
The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, back in 2006. The distinctive logo was formally registered in 2007 in Germany, with international recognition following in 2008.
Fattal saw the potential for international growth. He began by acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This ambitious expansion, funded by the company’s own resources and external investments, didn’t stop there. Leonardo Hotels spread its wings across Europe, establishing a strong presence in countries like Israel, Hungary, Austria, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania.
The company’s commitment to growth is evident in their April 2022 announcement of a new fund specifically designed to fuel further expansion across Europe.
A Family of Brands: Catering to Different Needs
The Fattal Holdings group, which oversees Leonardo Hotels, has a 100% subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, responsible for managing operations in Europe. Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, or they are leased.
In 2021 alone, the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe branch employed 2,700 people. The Managing Director of this division, Yoram Biton, has played a key role in shaping the brand’s success.
Under the Leonardo Hotels umbrella, there are 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 options for various budgets and travel styles.
Acquisitions and Growth: A Strategy for Success
Leonardo Hotels has made strategic acquisitions that have significantly boosted its footprint. Among the most notable are Jurys Inn in the United Kingdom and Ireland (51 hotels), Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels), and a portfolio of six hotels on the Balearic Islands.
Leonardo Hotels has built a solid reputation for quality and service, making it a highly regarded name in the international hotel industry. Through strategic acquisitions, expansion, and a diverse portfolio of brands, Leonardo Hotels is poised for continued growth and success in the future.
