Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain headquartered in Berlin, Germany, boasts an impressive portfolio of over 160 properties as of August 2022. This bustling network is a testament to the vision and hard work of its parent company, Fattal Hotel Group.
A Journey From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion
The story of Leonardo Hotels began in 2006, the brainchild of David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel. At the time, Fattal was already at the helm of Fattal Holdings Ltd, a thriving tourism company based in Tel Aviv. Fattal’s entrepreneurial spirit took shape with the opening of the first Leonardo hotel in Nuremberg, Germany. The distinct Leonardo Hotels logo was officially registered in 2007 by the German Patent and Trademark Office, with international recognition following in 2008.
The launch of Leonardo Hotels marked a significant step in the internationalization of Fattal’s hotel portfolio. The company strategically acquired hotels, initially focusing on Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Fueled by both internal funds and investment capital, Leonardo’s expansion journey continued with rebranding efforts in Israel around 2009. The hotel group then expanded its footprint to Hungary (starting in 2011), Austria (2012), the United Kingdom (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021). In a bold move, Leonardo Hotels announced a dedicated fund in April 2022 to further its European expansion ambitions.
A Well-Structured Organization
Leonardo Hotels operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. The company’s European operations are overseen by Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a 100% subsidiary. Leonardo Hotels’ properties are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries or operate on a leased basis. In 2021, the company employed a workforce of 2,700 solely within its Central Europe operations.
A Leading Figure at the Helm
Yoram Biton, born in Israel in 1967, serves as Managing Director for Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, with the company’s headquarters located in Berlin. The Leonardo brand encompasses a diverse portfolio of hotels, including Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels (as of August 2022).
Acquisitions that Shaped a Global Empire
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotels group, encompassing its core brand and subsidiary brands, has grown to include over 160 hotels. The majority of these properties are located in German cities. Notable acquisitions that have shaped the group’s global footprint include the Jurys Inn brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland (51 hotels as of April 2022), Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels as of August 2018), and a six-hotel portfolio on the Balearic Islands.
A Story of Growth and Ambition
The story of Leonardo Hotels is a captivating journey of a determined entrepreneur who built a thriving hospitality empire through strategic acquisitions, innovative branding, and a commitment to providing high-quality accommodations. The company’s ongoing expansion and commitment to innovation ensure that Leonardo Hotels remains a major player in the global hospitality landscape, offering travelers a diverse range of options across Europe and beyond.
