Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain, has made a name for itself in the world of hospitality. With over 160 hotels under its belt, the company boasts a remarkable presence across Europe and beyond. The story of Leonardo Hotels begins with its founder, David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel.
A Journey of Expansion and Innovation
Fattal’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish the Fattal Hotel Group in 2006. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that saw the birth of Leonardo Hotels, a brand dedicated to providing a comfortable and memorable travel experience. The first Leonardo hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, setting the stage for a global expansion.
The company’s trademark was registered in 2007 in Germany, with international registration following a year later. Driven by a vision to expand its reach, Fattal began acquiring hotels in countries like Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland.
The acquisition of hotels in Israel, starting around 2009, further strengthened the company’s presence. The expansion continued unabated, with new hotels and acquisitions in countries like Hungary (starting in 2011), Austria (2012), the UK (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021).
This rapid growth was fueled by a combination of the company’s own resources and funds secured from investors. To ensure continued expansion, Leonardo Hotels established a dedicated fund in 2022, with its sights set on strengthening its presence across Europe.
A Family of Brands and a Strong Team
Leonardo Hotels is a subsidiary of Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. The company’s European operations are managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG.
The hotels themselves are either owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries or are leased. The company employs a workforce of over 2,700 people at Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone.
Leading the company’s European operations is Yoram Biton, a seasoned professional who serves as the Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe. Under Biton’s leadership, Leonardo Hotels has grown into a family of brands that caters to diverse traveler needs. This family includes Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Legacy of Acquisitions and Growth
Leonardo Hotels boasts a remarkable portfolio of hotels, with the majority located in Germany. Among the most notable acquisitions were the Jurys Inn chain, encompassing 51 hotels in the UK and Ireland, the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
From its humble beginnings in Germany, Leonardo Hotels has expanded its footprint, becoming a prominent player in the global hospitality industry. Its commitment to expansion, coupled with its diverse portfolio of brands and strong leadership, positions Leonardo Hotels for continued success in the years to come.
