Leonardo Hotels, a rapidly expanding hotel chain headquartered in Berlin, boasts a network of over 160 properties worldwide (as of August 2022). This impressive portfolio is the result of a visionary leader and a relentless pursuit of growth.
The Journey Begins
The Leonardo Hotels story started in 2006, the brainchild of David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel. Fattal, already a prominent figure in the tourism industry through his company, Fattal Holdings Ltd., based in Tel Aviv, saw a unique opportunity. He decided to establish a new hotel brand, Leonardo Hotels, with the goal of conquering the global hospitality market. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. The brand’s identity was solidified in 2007 with the registration of its distinctive logo and name in Germany, followed by international registration a year later.
Expanding Horizons: A Global Footprint
With the launch of Leonardo Hotels, Fattal embarked on an ambitious international expansion strategy. He started acquiring properties, primarily in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Fueled by a combination of internal resources and external funding, the Leonardo Hotels empire grew exponentially. This expansion continued with the rebranding of existing hotels in Israel around 2009. The company’s reach extended further into Europe with the acquisition and construction of new hotels in Hungary (starting in 2011), Austria (from 2012), the United Kingdom (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021).
Looking Forward: A Sustainable Future
Leonardo Hotels is not resting on its laurels. The company announced a dedicated fund in April 2022, signaling its commitment to continued expansion across Europe. This strategic initiative demonstrates the brand’s unwavering belief in the future of the hospitality industry.
The Powerhouse Behind Leonardo Hotels
Leonardo Hotels is a subsidiary of the established Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. The European operations of the brand are managed by its 100% subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, based in Berlin. The majority of Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, or are leased.
Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, with its headquarters in Berlin, is led by Managing Director Yoram Biton. He joined the company in 1967 and has played a pivotal role in shaping its growth and success. The company’s dedicated team of professionals currently stands at over 2,700 employees (as of 2021), showcasing the scale and dedication of Leonardo Hotels.
A Portfolio of Distinct Brands
Leonardo Hotels is not just a single brand but a family of distinct hotel concepts. It comprises four unique sub-brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This diverse range of hotel offerings caters to a wide spectrum of travelers, from business professionals to leisure seekers.
Strategic Acquisitions and Key Milestones
Leonardo Hotels has consistently grown through strategic acquisitions, notably acquiring the Jurys Inn brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland (51 hotels, as of April 2022), the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels, as of August 2018), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands. This impressive acquisition strategy has played a major role in expanding the Leonardo Hotels footprint and solidifying its position as a leading player in the global hospitality industry.
Leonardo Hotels is a testament to a relentless pursuit of growth, visionary leadership, and a commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences for travelers worldwide. The brand’s story is one of innovation, expansion, and a determination to build a global network of outstanding hotels. The future looks bright for Leonardo Hotels, as it continues to shape the landscape of international travel and accommodation.
