Leonardo Hotels, a household name in the hospitality industry, boasts an impressive portfolio of over 160 hotels, as of August 2022. This impressive network of hotels is owned and operated by the Fattal Hotel Group, a company with a fascinating history of growth and expansion.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Dominance
The story of Leonardo Hotels begins with David Fattal, a visionary hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel. In 2006, he established the Fattal Hotel Group, a bold venture building upon his previous experience as head of the tourism company Fattal Holdings Ltd. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of a global expansion journey.
The Leonardo Hotels brand name and logo were officially registered in 2007, solidifying the company’s presence in the German market. The international expansion of the brand quickly followed, with the first hotels opening in Belgium and Switzerland.
Fattal Holdings Ltd. has financed its impressive growth through a combination of its own resources and external investments. This strategic approach has fueled the acquisition and construction of hotels across Europe.
Hungary (2011), Austria (2012), Great Britain (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), The Netherlands (2016), Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021) have all welcomed Leonardo Hotels, making the company a truly global force in the hospitality sector.
This relentless expansion is far from over, as the company announced a new investment fund in April 2022, specifically aimed at strengthening its foothold in the European market.
A Family of Brands: Diverse Experiences
Fattal Holdings Ltd. is the parent company of Leonardo Hotels, with its European operations managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG.
Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings Ltd. or one of its subsidiaries or operated under a lease agreement. The company employs over 2,700 people in Central Europe alone, showcasing its commitment to creating employment opportunities and contributing to local economies.
Yoram Biton, the Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, is a driving force behind the brand’s success. Based in Berlin, he oversees a diverse portfolio of hotel brands, each with its unique character.
Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels all fall under the umbrella of the Leonardo brand family, offering a range of options to cater to different travel preferences.
Acquisitions and Growth: Shaping the Hotel Landscape
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotels brand, along with its sub-brands, operates over 160 hotels, with a significant number of them located in German cities.
The company’s impressive acquisition record includes the Jurys Inn hotels in the United Kingdom and Ireland (51 hotels), the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
These acquisitions have further cemented Leonardo’s position as a major player in the global hospitality market, demonstrating its strategic vision and commitment to growth.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Leonardo Hotels
Leonardo Hotels stands as a testament to the power of innovation, strategic investment, and a passion for hospitality. From its humble beginnings in Nuremberg, the company has blossomed into a global powerhouse, offering a diverse range of hotel options across Europe and beyond.
With a strong leadership team and a clear vision for future expansion, Leonardo Hotels is poised to continue its remarkable journey of success, offering travelers a variety of quality hotel experiences around the world.
