Leonardo Hotels, a hotel chain headquartered in Berlin, has established itself as a leading player in the hospitality industry, boasting over 160 properties worldwide (as of August 2022). It is part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a testament to the entrepreneurial vision of its founder, David Fattal.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion
The Fattal Hotel Group’s journey began in 2006 when David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel, established the company. He already had a successful track record in the tourism sector, having previously led the Fattal Holdings Ltd. based in Tel Aviv.
The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, in 2006. The unique brand identity, featuring a distinctive logo, was officially registered in 2007 with the German Patent and Trademark Office, followed by international registration in 2008.
Fattal’s vision for Leonardo Hotels extended beyond Germany, pushing the brand towards a global presence. He strategically acquired properties, initially in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Driven by ambition and funded with a blend of internal resources and external funds, the company’s expansion continued at a rapid pace.
The Leonardo Hotels brand soon extended its reach into Israel (around 2009), followed by acquisitions and new constructions in Hungary (from 2011), Austria (from 2012), the United Kingdom (from 2015), Spain (from 2015), Italy (since 2015), the Netherlands (since 2016), the Czech Republic (since 2016), Ireland (since 2017), Poland (since 2017), and Romania (since 2021). The company’s commitment to growth was further solidified in April 2022 with the announcement of a dedicated fund focused on expanding Leonardo Hotels’ footprint across Europe.
A Solid Foundation and A Strong Leadership
Leonardo Hotels is a key component of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. The company’s European operations are managed by its wholly owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. Leonardo Hotels are either owned directly by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries or operated through lease agreements.
The company’s dedication to its employees is reflected in its workforce, which reached 2,700 people in 2021 at Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone.
Leading the charge for Leonardo Hotels Central Europe is Yoram Biton, Managing Director based in Berlin. Born in Israel in 1967, Biton has steered the brand’s growth and development.
Expanding Horizons: A Portfolio of Distinct Brands
The Leonardo Hotels brand family encompasses four distinct hotel brands (as of August 2022): Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels, each catering to different preferences and needs.
With more than 160 hotels under its umbrella, Leonardo Hotels has solidified its position as a significant force in the global hospitality landscape. Germany remains a key market for the company, boasting the largest number of Leonardo Hotels.
A History of Strategic Acquisitions
Among the company’s noteworthy acquisitions, the Jurys Inn brand, with 51 hotels in the United Kingdom and Ireland (as of April 2022), stands out. The integration of the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels, as of August 2018) further bolstered Leonardo Hotels’ presence in Europe. The acquisition of a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands adds to its growing presence in Spain.
The Leonardo Hotels story is one of strategic expansion, driven by a commitment to quality and innovation. With its diverse portfolio of brands and an unwavering focus on growth, Leonardo Hotels continues to make its mark on the global hospitality scene.
