This article delves into the exciting journey of Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain with a global presence. Let’s uncover the story behind its impressive growth and explore the key milestones that have shaped its success.
From Humble Beginnings to a Hotel Empire
Leonardo Hotels, headquartered in Berlin, is part of the renowned Fattal Hotel Group. This journey began in 2006 when David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel, established the group. At the time, Fattal already led the tourism company Fattal Holdings Ltd based in Tel Aviv.
The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of a grand expansion. The iconic logo and brand name were officially registered in 2007 and 2008, respectively. This marked a crucial step in solidifying their identity and securing their presence in the international market.
A Global Footprint: Expanding Horizons
With Leonardo Hotels, Fattal embarked on an ambitious mission to expand his hotel portfolio across the globe. The company acquired hotels primarily in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, strategically laying the foundation for international dominance.
Fueled by both internal funds and investments from various sources, Leonardo Hotels continued its rapid expansion. This included rebranding existing hotels in Israel in 2009 and strategically acquiring or constructing new hotels in Hungary (from 2011), Austria (from 2012), Great Britain (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).
This impressive expansion was further solidified in April 2022 when the group announced a new fund specifically aimed at accelerating its growth throughout Europe. This strategic move highlights their commitment to expanding their reach and establishing a strong foothold in key European markets.
A Family of Brands: Catering to Diverse Travelers
Leonardo Hotels is proudly part of the Fattal Holdings family, with its European operations managed by the 100% subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. The hotel properties are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries or operate under a lease agreement.
With a dedicated workforce of over 2,700 employees across Central Europe in 2021, Leonardo Hotels is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
The brand family boasts four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels, catering to the diverse needs of modern travelers.
A History of Strategic Acquisitions and Growth
As of August 2022, Leonardo Hotels has expanded to include over 160 hotels across its portfolio, with a significant number located in German cities. Some of the most notable acquisitions include the Jurys Inn brand (51 hotels in the UK and Ireland), the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels), and six hotels on the Balearic Islands, showcasing a strategic focus on key markets and strengthening its position as a leader in the hospitality industry.
This dynamic hotel chain continues to push boundaries and expand its reach, proving its commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences around the world. The future looks bright for Leonardo Hotels, and we can expect to see further growth and exciting developments as the company continues to forge its path in the global hospitality landscape.
