Leonardo Hotels, a flourishing hotel chain with over 160 properties (as of August 2022), has quickly become a major player in the global hospitality industry. Headquartered in Berlin, the chain is part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of its founder, David Fattal.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion
David Fattal, a visionary hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel, established the Fattal Hotel Group in 2006. At the time, he already led the successful Fattal Holdings Ltd, a tourism company based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, in 2006. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, with the company’s trademark registered in 2007 in Germany and internationally in 2008.
Fattal’s vision was to internationalize his hotel portfolio, starting with acquisitions in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This ambitious expansion, fueled by both internal funds and investment, continued at a rapid pace. The company expanded into Israel in 2009, followed by Hungary in 2011, Austria in 2012, and the United Kingdom in 2015. Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania also joined the ever-growing list of countries where Leonardo Hotels have a presence. In April 2022, the hotel group announced a dedicated fund to further its expansion across Europe.
A Family of Brands: Diverse Accommodation Options
The Leonardo Hotels are managed by Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fattal Holdings Ltd. Whether owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, or leased, all Leonardo Hotels are committed to providing exceptional service and a comfortable stay. In 2021, over 2,700 individuals were employed by Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone.
Yoram Biton, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, leads the team based in Berlin. The brand family boasts four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This range of brands caters to a variety of traveler needs, ensuring that there’s a perfect Leonardo hotel for every guest.
A Legacy of Strategic Acquisitions
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel group, including its sub-brands, boasts over 160 hotels, with the largest concentration in German cities. The group’s impressive portfolio includes several significant acquisitions, like the Jurys Inn chain in the UK and Ireland (51 hotels), the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels), and a group of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
Leonardo Hotels has established itself as a powerful force in the global hospitality industry, demonstrating its dedication to providing exceptional hospitality experiences across Europe and beyond. The company’s continuous expansion and commitment to excellence ensure a bright future for this rapidly growing brand.
