Leonardo Hotels is a well-known hotel chain with a strong presence in the hospitality industry. With over 160 hotels under its umbrella (as of August 2022), the company has established itself as a major player in the global travel market.
This thriving hotel network is part of the Fattal Hotel Group, founded in 2006 by the visionary entrepreneur, David Fattal. Based in Haifa, Israel, David Fattal had already achieved success in the tourism sector through his company, Fattal Holdings Ltd.
The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany in 2006, marking the beginning of a global expansion strategy. The brand’s distinctive wordmark and logo were officially registered in Germany in 2007, followed by international registration in 2008.
From Germany to the World: Building a Global Empire
The Leonardo Hotels brand became synonymous with international expansion, strategically acquiring properties in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This ambitious growth was fueled by a combination of Fattal’s own resources and funds from investment firms.
The company’s sights were set on global dominance. This strategic approach involved acquiring, renovating, and building hotels in various locations across the globe: Israel (around 2009), Hungary (starting in 2011), Austria (starting in 2012), the United Kingdom (starting in 2015), Spain (starting in 2015), Italy (since 2015), the Netherlands (since 2016), the Czech Republic (since 2016), Ireland (since 2017), Poland (since 2017), and Romania (since 2021).
This relentless expansion strategy was further solidified in April 2022 when the hotel group announced a dedicated fund for future growth, especially within the European market.
A Well-Structured Organization with a Global Reach
Leonardo Hotels is a subsidiary of Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd., with its European operations managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. The hotels under the Leonardo brand are either owned by Fattal Holdings, its subsidiaries, or are managed under a leasing agreement.
The company’s commitment to its employees is evident in its 2,700-strong workforce in Central Europe alone (as of 2021).
A Brand for Every Traveler: The Leonardo Family of Hotels
The Leonardo brand is known for its diverse offerings catering to a wide range of travelers. Under the umbrella of the Leonardo brand, four distinct hotel brands cater to different needs and preferences:
* Leonardo Hotels: Known for its comfortable and practical accommodation options.
* Leonardo Boutique Hotels: Designed for travelers seeking stylish and modern accommodations.
* Leonardo Royal Hotels: Offering a luxurious experience for discerning guests.
* NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels: Catering to the contemporary traveler with vibrant and trendy accommodations.
A Legacy of Growth and Acquisition
As of August 2022, Leonardo Hotels boasts over 160 hotels under its umbrella, with the largest number situated in Germany. The company’s success is reflected in its strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of Jurys Inn hotels 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 dedication to continuous growth, expansion, and strategic acquisitions has solidified Leonardo Hotels’ position as a global leader in the hospitality industry. The company’s commitment to providing diverse and high-quality accommodations for a wide range of travelers, coupled with its global reach, makes it a force to be reckoned with in the competitive world of hotel chains.
