Leonardo Hotels, a globally recognized hotel chain, boasts an impressive portfolio of over 160 properties worldwide as of August 2022. It’s part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a hospitality giant with a dynamic presence in the industry.
This international network of hotels started its journey in 2006, thanks to the vision of David Fattal, an experienced hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel. Fattal, already at the helm of the successful tourism company, Fattal Holdings Ltd, based in Tel Aviv, saw a promising opportunity in the hotel industry.
The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, in 2006. The iconic “Leonardo” brand was registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007, solidifying its presence and subsequently gaining international recognition in 2008.
Expansion Across Europe: A Visionary Growth Strategy
With the launch of Leonardo Hotels, Fattal embarked on a strategic mission to expand his hotel portfolio across international borders. The journey began in Europe, acquiring properties initially in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This ambitious expansion, financed both by internal resources and external funds, continued with a strategic shift in focus towards Israel around 2009.
The growth story unfolded further with the acquisition or development of hotels in Hungary (from 2011), Austria (from 2012), the United Kingdom (from 2015), Spain (from 2015), Italy (since 2015), the Netherlands (since 2016), Czech Republic (since 2016), Ireland (since 2017), Poland (since 2017), and Romania (since 2021).
In April 2022, the Fattal Hotel Group announced a new fund dedicated to accelerating their European expansion, demonstrating their commitment to dominating the hospitality landscape.
A Strong Foundation: Structure and Leadership
The Leonardo Hotels chain is intricately woven into the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd., with its 100% subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, serving as the administrative arm for European operations. Ownership of the Leonardo Hotels falls under Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, with some properties operating under a lease agreement.
The impressive workforce of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe reached 2,700 employees in 2021, showcasing the scale of their operations.
Yoram Biton, a seasoned professional born in Israel in 1967, leads the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe division, headquartered in Berlin, as the Managing Director.
A Diverse Portfolio: Multiple Brands to Suit Every Traveler
The Leonardo Hotels brand has evolved into a family of diverse hotel offerings. As of August 2022, four distinct brands cater to a variety of travel preferences: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
Acquisitions and Milestones: A Journey of Growth
By August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel group, encompassing its core brand and subsidiaries, had reached a significant milestone, managing over 160 hotels. Germany stands out as the country with the highest concentration of Leonardo Hotels.
Some of the most notable acquisitions include the Jurys Inn brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with 51 hotels as of April 2022, the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium, comprising 13 hotels as of August 2018, and a portfolio of six hotels on the Balearic Islands.
The story of Leonardo Hotels is one of continuous growth and innovation. From its beginnings in Germany to its current global reach, the company has consistently expanded its portfolio, strengthened its brand presence, and positioned itself as a leader in the hospitality industry.
