This article takes you on a journey through the fascinating history of Leonardo Hotels, a hospitality powerhouse with a global reach. Get ready to discover the key milestones, strategic decisions, and driving forces behind this impressive hotel chain’s growth!
From Humble Beginnings to International Success
Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain with over 160 locations as of August 2022, is a subsidiary of the Fattal Hotel Group. The group’s founder, David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier originally from Haifa, Israel, established the chain in 2006. At the time, Fattal already held the reins of the travel company, Fattal Holdings Ltd., based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, in 2006. The company’s distinctive logo and name were officially registered in 2007 with the German Patent and Trademark Office, followed by international registration in 2008.
With Leonardo Hotels, Fattal embarked on an ambitious international expansion strategy. The early years saw the acquisition of hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This growth, fueled by both company funds and external investment, continued with the rebranding of hotels in Israel around 2009, and the acquisition and construction of new properties in Hungary (2011 onward), Austria (2012 onward), the United Kingdom (2015 onward), Spain (2015 onward), Italy (since 2015), the Netherlands (since 2016), the Czech Republic (since 2016), Ireland (since 2017), Poland (since 2017), and Romania (since 2021). In April 2022, the company announced the launch of a dedicated fund specifically aimed at further European expansion.
A Global Network: Structure and Management
Leonardo Hotels is an integral part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. network. The group’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, serves as the European management company. Ownership of Leonardo Hotels is shared between Fattal Holdings and its subsidiaries, with some hotels being leased. In 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone employed 2,700 people.
Yoram Biton, born in Israel in 1967, leads the Business Unit Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, headquartered in Berlin, as Managing Director. The brand encompasses four distinct hotel sub-brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Record of Acquisitions and Expansion
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel Group, including the main brand and its sub-brands, boasted a portfolio of over 160 hotels. Germany holds the largest number of Leonardo Hotels. The group’s largest acquisitions to date include the Jurys Inn brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland (51 hotels as of April 2022), Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels as of August 2018), and a portfolio of six hotels on the Balearic Islands.
A Powerful Force in the Hospitality Industry
Leonardo Hotels has established itself as a major player in the global hospitality industry, demonstrating a commitment to strategic expansion and a vision for the future. With a diversified portfolio, a strong management team, and a continuous drive for growth, Leonardo Hotels is poised to continue its impressive journey.
