Leonardo Hotels, a prominent name in the hospitality industry, boasts a vast network of over 160 hotels across Europe. This impressive network is part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a company with a fascinating story of growth and expansion.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Dominance
The journey of Leonardo Hotels began in 2006, thanks to the vision of David Fattal, an Israeli entrepreneur with a passion for the travel industry. Already leading the successful Fattal Holdings Ltd. in Tel Aviv, David embarked on a new venture, establishing the first Leonardo Hotel in Nuremberg, Germany. The brand’s distinctive logo was officially registered in 2007, and it quickly gained international recognition the following year.
A Strategic Expansion Across Europe
With Leonardo Hotels, David Fattal began to expand his hotel portfolio beyond Israel, venturing into European markets like Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Fueled by a combination of self-funding and investment, the company’s growth trajectory accelerated. Between 2009 and 2021, Leonardo Hotels expanded into countries like Hungary, Austria, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania. The company’s ambitious plans for further expansion were highlighted in April 2022 when they announced a dedicated fund for future projects across Europe.
A Well-Structured Organization: Behind the Scenes
The Leonardo Hotels brand is part of the larger Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. The day-to-day operations in Europe are managed by Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a 100% subsidiary of Fattal Holdings. While some hotels are owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, others are leased, ensuring flexibility in its strategic asset acquisition. The company’s dedication to its workforce is evident in the impressive number of 2,700 employees working for Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone in 2021.
Leading the Way: Leonardo Hotels Central Europe
Yoram Biton, a seasoned hospitality professional, serves as the Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, headquartered in Berlin. Under Yoram’s leadership, the brand has grown to include four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This diverse portfolio caters to a wide range of traveler needs and preferences.
A History of Significant Acquisitions
By August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel Group had established a strong presence across Europe, with the largest number of hotels located in German cities. The company’s impressive growth story includes several notable acquisitions. One of the most significant was the acquisition of the Jurys Inn brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland, adding 51 hotels to its portfolio. Other noteworthy acquisitions include Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium, and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
A Future Filled with Promise
Leonardo Hotels has established itself as a major player in the global hospitality industry. With its dedication to quality, innovation, and strategic expansion, the brand is poised to continue its remarkable journey of growth and success, offering travelers a diverse range of options for their European adventures.
