Leonardo Hotels, a renowned hotel chain with over 160 properties (as of August 2022), has become a significant player in the international hospitality landscape. This dynamic company, headquartered in Berlin, is part of the larger Fattal Hotel Group. Let’s delve into the captivating journey of this global brand.
A Visionary Founder and a Global Expansion
The story of Leonardo Hotels began in 2006 with the vision of David Fattal, a hotelier from Haifa, Israel. He was already a successful entrepreneur, leading the Fattal Holdings Ltd tourism company in Tel Aviv. Fattal’s ambition was to create a unique hotel chain that would expand across continents. The first Leonardo hotel opened in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of an ambitious journey. The company registered its distinctive word-and-image trademark in 2007 in Germany, followed by international registration in 2008.
Fattal’s global expansion strategy involved acquiring hotels initially in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. He invested heavily in the growth of the company using both personal funds and external investments. This aggressive approach led to a rapid expansion, encompassing numerous countries. In Israel, existing hotels were rebranded under the Leonardo banner around 2009. Following this, Fattal acquired and built new hotels in Hungary (2011), Austria (2012), the United Kingdom (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), the Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021). Fattal’s vision for Leonardo Hotels went beyond Europe; in April 2022, he announced the creation of a dedicated fund aimed at fueling further expansion across the continent.
A Well-Established Structure and a Dedicated Team
Leonardo Hotels is an integral part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd group. Its European operations are managed by Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly owned subsidiary. Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, or they are leased. The company’s commitment to its employees is evident in its size: in 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone employed over 2,700 people.
Yoram Biton, born in Israel in 1967, is the driving force behind the success of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe. As Managing Director, he oversees operations from the company’s Berlin headquarters. Under his leadership, the brand has developed a diverse portfolio of hotel brands, catering to various travel needs and preferences. The Leonardo family of hotels currently includes four distinct brands (as of August 2022): Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
Major Acquisitions and a Promising Future
By August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel Group (including its various brands) had an impressive portfolio of over 160 hotels, with a significant presence in German cities. Among the company’s biggest acquisitions were the 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 collection of six hotels on the Balearic Islands. These acquisitions demonstrate Leonardo Hotels’ commitment to continuous growth and expansion.
Leonardo Hotels’ journey from a single hotel in Nuremberg to a global network of over 160 properties is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder, David Fattal, and its leadership team. With its strong brand recognition, diversified portfolio, and ambitious expansion plans, Leonardo Hotels continues to shape the future of hospitality, offering travelers exceptional experiences across the globe.
