Get ready to be amazed by the remarkable journey of Leonardo Hotels! This international hotel chain, boasting over 160 properties (as of August 2022), has become a leading force in the hospitality industry. Let’s dive into the fascinating history of this global brand.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Dominance
The Leonardo Hotels story started in 2006 when visionary entrepreneur David Fattal, hailing from Haifa, Israel, established the hotel group. At that time, Fattal already had a successful background in tourism through his company, Fattal Holdings Ltd., based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
The Leonardo Hotels brand was officially registered in 2007 with the German Patent and Trademark Office, and its global reach was solidified with international registration in 2008. This marked a significant step in Fattal’s ambitious plan to expand his hotel portfolio beyond Israel.
Building an International Network
Fueled by a vision to conquer the international hotel scene, Fattal started acquiring hotels, beginning with Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. The company’s expansion was fueled by both its own resources and investments from various funds. This impressive growth continued with rebrandings of hotels in Israel around 2009 and the acquisition and construction of new hotels in Hungary (from 2011), Austria (from 2012), the United Kingdom (from 2015), Spain (from 2015), 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, Leonardo Hotels announced the launch of a dedicated fund specifically for further expansion across Europe, showcasing their unwavering commitment to growth.
A Family of Brands
Leonardo Hotels operates as part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. umbrella. The company’s European management is handled by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. All Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries or are leased. In 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone employed a remarkable 2,700 people.
Yoram Biton, born in Israel in 1967, leads the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe division from its headquarters in Berlin as Managing Director. The Leonardo Hotels brand family is made up of four distinct brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
Strategic Acquisitions and Growth
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel group, encompassing the main brand and its sub-brands, boasted over 160 hotels, with the largest number found in German cities. Some of the most notable acquisitions in their history include the Jurys Inn brand 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 on the Balearic Islands.
A Legacy of Success
From its humble beginnings in Nuremberg to its present-day global reach, Leonardo Hotels has solidified its place as a major player in the international hospitality landscape. Its consistent expansion, strategic acquisitions, and commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences have driven its phenomenal success. With a dedicated team, a clear vision for growth, and a diverse portfolio of hotel brands, Leonardo Hotels is poised to continue its remarkable journey, leaving a lasting impact on the world of travel.
