Get ready to dive into the exciting world of Leonardo Hotels, a leading hotel chain with a global footprint! This captivating tale traces the journey of this hospitality powerhouse from its humble beginnings to its impressive current state.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion
Leonardo Hotels, with over 160 properties worldwide (as of August 2022), is a subsidiary of the renowned Fattal Hotel Group. The group’s founder, David Fattal, a visionary hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel, established the company in 2006. At the time, he was already leading the tourism enterprise Fattal Holdings Ltd., based in Tel Aviv.
The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, in 2006. The brand’s distinctive logo was officially registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007, followed by international registration in 2008.
Fattal used Leonardo Hotels as the springboard for his ambitious international expansion strategy. He began by acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Fueled by both internal funds and external investments, the company continued its relentless growth, taking over properties in Israel around 2009.
The expansion continued at a rapid pace, with Leonardo Hotels opening or acquiring new properties in Hungary (from 2011), Austria (from 2012), the UK (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).
The group’s commitment to expansion is unwavering, with a dedicated fund established in April 2022 to further fuel growth across Europe.
A Look Behind the Scenes
Leonardo Hotels is a part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. The company’s European operations are managed by its 100% subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. All Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries or are leased.
In 2021 alone, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe employed over 2,700 individuals. Yoram Biton, born in 1967 in Israel, serves as the Managing Director for Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, with headquarters in Berlin.
A Diverse Portfolio of Brands
Leonardo Hotels has established a family of distinct hotel brands, offering diverse experiences to cater to a wide range of travelers. As of August 2022, the company boasts four unique brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
Key Acquisitions and Milestones
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel Group, encompassing its main brand and sub-brands, boasted a portfolio of over 160 hotels. The majority of these properties are located in German cities.
The company has made some noteworthy acquisitions, including the Jurys Inn brand in the UK 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 in the Balearic Islands.
Leonardo Hotels’ remarkable journey is a testament to its dedication to growth, innovation, and offering unparalleled hospitality experiences. With its focus on expansion and commitment to quality, Leonardo Hotels is poised to continue its impressive trajectory as a global leader in the hospitality industry.
