Leonardo Hotels is a name you might recognize if you’ve traveled around Europe. This hotel chain, with its headquarters in Berlin, boasts a network of over 160 hotels! (As of August 2022) That’s a lot of rooms and a testament to their success.
The Story of Leonardo Hotels: From Humble Beginnings to International Expansion
The story of Leonardo Hotels is the story of one man’s vision. David Fattal, a seasoned hotel entrepreneur from Haifa, Israel, established the Fattal Hotel Group in 2006. He already had a thriving tourism business, Fattal Holdings Ltd, based in Tel Aviv, but he saw a larger opportunity.
The journey started with a single hotel in Nürnberg, Germany, back in 2006. That’s where Leonardo Hotels first opened its doors. The iconic logo quickly gained recognition, being registered in Germany and internationally in 2007 and 2008, respectively.
Fattal had his eyes set on global expansion, and he set out to achieve just that. He started by acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, building a solid foundation for future growth. This growth wasn’t fueled by risky investments; it was carefully planned and executed with Fattal’s own funds and strategic partnerships.
The Leonardo Hotels brand spread like wildfire, reaching Israel around 2009, Hungary in 2011, Austria in 2012, Great Britain in 2015, and Spain in the same year. The company expanded rapidly, adding hotels in Italy (2015), Netherlands (2016), Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and finally Romania in 2021. Their sights are set on more European markets, with the announcement of a dedicated expansion fund in April 2022.
A Family of Brands: The Leonardo Hotel Group
Leonardo Hotels is not just one hotel chain, it’s an entire hotel group under the umbrella of Fattal Holdings. The Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fattal Holdings, manages the group’s operations in Europe.
The Leonardo Hotels brand is owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, and some properties are leased. They employ an impressive 2,700 people just in Central Europe, as of 2021.
Behind the scenes, Yoram Biton, a seasoned leader who joined the company in 1967, oversees the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe business unit from their Berlin office.
Leonardo Hotels isn’t content with a single brand identity. The group operates under four distinct brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This variety allows them to cater to diverse traveler needs and preferences.
Expansion Strategies and Key Acquisitions
Leonardo Hotels has become a major player in the European hotel market, with a footprint that spans the continent. As of August 2022, the hotel group, including its sub-brands, boasts over 160 hotels, with a particularly strong presence in German cities.
Their growth strategy is fueled by strategic acquisitions, and some of their biggest wins include the Jurys Inn chain 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 in the Balearic Islands.
Leonardo Hotels is more than just a hotel chain; it’s a story of ambition, innovation, and a dedication to providing comfortable and convenient accommodation for travelers around the globe. Their continued expansion and focus on diverse brands ensure that they’ll remain a prominent player in the hospitality industry for years to come.
