The Leonardo Hotels chain, headquartered in Berlin, boasts over 160 properties worldwide (as of August 2022). This impressive network belongs to the Fattal Hotel Group, a company with a rich history and a commitment to expansion.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Domination
The Fattal Hotel Group was founded in 2006 by David Fattal, a hotelier originally from Haifa, Israel. At the time, Fattal was already leading the Fattal Holdings Ltd tourism company in Tel Aviv. The group’s first hotel opened in Nuremberg, Germany in 2006, and their iconic brand was registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007. This was followed by international registration in 2008.
The Leonardo Hotels brand was Fattal’s key to international expansion. He began acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, laying the foundation for his ambitious vision. The company’s growth was fueled by both its own resources and funds from external investors. This strategy resulted in further expansion, including hotel rebranding in Israel (around 2009) and new acquisitions or constructions 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).
The Fattal Hotel Group’s commitment to expansion is clear. In April 2022, they announced a new fund specifically for further expansion throughout Europe. This shows their confidence in their ability to continue building their global presence.
A Well-Structured Organization
The Leonardo Hotels are part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd group. Their fully owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, serves as the European administrative company. The hotels themselves are either owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, or they are leased. In 2021, the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe division alone employed 2,700 people.
The Leonardo Hotels are led by Yoram Biton, born in 1967 in Israel. He holds the position of Managing Director of the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe division, which is based in Berlin. The brand is comprised of four hotel categories (as of August 2022): Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A History of Strategic Acquisitions
By August 2022, the Leonardo Hotels group, including all its sub-brands, had grown to encompass over 160 hotels. Most of these properties are located in German cities, but the group has also expanded its reach across Europe. Some of their most significant acquisitions 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 in the Balearic Islands.
The story of Leonardo Hotels is one of ambition, growth, and dedication to providing exceptional hospitality experiences around the world. Through smart acquisitions, strategic investments, and a commitment to quality, they have cemented their position as a leading force in the global hotel industry.
