Leonardo Hotels is a household name in the world of hospitality, boasting a vast network of over 160 hotels (as of August 2022) across Europe. But the journey of this successful hotel chain began with a single vision and the entrepreneurial spirit of David Fattal, a hotelier with roots in Haifa, Israel.
From Humble Beginnings to a Global Giant
Fattal, already a prominent figure in the travel industry, founded the Fattal Hotel Group in 2006. The first Leonardo Hotel, a testament to Fattal’s ambitious vision, opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, that same year. This marked the beginning of a remarkable expansion.
The Leonardo Hotels brand quickly gained recognition, becoming a symbol of Fattal’s international aspirations. The initial focus was on Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, where Fattal strategically acquired existing hotels. This expansion was fueled by both Fattal’s own resources and investments from various funds.
Fattal’s vision extended beyond Europe. Around 2009, the group began rebranding existing hotels in Israel, further solidifying its presence. This was just the start of a truly global expansion. Hungary (2011), Austria (2012), Britain (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), the Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021) all welcomed the Leonardo Hotels brand, demonstrating the group’s unstoppable momentum.
A Strategic Approach to Growth
The Fattal Holdings group, established in 1998, oversees the operations of Leonardo Hotels, with its 100% subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, serving as the European administrative arm. The hotels themselves are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries or operated on a lease basis.
The dedication to growth is evident in the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, a vital unit with its headquarters in Berlin. This unit, overseen by Yoram Biton, a prominent figure in the hotel industry, is responsible for a substantial workforce, employing over 2,700 individuals in 2021 alone.
A Family of Brands: Catering to Diverse Travelers
The Leonardo Hotels brand is not just a single entity but a family of hotel brands designed to cater to a wide range of travelers. Four distinct brands make up the Leonardo family: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels, each offering a unique experience.
A History of Strategic Acquisitions
The Leonardo Hotels group has cemented its place as a global leader through a series of strategic acquisitions. Some of the most notable include the acquisition of Jurys Inn hotels 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 on the Balearic Islands. These acquisitions, among others, underscore the group’s commitment to expanding its footprint and providing a diverse range of accommodation options for its guests.
Looking Ahead: A Future Filled with Growth
The Leonardo Hotels group continues to expand its reach, setting its sights on even more ambitious goals. The group’s recent announcement of a new fund dedicated to further European expansion is a testament to their commitment to growth. With a proven track record of success and a keen eye for strategic acquisitions, the Leonardo Hotels group is poised to continue its journey as a global leader in the hospitality industry.
