Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain boasting over 160 properties worldwide, has become a recognizable name in the hospitality industry. Founded in 2006 by the entrepreneurial spirit of David Fattal, this hotel group has grown exponentially, expanding its footprint across Europe and beyond.
A Vision Takes Shape:
The story of Leonardo Hotels began in 2006 with the opening of its first hotel in Nuremberg, Germany. David Fattal, already a seasoned player in the tourism sector through his company Fattal Holdings, had a clear vision: to establish a global hotel brand that offered quality accommodations and exceptional service. This vision soon materialized as the first Leonardo hotel opened its doors. The brand’s unique identity was solidified in 2007 with the official registration of its logo and name in Germany, followed by international registration the subsequent year.
Expanding Horizons:
From its inception, Leonardo Hotels embarked on an ambitious journey of international expansion. The initial focus was on acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Fuelled by a combination of internal resources and funding from investment funds, Leonardo Hotels’ growth trajectory took a significant leap. The company expanded its reach to Israel in 2009, followed by strategic acquisitions and new hotel constructions in Hungary (2011), Austria (2012), the United Kingdom (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), the Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021). This aggressive expansion strategy solidified Leonardo Hotels’ presence as a major player in the global hospitality market.
A Growing Legacy:
Leonardo Hotels, an integral part of the Fattal Holdings group, boasts a strong management structure with Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly owned subsidiary, acting as the European administrative arm. The majority of Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries or operate under a lease agreement. The company’s commitment to providing quality service is reflected in its impressive workforce, with over 2,700 employees dedicated to Leonardo Hotels Central Europe in 2021 alone.
A Family of Brands:
Yoram Biton, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, oversees the operation of this growing hotel chain from its Berlin headquarters. Leonardo Hotels has meticulously crafted a diverse portfolio of brands, offering a variety of options to cater to different traveler needs. Under the umbrella of Leonardo Hotels, four distinct brands offer unique experiences: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Global Footprint:
With over 160 hotels currently under its banner, Leonardo Hotels has achieved a remarkable global presence. Germany, with its strong concentration of hotels, is a cornerstone of Leonardo Hotels’ success. Notable acquisitions have further solidified the chain’s position, including the acquisition of Jurys Inn hotels in the United Kingdom and Ireland (51 hotels), Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
A Future of Continued Growth:
With a steadfast commitment to expansion, Leonardo Hotels has solidified its position as a leading global hotel chain. The company’s strategic acquisitions, diverse portfolio of brands, and focus on providing exceptional service have all contributed to its remarkable growth. As Leonardo Hotels continues to expand its global footprint, its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of the hospitality industry.
