Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain headquartered in Berlin, boasts a remarkable presence across the globe. With over 160 hotels under its umbrella (as of August 2022), the brand has become a recognizable name in the hospitality industry. This network of hotels is part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a company driven by the vision of its founder, David Fattal.
A Journey of Expansion:
David Fattal, an accomplished hotelier originating from Haifa, established the Fattal Hotel Group in 2006. At the time, he already had a successful tourism enterprise, Fattal Holdings Ltd, based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg that same year, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. The brand’s distinct logo was officially registered in 2007 by the German Patent and Trademark Office, with international registration following in 2008.
Building a Global Footprint:
With Leonardo Hotels, Fattal embarked on a strategic path of global expansion. Initially, he focused on acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. However, this was just the beginning. Through a combination of internal funds and investments, the group steadily expanded its reach, acquiring or building hotels 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).
A Focused Approach to Growth:
The Leonardo Hotels chain is a subsidiary of Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd, with its European operations managed by the Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly owned subsidiary. The hotels themselves are either owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, or are leased. In 2021, the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe division alone employed 2,700 individuals.
Leadership and Brand Identity:
Yoram Biton, a seasoned professional born in Israel in 1967, heads the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe business unit as its Managing Director, operating from their Berlin headquarters. The Leonardo brand is comprised of four distinct hotel identities: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels, each offering unique experiences tailored to diverse traveler preferences.
Strategic Acquisitions and a Growing Presence:
As of August 2022, the Leonardo hotel group, including its subsidiary brands, boasted a portfolio of over 160 hotels, with a particularly strong presence in German cities. Notably, some of the most significant acquisitions for the group 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 collection of six hotel properties in the Balearic Islands.
Conclusion:
From its humble beginnings in 2006, Leonardo Hotels has emerged as a formidable player in the global hospitality sector. The brand’s rapid growth and strategic acquisitions reflect its commitment to delivering quality experiences while expanding its reach across continents. With a clear vision for the future, Leonardo Hotels continues to solidify its position as a leader in the industry, attracting travelers seeking a blend of comfort, convenience, and value.
