Leonardo Hotels is a renowned hotel chain with a footprint spanning across Europe. This dynamic group, headquartered in Berlin, boasts over 160 hotels under its umbrella. But who are these hotel wizards behind this impressive empire?
From Haifa to a Global Network
David Fattal, a visionary hotelier from Haifa, Israel, founded Fattal Hotel Group in 2006. This bold move came after he successfully established Fattal Holdings Ltd, a tourism company based in Tel Aviv.
The first Leonardo hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of an impressive growth trajectory. The company’s recognizable brand was officially registered in 2007 in Germany, followed by international registration the following year.
Expanding Horizons: Building a Global Brand
Leonardo Hotels became Fattal’s vehicle for global expansion. The first steps involved acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This aggressive expansion strategy, fueled by both internal funds and investment partnerships, continued with a flurry of acquisitions and new constructions in Hungary, Austria, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania.
The group’s ambition knows no bounds, and in April 2022, they announced a dedicated fund aimed at further expanding their European presence.
A Network of Hotels, Driven by Passion
The Leonardo Hotels family falls under the Fattal Holdings umbrella. The European arm of the operations is overseen by their subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. The hotels within this network are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, or leased.
The company employs over 2,700 people just in Central Europe, showcasing their dedication to providing quality service across their diverse portfolio.
A Leader at the Helm: Driving the Vision
Yoram Biton, the Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, guides the company’s growth strategy from its Berlin base. He is instrumental in shaping the brand’s identity and fostering its global presence.
Leonardo Hotels encompasses four distinct brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This diverse portfolio caters to a wide range of travelers, offering different levels of luxury and experience.
From Local Roots to International Domination
The Leonardo Hotels family has grown rapidly, with Germany currently boasting the largest number of their hotels. Significant milestones include acquiring Jurys Inn hotels in the United Kingdom and Ireland, a total of 51 hotels, Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels), and a six-hotel portfolio in the Balearic Islands.
From a single hotel in Nuremberg to a global network of hotels, Leonardo Hotels has truly made its mark on the hospitality industry. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and strategic expansion positions them for continued growth and success in the years to come.
