Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain with headquarters in Berlin, boasts a portfolio of over 160 hotels, a number that continues to grow (as of August 2022). This dynamic hotel group is part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a testament to the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of its founder, David Fattal.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion
David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel, established the Fattal Hotel Group in 2006. He already had a successful track record in the tourism industry, leading the Fattal Holdings Ltd based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nürnberg, Germany, in 2006, marking the beginning of an ambitious expansion strategy. The distinctive Leonardo Hotels brand was officially registered in 2007 with the German Patent and Trademark Office, with international registration following in 2008.
This strategic move marked the start of Fattal’s global expansion, initially acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Fuelled by a blend of internal resources and external funding, the growth continued unabated. The Leonardo Hotels brand found its way to Israel around 2009, followed by further acquisitions and new constructions in Hungary (2011), Austria (2012), the UK (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), the Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021). In April 2022, the hotel group announced a new fund specifically designed to support further expansion across Europe, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to growth.
A Family of Brands: Diverse Choices for Every Traveler
The Leonardo Hotels brand is under the umbrella of Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd, with its 100% subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, acting as the European management company. Leonardo Hotels are either directly owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries or operated under lease agreements. As of 2021, the group employed 2,700 individuals at Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, showcasing their commitment to creating jobs and contributing to the local economies.
At the helm of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe is Yoram Biton, born in 1967 in Israel. He holds the position of Managing Director and is responsible for overseeing the business unit from its base in Berlin. The Leonardo Hotels brand family includes four distinctive sub-brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels, catering to a diverse range of travelers’ preferences.
A Global Footprint: Acquisitions and Growth
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel group (including the main brand and its sub-brands) boasted over 160 hotels, with a significant presence in German cities. Some of their most notable acquisitions include the Jurys Inn chain in the United Kingdom and Ireland (51 hotels, as of April 2022), Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels, as of August 2018), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
A Story of Success and Continued Growth
Leonardo Hotels has established itself as a major player in the global hotel industry, driven by the vision and strategic leadership of David Fattal and his team. Their commitment to expansion, dedication to delivering a diverse range of hotel experiences, and focus on customer satisfaction continue to propel the brand forward. The future looks bright for Leonardo Hotels as they continue to carve out a unique position in the ever-evolving world of hospitality.
