This article delves into the fascinating journey of Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain with a global footprint. Founded in 2006, this dynamic enterprise has rapidly expanded its presence across Europe and beyond, becoming a major player in the international hospitality industry.
From Humble Beginnings to a Global Brand
The story of Leonardo Hotels starts with David Fattal, a visionary hotelier from Haifa, Israel. He already had a successful tourism business, Fattal Holdings Ltd., based in Tel Aviv. In 2006, Fattal took a bold step by establishing the first Leonardo Hotel in Nuremberg, Germany. The brand’s distinctive name and logo were quickly registered in Germany and internationally, setting the stage for a grand expansion.
The decision to launch Leonardo Hotels marked the beginning of Fattal’s ambitious plan to internationalize his hotel portfolio. This strategic move involved acquiring existing hotels and constructing new ones. Initially, the focus was on Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This strategic expansion, fueled by both internal funds and external investments, continued with the acquisition of hotels in Israel around 2009. The rapid growth of the Leonardo Hotels brand extended to Hungary (from 2011), Austria (from 2012), and the United Kingdom (from 2015). Further acquisitions and new constructions followed, bringing Leonardo Hotels to Spain (from 2015), Italy (since 2015), the Netherlands (since 2016), Czech Republic (since 2016), Ireland (since 2017), Poland (since 2017), and Romania (since 2021).
The growth trajectory of Leonardo Hotels is impressive, showcasing Fattal’s commitment to expansion and innovation. The company’s dedication to global reach is evident in its establishment of a dedicated fund in April 2022, specifically designed to support further expansion across Europe.
A Network of Hotels with a Strong Foundation
The Leonardo Hotels brand is a subsidiary of Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd., a larger company with a diverse portfolio. The European operations of Leonardo Hotels are managed by Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a 100% owned subsidiary of Fattal Holdings. This well-structured organizational setup ensures consistent management and a solid foundation for continued growth. The majority of Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, or they operate under long-term lease agreements. This strategic approach allows for greater control and flexibility in managing the hotel network.
Leadership and Branding: A Winning Formula
At the helm of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe is Yoram Biton, a seasoned hotelier with over 20 years of experience. Based in Berlin, Biton serves as Managing Director, overseeing the operations of this key division. The Leonardo Hotels brand boasts a diverse family of four distinct hotel brands, catering to different travelers’ needs and preferences: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This multifaceted approach allows the brand to appeal to a wider audience, offering various levels of comfort, service, and amenities.
A Strategic Acquisition Strategy Fuels Continued Growth
By August 2022, Leonardo Hotels, including its various sub-brands, boasted a network of over 160 hotels, with Germany as its strongest market. The company’s aggressive acquisition strategy has played a crucial role in its success.
Among the most significant acquisitions were the Jurys Inn hotels in the United Kingdom and Ireland, adding 51 properties to the Leonardo Hotels portfolio. The Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium, comprising 13 hotels, and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands, further expanded the brand’s reach.
Leonardo Hotels is a testament to visionary leadership, strategic expansion, and a commitment to providing quality hospitality experiences. Its global footprint, diverse brand portfolio, and a strong focus on growth promise a bright future for this dynamic hotel group.
