Leonardo Hotels, a dynamic hotel chain with over 160 properties, has become a major force in the hospitality industry. Based in Berlin, Leonardo Hotels is part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of its founder, David Fattal.
A Visionary Founder
David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel, established the Fattal Hotel Group in 2006. At the time, he was already at the helm of the successful tourism company, Fattal Holdings Ltd, based in Tel Aviv. The very first Leonardo hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. The distinctive Leonardo Hotels logo was registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007, followed by international registration in 2008.
Rapid Expansion: A Global Footprint
The launch of Leonardo Hotels was a pivotal moment in the internationalization of Fattal’s hotel portfolio. Fattal’s strategy involved acquiring hotels, initially in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Fuelled by internal resources and investment funds, the expansion continued at a rapid pace. Leonardo Hotels expanded to Israel around 2009, followed by 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 dedicated to accelerating its European expansion.
A Strong Foundation: Structure and Ownership
Leonardo Hotels are part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd umbrella. The company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, serves as the management arm in Europe. The majority of Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, or they are leased. In 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe employed 2,700 people.
Leadership and Brand Identity
Yoram Biton, born in Israel in 1967, is the Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, based in Berlin. The Leonardo brand family comprises four distinctive hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Portfolio of Success: Acquisitions and Growth
By August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel Group, encompassing the main brand and its sub-brands, had grown to over 160 hotels. Germany boasts the highest concentration of Leonardo Hotels, reflecting the company’s strong presence in the region. Some of the most significant acquisitions include the Jurys Inn brand in the UK and Ireland (51 hotels), Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
A Legacy of Innovation: Looking to the Future
The story of Leonardo Hotels is a story of growth, innovation, and a commitment to offering high-quality hospitality experiences. The company’s dedication to expansion, coupled with its strong leadership and focus on creating a diverse portfolio of brands, positions Leonardo Hotels for continued success in the years to come.
