Leonardo Hotels, a prominent name in the global hotel industry, has carved a niche for itself with its impressive portfolio of over 160 hotels (as of August 2022). The brand’s success story is deeply intertwined with the vision of David Fattal, the founder of Fattal Hotel Group, the parent company of Leonardo Hotels.
This article delves into the fascinating journey of Leonardo Hotels, exploring its origins, growth strategies, and key milestones that have propelled it to the forefront of the hospitality sector.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Dominance
David Fattal, an Israeli entrepreneur, started his journey in the hospitality world with Fattal Holdings Ltd., a travel company based in Tel Aviv. In 2006, he established the Leonardo Hotels brand with the opening of its first hotel in Nuremberg, Germany. The brand’s logo and name were officially registered in 2007 in Germany, followed by international registration in 2008.
Fattal’s vision for Leonardo Hotels was to expand its footprint beyond its initial German base, embarking on an ambitious internationalization strategy. The company strategically acquired hotels in various European countries, including Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This expansion was fueled by a blend of Fattal’s own funds and capital from investment funds.
The company further expanded its reach into Israel in 2009, followed by venturing into new markets like Hungary (2011), Austria (2012), Great Britain (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021). This aggressive expansion strategy showcased the brand’s commitment to solidifying its presence across Europe.
In April 2022, Leonardo Hotels took another giant leap forward by announcing a dedicated fund aimed at accelerating its expansion across Europe. This move solidified the brand’s ambitious growth plans for the future.
A Structure Built on Strong Foundations
Leonardo Hotels is a proud member of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. group. The company’s European operations are managed by its wholly owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG.
The majority of the Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries or are leased. The company’s commitment to its workforce is evident in its 2,700-strong team at Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, a testament to its growing operational footprint.
A Family of Brands
Yoram Biton, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, oversees the brand’s operations from its headquarters in Berlin. The company has a diversified portfolio of hotel brands, encompassing four distinct categories: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
Strategic Acquisitions: Shaping a Global Landscape
Leonardo Hotels’ growth strategy has been marked by several high-profile acquisitions. Some of its biggest acquisitions include the Jurys Inn hotel chain 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. These strategic acquisitions have significantly contributed to the brand’s expansion and market dominance.
A Future Brimming with Possibilities
With its impressive track record, vast network, and strong leadership, Leonardo Hotels is poised to continue its global expansion and cement its position as a leading player in the hospitality industry. The brand’s commitment to innovation, exceptional customer service, and continuous growth promises an exciting future for the Leonardo Hotels family.
