Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain with over 160 properties, has become a force in the global hospitality industry. Founded in 2006 by the visionary entrepreneur David Fattal, the company quickly expanded across Europe and beyond, establishing a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion
The journey began in 2006 when David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel, established Leonardo Hotels. He had already successfully led Fattal Holdings Ltd, a prominent tourism company based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany. The distinctive brand identity was registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007, followed by international registration in 2008.
Fattal’s vision was to internationalize his hotel portfolio, and Leonardo Hotels became the vehicle for this ambition. The company initially acquired properties in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Fueled by internal resources and investment funds, Leonardo Hotels continued its remarkable growth trajectory. This expansion included rebranding hotels in Israel around 2009, acquiring and constructing new hotels in Hungary starting in 2011, and expanding into Austria (2012), the United Kingdom (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), the Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021). In April 2022, the company announced a dedicated fund to support further European expansion.
A Family of Brands and a Strong Team
Leonardo Hotels is a subsidiary of Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd, with its European operations managed by Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a 100% owned subsidiary. Most Leonardo Hotels are owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries or are operated through lease agreements. In 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone employed 2,700 people.
The company’s leadership is entrusted to Yoram Biton, who, as Managing Director, oversees Leonardo Hotels Central Europe from its base in Berlin. The brand family comprises four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Legacy of Acquisitions and a Strong Presence
By August 2022, Leonardo Hotels had a portfolio of over 160 hotels, with a significant presence in German cities. Some of the most notable acquisitions include the Jurys Inn brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland (51 hotels acquired in April 2022), the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels acquired in August 2018), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
Leonardo Hotels has established itself as a prominent player in the global hospitality market, known for its diverse portfolio, dedicated leadership, and a clear commitment to continuous growth and innovation.
