Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain with over 160 properties worldwide (as of August 2022), has become a major player in the global hospitality industry. Based in Berlin, Germany, the company is part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a testament to the entrepreneurial vision of its founder, David Fattal.
A Vision Takes Flight: From Tel Aviv to the World
Fattal, a hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel, established the Fattal Hotel Group in 2006. At the time, he already spearheaded the Fattal Holdings Ltd., a successful tourism company headquartered in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, in 2006, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. The distinctive word-image brand of Leonardo Hotels was registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007, followed by international registration in 2008.
This ambitious venture signified the start of Fattal’s international expansion, which began with strategic acquisitions of hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Driven by their own resources and investments from various funds, the group continued to expand its footprint. This expansion included rebranding hotels in Israel around 2009, followed by purchases and new constructions in Hungary (from 2011 onwards), Austria (from 2012 onwards), the United Kingdom (from 2015 onwards), Spain (from 2015 onwards), Italy (since 2015), the Netherlands (since 2016), the Czech Republic (since 2016), Ireland (since 2017), Poland (since 2017), and Romania (since 2021). In April 2022, the hotel group announced a new fund specifically aimed at further expansion across Europe.
A Global Network with a Local Touch
The Leonardo Hotels are part of Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd, with Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG serving as the European management company. Owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, or leased, these hotels provide a wide range of accommodation options. By 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone employed over 2,700 people.
Yoram Biton, born in Israel in 1967, leads the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe business unit as Managing Director, headquartered in Berlin. The Leonardo Hotels brand family includes four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Legacy of Growth: Acquisitions and Expansion
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotels group, encompassing the main brand and its sub-brands, boasts over 160 hotels, with a significant number located in German cities. Some of the most notable acquisitions include the Jurys Inn hotels in the United Kingdom and Ireland (51 hotels as of April 2022), the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels as of August 2018), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
The Leonardo Hotels story is a testament to a bold vision, strategic acquisitions, and a commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences. From its humble beginnings in Nuremberg, the group has become a global force in the hospitality industry, with a future brimming with exciting possibilities. This journey continues to inspire and impress, showcasing the power of innovation and dedication in the ever-evolving world of travel.
