Leonardo Hotels, a renowned hotel chain, has made a name for itself in the global hospitality scene. With over 160 properties under its umbrella (as of August 2022), it boasts a strong presence across Europe, making it a true international force in the hotel industry.
This impressive journey began in 2006, when the visionary hotelier David Fattal founded the company. Fattal, a seasoned industry professional already leading the touristic enterprise Fattal Holdings Ltd, based in Tel Aviv, decided to venture into the world of hotels. The very first Leonardo hotel opened its doors in the German city of Nuremberg, marking the beginning of a global expansion.
The company quickly established its distinctive brand identity by registering its unique logo with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007, followed by international registration a year later. This bold move signaled Leonardo’s ambition to become a major player on the world stage.
A Global Expansion
With its sights set on international dominance, Leonardo began acquiring hotels, first in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. The company’s growth strategy was fueled by a combination of its own funds and investment from external sources.
This ambitious expansion continued with the rebranding of existing hotels in Israel (around 2009), followed by strategic acquisitions and new construction projects 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).
The company’s hunger for growth remained undeterred, as evidenced by the announcement of a new investment fund in April 2022, specifically aimed at accelerating expansion across Europe.
A Powerful Network of Brands
The Leonardo Hotels brand is part of the larger Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. organization. The European management arm is overseen by the 100% subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG.
Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, or they are operated under lease agreements. The company’s commitment to its employees is evident in its impressive workforce: in 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone employed over 2,700 individuals.
The company’s leadership is entrusted to Yoram Biton, who holds the position of Managing Director for the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe business unit, headquartered in Berlin.
Leonardo Hotels boasts a diverse family of brands, each with its own unique character and target audience. These brands, as of August 2022, include:
- Leonardo Hotels
- Leonardo Boutique Hotels
- Leonardo Royal Hotels
- NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels
Strategic Acquisitions Fuel Growth
The Leonardo Hotel group, encompassing the main brand and its sub-brands, boasts a portfolio of over 160 hotels, with Germany holding the largest share. Some of the most significant acquisitions include:
- The Jurys Inn brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland, comprising 51 hotels (as of April 2022).
- The Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium, a collection of 13 hotels (as of August 2018).
- A portfolio of six hotels located on the Balearic Islands.
This impressive track record of acquisitions demonstrates Leonardo’s commitment to strategic expansion, solidifying its position as a dominant force in the European hotel market.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in Nuremberg, Leonardo Hotels has emerged as a global hospitality giant, boasting a diverse portfolio of hotels and a strong presence across Europe. This journey has been driven by a commitment to expansion, strategic acquisitions, and a dedication to delivering exceptional experiences for guests.
With its strong leadership, dedicated team, and unwavering ambition, Leonardo Hotels is poised for continued success, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the international hospitality landscape.
