Leonardo Hotels is a renowned hotel chain with a footprint across Europe. This international hotel group, established in 2006, is a subsidiary of the Fattal Hotel Group, a company with strong roots in Israel.
The Genesis of a Global Brand
The story of Leonardo Hotels starts with David Fattal, a visionary entrepreneur from Haifa, Israel. He established Fattal Holdings Ltd., a tourism company based in Tel Aviv, in 1998. This company laid the groundwork for the future success of Leonardo Hotels. In 2006, the first Leonardo hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of an ambitious expansion strategy. The Leonardo Hotels brand was registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007, solidifying its presence in the European market.
A Global Expansion
From its initial presence in Germany, Leonardo Hotels rapidly expanded its reach to other European countries. The brand made its mark in Belgium and Switzerland in the early years of its existence. The company continued its remarkable growth by expanding its presence into Israel in 2009, followed by Hungary in 2011. The company’s growth trajectory was fueled by a combination of acquisitions and new construction.
Leonardo Hotels continued its expansion by acquiring hotels in Austria (2012), Great Britain (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), Netherlands (2016), Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021). This strategic expansion reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to offering travelers a consistent and reliable experience across diverse European destinations.
The Leonardo Hotel Network: Structure and Growth
Leonardo Hotels is part of the Fattal Holdings group. The company’s European operations are managed by Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, its 100% subsidiary. The hotels within the Leonardo Hotels network are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries or leased. In 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe employed an impressive 2,700 individuals, demonstrating the significant impact of the company on the European workforce.
Yoram Biton, a seasoned professional born in Israel, serves as the Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, based in Berlin. He is responsible for overseeing the company’s continued success in this key European market.
A Diverse Portfolio: Catering to Diverse Needs
The Leonardo Hotel brand is not a single entity but rather an umbrella under which four distinct hotel brands operate: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This diverse portfolio caters to a wide range of traveler preferences, from budget-conscious travelers seeking convenience to discerning guests looking for a luxurious and sophisticated experience.
Significant Acquisitions: Expanding the Network
By August 2022, Leonardo Hotels boasted a network of over 160 hotels across Europe, with a particularly strong presence in Germany. The company has made some notable acquisitions that have significantly expanded its network. These include the acquisition of the Jurys Inn brand, with its 51 hotels in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the Apollo Hotels chain, with 13 hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium. Additionally, the company acquired a portfolio of six hotels on the Balearic Islands.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in Germany, Leonardo Hotels has established itself as a significant force in the global hospitality industry. The company’s strategic expansion, coupled with its commitment to offering diverse and high-quality hotel experiences, has positioned it for continued success in the years to come. With its dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and a strong focus on its employees, Leonardo Hotels is poised to become a leading player in the European and global hospitality landscape.
