Leonardo Hotels, a renowned hotel chain with over 160 properties worldwide (as of August 2022), is a testament to the vision and determination of its founder, David Fattal. Based in Berlin, Leonardo Hotels is part of the larger Fattal Hotel Group.
From Humble Beginnings to International Success
The journey of Leonardo Hotels began in 2006 when David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel, took the bold step of launching his own hotel brand. At the time, he was already at the helm of the tourism company Fattal Holdings Ltd, headquartered in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the start of a remarkable expansion. The brand’s distinctive logo was officially registered in 2007 with the German Patent and Trademark Office, followed by international registration a year later.
A Global Footprint: Expanding Horizons
Leonardo Hotels became the vehicle for Fattal’s ambitious internationalization strategy. He began by acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, demonstrating his commitment to building a strong presence in Europe. This strategic expansion, funded by the company’s own resources and external investors, continued with the rebranding of hotels in Israel around 2009. The company’s reach then extended to Hungary in 2011, Austria in 2012, and the United Kingdom in 2015. Leonardo Hotels further solidified its global presence with acquisitions and new constructions in Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021). In April 2022, the hotel group announced the establishment of a dedicated fund to fuel further expansion across Europe.
A Family of Brands: Catering to Diverse Traveler Needs
Leonardo Hotels is part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. umbrella, with its European operations overseen by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. The hotels themselves are either owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries or are operated under lease agreements.
In 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone employed a workforce of 2,700 individuals. The brand is led by Yoram Biton, Managing Director, who is responsible for the Central European division with headquarters in Berlin.
To cater to a wide range of traveler preferences, Leonardo Hotels operates under four distinct brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Legacy of Acquisitions: Building a Hospitality Giant
As of August 2022, Leonardo Hotels boasts over 160 properties, with a significant concentration in German cities. The company’s growth has been fueled by strategic acquisitions, including the Jurys Inn chain 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 on the Balearic Islands. This remarkable journey from a single hotel in Nuremberg to a global hospitality empire is a testament to the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of David Fattal and his dedicated team.
