Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain with over 160 properties worldwide (as of August 2022), has made a significant mark on the hospitality industry. The brand’s remarkable growth story is one of ambition, strategic acquisitions, and a clear vision for international expansion. Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of Leonardo Hotels.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Success
The genesis of Leonardo Hotels can be traced back to 2006, when David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel, established the hotel group. Fattal already had experience leading the touristic company, Fattal Holdings Ltd., based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of a remarkable expansion. The unique Leonardo Hotels logo was officially registered in 2007 by the German Patent and Trademark Office, followed by international registration in 2008.
A Strategic Expansion Across Europe
With the launch of Leonardo Hotels, Fattal embarked on a strategic plan to expand the brand’s global footprint. He initially focused on acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. The expansion was fueled by a combination of internal funds and investment from various sources, including funds.
The Leonardo brand continued to grow, with acquisitions and new hotel constructions in Hungary (2011), Austria (2012), the United Kingdom (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), the Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021). The hotel group’s ambition knows no bounds, as they announced plans for a dedicated fund in April 2022, aimed at accelerating further expansion across Europe.
A Strong Foundation Built on Experience
Leonardo Hotels is a subsidiary of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. The brand’s European operations are managed by its 100% subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. Ownership of the Leonardo Hotels is a mix of direct ownership by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, and leased properties. The impressive scale of the operations is reflected in the fact that, in 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone employed over 2,700 people.
A Leadership Team Driving Growth
Yoram Biton, born in Israel in 1967, leads the Business Unit, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, as the Managing Director, based in Berlin. The Leonardo brand family encompasses four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Global Presence with Key Acquisitions
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel group, including its various brands, boasted over 160 properties, with the largest concentration in German cities. Notable acquisitions that significantly boosted the group’s portfolio include the Jurys Inn brand 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.
The success of Leonardo Hotels is a testament to its visionary leadership, strategic acquisitions, and unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality hospitality experience for guests worldwide. With its continued expansion, the brand is well-positioned to remain a major player in the global hospitality market.
