Leonardo Hotels is a renowned hotel chain with over 160 properties spread across Europe, making it a prominent player in the hospitality industry. The chain, founded in 2006, is part of the larger Fattal Hotel Group, a testament to the vision of its founder, David Fattal.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Success
The journey of Leonardo Hotels began in 2006 with the opening of its first hotel in Nuremberg, Germany. This marked the start of a remarkable expansion that would soon encompass numerous European countries. The brand’s identity was established with a registered trademark in Germany in 2007, followed by international registration the next year.
Fattal, a seasoned hotelier, had already established Fattal Holdings Ltd, a travel company based in Tel Aviv, Israel. It was through Leonardo Hotels that he initiated the internationalization of his hotel portfolio, strategically acquiring hotels in various countries. The expansion was fueled by a combination of internal resources and investments from funds.
A Strategic Growth Strategy: Expanding Horizons
This ambitious growth strategy saw the company acquire and develop hotels in various locations, starting with Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. The expansion continued in earnest with the acquisition and construction of hotels in countries like Hungary, Austria, the UK, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania. This relentless drive to expand across Europe is a testament to the company’s ambitious vision and commitment to growth.
A Strong Foundation: Building a Global Network
Leonardo Hotels is a subsidiary of Fattal Holdings, with its European operations managed by the company’s fully owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. The hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries or operated through leased agreements.
The company’s workforce, numbering over 2,700 in 2021 for Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone, reflects the scale of its operations. Leading the charge in Central Europe is Yoram Biton, Managing Director, ensuring the smooth running of this expanding network.
A Diversified Portfolio: Reaching New Heights
The Leonardo Hotels brand portfolio encompasses a range of hotel brands, including Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This diversification caters to various travel needs and preferences, solidifying the company’s position as a leader in the hospitality market.
Significant Acquisitions: Expanding the Network
The acquisition of Jurys Inn hotels in the UK and Ireland, encompassing 51 hotels, marked a pivotal moment in the company’s history. Furthermore, the acquisition of 13 Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium solidified the company’s footprint in these regions. Adding to its growing portfolio, the company acquired six hotels on the Balearic Islands, solidifying its presence in Spain.
Conclusion
Leonardo Hotels, a leading global hospitality chain, has a strong foundation built on strategic acquisitions, a diverse portfolio, and a commitment to growth. The company’s unwavering drive to expand across Europe, fueled by its ambitious vision and a dedicated workforce, positions it for continued success in the competitive hospitality market.
