Leonardo Hotels, a prominent name in the hospitality industry, boasts a network of over 160 hotels (as of August 2022). This impressive collection of properties falls under the umbrella of the Fattal Hotel Group, a testament to the vision of its founder, David Fattal.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion
David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel, established the Fattal Hotel Group in 2006. He had already achieved success with Fattal Holdings Ltd, a tourism-focused company headquartered in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. In 2007, the company secured trademark protection for its distinctive brand name and logo in Germany, followed by international registration in 2008.
Fueled by Fattal’s ambition and savvy business strategy, Leonardo Hotels embarked on an international expansion. The company initially acquired properties in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, expanding its reach across Europe. Utilizing both internal funds and external investments, Leonardo Hotels continued its growth trajectory. They acquired existing properties, established new hotels, and rebranded existing hotels in Israel around 2009. The company’s reach extended to Hungary in 2011, Austria in 2012, and continued with the acquisition of properties in the UK, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania. In April 2022, the hotel group announced a dedicated fund to fuel further expansion across the European continent.
A Family of Brands under the Fattal Umbrella
Leonardo Hotels operate under the ownership of Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd, with its European management overseen by the 100% subsidiary Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. The majority of Leonardo Hotels are either directly owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, or they are managed under lease agreements. In 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe employed an impressive 2,700 individuals.
Yoram Biton, born in Israel in 1967, holds the position of Managing Director for Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, with the business unit based in Berlin. The Leonardo Hotels brand family encompasses four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Story of Acquisitions and Growth
As of August 2022, Leonardo Hotels, encompassing the main brand and its subsidiaries, boasts over 160 hotels, with a significant concentration in German cities. Notable acquisitions have included the Jurys Inn chain in the UK 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 in the Balearic Islands.
From its modest beginnings, Leonardo Hotels has grown into a global powerhouse in the hospitality industry. Driven by strategic acquisitions, a diverse brand portfolio, and a commitment to providing excellent guest experiences, Leonardo Hotels continues to expand its reach, offering a wide range of accommodations to travelers worldwide.
