Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain with over 160 properties worldwide (as of August 2022), has become a force in the hospitality industry. The company, a subsidiary of the Fattal Hotel Group, boasts a fascinating story of growth and expansion.
From Humble Beginnings to International Dominance
The journey began in 2006 when David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel, established the hotel group. Fattal, already leading the Fattal Holdings Ltd tourism company based in Tel Aviv, saw an opportunity in the burgeoning hotel market. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of a remarkable adventure.
The brand’s name, “Leonardo,” was officially registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007, followed by international registration a year later. Fattal’s vision was clear: to take his hotel portfolio global. He began by acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This expansion, fueled by both internal funds and external investment, continued with the acquisition of hotels in Israel around 2009. The company continued its impressive growth trajectory, adding properties in Hungary (2011), Austria (2012), the United Kingdom (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021).
This relentless expansion is a testament to Fattal’s ambition. In April 2022, the company announced a new investment fund, specifically designed to fuel further growth across Europe.
The Powerhouse Behind the Brand
Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd is the driving force behind the Leonardo Hotels. Its 100% subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, serves as the management company for the hotels in Europe. Leonardo Hotels, owned either directly by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, or leased, employ over 2,700 people in Central Europe alone (as of 2021).
Yoram Biton, born in Israel in 1967, leads the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe business unit, headquartered in Berlin, as Managing Director. The brand portfolio boasts four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Legacy of Acquisitions and Expansion
By August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel group (including its sub-brands) had expanded to over 160 hotels. Germany is home to the largest number of Leonardo Hotels.
Some of the most significant acquisitions include the Jurys Inn hotels 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 on the Balearic Islands.
From its humble beginnings in Nuremberg, Leonardo Hotels has become a global powerhouse in the hospitality industry, showcasing a remarkable success story built on ambition, strategic acquisitions, and a commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences. The company continues to forge ahead, expanding its footprint and solidifying its position as a leading player in the hotel industry.
