Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain with over 160 properties worldwide, has a fascinating story of growth and expansion. This article delves into the history and success of this global hotel empire, tracing its journey from humble beginnings to becoming a major player in the hospitality industry.
From Local Roots to International Expansion
The foundation of Leonardo Hotels was laid in 2006 by David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel. At the time, Fattal was already leading the travel company Fattal Holdings Ltd, based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany. This marked the beginning of Fattal’s ambitious plan to expand his hotel portfolio internationally.
The Leonardo Hotels brand quickly gained recognition and momentum. Fattal strategically acquired properties in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, laying the groundwork for a larger international presence. The expansion continued, fueled by Fattal’s own resources and investments from various funds. Over the next decade, Leonardo Hotels established a strong foothold in Europe, adding properties in countries like Hungary, Austria, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania.
In April 2022, Leonardo Hotels announced a new fund, solidifying its commitment to further expansion across Europe. This signifies a clear ambition to solidify its position as a leading player in the global hospitality sector.
A Family of Brands Under the Leonardo Umbrella
Leonardo Hotels is a subsidiary of Fattal Holdings, a company founded in 1998. Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fattal Holdings, oversees the operations of Leonardo Hotels in Europe. The hotels themselves are either owned by Fattal Holdings, its subsidiaries, or operate under a lease agreement.
Yoram Biton, the Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, has been instrumental in the company’s success. He oversees the operations of the business unit based in Berlin.
The Leonardo brand umbrella encompasses four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. Each brand caters to specific traveler preferences, ensuring a diverse offering to meet the demands of a global market.
Acquisitions Fueling Growth
The company’s impressive growth is fueled by strategic acquisitions. The acquisition of Jurys Inn hotels in the United Kingdom and Ireland, totaling 51 properties, was a landmark deal. Similarly, the acquisition of Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium, comprising 13 hotels, further cemented Leonardo’s presence in these markets. The acquisition of a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands also solidified Leonardo’s position as a leading player in the Mediterranean region.
The journey of Leonardo Hotels showcases the power of vision and strategic planning in building a successful global enterprise. From its humble beginnings, it has emerged as a leading player in the hospitality industry, with a strong presence across Europe and beyond. The company’s continued commitment to expansion and diversification ensures its future success in a dynamic and evolving market.
