Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain with over 160 properties (as of August 2022), is making waves across the global hospitality landscape. This dynamic company is a subsidiary of the Fattal Hotel Group, a powerhouse in the hotel industry.
The Journey Begins:
The Fattal Hotel Group was founded in 2006 by David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel. He already had a strong presence in the tourism industry, leading the Fattal Holdings Ltd based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. The iconic word-and-image logo was registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007, followed by international registration a year later.
Expanding Horizons:
With the launch of Leonardo Hotels, Fattal embarked on a mission to globalize his portfolio. His strategy involved acquiring existing hotels, primarily in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Fueled by internal funds and investment partnerships, the expansion continued with rebranding hotels in Israel (around 2009) and acquiring or building new hotels in Hungary (from 2011), Austria (from 2012), Great Britain (from 2015), Spain (from 2015), Italy (since 2015), Netherlands (since 2016), Czech Republic (since 2016), Ireland (since 2017), Poland (since 2017), and Romania (since 2021). In April 2022, the group announced a dedicated fund to drive further expansion across Europe, signaling a clear commitment to its ambitious growth plans.
A Global Network of Hospitality
Behind the Brand:
Leonardo Hotels is part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd family. Its European operations are managed by its fully-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. Ownership of Leonardo Hotels is split between Fattal Holdings and its subsidiaries, with some properties being leased. The company boasts a substantial workforce, with 2,700 employees dedicated to Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone in 2021.
Leadership and Brands:
Leading the charge for Leonardo Hotels Central Europe is Yoram Biton, based in Berlin. With a strong track record, Biton serves as the Managing Director. The Leonardo family encompasses four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This diversification reflects the group’s commitment to catering to a wide range of travelers and preferences.
A Story of Growth and Acquisition
Significant Acquisitions:
As of August 2022, Leonardo Hotels group (including its sub-brands) encompassed over 160 properties. The majority of these hotels are located in German cities. Among its most significant acquisitions are the Jurys Inn brand (51 hotels in the UK and Ireland as of April 2022), the Apollo Hotels (13 hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium as of August 2018), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
The Future of Leonardo Hotels:
The story of Leonardo Hotels is a testament to the power of strategic growth, global vision, and a dedication to exceptional hospitality. With its expanding network of hotels and commitment to offering a diverse range of brands, Leonardo Hotels is poised to continue its journey as a major player in the international hotel landscape.
