Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain with over 160 properties worldwide (as of August 2022), has become a major player in the hospitality industry. The company’s impressive growth story is a testament to the vision of its founder, David Fattal.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion
The journey of Leonardo Hotels began in 2006 when David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel, established the company. At the time, Fattal was already leading Fattal Holdings Ltd, a tourism enterprise based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the start of an ambitious expansion strategy. The distinctive brand logo was registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007, followed by international registration in 2008.
Fattal’s ambition wasn’t limited to Germany. He saw an opportunity to expand Leonardo Hotels internationally, acquiring properties in neighboring countries like Belgium and Switzerland. Fueled by both internal funding and investment from funds, the company expanded its reach, acquiring or building hotels in Hungary, Austria, the UK, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania. In April 2022, the group announced a new fund dedicated to accelerating its European expansion, demonstrating its commitment to continued growth.
A Family Affair: The Fattal Group and Leonardo Hotels
Leonardo Hotels forms a significant part of the larger Fattal Holdings group, founded in 1998. The European operations are managed by Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fattal Holdings. Ownership of Leonardo Hotels is split between Fattal Holdings and its subsidiaries, with some properties leased. The company’s impressive scale is reflected in its workforce, with over 2,700 employees dedicated to Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone as of 2021.
Yoram Biton, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, leads the company from its Berlin headquarters. The Leonardo family of brands boasts four distinct hotel concepts: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
Major Acquisitions and a Growing Presence
As of August 2022, the Leonardo hotel group (including its sub-brands) comprised over 160 hotels, with a significant concentration in German cities. The company has made several noteworthy acquisitions, including the Jurys Inn brand 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.
The story of Leonardo Hotels is one of ambitious growth, strategic acquisitions, and a commitment to providing quality hospitality experiences. The company’s dedication to innovation, expansion, and its diverse portfolio of brands positions it for continued success in the global hotel market.
