This article tells the story of Leonardo Hotels, a thriving hotel chain with a remarkable journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a global force in the hospitality industry.
Embracing a Vision
Leonardo Hotels, based in Berlin, has over 160 properties under its umbrella, making it a significant player in the international hotel market. It’s part of the Fattal Hotel Group, founded in 2006 by David Fattal, a visionary hotelier from Haifa, Israel. Fattal already led the travel company Fattal Holdings Ltd in Tel Aviv, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. The first Leonardo hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of a remarkable expansion. The distinctive Leonardo Hotels logo was registered in Germany in 2007 and internationally a year later, solidifying the brand’s identity.
Expansion Across Continents
Leonardo Hotels became Fattal’s platform for international growth. The company began acquiring hotels, initially in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This expansion, fueled by both internal funds and external investments, continued with the rebranding of hotels in Israel around 2009. Leonardo Hotels then expanded its reach into new markets, including Hungary in 2011, Austria in 2012, and the United Kingdom in 2015. By 2016, Leonardo Hotels had established a presence in Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. The company continued its expansion trajectory by adding hotels in Ireland and Poland in 2017 and Romania in 2021. In a significant move, Leonardo Hotels announced a dedicated fund in April 2022 to support its ongoing expansion across Europe.
A Structure Built for Success
Leonardo Hotels is an integral part of the Fattal Holdings group, with its European operations overseen by its 100% subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. The hotels themselves are either owned by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, or they are leased. In 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe employed a team of 2,700 people. Yoram Biton, the Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, leads the team from its Berlin headquarters.
A Family of Brands
Leonardo Hotels has evolved into a family of brands. Today, the chain operates under four distinct names: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This diversity allows the company to cater to a wider range of travelers, offering various options to meet their needs.
Key Acquisitions and Milestones
As of August 2022, Leonardo Hotels, including its sub-brands, boast over 160 hotels, with a notable concentration in German cities. Some of their most significant acquisitions include the Jurys Inn hotels in the UK and Ireland (51 hotels in total, 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.
Conclusion:
Leonardo Hotels is a shining example of how vision, strategic planning, and commitment to quality can lead to remarkable growth and success. From its origins in Israel to its global reach, the company has carved a unique path, establishing itself as a force in the hospitality industry. With its diverse portfolio of brands and its ongoing expansion, Leonardo Hotels is poised to continue its impressive growth trajectory, offering travelers around the world exceptional experiences and convenient access to the best accommodations.
