The Leonardo Hotels chain, a prominent name in the hospitality industry, boasts over 160 properties worldwide, as of August 2022. This impressive network is owned and operated by the Fattal Hotel Group, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of its founder, David Fattal.
From Haifa to Global Expansion
David Fattal, a visionary hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel, established the Fattal Hotel Group in 2006. Prior to this venture, he was already a successful businessman, leading the Fattal Holdings Ltd tourism company based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, in 2006, marking the beginning of a global expansion. The iconic brand name and logo were registered in 2007 with the German Patent and Trademark Office, followed by international registration in 2008.
A Strategic Growth Strategy
With Leonardo Hotels as its flagship, the Fattal Hotel Group embarked on a strategic journey to expand its reach beyond its home country. It started by acquiring hotels in key European markets, including Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. The group’s expansion was fueled by a combination of its own resources and funds raised from investors. This growth trajectory continued, leading to the rebranding of hotels in Israel around 2009, and the acquisition or construction of new hotels in Hungary (from 2011), Austria (from 2012), the United Kingdom (from 2015), Spain (from 2015), Italy (since 2015), the Netherlands (since 2016), Czech Republic (since 2016), Ireland (since 2017), Poland (since 2017), and Romania (since 2021). In April 2022, the group announced a new fund specifically aimed at further expanding its presence across Europe.
The Leonardo Hotel Network: A Global Footprint
The Leonardo Hotels brand is a part of the larger Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd conglomerate. Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a fully owned subsidiary, serves as the administrative arm for Leonardo Hotels in Europe. The hotels within the Leonardo family are either owned directly by Fattal Holdings or one of its subsidiaries, or operated under lease agreements. In 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe employed over 2,700 individuals, underscoring its significant contribution to the hospitality industry.
A Diverse Portfolio: Catering to Different Needs
Yoram Biton, a seasoned industry expert, oversees the operations of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe as the Managing Director, based in Berlin. The Leonardo Hotels family consists of four distinct brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This diversification allows the group to cater to a wider range of travelers and preferences, offering choices from stylish boutique hotels to grand, luxurious properties.
A History of Strategic Acquisitions
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotels group, encompassing its main brand and sub-brands, has over 160 hotels, with the largest concentration in German cities. Among its most notable acquisitions are the Jurys Inn chain in the United Kingdom and Ireland (51 hotels, as of April 2022), Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels, as of August 2018), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands. These strategic acquisitions have significantly boosted the Leonardo Hotels footprint, further strengthening its position as a leading force in the global hotel industry.
