Leonardo Hotels, a name synonymous with quality and comfort, is a hotel chain with a global reach. This dynamic company has carved its niche in the hospitality industry, steadily expanding its portfolio of hotels across Europe and beyond.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion
The journey of Leonardo Hotels began in 2006 when the visionary hotelier David Fattal, already a prominent figure in the tourism sector, established the brand. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of a remarkable growth story. The brand’s distinctive logo was registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007, further solidifying its presence.
The name “Leonardo” signified the hotel group’s ambitious internationalization strategy. Fattal, leveraging his experience and resources, started acquiring properties in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This strategic expansion, fuelled by both internal funds and investment partnerships, continued at a rapid pace, extending the Leonardo footprint to new destinations. By 2009, Leonardo Hotels had established a presence in Israel, followed by Hungary in 2011. The expansion continued unabated, with new hotels opening in Austria (2012), the United Kingdom (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021).
A Network of Brands and Strategic Acquisitions
Leonardo Hotels is a part of the larger Fattal Holdings group, established in 1998. The group’s European operations are managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG. The hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries or operated through lease agreements. With a dedicated workforce of 2,700 employees in Central Europe alone (2021), Leonardo Hotels has become a significant employer in the hospitality sector.
Yoram Biton, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, oversees the company’s operations from its Berlin headquarters. Under his leadership, the brand has grown to encompass a diverse portfolio of hotels, each catering to a specific traveler need. The Leonardo brand family includes four distinct labels: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This diverse range allows the company to offer a variety of experiences, from stylish boutique hotels to luxurious royal properties, catering to diverse tastes and budgets.
A Story of Strategic Growth and Acquisitions
As of August 2022, the Leonardo hotel group, encompassing its main brand and subsidiaries, boasts a network of over 160 hotels, with a particularly strong presence in German cities. The company’s growth has been further fueled by strategic acquisitions. The acquisition of Jurys Inn, a prominent hotel chain in the United Kingdom and Ireland, in 2022, added a significant 51 hotels to the Leonardo portfolio. Similarly, the acquisition of Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium in 2018 brought another 13 properties under the Leonardo umbrella. The company’s expansion strategy also includes acquisitions of smaller hotel portfolios, such as the acquisition of six hotels in the Balearic Islands in 2022.
A Vision for the Future: Continued Growth and Innovation
Leonardo Hotels has consistently shown a commitment to growth and innovation. The company’s recent announcement of a dedicated fund focused on European expansion underscores its unwavering ambition. With its diverse portfolio, commitment to quality, and strategic acquisitions, Leonardo Hotels is poised to continue its growth trajectory, solidifying its position as a leading force in the global hospitality industry.
