Leonardo Hotels, a household name in the hospitality industry, is a German-based hotel chain with over 160 properties, a testament to its remarkable growth. Founded in 2006 by David Fattal, a visionary entrepreneur with a background in tourism, Leonardo Hotels has become a global player in the travel and lodging market.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Dominance
David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel, established Leonardo Hotels after successfully leading his tourism company, Fattal Holdings Ltd., based in Tel Aviv. The journey began in 2006 with the opening of the first Leonardo hotel in Nuremberg, Germany. The brand’s unique name and logo were officially registered in Germany in 2007, followed by international registration the following year.
Fattal’s vision for Leonardo Hotels was to expand its reach beyond Germany, embarking on a path of internationalization. This involved acquiring hotels in key European countries, starting with Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Fueled by its own resources and investment funds, Leonardo Hotels continued its remarkable expansion. In the late 2000s, Fattal Holdings began rebranding existing hotels in Israel and acquiring or building new ones in Hungary (2011), Austria (2012), the United Kingdom (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), the Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021).
A Powerful Presence Across Europe
Leonardo Hotels’ commitment to growth is evident in its ongoing expansion. In April 2022, the group announced the establishment of a dedicated fund to support its further expansion across Europe. The hotel chain is a subsidiary of Fattal Holdings, with its European operations managed by Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly-owned subsidiary. The ownership of Leonardo Hotels is distributed between Fattal Holdings and its subsidiaries, with some properties being leased.
A Dedicated Team Behind the Success
Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, with its headquarters in Berlin, employs a team of over 2,700 professionals who work diligently to deliver exceptional experiences for guests. Yoram Biton, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, leads this dedicated team.
The Leonardo Hotels family boasts four distinct brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. These brands cater to diverse guest needs and preferences, offering a range of accommodation options from budget-friendly to luxury.
A String of Notable Acquisitions
As of August 2022, Leonardo Hotels operates over 160 properties, with a significant concentration in German cities. The company’s impressive growth has been fueled by strategic acquisitions, including notable ones like the Jurys Inn chain in the United Kingdom and Ireland (51 hotels), Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
Conclusion
Leonardo Hotels has come a long way from its humble beginnings in Germany, evolving into a global powerhouse in the hospitality industry. Through its dedication to expansion, strategic acquisitions, and a commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences, Leonardo Hotels continues to set the standard for quality and service in the travel and lodging sector.
