Leonardo Hotels is a growing hotel chain with a global reach, boasting over 160 hotels (as of August 2022). It’s a major player in the hospitality industry, thanks to the visionary leadership of its founder, David Fattal. This article explores the journey of Leonardo Hotels, from its humble beginnings to its impressive expansion.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion
David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel, established the Fattal Hotel Group in 2006. He already had a successful track record in the tourism industry, heading the Fattal Holdings Ltd. in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the launch of a new era for the Fattal Hotel Group. The brand’s unique logo was registered in 2007 with the German Patent and Trademark Office, followed by international registration the next year.
Fattal used Leonardo Hotels as a platform for international expansion. His strategy was to acquire existing hotels, initially focusing on Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Driven by his vision and fueled by both private investments and funds, he expanded into Israel around 2009. This was followed by a rapid expansion across Europe, with new hotels opening in Hungary (starting in 2011), Austria (from 2012), Great Britain (beginning in 2015), Spain (from 2015), Italy (since 2015), the Netherlands (since 2016), the Czech Republic (since 2016), Ireland (since 2017), Poland (since 2017), and Romania (since 2021). The group’s commitment to growth is evident in their announcement in April 2022 of a new fund dedicated to expanding their footprint further across Europe.
A Well-Structured Organization
The Leonardo Hotels are part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. Their wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, manages their operations in Europe. The hotels themselves are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, or they are leased. The scale of their operations is reflected in their workforce, with over 2,700 employees working for Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone in 2021.
A Team of Leaders and a Growing Brand Family
Yoram Biton, a seasoned professional born in Israel in 1967, is the Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, headquartered in Berlin. He is leading the expansion of the brand, which now includes four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Strategic Growth Strategy: Acquisitions and Expansion
By August 2022, Leonardo Hotels had grown to over 160 hotels, with a significant concentration in German cities. Their strategic acquisitions have been instrumental in their growth. This includes the acquisition of 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 on the Balearic Islands.
Conclusion
Leonardo Hotels has established itself as a major force in the global hospitality industry. Their success stems from a clear vision, a strategic approach to expansion, and a commitment to providing quality accommodations. From their humble beginnings in Nuremberg, they have grown into a global network of hotels, offering travelers diverse experiences in various destinations across Europe. The future looks bright for Leonardo Hotels, as they continue to expand and solidify their position as a leading player in the hospitality sector.
