Leonardo Hotels, a prominent name in the hospitality industry, is a hotel chain headquartered in Berlin, Germany. As of August 2022, the chain boasts an impressive portfolio of over 160 hotels across the globe. It’s part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a renowned name in the hospitality sector.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Dominance
The story of Leonardo Hotels began in 2006, with the visionary entrepreneur David Fattal at the helm. Fattal, a native of Haifa, Israel, was already a successful figure in the tourism sector, leading Fattal Holdings Ltd, a company headquartered in Tel Aviv. With an ambitious vision, he established the first Leonardo Hotel in Nuremberg, Germany. The hotel chain’s distinctive logo was registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office in 2007, with international registration following a year later.
Driven by a desire to expand internationally, Fattal began acquiring hotels, initially focusing on Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This expansion, fueled by both internal funds and investments from various sources, continued unabated. Leonardo Hotels soon expanded its reach to Israel, Hungary, Austria, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania. The ambitious hotel chain announced a new fund in April 2022, specifically dedicated to accelerating its growth across Europe.
A Powerful Network: The Backbone of Success
The Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd group oversees Leonardo Hotels, with its subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, serving as the European management arm. Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, or they are leased. In 2021, the chain had a remarkable workforce of 2,700 employees solely in its Central Europe operations.
Yoram Biton, born in Israel in 1967, is the driving force behind Leonardo Hotels Central Europe. He holds the position of Managing Director, leading the team from their Berlin headquarters. The Leonardo Hotels brand is a family of four distinctive brands, each with its own unique appeal: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
Milestones and Acquisitions: A Path to Global Recognition
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotels family, including its subsidiary brands, comprises over 160 hotels. Germany boasts the highest concentration of Leonardo Hotels, a testament to the brand’s success in its founding country. The chain’s growth has been fueled by several strategic acquisitions, including the Jurys Inn brand 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. These acquisitions have been instrumental in expanding Leonardo Hotels’ global reach and solidifying its position as a leading force in the hospitality industry.
Through its strategic acquisitions, innovative brand expansion, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, Leonardo Hotels has carved a remarkable path in the global hospitality market. With its focus on continued growth and a commitment to providing exceptional experiences, Leonardo Hotels is poised to become an even more prominent force in the world of travel and accommodation.
