Leonardo Hotels, a prominent name in the hospitality industry, is a hotel chain with over 160 properties (as of August 2022). Founded in 2006, the chain is owned by the Fattal Hotel Group, a company with a rich history in tourism and hospitality.
The Journey Begins:
The story of Leonardo Hotels began in 2006 when David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel, took the bold step of establishing a new hotel brand. With years of experience at the helm of Fattal Holdings Ltd., a thriving tourism enterprise based in Tel Aviv, Fattal possessed the expertise and vision to launch a successful hotel chain. The first Leonardo hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of an ambitious journey.
Expansion and Global Footprint:
From its humble beginnings, Leonardo Hotels embarked on an aggressive growth strategy, expanding its reach across Europe. The brand started with acquisitions in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Fueled by a combination of self-funding and investments from external sources, Leonardo Hotels steadily expanded its portfolio. In 2009, the chain began a strategic shift by acquiring hotels in its home country of Israel, followed by acquisitions and new construction projects in Hungary, Austria, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania. The hotel group’s relentless expansion efforts are evident in its recent announcement (April 2022) of a dedicated fund aimed at further growth in Europe.
A Family of Brands: Diverse Options for Every Traveler
Leonardo Hotels is a subsidiary of Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. and is managed by its wholly owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, based in Berlin. The majority of the chain’s properties are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries or are operated under lease agreements. With a strong presence in Europe, Leonardo Hotels employs over 2,700 people in Central Europe alone.
Under the leadership of Yoram Biton, the Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, the brand has evolved into a family of four distinct hotel brands. Each brand caters to a different segment of the travel market, offering a diverse range of options to meet the needs of every traveler. The Leonardo Hotels brand embodies the core values of the group, providing comfortable accommodations and exceptional service at competitive prices. Leonardo Boutique Hotels offer a more stylish and sophisticated experience, while Leonardo Royal Hotels cater to discerning travelers seeking luxury and premium amenities. The newest addition to the family, NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels, is designed for younger, design-conscious travelers, with a focus on vibrant and unique experiences.
A Record of Acquisitions and Growth
Leonardo Hotels has consistently expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and new developments. Some of the most notable acquisitions include the Jurys Inn brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland (51 hotels, as of April 2022), the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels, as of August 2018), and a group of six hotels in the Balearic Islands. These acquisitions have significantly contributed to Leonardo Hotels’ position as a leading hotel chain in Europe, with the majority of its properties located in German cities.
From its humble beginnings in Nuremberg, Leonardo Hotels has evolved into a global hospitality giant, boasting a portfolio of over 160 hotels across Europe. The chain’s continuous expansion, driven by a commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and a diverse range of offerings, positions Leonardo Hotels as a key player in the future of the European hotel industry.
