Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain with over 160 properties worldwide, has its roots in Berlin. It’s part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a dynamic player in the hospitality industry.
From a Vision to a Global Empire
The journey of Leonardo Hotels began in 2006, when David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel, established the group. He had already built a successful tourism empire, Fattal Holdings Ltd, headquartered in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany. The brand’s unique name and logo were officially registered in 2007 by the German Patent and Trademark Office, solidifying its presence on the international stage.
Expanding Horizons: A Global Footprint
With Leonardo Hotels, Fattal embarked on a global expansion strategy. He acquired properties, initially in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. This expansion was fueled by both internal resources and funds secured from investment firms. The chain’s reach grew beyond Europe, with acquisitions and new constructions in Israel (around 2009), Hungary (starting in 2011), Austria (starting in 2012), the UK (starting in 2015), Spain (starting in 2015), Italy (since 2015), the Netherlands (since 2016), the Czech Republic (since 2016), Ireland (since 2017), Poland (since 2017), and Romania (since 2021). In April 2022, the group announced a new fund dedicated to further expansion across Europe.
A Family of Brands: Diversity and Distinction
Leonardo Hotels is part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. family. Its subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, manages its European operations. Leonardo Hotels are either owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, or operated under lease agreements. The company employed over 2,700 people in Central Europe in 2021, showcasing its commitment to creating jobs and contributing to the local economies.
Yoram Biton, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, leads the team based in Berlin. He oversees the brand’s four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels, offering diverse experiences to cater to different traveler preferences.
Milestones of Success: A Journey of Acquisitions
As of August 2022, Leonardo Hotels boast over 160 properties across the globe, with the majority located in Germany. The company has strategically acquired significant hotel groups, expanding its reach even further. Among the notable acquisitions are 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.
Leonardo Hotels continues to evolve, driven by innovation, strategic acquisitions, and a commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences. Their global journey is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit, their focus on quality, and their dedication to creating a lasting impact in the hospitality industry.
