Leonardo Hotels, a prominent hotel chain based in Berlin, boasts a diverse portfolio of over 160 hotels globally (as of August 2022). This ambitious enterprise is a part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of its founder, David Fattal.
From Humble Beginnings to International Success
David Fattal, a visionary hotelier originally from Haifa, Israel, established the Fattal Hotel Group in 2006. At the time, he was already a successful leader in the tourism industry, heading Fattal Holdings Ltd, a company based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany in the same year, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey.
The unique brand identity of Leonardo Hotels was officially registered in 2007 with the German Patent and Trademark Office, followed by international registration the subsequent year. This solidified the presence of Leonardo Hotels in the global market.
Global Expansion: A Trail of Hotels Across Continents
Fattal’s vision extended beyond Germany, prompting him to expand the Leonardo Hotels footprint internationally. The first steps involved acquiring hotels in neighboring countries like Belgium and Switzerland. This ambitious expansion, fueled by Fattal’s own funds and external investments, continued with remarkable pace.
The Leonardo Hotels brand spread rapidly across Europe, establishing a presence in Israel (around 2009), Hungary (2011 onwards), Austria (2012 onwards), Great Britain (2015 onwards), Spain (2015 onwards), Italy (2015 onwards), Netherlands (2016 onwards), Czech Republic (2016 onwards), Ireland (2017 onwards), Poland (2017 onwards) and Romania (2021 onwards).
Fattal’s relentless pursuit of expansion led him to announce a dedicated fund in April 2022, specifically designed to fuel further growth within Europe. This commitment underscores the company’s dedication to strengthening its presence in the European hotel market.
A Family Affair: The Fattal Hotel Group’s Structure
Leonardo Hotels operates as part of the Fattal Holdings family, a successful business founded in 1998. The European operations are managed by Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a fully owned subsidiary of Fattal Holdings. The ownership structure of Leonardo Hotels encompasses both direct ownership by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, as well as leased properties.
The company’s dedication to growth and development is evident in its workforce, employing over 2,700 individuals at Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone (as of 2021).
Leadership and Brand Diversity: A Dynamic Team
Yoram Biton, a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the hotel industry, leads Leonardo Hotels Central Europe as the Managing Director from the company’s headquarters in Berlin.
The Leonardo Hotels brand family comprises four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. Each brand caters to a specific segment of the market, offering unique experiences and amenities.
Acquisitions and Growth: A Strategic Path to Success
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotel Group boasts over 160 hotels across its core brand and its subsidiaries. The majority of its hotels are strategically located in German cities, showcasing the importance of the German market to the company’s success.
Leonardo Hotels’ expansion has been fueled by strategic acquisitions, including notable acquisitions of hotel chains like Jurys Inn in the United Kingdom and Ireland (51 hotels as of April 2022), Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels as of August 2018), and a portfolio of six hotels in the Balearic Islands. These strategic moves demonstrate the company’s commitment to building a comprehensive and diverse hotel portfolio across Europe.
Leonardo Hotels has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt to market trends and capitalize on opportunities. The company’s commitment to growth, combined with its strong brand identity and diverse portfolio, positions Leonardo Hotels as a major player in the global hospitality sector. The company’s future looks bright, promising continued growth and innovative offerings for travelers seeking a comfortable and memorable stay.
