Leonardo Hotels, a name synonymous with hospitality, began its journey in the vibrant city of Berlin. This hotel chain, boasting over 160 properties worldwide as of August 2022, is part of the larger Fattal Hotel Group. Let’s explore the fascinating story of Leonardo Hotels’ rise to global prominence.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
The foundation of Leonardo Hotels was laid in 2006 by David Fattal, a visionary hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel. At the time, Fattal was already a successful entrepreneur, leading the tourism company Fattal Holdings Ltd. based in Tel Aviv. The first Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the beginning of a remarkable expansion. The brand identity, featuring a unique name and logo, was officially registered in 2007 with the German Patent and Trademark Office, followed by international registration in 2008.
Fueled by Fattal’s ambition, Leonardo Hotels embarked on a mission to expand internationally. The company started by acquiring hotels in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. Leonardo Hotels’ growth was fueled by strategic investments, both from internal funds and external sources. This expansion continued with the acquisition and conversion of hotels in Israel around 2009. The company’s footprint then extended to Hungary (2011), Austria (2012), the United Kingdom (2015), Spain (2015), Italy (2015), the Netherlands (2016), Czech Republic (2016), Ireland (2017), Poland (2017), and Romania (2021).
Leonardo Hotels’ impressive growth was not confined to the acquisition of existing properties. New hotels were constructed in various locations, further solidifying the chain’s presence across Europe. In April 2022, the group announced a new investment fund, aiming to fuel further expansion within Europe.
Behind the Brand: A Global Network of Hospitality
The Leonardo Hotels network is firmly rooted within the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. company. Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fattal Holdings, serves as the management arm for Leonardo Hotels across Europe. The hotels themselves are either directly owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, or they operate under lease agreements. In 2021, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone employed a workforce of 2,700 individuals.
Yoram Biton, born in Israel in 1967, leads the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe division, headquartered in Berlin, as Managing Director. Leonardo Hotels is a multifaceted brand, encompassing four distinct sub-brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This brand family caters to a diverse range of travelers seeking different experiences.
A Legacy of Strategic Acquisitions and Growth
As of August 2022, the Leonardo Hotels group, including its sub-brands, comprised over 160 hotels, with Germany being the largest market in terms of property count. Among the most notable acquisitions were the Jurys Inn chain 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. These strategic acquisitions further solidified Leonardo Hotels’ position as a leading force in the European hotel industry.
From its humble beginnings in Berlin, Leonardo Hotels has transformed into a global force in the hospitality sector. With a commitment to continuous expansion and a focus on delivering diverse guest experiences, Leonardo Hotels is poised to continue its remarkable growth story in the years to come.
