Leonardo Hotels, a dynamic hotel chain with headquarters in Berlin, has become a prominent player in the European hospitality industry. With over 160 hotels under its umbrella (as of August 2022), Leonardo Hotels is a testament to the vision and determination of its founder, David Fattal.
The Genesis of a Global Brand
David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier hailing from Haifa, Israel, laid the foundation for Leonardo Hotels in 2006. At the time, he was already leading Fattal Holdings Ltd., a successful tourism company based in Tel Aviv. The inaugural Leonardo Hotel opened its doors in Nuremberg, Germany, marking the start of an impressive expansion across Europe. In 2007, the distinctive brand name and logo were officially registered in Germany, followed by international registration in 2008.
From Local to Global: A Strategic Expansion
The Leonardo Hotels name served as a catalyst for Fattal’s ambition to expand his hotel portfolio internationally. He began by acquiring properties in Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, carefully building a strong foundation for future growth.
Fueled by both internal funds and investment from various financial sources, the expansion continued relentlessly. The company expanded its footprint into Israel around 2009, followed by Hungary, Austria, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania, demonstrating a clear commitment to building a pan-European presence. In April 2022, Leonardo Hotels announced a new fund specifically targeted at further expansion across Europe, highlighting their unwavering commitment to growth.
A Network of Hospitality: Structure and Management
Leonardo Hotels is an integral part of the Fattal Holdings (1998) Ltd. group. Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, a wholly-owned subsidiary, manages European operations. Whether owned by Fattal Holdings or its subsidiaries, or operated under a lease agreement, Leonardo Hotels maintain consistent standards of quality and service across their diverse network. In 2021 alone, Leonardo Hotels Central Europe employed over 2,700 people.
Leading the Way: Management and Branding
Yoram Biton, a seasoned industry professional born in Israel in 1967, leads the Leonardo Hotels Central Europe business unit based in Berlin as Managing Director. The Leonardo brand family encompasses four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels.
A Legacy of Acquisitions: Expanding the Portfolio
By August 2022, the Leonardo Hotels group, encompassing the main brand and its sub-brands, boasted a portfolio of over 160 hotels, with the majority located in German cities. Some 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 collection of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
Leonardo Hotels’ journey from a single hotel in Nuremberg to a multi-faceted hospitality group spanning across Europe is a testament to the power of vision, strategic expansion, and unwavering commitment to quality. The group’s future continues to look bright, with their focus on further growth and development in key markets across the continent.
