Get ready to discover the fascinating journey of Leonardo Hotels, a leading hotel chain with a global footprint! This story is about ambition, growth, and a commitment to providing excellent hospitality experiences.
Let’s dive into the world of Leonardo Hotels!
From Humble Beginnings to a Global Brand
The tale of Leonardo Hotels begins in 2006 with the visionary leadership of David Fattal, a seasoned hotelier from Haifa, Israel. At that time, Fattal was already a successful entrepreneur, running the travel company, Fattal Holdings Ltd., based in Tel Aviv. He had a bold vision: to create a new hotel brand that would capture the hearts of travelers worldwide. This dream took shape with the opening of the first Leonardo Hotel in Nuremberg, Germany.
The brand quickly established itself through a unique combination of modern design, high-quality service, and strategic expansion. The Leonardo name and logo were officially registered in Germany in 2007, with international registration following in 2008.
The growth of Leonardo Hotels was driven by strategic acquisitions and new developments, expanding from Germany to numerous countries across Europe. Initially focusing on Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland, Leonardo Hotels then ventured into Israel, Hungary, Austria, the UK, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Ireland, Poland, and Romania.
The company’s commitment to growth was further solidified in April 2022 with the announcement of a dedicated fund aimed at expanding its presence even further across Europe.
A Family of Brands: Catering to Diverse Travelers
Leonardo Hotels isn’t just one brand; it’s a family of brands designed to meet the diverse needs of travelers. Under the umbrella of Fattal Holdings, the Leonardo Hotels brand is managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sunflower Management GmbH & Co. KG, based in Berlin.
Each Leonardo Hotel, whether owned or leased by Fattal Holdings, is a testament to the company’s dedication to offering exceptional hospitality experiences. The dedication of the team is evident in the impressive number of employees – over 2,700 people were employed by Leonardo Hotels Central Europe alone in 2021.
Leading the charge for Leonardo Hotels Central Europe is Yoram Biton, Managing Director, based in Berlin. He oversees the operations of four distinct hotel brands: Leonardo Hotels, Leonardo Boutique Hotels, Leonardo Royal Hotels, and NYX Hotels by Leonardo Hotels. This range of brands caters to different preferences, ensuring there is a perfect fit for every traveler.
A Legacy of Growth and Acquisition
Leonardo Hotels boasts a remarkable portfolio of over 160 hotels, with a significant concentration in Germany. The company’s journey has been marked by several notable acquisitions, significantly expanding its reach and brand recognition.
One of the most significant acquisitions was the Jurys Inn hotel chain in the UK and Ireland, adding 51 hotels to its portfolio. Other key acquisitions include the Apollo Hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium (13 hotels) and a group of six hotels in the Balearic Islands.
With a commitment to innovation, strategic expansion, and a focus on customer satisfaction, Leonardo Hotels continues to be a leading force in the hospitality industry. The company’s story is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and a passion for creating exceptional travel experiences.
