Leonardo hotels in Germany. Pictured: Leonardo Royal Hotel in Nuremberg. Photo: Shutterstock Leonardo hotel chain announces significant expansion: As of December 1, 2025, the group has taken over the management of four IntercityHotels in the cities of Nuremberg, Freiburg, Magdeburg, and Erfurt.
The hotels will initially operate in a White Label format, until the completion of extensive renovation work scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2026, when they will be rebranded as Leonardo Hotels.
Yoram Biton, CEO of Leonardo Central Europe, said: "The acquisition of these four hotels marks a major milestone in our growth strategy. Freiburg und Magdeburg open up new doors to exciting destinations, and the launching of a second presence in Erfurt will deepen our commitment to the location. We are also delighted that the venture in Nuremberg will even be our third operation in the city. All of this consolidates our brand profile and strengthens our market footprint in Germany, where we now run 73 hotels."
Sustainable upgrade while continuing full operations
The hotels will continue to operate during the scheduled work, which will include:
- Renovation of all hotel rooms
- Bathroom upgrades
- Extensive renovation of public spaces across several properties
- Carrying out work according to the principles of environmental efficiency and value preservation, while integrating existing high-quality elements and adapting others if necessary.
Jan Heringa, Vice President of Development at Leonardo Hotels Group, added: "The hotels will become part of our Leonardo Hotels brand once the programme has been concluded. Their fresh design, the contemporary fixtures and fittings and our characteristic service philosophy will create attractive offerings for both business and leisure travellers."
Dr. Stefan Hungeling, CEO of Steigenberger Hotels GmbH, said: "DWS Alternatives GmbH has sold these properties, and the new owner wishes to incorporate the operation of the hotels under its own brand umbrella. This means that they will now be leaving our portfolio after over 30 years. We would like to thank DWS Alternatives GmbH for the many years of cooperation which has always been conducted in a spirit of trust. We wish the staff at the hotels every success in the future."
The hotel chain notes that the four new hotels are close to the main train stations in the cities.