New locations in Freiburg, Magdeburg, Nuremberg and Erfurt
Berlin, 01 December 2025. Leonardo Hotels Central Europe is expanding its portfolio. The group is strengthening its presence in Germany from 1 December 2025 by taking over no fewer than four IntercityHotels in Nuremberg, Freiburg, Magdeburg and Erfurt respectively. These will initially operate under a white label banner whilst comprehensive renovations are being carried out. The plan is for these works to be completed by the second quarter of 2026 prior to a rebranding as Leonardo Hotels.
“The acquisition of these four hotels marks a major milestone in our growth strategy,” stressed Yoram Biton, Managing Director of Leonardo Hotels Central Europe. “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 modernisation whilst operations continue
All four hotels will continue to operate whilst being updated. The plan is for all rooms to be renovated. Upgrades to bathrooms and to public areas in their entirety will be carried out at some of the hotels. The approach towards the modernisation works has its basis in the principle of resource efficiency. Existing high-quality elements will be retained whilst other areas are adapted in a targeted manner where necessary. This will enable value to be preserved during the process of transferring the modernised hotels to the Leonardo portfolio.
“The hotels will become part of our Leonardo Hotels brand once the programme has been concluded,” stated Jan Heringa, Vice President of Development at Leonardo Hotels. “Their fresh design, the contemporary fixtures and fittings and our characteristic service philosophy will create attractive offerings for both business and leisure travellers.”
Dr. Stephan Hungeling, Managing Director of Steigenberger Hotels GmbH, commented: “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.”
About the four new hotels
All four hotels boast a central location within the immediate vicinity of the main railway station in each case. Particular highlights include sound-proofed rooms in Nuremberg, the garden terrace in Magdeburg, generously proportioned conferencing facilities extending over an area of up to 381 square metres in Erfurt and the historical quarter surrounding the hotel in Freiburg. A total of 638 comfortable rooms are available to guests. This means that the new hotels will be able to offer a combination of modern amenities, excellent service and an optimum environment for business and leisure guests alike.