Interview with Philipp Schüll, Operations Manager Leonardo Cologne
What aspects were your focus in modernizing the Leonardo Köln and offering guests a completely new experience of comfort?
For us, the "look & feel" was paramount, meaning the direct experience for the guest. The appearance, the feel, the warmth, the comfort, the taste. Guests will find a completely new hotel in all aspects – especially our many regular guests, who have appreciated us since 2008, will no longer recognize the building! We have done everything to ensure that the experience is completely new for them.
What innovations and highlights await guests at the Leonardo Köln?
Guests can expect 165 completely renovated rooms and bathrooms, new soundproof windows, new lighting, new corridors, a fantastic new breakfast buffet, as well as a welcoming reception and a lobby with many new accents, co-working spaces, and a modern, cozy atmosphere.
What was the biggest challenge during the renovation – and how did you overcome it?
The hotel was completely closed for three months, and we "only" accommodated construction workers – at times, there were around 50 people living and working in the hotel, six days a week. It's exciting to get to know, manage, and coordinate the work of different characters and nationalities, and it worked really well. Our construction partners were always reliable, and communication went smoothly. Short communication channels and reliability in agreements and planning are essential, and we are very satisfied with the collaboration and the result.
What is your favorite place in the Leonardo Köln?
My favorite place is the lobby, because it's where what makes hospitality special happens: it's lively here, you hear dozens of different languages, you can feel the spirit of travel, there's always something to see, and there are always moments where you can help and mediate. A hotel is never boring, and I love the energy you find here.
If you could tell guests only one thing about the new Leonardo Köln, what would it be?
The Leonardo Hotel Köln was the second Leonardo Hotel in Germany back then, out of now about 80, and now it is also the most beautiful!
What aspects were your focus in modernizing the Leonardo Köln and offering guests a completely new experience of comfort?
For us, the "look & feel" was paramount, meaning the direct experience for the guest. The appearance, the feel, the warmth, the comfort, the taste. Guests will find a completely new hotel in all aspects – especially our many regular guests, who have appreciated us since 2008, will no longer recognize the building! We have done everything to ensure that the experience is completely new for them.
What innovations and highlights await guests at the Leonardo Köln?
Guests can expect 165 completely renovated rooms and bathrooms, new soundproof windows, new lighting, new corridors, a fantastic new breakfast buffet, as well as a welcoming reception and a lobby with many new accents, co-working spaces, and a modern, cozy atmosphere.
What was the biggest challenge during the renovation – and how did you overcome it?
The hotel was completely closed for three months, and we "only" accommodated construction workers – at times, there were around 50 people living and working in the hotel, six days a week. It's exciting to get to know, manage, and coordinate the work of different characters and nationalities, and it worked really well. Our construction partners were always reliable, and communication went smoothly. Short communication channels and reliability in agreements and planning are essential, and we are very satisfied with the collaboration and the result.
What is your favorite place in the Leonardo Köln?
My favorite place is the lobby, because it's where what makes hospitality special happens: it's lively here, you hear dozens of different languages, you can feel the spirit of travel, there's always something to see, and there are always moments where you can help and mediate. A hotel is never boring, and I love the energy you find here.
If you could tell guests only one thing about the new Leonardo Köln, what would it be?
The Leonardo Hotel Köln was the second Leonardo Hotel in Germany back then, out of now about 80, and now it is also the most beautiful!
