Leonardo Hotels Central Europe has unveiled an ambitious growth strategy at the International Hospitality Investment Forum, outlining plans to expand into new markets while strengthening its presence in key European destinations.
The group confirmed it will enter Portugal for the first time, while doubling down on Italy and Poland as core markets for 2026.
Lisbon opening marks Portugal debut
The company’s first Portuguese property, Hotel Corpus Christi Lisboa – Leonardo Limited Edition, is scheduled to open in October 2026.
Located in Lisbon’s historic Baixa district, the 132-room hotel is housed in a restored 18th-century monastery, with renovation works carefully respecting the building’s listed status. The property will feature a high-end restaurant and will operate under the Leonardo Limited Edition brand – marking the brand’s first presence on the Iberian Peninsula.
The project represents a significant milestone in Leonardo Hotels’ geographic expansion strategy, adding a new Southern European market to its portfolio.
Italy and Poland identified as core growth markets
Alongside its Portugal launch, Leonardo Hotels is intensifying its focus on Italy and Poland, where it already operates established portfolios.
Managing director Yoram Biton said the strategy will build on existing infrastructure while targeting new destinations and segments.
Italy currently represents a diverse market for the group, with eight hotels across four brands delivering 1,430 rooms. The portfolio spans major cities including Rome, Venice, Milan and Verona, as well as resort destinations such as Lake Garda.
In Poland, Leonardo Hotels operates more than 850 rooms across Warsaw and Krakow, covering business, lifestyle and boutique segments. Recent developments include the expansion of the Leonardo Royal Warsaw and continued positioning of the NYX lifestyle brand.
Broader European pipeline gains momentum
The group’s expansion extends beyond its core markets. In Spain, new projects include the Leonardo Royal Madrid Valdebebas and the leisure-focused Leonardo Torremolinos Costa del Sol, set to open near the beach with 398 rooms and extensive leisure facilities.
In Germany, Leonardo Hotels is focusing on urban growth, with new properties planned in cities such as Leipzig and Berlin, alongside the repositioning of the historic Badischer Hof in Baden-Baden under the Limited Edition brand.
Strong momentum following 2025 expansion
The strategy builds on a year of significant growth in 2025, during which the group added 12 hotels across Europe.
Key additions included the NYX Hotel Berlin Köpenick, the NYX Hotel Erfurt and new Limited Edition properties such as The Mannheimer Hof and The Posthouse Berlin. The group also expanded through acquisitions, including four IntercityHotel properties in Germany that are currently being repositioned.
Internationally, Leonardo Hotels strengthened its presence with openings such as the Leonardo Royal Barcelona Forum and the NYX Hotel Rome.
Biton said the company’s expansion reflects its ability to deliver long-term value for investors and partners.
“We are laying the foundations for the sustainable further development of Leonardo Hotels,” he said, expressing confidence in continued growth through 2026 and beyond.
Focus on diversification and long-term growth
Leonardo Hotels’ latest strategy highlights a dual approach – entering new markets such as Portugal while reinforcing established positions in Italy and Poland.
With a diversified brand portfolio spanning business, lifestyle and leisure segments, the group is positioning itself to capture demand across multiple travel categories, while continuing to scale its presence in Europe’s most competitive hospitality markets.
