Leonardo Hotels Central Europe has officially launched its new Leonardo Smart brand with the opening of the 510-room Leonardo Smart Vienna Airport, marking a significant milestone in the group’s expansion strategy and strengthening its presence in Austria.
The hotel, located just minutes from Vienna International Airport, is the first property to operate under the Leonardo Smart concept, which focuses on digital services, streamlined guest experiences, and sustainable design. The opening increases Leonardo Hotels’ Austrian portfolio to nine hotels and two master apartments, including five properties in Vienna.
Developed by the Vienna-based Mamma Group, the hotel was completed in just 13 months. With 510 rooms, it is described as the world’s largest hotel built entirely from timber and the fourth-largest hotel in Austria. The property has received Gold sustainability certifications from both the Austrian Sustainable Building Council (ÖGNI) and the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).
The official opening ceremony brought together representatives from Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, Flughafen Wien AG, the Mamma Group, and regional government officials, including Lower Austria Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.
The Leonardo Smart concept is designed for modern travelers seeking efficient, technology-driven accommodation. Guests benefit from 24-hour self-check-in, digital services, fast Wi-Fi, flexible communal spaces, and an open lobby designed for work, networking, and relaxation.
Rooms feature minimalist interiors equipped with work desks, flat-screen televisions, modern bathrooms, and essential amenities. The hotel also offers a breakfast buffet, a bar, luggage lockers, a pantry kitchen, a 24-hour mini market, family-friendly game tables, and a fitness area fitted with wooden exercise equipment.
The property is led by General Manager Thomas Neubauer, whose hospitality career includes leadership roles at Schloss Fuschl, Adina Apartment Hotels, and Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna.
Located near Vienna International Airport, the hotel provides convenient access for both leisure and business travelers. A 24-hour airport shuttle operates every 20 minutes, connecting guests directly with the airport terminals.
Leonardo Hotels Central Europe Managing Director Yoram Biton said the opening represents more than a portfolio expansion, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter for the company. He noted that the Leonardo Smart brand is aimed at travelers who prioritize comfort, functionality, and uncomplicated stays, with Vienna Airport providing an ideal international showcase for the concept.
Lower Austria Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner highlighted the project as an example of sustainable economic development, noting that the timber-built hotel demonstrates how environmental responsibility and commercial success can be combined while strengthening the region’s tourism sector.
Flughafen Wien AG CEO Günther Ofner said the hotel further enhances AirportCity, Vienna Airport’s growing business district, by increasing accommodation capacity to meet rising demand from business travelers and airline passengers. He added that the investment supports the airport’s international competitiveness while creating new jobs.
Mamma Group CEO Herbert Pinzolits welcomed the hotel’s opening under the Leonardo Hotels brand, describing it as an important contribution to the continued development of Vienna Airport. Flughafen Wien AG’s Head of Real Estate and Site Management, Wolfgang Scheibenpflug, said the project reinforces AirportCity’s position as a fully integrated business and travel destination.
Stephan Löwel, Chief Operations Officer DACH at Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, emphasized that the property has been specifically designed for airport travelers and airline crews who value flexibility, digital services, and efficient operations. He noted that features such as self-check-in and around-the-clock self-service facilities support the brand’s focus on convenience and reliability.
The launch of Leonardo Smart signals Leonardo Hotels Central Europe’s intention to expand its offering for travelers seeking technology-enabled, sustainable, and highly functional accommodation in key transport hubs.
