Interview with Philipp Schüll
Photo: Philipp Schüll, Operations Manager, Leonardo Köln
What aspects were your focus in making Leonardo Köln modern and offering guests a completely new experience of well-being?
For us, the "Look & Feel" was paramount, meaning the direct experience for the guest. The appearance, the feeling, the warmth, the comfort, the taste. Guests will find a completely new hotel in all aspects – especially our numerous regular guests, who have valued us since 2008, will no longer recognize the hotel! We have done everything to ensure that the experience is completely new for them.
What innovations and highlights await guests at Leonardo Köln?
Guests can expect 165 completely renovated rooms and bathrooms, new soundproof windows, new lighting, new corridors, a great new breakfast buffet, plus 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 the construction workers – at times, there were about 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 out 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 at Leonardo Köln?
My favorite place is the lobby, because it's where what makes hospitality what it is happens: it's lively here, you can 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. It never gets boring in a hotel, and I love the energy you find here.
If you could tell a guest just one thing about the new Leonardo Köln, what would it be?
Leonardo Köln was the second Leonardo Hotel in Germany back then, out of now about 80, and now it's also the most beautiful one!
