THE LEO GRAND is the WORLD SILVER WINNER in the "HERITAGE" category of the FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence

The world's most prestigious award in the real estate sector, the FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Silver Award, was presented to Gabriele Lenikus on May 30, 2024, during the 74th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress in Singapore for the Vienna hotel project THE LEO GRAND in the "HERITAGE (cultural heritage)" category. Last year, THE LEO GRAND was already awarded the Vienna Urban Renewal Prize. Lenikus and THE LEO GRAND are internationally recognized for the excellent restoration of the baroque building, its transformation into a luxury hotel, and his significant contribution to preserving Vienna's cultural heritage and the outstanding redesign of the surrounding area.

This unique award is given to real estate projects that embody excellence in all disciplines involved in their creation. The coveted international award confirms the FIABCI ideal of providing society with optimal solutions for its real estate needs and contributing to making the world a better place to live, work, and enjoy.

The Prix d'Excellence projects are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Architecture and design
• Development and societal impacts on the urban community
• Environmental and climate impacts
• Financial and marketing success

The hotel THE LEO GRAND impressed the jury with its impact on the urban space far beyond mere restoration. The total artwork is also manifested in the zero-emission strategy implemented by Lenikus. By using district heating and cooling and initiating greening and tree planting in the neighborhood, significant improvements to the local inner-city climate were achieved.

Located a stone's throw from St. Stephen's Cathedral and offering 76 rooms and suites, THE LEO GRAND provides an unparalleled guest experience in the heart of Vienna. The hotel is now globally recognized as a symbol of careful restoration of a historic building, offering a holistic experience for hotel guests and Viennese alike. The various dining areas, the green garden, the prominent retail spaces, and the in-house art gallery complement the luxury hotel and make it a hotspot in Vienna's city center. During the extensive renovation and revitalization under strict monument protection regulations, the historical substance of the building was preserved and transformed into a piece of living history. The historic roof truss, the imposing baroque facade, and the impressive vaults are just some of the historical witnesses found at THE LEO GRAND. Another highlight is the globally unique tent construction that covers the impressive courtyard, allowing a year-round dining experience. This innovative solution combines historical heritage with contemporary architecture and underscores THE LEO GRAND's position as "more than a hotel." At the same time, a green pedestrian and encounter zone was initiated and largely financed through a PPP model, making strolling and lingering an experience for passersby, strengthening the connection between the hotel and the city, and creating a vibrant community feeling. Thus, THE LEO GRAND became an important player in the urban development of Vienna's city center, an integral part of the neighborhood, and a place where history and innovation meet. Also noteworthy is the historical and societal documentation of the building's history in connection with Vienna's history, found in the comprehensive 600-page publications "Layers of Time," published in German and English by Lenikus.

"This globally significant international award is an honor and a joy because it recognizes the result of all our years of effort," emphasizes Martin Lenikus, CEO of the LENIKUS Group. "It fills our entire team with pride that THE LEO GRAND is much more than a first-class hotel; it is a significant enrichment for the cultural and social diversity of Vienna and sees itself as an essential part of Vienna's World Heritage."

With the award as WORLD SILVER WINNER in the "HERITAGE" category of the FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence, the restoration and design work and the commitment of the LENIKUS Group to preserving cultural heritage are recognized. THE LEO GRAND remains committed to its mission of offering its international and local guests a creative oasis in the heart of Vienna, thus permanently adhering to its motto "more than a hotel."

BOOK NOW