Much like the city itself, the best hotels in Cologne, Germany, are beguiling, diverse, and unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to live it up in a luxury hotel or stretch your budget at a hostel, you’ll find no shortage of accommodation to choose from. Booking a room in one of the city’s top hotels is the icing on the cake of visiting Cologne. You can spend your days and nights exploring this beautiful, historic city beside the timeless River Rhine. From the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral and the bustling Schildergasse shopping street to art and history museums and restaurants galore, Cologne vibrates with life. The adventures don’t stop in the city streets; in the best hotels in Cologne, Germany, there are opportunities aplenty to continue making memories, too!
Where To Stay In Cologne, Germany
The largest city on the Rhine, Cologne is also one of Germany’s most populous cities. Quite a few of the top things to do in Cologne are in the Old Town (Altstadt), where you’ll find many historic sites, most notably the Gothic Cologne Cathedral. This district sits on the Rhine’s eastern banks and covers the center of the Innenstadt area.
Across the river, the Deutz neighborhood is a business and leisure hub. Here, many of the hotels will put you close to the Trade Fair Center, which hosts a variety of festivals and fairs throughout the year.
You might also want to consider a hotel in the Belgisches Viertel or Belgian Quarter. Situated west of the Old Town, it’s a hip neighborhood teeming with pubs and cafes. Street art, art galleries, theaters, and a young, carefree crowd give this neighborhood a bohemian vibe.
Hotel Casa Colonia
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Housed in a restored Wilhelminian building dating from 1895, Hotel Casa Colonia is quite the charmer. Behind the red brick façade lie 16 modern and tastefully furnished rooms. Each one features comforts leaving nothing to be desired. Choose from single, double, and three-bed rooms. Besides an en-suite bathroom, you’ll also have access to drinks via a minibar and a wealth of shows to watch on the flat-screen TV. Also, there’s a game console in every room for added entertainment.
This 3-star hotel serves a breakfast buffet in the laid-back cafe. When the weather is nice, you can head to the shaded outdoor patio to enjoy your meal.
The hotel is in a quiet section of the Innenstadt, so it’s one of the best hotels in Cologne, Germany, for a peaceful stay. Close by, the Rhine Garden parkland invites leisurely riverside strolls. Likewise, the Museum Ludwig is within easy walking distance. And if you’d like to go on a foodie blitz, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes mere minutes away on foot.
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Dorint Hotel Am Heumarkt Köln
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Many of the best hotels in Cologne, Germany, are so excellent that you might find yourself not wanting to leave. The Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln is one stellar example. It has almost everything you could possibly want in a 5-star hotel. The rooms and suites, for example, epitomize luxury. Flooded with natural light, they offer superb views of Cologne Cathedral. The ambience is relaxing, thanks to the rooms’ warm and earthy color palette and furnishings made from fine woods. And if you book one of the suites, you’ll get to luxuriate in front of a fireplace in the separate living room or on the furnished terrace.
In the morning, enjoy a delectable breakfast from the buffet and live cooking station in the Faveo restaurant. Later, head to the hotel’s Harry’s New York Bar to unwind with a drink. Or, proceed to the Holmes Place Health Club on the 5th and 6th floors. Here, you can embark on a vigorous workout, join an exercise class, or swim in the indoor pool. There’s also a spa with a sauna that’s perfect for relaxing.
The Dorint lies in the city center. Close by, the historic Heumarkt and Alter Markt squares are popular places to hang out in the summertime. Also, the Wallraf-Richartz Museum and the Farina Fragrance Museum are within walking distance.
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Steigenberger Hotel Köln
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Did you know that Cologne hosts one of the biggest Pride parades in the world? The city’s Pride parade is also the largest of its kind in Germany. So, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of gay-friendly hotels in Cologne. One remarkable example is the 4-star Steigenberger Hotel Köln. Located in the city center, it’s a stone’s throw from the Rudolfplatz, one of Cologne’s hottest gay areas. Likewise, some of the city’s most popular gay bars are a short walk away.
Choose from business, superior, deluxe, and executive rooms, which all have the comforts expected from a luxury hotel. Depending on the room you select, you’ll have a bathtub or a shower in your private bathroom. You can spend your downtime watching a show on satellite TV while drinking a cup of coffee from the Nespresso machine. But for an especially luxurious stay, book one of the suites. Here, you’ll sleep in a king-size bed and refresh yourself in a bathroom that has both a tub and a shower as well as a cosmetics table. Plus, it holds a conference table large enough for eight people.
The hotel gym is open 24/7, so you can work out as early or as late as you like. In the morning, have a hearty buffet breakfast in the Sands restaurant. After a day of sightseeing, head to the bistro bar for coffee or cocktails.
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Hyatt Regency Köln
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Perched on the right bank of the River Rhine, Hyatt Regency Köln is easily one of the best hotels in Cologne, Germany. This 5-star property is in the Deutz neighborhood, a vital transportation and business hub. From the hotel, it’s a short walk to the KölnTriangle building, whose viewing platform offers magnificent vistas.
The hotel boasts upwards of 600 rooms, many with incredible views of the river, Old Town, and the Cologne Cathedral. Here, you can start the morning with a caffeine jolt from the Nespresso machine and prepare for the day in the marble bathroom. But for true luxury, check out the Presidential Suite. Sleep in a king bed and wake up to magnificent skyline views. In the living room, you can play a tune on the piano. Also, you can pamper yourself with a long soak in your private whirlpool. The wellness spa offers even more pampering. Plus, a gym and an indoor pool offer superb opportunities for you to keep fit and active.
Culinary excellence is another hallmark of the hotel. Whether you’re craving street food, Italian cuisine, or German classics, you’ll find it in one of the hotel’s restaurants. Meanwhile, the Legends Bar offers a cozy place to enjoy a drink or two.
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Art’otel Cologne By Park Plaza
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Staying in one of the riverside hotels in Cologne, Germany, can be an amazing experience. This is certainly true at art’otel Cologne By Park Plaza. At this 4-star property, many of the rooms and suites offer wonderful views of the River Rhine. Plus, bright white walls and bed linen and splashes of color from artwork by neo-romantic artist SEO create a modern and vibrant aesthetic. And of course, you’ll stay in luxurious comfort thanks to facilities like free-standing bathtubs, hypoallergenic bedding, and climate control.
At the art’eat restaurant and bar, you can delight your palate with sumptuous dishes prepared with fresh, local products. And after a long day of sightseeing or business, you can relax on the rooftop terrace while taking in the marvelous city views. Or, head to the fitness center, which also features a sauna.
The hotel’s location in the Innenstadt makes it a convenient base for exploring various attractions. The Cologne Chocolate Museum, for instance, is a short walk away. A stroll of about 15 minutes, meanwhile, will bring you to Museum Ludwig and the Musical Dome.
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Maritim Hotel Köln
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Sleek and modern, the glass building of Maritim Hotel Köln rises seven stories over the River Rhine’s banks. This 4-star hotel sits at the Deutzer Brücke Bridge in the Altstadt-Süd area. From the hotel, it’s a short 10-minute walk to Cologne Cathedral and Museum Ludwig.
At the outset, the hotel aims to impress. The main hall, covered with glass, exudes an aura of a prestigious shopping arcade. At the Rôtisserie Restaurant, enjoy the hotel’s signature breakfast buffet in elegant surroundings. Meanwhile, you can indulge in regional and international cuisine at Restaurant Bellevue while admiring panoramic views of the city. And at the Terrace bar, enjoy your favorite drink in a rustic atmosphere. Also, the hotel boasts an elegant indoor pool, a fitness room, and a spa with a sauna.
Choose from 400+ dreamy rooms and suites. Depending on the type of room you book, you can relish views of the city or the river. You’ll also enjoy standard comforts like individual climate control and free Wi-Fi. And if you’re looking to splurge, book one of the luxury suites. Besides separate living and dining areas, they also feature a second bathroom and a kitchenette.
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Hostel Die Wohngemeinschaft
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Many visitors from near and far have been staying at the Hostel Die Wohngemeinschaft since 2008, and for good reason. Not only is it reasonably priced, but it also has some of the most charming rooms of all the budget hotels in Cologne, Germany. Each one follows an individual theme, including the dormitory rooms. Private rooms are also available, with some sleeping up to five people. You can pretend to be an astronaut in the spaceship room, feel like a star in the Bollywood-inspired room, or fall asleep to music from Swan Lake in your head in the ballet-themed dormitory room.
The hostel features some pretty cool amenities, too. The in-house theater is the city’s smallest performing arts stage, yet hosts an international program. In the morning, you can break your fast with coffee and pastries in the cafe on the ground floor. In the evening, this space transforms into a bar that hosts live DJ sessions. Meanwhile, the 24/7 common lounge is where you can spend time reading a book, watching a DVD, or making new friends.
Located in the hip Belgian quarter, the hostel is surrounded by vibrant street art. Trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars are all around. And if you’ll be in town in January, you’ll be in time for the annual Passagen Festival that showcases design trends in furniture, ceramics, and more.
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Cologne Marriott Hotel
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Stylish and modern, the 5-star Cologne Marriott Hotel offers luxurious accommodation. Here, you can choose from 365 soundproof and well-appointed rooms and suites where you’ll sleep on a pillow-top mattress. Keep hydrated with a drink from the mini-fridge and stay cool courtesy of air-conditioning. If you’re interested in more space, you’ll appreciate a suite or an executive room. It comes with a separate living area. Plus, you’ll enjoy access to the hotel’s exclusive lounge.
Just because you aren’t at home doesn’t mean having to miss your exercise regimen. A state-of-the-art fitness center means you can get a vigorous cardio and weight-lifting workout. After working up an appetite, head to the Cast Iron Grill restaurant for traditional German and international cuisine. Later, enjoy light bites and cocktails at the Plüsch Bar & Lounge.
Situated in the lively city center, the Cologne Marriott Hotel sits close to many attractions and is among the best hotels in Cologne, Germany, for sightseeing. The magnificent Cologne Cathedral, for instance, is a 10-minute walk away. Likewise, the Musical Dome theater is a short stroll from the hotel. By the way, across the Musical Dome is the pier where a 3-hour harbor tour cruise starts.
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Motel One Köln-Neumarkt
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The Cologne Cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, something that Motel One Köln-Neumarkt takes to heart. You’ll see evidence of this in the bar area, where glass mosaics of varying hues evoke images of the cathedral’s windows. Slate and marble materials as well as wall installations are reminiscent of the cathedral as well.
The 424 rooms are no less lovely. Featuring contemporary decor and highlights of teal in the beddings and draperies, they offer a relaxing atmosphere. Some feature balconies overlooking the street. You can hang out in the sitting area and surf the Web courtesy of free Wi-Fi. An en-suite bathroom with a rainfall shower also adds to the room’s comfort quotient.
Located in Innenstadt, Motel One Köln-Neumarkt is well-positioned for exploring the city. Close by, Museum Schnütgen showcases ancient and modern Christian religious art. Also, the property is one of the best hotels in Cologne, Germany, for shopaholics. This is because it’s steps away from the Schildergasse, Europe’s busiest shopping street.
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Excelsior Hotel Ernst Am Dom
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Many 5-star hotels in Cologne, Germany, offer countless opportunities to make unforgettable memories. The stellar Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom is one example of such a luxury property. Set in a grand 5-story townhouse dating from 1863, it features stately rooms garbed in traditional furnishings. Of course, they offer all the modern comforts, too. From flat-screen TVs to minibars to free Wi-Fi, amenities for a pleasant stay are at your fingertips. And if you choose a suite, you’ll have the added luxury of a separate sitting area as well as a whirlpool tub.
This award-winning hotel is home to a Michelin-starred Asian restaurant and one that specializes in French cuisine. At the bar, you can relax with a drink in hand while being entertained by live piano music. And to cater to your health and wellness, the hotel offers a complete fitness center as well as two saunas that are open from early in the morning until late at night.
Imagine stepping out the front door and being greeted by the imposing sight of the Cologne Cathedral. This is exactly what you’ll experience at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom. Located opposite the cathedral, the hotel also lies in close proximity to the Romano-Germanic Museum and the Der Spiegel Gallery.
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Hilton Cologne
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Luxury hotels in Cologne, Germany, provide an ultra-comfortable stay, and the Hilton Cologne is no exception. Offering close to 300 rooms and suites, it’s a wonderful place to stay whether for business or leisure. Air-conditioned and with wooden floors, many have beautiful views of the Cologne Cathedral. Also, refreshments are always steps away courtesy of minibars and coffee/tea makers. And if you’re bringing the kids, check out the King Family Rooms. Boasting two bedrooms, two king beds, and two bathrooms, they’ll sleep you family in spacious comfort. Plus, your kids get to stay for free in your room if they’re under 18 years old.
The fully equipped fitness center will help you stick to your exercise regimen while visiting Cologne. After a vigorous workout, head to the spa and relax in the Finnish-style sauna. Or, if you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way to the all-day restaurant for a sumptuous meal. Likewise, the lobby bar, 24-hour snack shop, and cozy bar provide delicious nibbles and drinks. Also, the bar offers cocktail masterclasses, something to consider if you’d like to learn mixology from the experts.
The 4-star Hilton Cologne sits smack-dab in the city center. It’s one of the best hotels in Cologne, Germany, to stay if you’ll be in town for the Cologne Carnival, one of the best carnivals in the world. The hotel is roughly a 10-minute walk from the Mohrenstraße, where the carnival’s Rose Monday parade ends.
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Recommended Bar Tours / Restaurants In Cologne, Germany:
- Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee For Bars And Shots – Get up close and personal with Cologne’s famous night life! If you’re 18 years old and above, you’ll enjoy a shot in every pub, bar, and club that’s part of this lively tour.
- Weinhaus Brungs – One of the city’s oldest restaurants, parts of this building in the city center go back to ancient Roman times. Here, you can savor authentic German dishes as well as Italian cuisine. Also, don’t forget to choose a wonderful bottle from the extensive wine cellar.
Recommended Activities In Cologne, Germany:
- Cologne: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour – Exercise those leg muscles and see the best of Cologne at the same time! Your local guide will bike with you to historic landmarks, some dating back to the Roman Empire era.
- Museum Ludwig – Marvel at the works of Picasso, Warhol, and many other masters of modern art. The museum is in the Innenstadt, close to many of the best hotels in Cologne, Germany.
