The Best Areas To Stay In Cologne

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is a cultural hub with a 2,000-year-old history, stunning architecture, and world-class shopping. The city boasts a range of accommodation options, from low-key B&Bs to luxurious five-star hotels, set in historic and repurposed buildings. Here is a guide to help you decide where to stay in this charming city.

Hotels in Cologne's Old Town

Cologne's Old Town is a charming area, well worth exploring on foot. The area is known for its stunning cathedral, stunning river views, and popular shops. Here are some of the best hotels in the area:

• Stern am Rathaus is a smart hotel in a prime central location in the heart of the Old Town. It has a rich continental breakfast and unfussy, modern rooms with a muted palette of greys and whites, and striking ethnic-inspired art.
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst is a palatial historic hotel in the centre of Cologne. It has luxurious accommodation, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and live music at the Piano Bar. The rooms are opulently furnished with carpeted floors, wood finishes, and marble bathrooms.
• CityClass Hotel Alter Markt is in a prime location near the train station, cathedral, and Christmas markets. It offers good breakfast, afternoon coffee, clean rooms, and splendid views.
• Hotel Mondial Am Dom Cologne- Mgallery is in a prime location near the train station, Cathedral, and museums. The rooms are compact yet functional with excellent showers. It features a peaceful courtyard and large lobby with a bar.
• Hyatt Regency Köln is a large hotel with spacious rooms and stunning river views. It is conveniently located near the city centre, cathedral, and Old Town. It also offers a club level with extra amenities.
• Hopper Hotel St Antonius is a chic hotel in a 1900 building, just five minutes from the Rhine River in Cologne's centre. It has contemporary wooden furniture and marble-tiled bathrooms. The restaurant serves French cuisine, and there is also a gym and sauna.
• NH Köln Altstadt is a centrally located hotel with modern, spacious rooms. It offers a wellness area, fitness facilities, and a well-stocked bar. It is appreciated for its good room size, comfortable beds, and breakfast variety.
• Hotel Lyskirchen Cologne is a small contemporary hotel with chic rooms and one self-catering apartment. It has a lovely breakfast terrace, bar, and a warm, friendly atmosphere.
• Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne is conveniently located near the train station and cathedral. It offers spacious rooms with kitchens, a gym, pool, sauna, and wellness facilities.
• Hotel Drei Kronen is a modern, clean hotel with friendly staff. It is conveniently located near public transport and major sights. It offers a sumptuous breakfast, well-kept rooms, and great city views.
• Hotel im Wasserturm is a unique converted water tower hotel in Cologne's city centre. It has spacious, well-decorated rooms and a rooftop bar with 360-degree views. It features minimalistic design and friendly staff.

Cologne's best nightlife spots to stay

Cologne is a city that knows how to party, with everything from lively beer gardens to quirky underground clubs. Here are some of the best nightlife spots in the city:

Ehrenfeld

A lively quarter lined with galleries, bars, theatres, fashion boutiques, and multicultural restaurants. Ehrenfeld is also home to warehouse-turned-nightclubs, making it a great choice for those who want to dance the night away.

Neustadt-Nord

A casual neighbourhood with pubs, clubs, and cafes. It's also known for its shopping and restaurants, so you can enjoy a bite to eat or a spot of retail therapy before hitting the town.

Brauhaus Sünner im Walfisch

A historic brewery-turned-pub in the heart of Cologne, this spot is a beer lover's paradise. Sample the freshly brewed beer and tuck into hearty German cuisine in a traditional setting.

Braustelle

This quirky little gem is tucked away amidst the cobblestone streets of Cologne. With its mismatched furniture, wacky decor, and signature brews, Braustelle takes beer appreciation to a whole new level.

Sion Brauhaus

A mischievous tavern that takes its beer very seriously. The traditional yet quirky ambiance makes this a beer lover's heaven, and the high alcohol tolerance of the regulars will have you questioning your own!

Em Kölsche Boor

This local watering hole is all about embracing your inner "Kölsche Boor" (Cologne native). With its lively atmosphere, charming decor, and friendly staff, you'll be sipping Kölsch like a local in no time.

Päffgen

As you step into this rustic Brauhaus, you'll be greeted by friendly locals sporting impressive beer bellies. Päffgen is the perfect spot to soak up the Cologne spirit and raise a glass or two of the local brew.

Brauhaus zur Eule

Known affectionately as "The Owl", this jovial establishment serves up hearty bratwurst and freshly brewed Kölsch. The time-worn timber walls and gentle hum of enthusiastic chatter make it a great spot to unleash your inner night owl.

Bierhaus en d'r Salzgass

This quirky bar offers a unique German experience. Every problem is solved with a cheerful "Prost!" and the clinking of gigantic beer steins. You'll leave with memories, a happy belly, and perhaps a questionable karaoke rendition of "Ein Prosit".

Fruh Brauhaus

Nestled in the heart of the city, this lively brewery is often frequented by thirsty pigeons! The waiters have mastered the art of juggling steins, and the quality of the beer is sure to leave you foaming at the mouth for more.

Brauerei zur Malzmühle

This historic brewery has been serving up world-famous Kölsch beer since 1858. Enjoy a pint or two in the charming old-world vibe, complete with quirky Bavarian decor and enthusiastic chatter.

Brauhaus Früh am Dom

Located right next to Cologne Cathedral, this charming traditional brewery is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Brace yourself for a jovial atmosphere, hearty portions of mouth-watering German cuisine, and plenty of people-watching.

Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal

This intimate jazz bar has been named the best bar in Germany on more than one occasion. With fantastic live jazz every evening and a speakeasy feel, it's no wonder this spot is a favourite among locals and travellers alike.

Spirits

This modern and trendy bar is a local favourite, serving up delicious cocktails and finger food.

Sonic Ballroom

If you're a fan of punk and rock n roll, Sonic Ballroom is the place for you. The walls are covered in graffiti, loud music fills the air, and scrumptious food and beer are served alongside cool cocktails.

Six Pack Bar

A hangout for locals and tourists alike, Six Pack Bar serves up beers from all around the world. Strike up a conversation with a stranger, gulp down a beer or two, and groove to the latest tunes.

Odonien

Created by Odo Rumpf, Odonien is an art centre, concert venue, cultural centre, and beer garden all in one. This unique spot is the perfect place to spend an evening doing what you love, whether that's creating art or simply enjoying a drink.

Hotels near Cologne's shopping areas

Cologne is a great place for shopping, with quirky items and haute couture on offer. The best areas for shopping include the Belgian Quarter, Schildergasse, Rathenauplatz, Nippes, and Ehrenfeld. Here are some hotel options near these areas:

Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter): This area is known for its cool concept shops and designer boutiques. Maastrichter Strasse is a particular highlight, and a great place to stay if you love shopping. Hotel options in or near the Belgian Quarter include:

• Hotel Windsor: This hotel is located in a building that was once Europe's tallest building. It offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, and a 24-hour front desk.
• Premier Inn Köln City Mediapark: This unique hotel is located in the Belgian Quarter, close to all the shops. It offers spacious rooms and a great location.

Schildergasse: Schildergasse is a pedestrianized street in the city centre, famous for its eau de cologne and international clothing brands. Hotel options near Schildergasse include:

• CityClass Hotel Alter Markt: This hotel is located near Schildergasse and the Christmas markets. It offers a good breakfast, clean rooms, and splendid views.
• NH Köln Altstadt: This centrally-located hotel is a short walk from Schildergasse. It offers modern, spacious rooms, a wellness area, and fitness facilities.

Rathenauplatz: Rathenauplatz is a smart area with a mix of shops and restaurants. Hotel options near Rathenauplatz include:

• Excelsior Hotel Ernst: This grand, historic hotel is located near Rathenauplatz and the train station. It offers luxurious rooms, excellent service, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Savoy Hotel: This centrally-located hotel is within walking distance of Rathenauplatz and the main train station. It offers contemporary rooms, a peaceful courtyard, and a large lobby with a bar.

Nippes: Nippes is known for its monuments and parks. It's also a great area for shopping, with a mix of quirky items and designer boutiques. Hotel options in Nippes include:

• Hotel TheGreen: This hotel offers free private parking and is located near Nippes. It has a restaurant and spacious rooms.
• Hotel Ludwig Superior: This hotel is a five-minute walk from the main train station and top attractions like the cathedral. It offers modern, comfortable rooms, some with balconies.

Ehrenfeld: Ehrenfeld is a trendy, multicultural area with galleries, bars, theatres, fashion boutiques, and restaurants. It's also a great area for shopping, with a mix of unique items and designer brands. Hotel options in Ehrenfeld include:

• Best Western Plus Hotel Koeln City: This hotel is located in Ehrenfeld and offers spacious rooms, a fitness centre, a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar.
• Steigenberger Hotel Köln: This hotel is located in Ehrenfeld and offers spacious rooms with views, a restaurant with a buffet breakfast, and free WiFi.

Cologne's design hotels

Cologne is a city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a buzzing social scene. The city boasts a range of design hotels, from quirky to luxurious, that cater to all tastes and budgets. Here are some of the top design hotels in Cologne:

25hours Hotel The Circle

This boutique design hotel is located in the heart of Cologne in a striking 1960s rotunda. The interiors are designed with a 'retro-futurism' concept in mind, featuring open-plan rooms with exposed concrete ceilings and hand-selected design pieces. The hotel also offers amazing views from its restaurant on the 8th floor.

Stern am Rathaus

Located in the heart of the Old Town, this smart hotel offers a rich continental breakfast served in a simple dining area. The rooms are unfussy, with a muted palette of greys and white, and striking ethnic-inspired art. It is within walking distance of the Cologne Cathedral, the Musical Dome, and the Opera House.

Hotel Burns Art

Hotel Burns Art is a trendy and uber-chic art hotel located on a quiet street in Mülheim. The hallways and rooms feature unique and creative art. They offer spacious rooms with comfortable bedding and clean designs. The hotel also provides apartments with kitchens for long-term stays.

Qvest Hideaway

Qvest Hideaway is a design hotel located in the old city archive building. It features a private art gallery and a trendy bar in a relaxed neighbourhood with fantastic links to the city. The hotel combines luxury accommodation with chic, contemporary rooms, ideal for design-minded adults.

Excelsior Hotel Ernst

Excelsior Hotel Ernst is a grand, palatial, historic hotel located in the centre of Cologne. It offers luxurious accommodation, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and live music at the Piano Bar. The rooms are opulently furnished with carpeted floors, wood finishes, and marble bathrooms.

Hotel im Wasserturm

Hotel im Wasserturm is a unique hotel housed in an imposing brick-and-glass water tower. It offers smart, stylish rooms and a great spa. The highlight is the rooftop Bar Botanik, which provides 360-degree views of the city, along with superb cocktails and creative gourmet dishes.

Cologne's best hotels for first-time visitors

Cologne, Germany's cultural hub, is a city bursting with character, wonderful architecture, fascinating history, and plenty of lovely cafes and eateries. The city boasts a range of accommodation options, from low-key B&Bs to luxurious five-star hotels. Here are some of the best hotels for first-time visitors to Cologne:

• Stern am Rathaus: A sleek city hotel located in the heart of the Old Town. It offers modern rooms, a friendly vibe, and a delicious breakfast with local produce.
• Casa Colonia: A small, contemporary hotel with chic rooms and a self-catering apartment, located in the heart of the Old Town, making it a great choice for families.
• Hotel Burns Art: A trendy, modern hotel with cosy rooms and stylish self-catering suites, located near the harbour and Rheinpark gardens.
• Hopper Hotel St Antonius: Housed in a 1900s red-brick building, this hotel offers a mix of old and new, with modern, renovated rooms and a charming vine-clad courtyard terrace.
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst: A grand, historic hotel located in the city centre, featuring luxurious rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and live music at the Piano Bar.
• Hotel im Wasserturm: A unique hotel housed in a former water tower, featuring smart rooms, stylish bathrooms, and a rooftop bar with fabulous 360-degree views.
• 25hours The Circle: Located in a striking 1960s rotunda, this hotel boasts bright, quirky open-plan rooms and amazing views from the restaurant.
• Qvest Hideaway: This design-focused hotel is housed in a former city archive building, featuring original Gothic archways, marble details, and chic contemporary rooms.
• Hyatt Regency Köln: A large hotel with spacious rooms and stunning river views, conveniently located near the city centre, cathedral, and Old Town.
• Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne: A sleek, modern hotel with spacious rooms, a gym, pool, sauna, and wellness facilities, located near the train station and cathedral.

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