The Best Areas To Stay In Cologne, Germany

Cologne is a city in western Germany with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a buzzing social scene. The city boasts a striking Gothic Cathedral, aspects of which date back to the 13th century, and is known for its wonderful cafes and eateries. The city has a range of accommodation options, from low-key B&Bs to luxurious five-star hotels.

The Old Town, with its enchanting narrow alleyways along the Rhine River, is a popular choice for visitors looking to stay in the heart of the city. The Deutz neighbourhood, located on the right bank of the Rhine, is a laid-back, family-friendly area that is also convenient for major landmarks. For a more modern feel, the Altstadt-Sued neighbourhood offers a mix of medieval ruins and Romanesque churches alongside striking contemporary buildings.

When it comes to specific hotels, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, a palatial historic hotel located in the city centre, is a popular choice for those seeking luxury. The Hyatt Regency Köln, located near the city centre, offers spacious rooms and stunning river views. The Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne, conveniently located near the train station and cathedral, provides spacious rooms with kitchens and a range of wellness facilities.

Hotels near the Old Town

The Old Town in Cologne is a charming area, well worth exploring on foot. Here are some of the best hotels located in the heart of the Old Town:

• Stern am Rathaus: This smart hotel is located in the heart of the Old Town and features modern rooms with a muted palette of greys and white, and ethnic-inspired art. It offers a rich continental breakfast and has a friendly, small hotel vibe.
• Casa Colonia: A small contemporary hotel with chic rooms and a self-catering apartment, ideal for families. It is located within easy reach of the Old Town's main sights, such as the Cologne Cathedral.
• Hopper Hotel St. Antonius: Housed in a smart red-brick building dating back to 1900, this hotel offers a lovely immersion into Cologne's past. It is just a five-minute walk from the Rhine River and features a French restaurant and a charming vine-clad courtyard terrace.
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst: A palatial historic hotel located directly opposite the Cologne Cathedral. It offers luxurious accommodation, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and live music at the Piano Bar.
• Hotel Im Wasserturm: This unique hotel is housed in an imposing brick-and-glass water tower. It features smart rooms, stylish bathrooms, and a great spa. The highlight is the rooftop Bar Botanik, which offers 360-degree views of the city, creative gourmet dishes, and superb cocktails.
• CityClass Hotel Alter Markt: This upscale hotel is located near the train station, cathedral, and Christmas markets. It offers good breakfast, clean rooms, splendid views, and friendly staff.
• Hyatt Regency Köln: A large hotel with spacious rooms and stunning river views. It is conveniently located near the city center, cathedral, and Old Town.
• Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne: Located near the train station and cathedral, this hotel offers spacious rooms with kitchens, a gym, pool, sauna, and wellness facilities.
• NH Köln Altstadt: A centrally located hotel with modern, spacious rooms, a wellness area, fitness facilities, and a well-stocked bar.

Hotels near the Rhine

Cologne is a city with a rich history and culture, boasting wonderful architecture, a buzzing social scene, and plenty of lovely cafes and eateries. The Rhine River is a focal point of the city, with many hotels located nearby. Here are some great options for hotels near the Rhine in Cologne:

• Hyatt Regency Köln: This large hotel offers spacious rooms and stunning views of the river, cathedral, and bridge. It is conveniently located near the city centre, cathedral, and old town.
• Maritim Hotel Cologne: This centrally located hotel provides comfortable rooms and scenic views of the Rhine. It is within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and old town attractions. It also features riverfront access and a long piazza.
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst: This elegant, historic hotel is located near the cathedral and train station. It offers spacious rooms, excellent service, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Hotel Lyskirchen Cologne: This hotel is situated near the Rhine River and the city centre. It provides well-decorated, spacious rooms and a delicious breakfast buffet.
• NH Köln Altstadt: A centrally located hotel with modern and spacious rooms, offering wellness facilities, a well-stocked bar, and a varied breakfast.
• Art'otel Cologne, Powered by Radisson Hotels: This hotel is located by the river and offers large rooms and friendly service.
• Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln: This luxurious hotel features a panoramic elevator with cathedral views. It offers chic rooms with amenities for both work and relaxation, as well as an exclusive fitness and wellness area with a glass-roofed pool.

Hotels in Altstadt-Nord

Altstadt-Nord is a great area to stay in Cologne, with its central location, proximity to the Rhine River, and easy access to major sights such as the Cologne Cathedral and the National Socialist Documentation Center. Here are some recommended hotels in the area:

Stern am Rathaus

This smart hotel is located in the heart of the Old Town, just a 5-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral. It offers a rich continental breakfast and unfussy, modern rooms with a muted palette of greys and white, and ethnic-inspired art.

Hotel Burns Art

Hotel Burns Art is an uber-cool, super artsy-chic hotel located on a quiet street in Mülheim. It features unique and creatively designed rooms with cosy king-sized beds and crisp white sheets. The harbour and Rheinpark gardens are nearby, and the city centre is easily accessible by underground.

25hours Hotel The Circle

This boutique design hotel is located in the centre of Cologne. Its interiors are based on the concept of 'retro-futurism', with open-plan rooms featuring exposed concrete ceilings and hand-selected design pieces. The hotel also boasts a stylish rooftop bar and restaurant, Monkey Bar, on the 8th floor.

Excelsior Hotel Ernst

The Excelsior Hotel Ernst is a grand, palatial, historic hotel located in the centre of Cologne, opposite the stunning Cologne Cathedral. It offers luxurious accommodation, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and live music at the Piano Bar.

Hyatt Regency Köln

The 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.

Hotel Mondial Am Dom Cologne-MGallery

Located near the train station, Cathedral, and museums, Hotel Mondial Am Dom offers compact yet functional rooms with excellent showers. It also features a peaceful courtyard and a large lobby with a bar.

Hotels in Ehrenfeld

Ehrenfeld is a lively neighbourhood in Cologne, known for its galleries, bars, theatres, fashion boutiques, and multicultural restaurants. It is also home to several warehouses-turned-nightclubs. Ehrenfeld is a great place to stay for those who want to be close to the action, with easy access to the city centre and public transport.

• Black Hotels Köln: Features a bar, private parking, and a terrace. Guests have praised the hotel's friendly and helpful staff, as well as the spacious rooms.
• Best Western Plus Hotel Koeln City: A 4-star hotel with a fitness centre, terrace, restaurant, and bar. It is located near the Stadtgarten park, just west of the city centre. Guests have praised the comfortable beds and clean rooms.
• B&B Hotel Köln-City: Located 2 miles from Neumarkt Square, this hotel offers air-conditioned rooms and a bar. Guests have appreciated the comfortable beds and helpful staff.
• B&B Hotel Köln-Ehrenfeld: Located within 2.6 miles of RheinEnergie Stadium and 2.8 miles of Neumarkt Square, this hotel offers air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms. It is family-friendly and guests have praised the clean facilities.
• Svyvo Cologne: A recently renovated apartment offering free private parking, an elevator, and free WiFi. Guests have enjoyed the clean and comfortable accommodation, as well as the helpful staff.
• STAYERY Cologne Ehrenfeld: Located 2 miles from the National Socialism Documentation Center and 2.1 miles from Neumarkt Square. Guests have appreciated the easy access to transportation and supermarkets, as well as the helpful staff.

Hotels in Neustadt-Nord

Neustadt-Nord is a great area to stay in Cologne if you're looking for a lively atmosphere with plenty of bars, clubs, and cafes. Here are some hotel recommendations in the area:

Hotel Villa Sophia

This hotel is located in a convenient spot in Neustadt-Nord, just a 15-minute walk from the Musical Dome and less than a mile from Museum Ludwig. It offers comfortable beds and a safe, quiet, and clean environment.

Cityhotel Storch

Cityhotel Storch is situated in the heart of Cologne, just a 5-minute walk from the MediaPark business complex and Christophstraße Underground Station. It provides simple rooms with free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Guests praise the helpful staff, good location, and comfy beds.

Hotel Flandrischer Hof

Hotel Flandrischer Hof is a 3-star hotel located near the city centre, just a 15-minute walk from Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine promenade. It offers spacious, modern rooms with free WiFi and a delicious breakfast. Guests commend the extremely polite and helpful staff, as well as the spacious and clean rooms.

Motel One Köln-Mediapark

Motel One Köln-Mediapark is situated next to the MediaPark, less than a mile from Cologne Cathedral. It offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Guests particularly enjoy the friendly bar staff.

NH Collection Köln Mediapark

This stylish hotel is centrally located, just a 10-minute drive from the exhibition grounds. It boasts excellent transport links, free Wi-Fi, and fine cuisine. Guests appreciate the friendly staff and convenient location.

Ruby Ella Hotel Cologne

Ruby Ella Hotel is centrally located, just a 10-minute walk from Cologne Cathedral. It features a bar with excellent cocktails and is in close proximity to many other bars and restaurants.

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