The Best Areas To Stay In Cologne

Cologne, Germany's cultural hub, is a city brimming with wonderful architecture, a 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, set in both historic and modern buildings.

The Old Town, with its enchanting alleyways and sights such as the Cologne Cathedral, is a popular choice for visitors. The Deutz neighbourhood, located across the Rhine, offers a more laid-back atmosphere and is convenient for those looking to explore the city's major landmarks. For a mix of medieval ruins and contemporary buildings, Altstadt-Sued is an excellent option.

For those interested in nightlife, Ehrenfeld is a lively quarter with galleries, bars, theatres, and a diverse selection of restaurants. Neustadt-Nord and the Uni-Viertel are also known for their vibrant nightlife scenes.

Cologne has something for everyone, whether you're seeking quirky modernist design, slick city chic, or the charm of a restored historic building.

Old Town

The Old Town, or 'Altstadt-Nord' in German, is a great place to stay in Cologne. Known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, river views, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore.

From your hotel in the Old Town, follow enchanting, narrow alleyways along the Rhine River to the city's major sightseeing attractions. Here, look for 14th-century houses, Romanesque churches, and, of course, the twin spires of the Cologne Cathedral.

Stern am Rathaus is a slick, modern hotel located in the heart of the Old Town. It offers pared-back rooms in cool, muted tones, a friendly small hotel vibe, and a focus on fresh local produce for big breakfasts.

Casa Colonia is another option, boasting chic rooms with modern conveniences for a smart city stay. It is centrally located, with just 13 rooms, and the self-catering suite makes this a superb spot for families.

For a unique experience, try Hotel im Wasserturm, with 78 rooms housed in an imposing brick-and-glass water tower. The rooms are smart, the bathrooms stylish, and there’s a great spa. The real highlight, however, is the rooftop Bar Botanik, with fabulous 360° views over the city, superb cocktails, and creative gourmet dishes.

Deutz

Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne

Located within a 5-minute walk of the Messe/Deutz Station, this hotel provides guests with a fitness centre, concierge services, and non-smoking rooms with complimentary WiFi. It is also highly rated for its helpful staff.

Radisson Blu Hotel Köln

This hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Lanxess Arena and KölnMesse Exhibition Centre. It offers guests complimentary WiFi, and free use of the sauna and gym. Breakfast is available, and there is an extensive selection of toiletries in the bathroom.

Hyatt Regency Köln

This hotel is located on the banks of the Rhine, offering idyllic views of the famous bridge and cathedral. It provides spacious rooms, excellent service, and a superb breakfast. It is also within easy reach of the old town attractions.

Dorint An der Messe Köln

Directly opposite the Cologne Trade Fair, this hotel offers soundproofed rooms, hot drinks facilities, and free WiFi. Cologne’s old town is only 7 minutes away by underground train. The hotel also has a spa and pool.

Hotel Stadtpalais

This hotel is set in a protected historic building and offers a unique mix of historic and modern architecture. It is located opposite the Lanxess Arena and is well-connected in terms of transport.

Ehrenfeld

Some of the top attractions in Ehrenfeld include MMC Studios and Neptunbad. To get to Ehrenfeld, you can hop on the metro at Koernerstrasse U-Bahn or Venloer Strasse Guertel U-Bahn.

For accommodation, Ehrenfeld offers a range of options, from quirky items to haute couture. The Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel) is a popular shopping destination, especially Maastrichter Strasse for its cool concept shops and designer boutiques. Rathenauplatz, Nippes, and Ehrenfeld itself are also great areas for shopping.

• Ruby Ella: This hotel embodies 'lean luxury', with raw concrete walls and thoughtful touches like mirrors studded with lights. It is located less than a five-minute walk from the Belgian Quarter's bars and restaurants. Prices start at €139 (£119).
• The Circle: This hotel is part of the German hotel group 25 Hours and is set in a futuristic 1950s building that used to house an insurance company. The circular lobby features space-age memorabilia, while the rooms are straight out of the late 1960s. The top-floor bar and restaurant offer stunning views of the skyline. Prices start at €130 (£112).

Belgian Quarter

The Belgian Quarter, or Belgisches Viertel, is a popular neighbourhood for shopping in Cologne. It is known for its quirky items and haute couture, with cool concept shops and designer boutiques. Maastrichter Strasse is the place to be for the latter. The Belgian Quarter is also known for its bars and restaurants.

The Ruby hotel chain has an outpost in the Belgian Quarter, less than five minutes' walk from the area's bars and restaurants. The hotel exemplifies "lean luxury", with raw concrete walls and thoughtful touches like mirrors studded with lights. The extra-long beds invite decadent lie-ins. Rooms start at €139.

Hotels near the Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral is located in Innenstadt, a historic neighbourhood known for its cafes and restaurants. Here are some hotel options near the cathedral:

Excelsior Hotel Ernst

This grand palatial hotel is located directly opposite the cathedral. It offers luxurious rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and live music at the Piano Bar.

Stern am Rathaus

A smart, centrally-located hotel in the heart of the Old Town. It features modern rooms, a rich continental breakfast, and friendly staff.

CityClass Hotel am Dom

This central city hotel is just a few minutes' walk from the Rhine River and the Cologne Cathedral. It offers comfortable rooms, a good breakfast variety, and discounted parking.

Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne-MGallery

Located just a couple of minutes' walk from the cathedral, this hotel features well-designed, clean rooms and comfortable beds. It is also close to the Rhine River, shopping areas, and restaurants.

Lindner Hotel Cologne Am Dom, part of JdV by Hyatt

This hotel is a short walk from the city centre and the Cologne Cathedral. It offers spacious, comfortable rooms and friendly staff.

Ibis Koeln Am Dom

Conveniently situated near the train station and the cathedral, this hotel provides comfortable beds, triple-glazed windows, and a highly praised breakfast.

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