If you're looking for a romantic getaway to Cologne, the best place to stay is the Altstadt (Old Town) neighbourhood. This area is full of history and charm, with old streets and pretty squares such as Alter Markt and Heumarkt. By staying here, you and your partner will be within easy reach of the city's most popular attractions, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral, Museum Ludwig, Great St. Martin Church and the Rhine River.
The Rhine River divides the city of Cologne into two parts, connected by several bridges. The Old Town, which lies on the west bank, is the city's historic district. It is home to some of the city's major landmarks, the most famous of which is Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). This impressive Gothic cathedral has dominated the skyline for centuries and is one of the most visited attractions in Germany.
For shopping, head to Schildergasse and Hohe Straße, home to department stores and flagship stores of major international brands. At their intersection, you'll find Galeria Kaufhof, the city's largest department store.
The best hotel in the area for couples is the Hotel im Wasserturm. This converted historic water tower in the centre of Cologne's Old Town is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Area | Altstadt (Old Town) |
Type of traveller | First-time visitors, couples |
Type of accommodation | Hotels, hostels, apartments |
Price range | Budget to luxury |
Notable attractions | Cologne Cathedral, museums, Roman ruins, Christmas markets, boat terminals, Heumarkt Square |
Notable restaurants | Gilden im Zims, Peters Brauhaus |
Transport links | Well-connected by foot, train, and bus |
What You'll Learn
Hotels in Cologne City Centre
Excelsior Hotel Ernst
This hotel is located right across from Cologne Cathedral and is a 2-minute walk from Cologne Main Station. It offers award-winning food and elegant rooms with a free minibar. The hotel is a member of the "Leading Hotels of the World" and "Selektion Deutscher Luxushotels" associations. The rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed, with a spa and gourmet restaurant.
Hyatt Regency Köln
This hotel offers nice views of the Cologne Cathedral and gourmet cuisine. It is located in central Cologne, directly beside the River Rhine. It has a pool and is rated highly for couples.
Hotel Ludwig Superior
This hotel is located just a 5-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral, with great transport connections and classically furnished rooms. The rooms are quiet despite the central location, and some rooms have balconies with views of the cathedral.
Maritim Hotel Cologne
This hotel is located right in the city centre, with impressive public spaces and efficient and friendly staff. It is perfectly situated for visiting the Christmas markets.
Stern am Rathaus
This highly-rated 3-star hotel is located right on a lively Old Town square, near the Cologne Cathedral. The modern rooms are comfortable, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. It is a great option for couples looking for an affordable yet stylish stay.
Wasserturm Hotel Cologne, Curio Collection by Hilton
This hotel is a 10-minute walk from Cologne Central Station, with contemporary elegance and a small bar next to the reception. The rooms are quiet, and there is a Nespresso machine in each room.
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Hotels near Cologne Central Station
Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Rated the number one best-value hotel in Cologne by Tripadvisor, this luxury hotel is located right next to the Cologne Cathedral. It offers elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a spa. The staff are friendly and the rooms are modern and spacious.
Ibis Koeln Am Dom
The Ibis Koeln Am Dom is an excellent-value hotel, situated in Cologne Central Station, making it ideal for train travel. It offers great value for money and is highly rated for couples.
Hotel Domstern
This hotel is in a brilliant location near the train station and within easy walking distance of the cathedral and fun walking areas. While the rooms are cosy, the hotel only offers a basic breakfast.
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne-MGallery
This hotel is in a superb location and the staff are attentive and friendly. It is just a short walk from the station and offers a good breakfast.
Hyatt Regency Cologne
This stylish business hotel is located right next to the River Rhine and offers great panoramic city views and gourmet cuisine.
Cologne Marriott Hotel
The Cologne Marriott Hotel is a modern hotel just a short walk from the central station. It is a large hotel, so be prepared for a long walk to your room!
URBAN LOFT Cologne
This is a quaint, little boutique hotel that is clean and reasonably priced. It is close to the train station and Christmas markets, with restaurants, bars, and bakeries within walking distance.
Brandenburger Hof
The Brandenburger Hof is a good budget option, located beside the train station. While the staff are a little weird, the hotel is clean and the location is good.
Lindner Hotel Cologne Am Dom, part of JdV by Hyatt
This hotel is located on a quiet side street, just a few minutes' walk from Cologne Central Station and the cathedral. It is clean and modern, with friendly staff.
Kommerzhotel Koln
The Kommerzhotel Koln is about what you would expect for the price. The rooms are grand, but the hotel's location is its main selling point.
Hotel Ludwig Superior
This hotel is very close to the central station, but located on a quiet side street. The staff are friendly and the breakfast provided at the nearby 'sister hotel' is superb.
TRYP by Wyndham Koeln City Centre
The TRYP by Wyndham is a good-value hotel in a great location, right by the central station. The staff are friendly and the rooms are clean, but one guest reported an issue with smoking in their non-smoking room.
Eden Hotel Fruh am Dom
The Eden Hotel is in an amazing location, right in the heart of the city. The rooms are spacious and very clean, and the staff are accommodating.
Hotel Casa Colonia
The Hotel Casa Colonia gives a good boutique hotel experience. It is clean and warm, with comfortable beds and friendly staff. It is also in the perfect location.
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Hotels near Alter Markt
Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom
A luxurious 5-star hotel located directly opposite the Cologne Cathedral and just a 2-minute walk from Cologne Central Station. It offers a spa, gourmet restaurant, spacious rooms, and first-class amenities.
CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom
This hotel is located just a 5-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral and 9 minutes from the Central Station. It provides a quiet and comfortable stay with spacious rooms and a friendly staff.
Stern am Rathaus
Located on a lively square in the Old Town, close to the Cologne Cathedral, this highly-rated 3-star hotel offers incredible value, modern rooms, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery by Sofitel
This hotel is situated in the heart of Cologne, just a 2-minute walk from Alter Markt. It features elegant decor, a restaurant with a view of the Cathedral, and a spa for a relaxing stay.
Legend Hotel
With a unique New York loft-style decor, this intimate hotel is located just a 100-metre walk from Alter Markt. The rooms are a combination of noble materials like wood and concrete, with bright, large windows offering views of the Cathedral. The hotel also features the PULS restaurant, serving sensational dishes by a two-star chef.
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Hotels near Friesenplatz
Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is a laid-back, diverse, and fun place to visit, with a rich history that dates back to the Romans in the 1st century AD. The city offers a wide range of hotels, from luxury accommodations to budget-friendly options, and is particularly well-known for its medieval charm and lively atmosphere.
Steigenberger Hotel Köln
This hotel offers a central location, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a 24-hour health club. It is situated in the historic Innenstadt neighbourhood, providing easy access to cultural attractions such as the cathedral and museums.
Lindner Hotel Cologne City Plaza, part of JdV by Hyatt
This hotel boasts a central location and features a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a sauna. It is a great choice for couples looking for a combination of comfort and convenience.
Motel One Köln - Mediapark
This hotel provides a more affordable option for couples on a budget. It offers free Wi-Fi, a bar, and a 24-hour front desk. Its proximity to Friesenplatz makes it a convenient base for exploring the city.
Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom
This luxurious hotel offers elegant decor, spacious rooms, and first-class amenities such as a gourmet restaurant and a spa. It is conveniently located near the Cologne Cathedral and the train station.
Hotel Leonet
Hotel Leonet is a great value option for couples seeking a central location. It provides comfortable accommodation and is just a short distance from Friesenplatz.
In addition to these hotels, other notable mentions near Friesenplatz include the Maritim Hotel Köln, Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln, and the Hilton Cologne. These hotels offer a range of amenities and are well-suited for couples or families.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that hotel availability may be limited during festivals and major events, and prices tend to increase. Cologne is a popular destination with a lot to offer, from its stunning Gothic cathedral to its lively nightlife and diverse culinary scene.
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Hotels near Koelnmesse
Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne
This hotel is located a stone's throw away from the Köln Messe/Deutz station, which is convenient for those travelling directly from Frankfurt Airport. The hotel offers a peaceful and quiet surrounding, and the staff are friendly and patient. The rooms are spacious and quiet, and the hotel provides amenities such as USB charging ports and power points. The hotel also has an indoor pool, although one guest found it to be a tad small.
Hyatt Regency Cologne
This hotel is in an excellent location for the Koelnmesse Exhibition Centre and is very close to a train station, providing quick access to the airport and Cologne town centre. The hotel offers exclusive service, spacious rooms, and a stylish ambience. Guests can also enjoy international cuisine, cocktails, Italian specialties, and street food delicacies with a view of the Rhine.
Dorint an der Messe Koeln
This hotel is conveniently located, with the Koelnmesse exhibition centre and Lanxess Arena within walking distance. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the food is good.
Cologne Marriott Hotel
This hotel is located in the city centre, just minutes walking distance from the train station and the Old Town. The hotel offers a versatile meeting and conference venue with sixteen event rooms, making it a good option for couples travelling for business.
Hotel Stadtpalais
This hotel offers a charming building with a very interesting history. The staff are friendly, and the food is delicious.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Cologne
This hotel is in a business district near Koelnmesse exhibition centre, Lanxess Arena, and a few minutes from the old town.
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Frequently asked questions
Legend Hotel is a popular choice for couples visiting Cologne. Located in the heart of the city, it is just a short walk from the Cologne Cathedral and train station. The hotel features a rooftop bar with amazing city views and an excellent restaurant.
Altstadt (Old Town) is the best area to stay in Cologne for sightseeing. It offers easy access to iconic attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral, Rhine River cruises, and the train station.
The best place to stay for the Christmas market is Alter Markt in Altstadt. This is the main square in the Old Town and is home to the city's biggest Christmas market. There are also two other large Christmas markets within walking distance, located at the cathedral and Heumarkt.
In addition to Legend Hotel, Hotel Mondial am Dom and CityClass Hotel Alter Markt are also great options for couples. Both hotels offer modern rooms with city views and are within walking distance of major attractions.