Best Accommodation Options Near Cologne, Germany

Cologne is Germany's fourth-biggest city and is located on the Rhine River. The city is known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, the Kölner Dom, which is Germany's most-visited tourist attraction. The city has a rich history, having been founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD, and boasts a lively social scene, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars. Cologne is also a popular cruise destination, with many boats departing from the Altstadt district on the Rhine's left bank.

The best places to stay in Cologne include the Altstadt (Old Town) and the Deutz neighbourhood, which are both located on the river's left bank and offer easy access to the city's main sights. The Belgian Quarter, or Belgisches Viertel, is a trendy area known for its galleries, bars, and boutiques, while Ehrenfeld is a lively district with a diverse range of restaurants, theatres, and fashion boutiques. For those looking to be close to the train station, the Cologne Central Station (Köln Hauptbahnhof) is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the Altstadt.

Some recommended hotels in Cologne include the Excelsior Hotel Ernst, a palatial historic hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant, and the Hotel im Wasserturm, a unique property housed in a former water tower with a rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city. The Legend Hotel is another great option, located in the heart of the Altstadt and featuring a rooftop bar with cathedral views. For those looking for a more affordable option, the Stern am Rathaus offers modern rooms in a central location, while the Ruby Ella Hotel is a trendy choice located near Friesenplatz, known for its vibrant nightlife.

Hotels near Cologne Cathedral

There are a variety of hotels near the Cologne Cathedral, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options. Here are some recommendations:

Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom

A luxury 5-star hotel located directly opposite the Cologne Cathedral, it offers elegant rooms with a free minibar and award-winning cuisine. It is also just a 2-minute walk from Cologne Main Station.

Ibis Hotel Köln Am Dom

This hotel stands right beside the Cologne Cathedral and Cologne Central Station. It offers free internet terminals, a 24-hour bar, and a direct train connection to Cologne/Bonn Airport.

CityClass Hotel am Dom

This centrally located hotel is just 150 metres from the Cologne Cathedral and the Roman-Germanic Museum. It offers stylish, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi.

Eden Hotel Früh am Dom

Located in the heart of Cologne, this hotel is right opposite the Cologne Cathedral and the shopping district. It offers an outdoor terrace, international cuisine, and Wi-Fi.

Legend Hotel

Featuring a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar, this hotel is located in the centre of Cologne, about 700 feet from the Cologne Cathedral. It is known for its beautiful decor, comfortable beds, and great location.

Ibis budget Koeln Messe

While not within walking distance, the Ibis budget Koeln Messe hotel offers quick access to the Cologne Cathedral and other attractions via public transport. It provides a rich breakfast buffet and modern rooms with Wi-Fi and TV.

Mercure Hotel Koeln City Friesenstrasse

This 4-star hotel is located downtown, close to many attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral. It offers a rich breakfast buffet, regional and international cuisine, and a bar with a terrace.

Aparthotel Adagio Koeln City

This aparthotel is located in the heart of the old town, just a 10-minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral. It offers modern apartments with full amenities, including a kitchen and internet access, along with facilities like a fitness room and laundry services.

Hotels near the Rhine River

Cologne is situated on the Rhine River and has become a popular cruise destination. The city offers a wide range of hotels near the river, including:

• Hyatt Regency Köln – This large hotel offers spacious rooms and stunning river views. It is conveniently located near the city centre, cathedral, and old town.
• Art'otel Cologne, Powered by Radisson Hotels – This hotel is located on the River Rhine in Cologne’s historic city centre and features modern design, stylish rooms, free WiFi, and a large rooftop terrace.
• NH Köln Altstadt – This centrally located hotel offers modern, spacious rooms. It is a 15-minute walk from the cathedral and features a wellness area, fitness facilities, and a well-stocked bar.
• Maritim Hotel Köln – This centrally located hotel offers comfortable rooms and scenic views of the Rhine. It is close to shops, restaurants, and old town attractions. Notable features include riverfront access, a long piazza, and a small pool.
• Rhein Hotel St.Martin – This hotel offers comfortable beds, modern rooms, and a good breakfast. However, it can be noisy, and the rooms are very small.
• Rheinblick Apartment – This expensively furnished apartment has all the comforts catered for. It is located in a quiet area of Cologne, Rödenkirchen.
• Hotel Drei Kronen – This hotel is near the train station and offers OK rooms.
• Novotel Koeln City – This hotel has a great location next to the river and is within walking distance of the Duomo and Lindt chocolate museum. It is great for families and couples.
• Löwenbräu Köln – This hotel has a very good location, friendly staff, and is close to the Christmas markets, Heumarkt, Neumarkt, and the Dom.
• Hotel Lyskirchen Cologne – This hotel is in a prime position for access to the city centre, Rhine River, and major tourist attractions. It offers decent-sized rooms and a changing buffet breakfast.
• Maritim Hotel Bonn – This hotel is located by the river in Bonn, a 30-minute drive from Cologne-Bonn airport. It is next to the UN and government buildings and has a huge conference centre attached.

Hotels in the Old Town

Cologne's Old Town, or 'Altstadt', is the city's medieval heart, running along the Rhine River. It's a great area to stay in, with narrow alleyways, 14th-century houses, and Romanesque churches, as well as the famous Gothic Cologne Cathedral.

• Stern am Rathaus: A boutique hotel located just 500 metres from the Cathedral and Museum Ludwig. One reviewer describes it as a "small hotel" with "spacious" rooms and "attentive" staff.
• CityClass Hotel Alter Markt: Located close to the train station, this hotel is described as quiet with clean rooms and a premium location.
• CityClass Hotel am Dom: This hotel has "compact" rooms with "great views". It's a short walk from the train station and the river.
• Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne-MGallery: This hotel has a superb location and attentive staff. One reviewer notes that the rooms are functional but compact.
• Lint Hotel: A "perfectly located" hotel with "modern interior". It's a short walk from the river and the train station.
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst: A "historic" and "elegant" hotel with spacious rooms and an excellent restaurant. It's located close to the train station and the Cathedral.
• Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Koln: A centrally located hotel with spacious and quiet rooms. It has a large lobby with a bistro and good breakfast options.
• Maritim Hotel Koln: A "beautiful" hotel with comfortable rooms and scenic views of the Rhine. It's located close to shops, restaurants, and Old Town attractions.
• Hotel Drei Kronen: A "clean" hotel with a "good location". It's a short walk from the train station.

Hotels near the Central Station

Cologne Central Station is located in the Old Town, and there are plenty of hotel options in the area. Here are some suggestions for hotels near the Central Station:

• Ibis Hotel Köln Am Dom: This hotel is located right next to the Central Station and the Cologne Cathedral. It offers free internet terminals, a 24-hour bar, and easy access to the airport via the S-Bahn train service.
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom: This luxury 5-star hotel is just across from the Cologne Cathedral and a 2-minute walk from the Central Station. It features award-winning cuisine and elegant rooms with a complimentary minibar.
• Hotel Sandmanns am Dom: Located within walking distance of the Central Station, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and free WiFi. It's also close to the Cologne Cathedral and the Ludwig Museum.
• Hotel Drei Kronen: Situated near the Central Station, this hotel is close to the Philharmonie concert hall, the Rhine River, and the Cologne Cathedral. It offers free internet, an Italian restaurant, and a terrace.
• Hotel Casa Colonia: Located in a quiet part of the Old Town, this hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the Central Station. It provides comfortable accommodations and free WiFi.
• Courtyard by Marriott Cologne: This centrally located hotel is a short walk from the Central Station and the Cologne Cathedral. It offers free WiFi and spacious rooms.
• Eden Hotel Früh am Dom: Directly opposite the Central Station, this hotel features an outdoor terrace, international cuisine, and free WiFi.
• Cologne Marriott Hotel: Just a 5-minute walk from the Central Station, this stylish hotel offers spacious rooms and a modern gym.
• Hotel Ludwig Superior: A quiet hotel located a short 5-minute walk from the Central Station and the Cologne Cathedral. It offers well-appointed rooms and excellent transport connections.
• VIVA RIVERSIDE 4 Köln: This hotel is within walking distance of the Central Station and features a restaurant, bar, and terrace.

Hotels near the Christmas Market

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is a popular destination for tourists, especially during its Christmas Market season. The city's Altstadt-Nord (Old Town) neighbourhood is a great place to stay, with its narrow alleyways along the Rhine River and easy access to major attractions, including the Cologne Cathedral. Here are some hotel recommendations near the Christmas Market:

• CityClass Hotel Alter Markt: Located just 50 feet from the Christmas Market and 300 metres from the Cologne Cathedral, this hotel offers elegant interiors, modern bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
• Privately-run 3-star hotel: This hotel is in the heart of Cologne's historic centre, a short walk from the Cathedral, old town hall, and main railway station.
• Lint Hotel Köln: Situated 300 metres from Museum Ludwig and 500 metres from the Christmas Market, this 3-star hotel offers room service and city views from the top floor.
• Hotel zur Malzmühle: Located at the Heumarkt square, Hotel zur Malzmühle features free Wi-Fi, views of the Cologne Cathedral, and a restaurant with a brewery.
• Eden Hotel Früh am Dom: Located opposite the Cologne Cathedral and shopping district, this hotel offers an outdoor terrace, international cuisine, and Wi-Fi.
• Hotel Drei Kronen: Situated near the Philharmonie concert hall, River Rhine, and Cologne Cathedral, this hotel offers free internet, an Italian restaurant, and a terrace.
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst: This luxury 5-star hotel is located directly opposite the Cologne Cathedral and a 2-minute walk from the Cologne Main Station. It offers award-winning cuisine, elegant rooms, and a free minibar.

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