Cologne
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About Cologne
Reputedly one of the friendliest and liveliest cities in Germany, Cologne boasts wonderful architecture, a fascinating history and plenty of lovely cafes and eateries, making it an ideal destination for a city break. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, with everything from low-key B&Bs to luxurious five-star hotels. Whether you’re dreaming of quirky modernist design, slick city chic or awesome eateries in restored historic edifices, our pick of the best places to stay in Cologne offers something superb for all tastes and budgets.
Founded by the Romans, Cologne flourished as a medieval trading hub and has since emerged as the Rhineland’s largest city – and now a cultural centre with countless annual events. Bursting with galleries and museums, Cologne boasts a striking Gothic Cathedral, aspects of which date from the 13th century, and a buzzing social scene. Evenings are for strolls along the Rhine, deliciously cosy dinners and cheerful chatter wafting out of Altstadt beer halls.
Strung out on the banks of the Rhine, the charming Old Town is well worth exploring on foot, and some of our favourite properties are set right in the heart of the action. Explorations complete, our pick of the best places to stay in Cologne ensures that you have somewhere special to lay your head — all set for another day of discovery.
The Best Places to Stay in Cologne
For the Old Town
- Stern am Rathaus is a slick city hotel conveniently located in the heart of the Old Town. Think pared-back modern rooms in cool muted tones, a friendly small hotel vibe and a focus on fresh local produce for big breakfasts which set you up for days of exploring!
- Casa Colonia boasts chic rooms kitted out with all the mod. cons for a smart city stay. Highlights include a central location and great service as there are just 13 rooms. The self-catering suite makes this a superb spot for families keen to base themselves within easy reach of the Old Town's main sights.
For City Style
- Hotel Burns Art is a trendy modern hotel with cosy king-sized beds, crisp white sheets, soft maplewood touches and cool statement furniture. The harbour and Rheinpark gardens are nearby, whilst the city centre is easily accessed by underground. Stylish self-catering suites are ideal for longer stays.
- Hopper Hotel St Antonius is housed in a smart red-brick building dating back to 1900, offering a lovely immersion into Cologne’s past. Modern, renovated rooms boast marble-tiled bathrooms, whilst the restaurant serves excellent French cuisine and the vine-clad courtyard terrace is charming.
- Hopper Hotel St Josef, St Antonius’ sister property, offers a chic, comfortable stay in pared-back contemporary bedrooms. Striking artwork discovered during the restoration effort and a central location are particular highlights.
- 25hours The Circle boasts bright and quirky open-plan rooms with exposed concrete ceilings and stacks of character. A striking 1960s rotunda, this dramatic hotel has been modelled on ideas of ‘retro-futurism’. Cool & artsy, with amazing views from the restaurant.
For Romance
- Qvest Hideaway mixes wonderful original features - think vaulted Gothic archways and plenty of marble - with chic contemporary rooms ideal for design-minded grownups. Boasting its own private art gallery and located just a short walk away from the sights, it's an ideal couples' retreat.
For Foodies
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst is a palatial historic hotel with sumptuous guest rooms, marble bathrooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Real luxury and a superb spot for foodies, who will appreciate the innovative, Asian-inspired fare. Tastings menus come highly recommended.
- Hotel im Wasserturm offers a brilliantly unusual experience, with 78 rooms housed in an imposing brick-and-glass water tower. Rooms are smart, bathrooms stylish, and there’s a great spa. The real highlight, however, is the delectable rooftop Bar Botanik, with fabulous 360° views over the city, plus superb cocktails and creative gourmet dishes.
For a Private House or Apartment
- If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private house, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.
Travel Information
- Cologne is easily accessible from Cologne Bonn Airport, just nine miles from the city centre. Excellent transport links make travelling into the city by bus or train swift and simple.
- The North Rhine-Westphalia region is great for a road trip! Contact our partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
- Peak season falls in July and August, when visitors can expect the most sunshine. However this is also when the city is at its most crowded and accommodation is likely to be more expensive. Cologne is wonderfully charming in winter, and the Christmas markets are a real highlight!
Still not sure?
- Expand your search to see the best places to stay in Bonn.
- Alternatively, explore our pick of the best places to stay in North Rhine-Westphalia.
- Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
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Best Hotels in Cologne
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Hotel im Wasserturm Cologne 78 rooms from $111
City StyleFoodiesRoof terraceViews - Panoramic views from the roof top terrace over the entire cityRecommended by - Tablet, Small Luxury HotelsWonderfully unusual hotel, previously a red brick water tower. Chic contemporary interior design throughout spacious rooms. Fabulous roof top bar and restaurant, breakfast garden, and spa. Trendy, stylish, luxurious. See More
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25hours The Circle Cologne (Altstadt-Nord) 207 rooms from $112
City Style - Located in a striking concrete structure with a unique interior design concept, this hotel has plenty of city styleRomantic Break - Couples love the retro-chic décor of the rooms and the great views from the 8th-floor hotel barLocal exploring - The hotel's central location makes it a great starting point for local exploring in CologneLocal markets - Cologne is well-known for its fantastic flea markets; visit Südstadion Flea Market for the best bargainsRecommended by - TabletThis boutique design hotel is located in the centre of Cologne in a striking 60s rotunda. Interiors are based on the concept of 'retro-futurism'. Rooms are open-plan with exposed concrete ceilings and hand-selected design pieces; the best have a sitting area and bathtub. A stylish downtown hotel. See More
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Stern am Rathaus Cologne (50667 Köln) 10 rooms from $125
Local exploring - This boutique hotel enjoys a quiet yet central location ideal for exploring the city sightsSights nearby - Head to the magnificent Cologne cathedral, the Musical Dome and the Opera houseGreat walks - Wander around the picturesque old town with its little streets and alleysLively area - In the thick of the action.Recommended by - Great Small HotelsA smart hotel in a prime central location in the heart of the old town. A rich continental breakfast is served each morning in the attractively simple dining area; rooms are similarly unfussy, with a muted palette of greys and white, and striking ethnic-inspired art. A chic and convenient base. See More
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Hotel Burns Art Cologne 77 rooms from $127
Local exploring - Easy access to the city from the underground, and right next to the harbour and the charming Rheinpark gardens.City Style - King size beds, comfortable and friendly rooms with plenty of natural light, clean design and warm maple wood.Sights nearby - The Cologne Cathedral and the LANXESS Arena are nearby.Views - Great views from hotelUber cool and a super artsy chic hotel located on a quiet street of Mülheim. Unique and amazingly creative art can be seen in the hallways and rooms. They also offer apartments with kitchens for long term stays. Rooms are airy with comfortable bedding and clean designs. Fashionably elegant. See More
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Casa Colonia Cologne 16 rooms from $132
Sights nearby - Easy access on foot to the Cathedral, Old Town and city centreViews - Some rooms have panoramic views of the CathedralLocal markets - Good for local colour.A small contemporary hotel with chic rooms and one self-catering apartment. Lovely breakfast terrace, bar, and warm friendly atmosphere. Family friendly too. See More
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Hopper Hotel St Antonius Cologne 54 rooms from $161
City Style - A chic stay - some rooms have views over to Cologne Cathedral, with the river and sights just minutes awaySights nearby - Easy walking distance of the Old Town, Cologne CathedralLocal markets - Alter Markt is a 15-minute walkRestaurant - Recommended.Chic hotel in 1900 building, just five minutes from Rhine River in Cologne centre. Rooms have contemporary wooden furniture and marble-tile bathrooms. Restaurant serves French menu, also a gym and sauna to enjoy. See More
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Hopper Hotel St Josef Cologne (Dreikönigenstraße 1-3) 65 rooms from $178
City Style - A former chapel in southern Cologne, boasting sleek contemporary decor with oak flooring, walnut furniture and natural stone.Local exploring - An ideal bolthole in the city, just two minutes from the Rhine, and the Old Town and the vibrant Severinstrasse Street.Sights nearby - Rheinauhafen harbour is just a short walk down the road and the Cologne Cathedral cannot be missed.Restaurant - Breakfast is servedMagnificent displays of art and sculptures at the hotel. Rooms are chic with wooden floorings and bathrooms have natural marble. In a great location close to the Old Town and shopping areas. The restaurant overlooking the courtyard houses valuable paintings found during restoration work. See More
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The QVest Hideaway Cologne (Altstadt-Nord) 34 rooms from $200
Local markets - The Infamous Christmas MarketDesigner - Houses a private art gallerySights nearby - Cologne CathedralFull of characterRecommended by - TabletDesign hotel in old city archive building for the well-heeled weekender looking for a central but quiet base. Luxury accommodation, a private art gallery, and trendy bar set in a relaxed neighborhood with fantastic links to the city. A chic stay for design-lovers. See More
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Excelsior Hotel Ernst Cologne (Trankgasse 1-5) 137 rooms from $260
City Style - A lavish and extravagant hotel with super luxurious rooms in the city centre featuring all 5 star amenities.Foodies - Taku, a Michelin starred restaurant serves exotic Asian dishes. Highly recommended for food lovers.Sights nearby - The hotel is directly opposite the stunning Cologne Cathedral, the largest in Northern Europe.Local markets - There are many shops, restaurants and bars located close by.Recommended by - Kiwi CollectionA grand palatial historical hotel in the centre of Cologne. Luxurious accommodation, a Michelin star restaurant and live music at the Piano Bar. Rooms are opulently furnished with carpeted floors, wood finishes and marble bathrooms. This 5 star combines style with elegance. Very chic. See More