Best Hotels in Cologne (Köln), Germany

Home to a UNESCO heritage site and the largest cathedral in Northern Europe, as well as picturesque universities, Cologne (Köln), Germany should rank high in anyone’s travel bucket list.

A long-standing land of arts and culture since the middle ages, marks of rich heritage are still very much alive in the city with its exquisite architecture and cobblestoned streets. To top it all, the city is enclosed by the Rhine river so if you dream of an intimate sailing experience in a big European city, you should definitely visit Cologne!

Cate lived in Cologne for a time in high school, and we’ve been back to visit a few times since then. For the best experience in this vibrant metropolis, this guide will help you find the perfect place to stay in Cologne, Germany.

Where to Stay in Cologne – 10 Best Hotels in Cologne 

Cologne is a very walkable city, and fortunately, there are a lot of cozy hotels right at the heart of Cologne. Tourist spots that are located away from the center are also easily accessible via tram, bus, U-bahn or S-bahn.

Here are some of the best places to stay in Cologne City Center that will help you maximize your stay in this beautiful city!

#1 –  Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln

Summary:
The Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln lets guests experience Cologne like no other: starting your morning with a hefty breakfast at the Faveo, spending your day walking to historical landmarks and shopping centers, and capping off your night with a drink at the hotel’s famous Harry’s New York Bar. Although preferred by business travelers for their numerous meeting and banquet facilities, this modern hotel is also perfect for tourists with its first-class amenities perfect for relaxation. Some rooms even come with front row seats to the majestic view of the Cologne Cathedral!

Location:
Located in the city centre of Cologne, approximately 200 meters away from the Old Town, the Heukmart Square, and the Heumarkt Underground Station; and 15 kilometers away from the Cologne International Airport

Types of Rooms:

• Standard King Room
• Comfort Double with Cathedral View
• One-bedroom suite

Amenities & Highlights:

• Harry’s New York Bar
• Indoor swimming pool
• Fitness center
• Spa and sauna
• Jacuzzi/bathtub
• Bar and restaurant
• On-site private parking
• Airport shuttle
• Some rooms have city view, landmark view, or terrace
• Highly rated for location on Booking.com (9.4 out of 10)
• Highly rated for a two-person trip on Booking.com (9.4 out of 10)
• Parking costs €28 per day

What Guests Say:

• “Clean and nice room, hospitable staff, and good service.”
• “Great location, very close to main shopping streets and restaurants.”
• “Good atmosphere and great selection.”

#2 – Hilton Cologne

Summary: Hilton Cologne boasts of having famous tourist spots right at its doorstep. Being part of one of the biggest companies in the hospitality industry, this hotel offers the same excellent service the Hilton brand is known for. Exclusive perks and treats await members of the Hilton Honors!

Location: Situated at the heart of Cologne less than a kilometer from the Cologne Cathedral and the Central Station and near the Hohe Strase and Schildergasse shopping centers

Types of Rooms:

• King Room
• King Room with View
• Deluxe King Room with View

Amenities/highlights:

• Free WiFi in public areas only
• Fitness center
• Spa and sauna
• Bar and restaurant
• Multiple parking options available
• Facilities for people with reduced mobility
• Free lodging for children under 18 staying with their parents
• Some rooms have city view
• Highly rated breakfast
• Highly rated for a two-person trip on Booking.com (9.4 out of 10)
• One of Booking.com’s best sellers in Cologne

Guests Say:

• “The hotel has excellent location in close proximity to Cologne cathedral and railway station.”
• “The breakfast buffet is amazing.”
• “The staff made a huge difference to our stay and were incredibly helpful.”

Downsides

• No free WiFi in the rooms for non-Hilton members

#3 – Cologne Marriott Hotel 

Summary: The Cologne Marriott Hotel offers outstanding service, beautiful interiors, and easy access to public transportation! Its superb location is hard to match – close enough to walk to main attractions but far enough to enjoy a quiet and relaxing sleep!

Location: Situated a few minutes away from the Cologne Central, Cologne Cathedral, and Musical Dome Köln

Lodging style: Part of the Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Combination of rustic, contemporary and greek interiors make the place more enjoyable to stay in. It has 365 guest rooms to accommodate guests with adjustable air-conditioning unit each.

Amenities/highlights: (bulleted list of the best or most interesting features of the hotel) 

• Free WiFi
• Bar and restaurant
• Fitness center
• Outdoor terrace
• Bar
• Some rooms have city view
• On-site public parking
• Highly rated for location on Booking.com (9.3 out of 10)
• Highly rated for a two-person trip on Booking.com (9.4 out of 10)
• Public parking costs €28 per day

Guests Say:

• “The hotel was a few minutes walk to the cathedral and old town.”
• “The staff is very kind and helpful.”
• “Really top service and cozy room.”

#4 – Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom

Summary: One of the highly rated hotels in Cologne, the castle-like features of the Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom look straight out of a fairytale. This five-star hotel offers the best location in the city as well as top-notch service, first class facilities, and 100% comfort. Definitely perfect for guests looking for a luxurious getaway!

Location: If you want a direct view of the Cologne cathedral, this hotel is the perfect place because it is in front of the cathedral. And in a few minutes, you can reach the Rhine and the old town from it.

Types of Rooms:

• Double Room 
• Grand Superior Double Room
• Junior Suite
• Suite with Cathedral View

Lodging style: A family-owned property 

Amenities/highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Airport shuttle
• Outdoor terrace
• Honeymoon suite
• VIP room facilities
• Bathtub
• Fitness center
• Spa and sauna
• Live music/performances and temporary art galleries
• Auxiliary activities (cooking classes, bike tours, walking tours, historical tours, bar crawls, movie nights, etc)
• Off-site public parking
• Highly rated for a two-person trip on Booking.com (9.9 out of 10)

Guests Say:

• “The breakfast was exceptional.”
• “It has a great view of the cathedral.”
• “Old design but has all the modern tech and advantages.”

#5 – Maritim Hotel Köln

Summary: The Maritim Hotel Koln features a gorgeous geometric facade and an even more stunning view of the River Rhine. Among the city’s top accommodations, this hotel features a garden island, a restaurant, and an exclusive shopping arcade inside its premises.

Location: It is located at the Deutzer Vrucke Bridge and 10 minutes from the Cologne cathedral and main station. It is also very near the Lanxess Areba and Kolnmesse Exhibition Center.

Types of Rooms:

• Classic Double Room 
• Superior Double Room with Cathedral View

Lodging style: The gigantic property keeps 454 rooms and suites with a shopping arcade inside. Its 22 event rooms can accommodate more than 3000 people.

Amenities/highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Indoor swimming pool
• Sauna and beauty services
• Fitness center
• On-site public parking
• Live music/performances and broadcast of sports events
• Bar and restaurant
• Auxiliary activities (cooking classes, cycling, hiking, walking tours, historical tours, happy hour, themed dinners, etc)
• Some rooms have landmark view
• One of Booking.com’s best sellers in Cologne
• Public parking

Guests Say:

• “Very good wellness hotel.”
• “Staff are wonderful and courteous.”
• “Good for sightseeing and close to the city center.”

#6 – Wyndham Köln 

Summary: Situated at the heart of Cologne, the Wyndham Köln is close to all amenities you will ever need for your stay in the city! Public transportation, famous landmarks, Christmas markets, and shopping centers are all within a few-minute walk from the hotel!

Location: Located at the heart of the metropolis by the Rhine River, opposite to Cologne Cathedral

Types of Rooms:

• Standard Double Room
• Deluxe Double Room with City View

Lodging style: Part of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts brand

Amenities/highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Outdoor terrace
• Bathtub
• Bar
• Fitness area
• One of Booking.com’s top picks in Cologne
• Highly rated for location on Booking.com (9.4 out of 10)
• No parking

Guests Say:

• “Soundproof windows and air-conditioning ensure perfect sleeping comfort.”
• “Balcony was big enough to eat out for two people.”
• “Ideal for business travellers.”

#7 – Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery

Summary: A four-star facility, Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery promises the best travel experience through authentic German cuisine, its strategic location, and heightened health and safety measures. Experience Cologne like a local with their traditional dishes, fresh draught beers, and cultural attractions!

Location: It is just a few meters away from the Cathedral and Museum Ludwig, and 300 meters away from the railway station.

Types of Rooms:

• Classic Twin Room
• Superior Double Room

Lodging style: Part of the Accor Group of hotels 

Amenities/highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Bathtub
• Restaurant
• Sun deck and outdoor terrace
• On-site public parking
• Fitness area
• Spa and sauna
• Facilities for people with reduced mobility
• Highly rated breakfast
• Highly rated for location on Booking.com (9.7 out of 10)
• One of Booking.com’s top picks in Cologne
• Public parking

Guests Say:

• “The hotel was in a perfect location.”
• “Staff were excellent and very welcoming.”
• “The general facilities are good.”

#8 – Hotel am Augustinerplatz

Summary: The four-star Hotel am Augustinerplatz is the perfect place for shopaholics as it stands right at the edge of the city’s shopping district! This charming hotel also features compact rooms preferred by business travelers.

If you are an old soul who wishes to stay in a hotel like seen in old movies then Hotel Am Augustinerplatz is the best place to be. Its simplicity is its edge among other hotels because it is less intimidating to be in.

Location: Situated right next to Hohe Strasse and Schildegasse

Type of Rooms:

• Economy Class
• Business Class
• Premium Class

Lodging style: a four-star design hotel

Amenities/highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Bathtub
• Airport shuttle
• Swimming pool
• Fitness center
• Spa and sauna
• On-site private parking
• Some rooms have city view
• One of Booking.com’s best sellers in Cologne
• Private parking

Guests Say:

• “The hotel is an unbeatable location.”
• “The staff was really friendly and patient.”
• “All clean and comfortable.”

#9 – CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom

Summary: CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom is highly rated Cologne hotels for location! Its lovely interiors are even made more attractive by the panoramic view of the Cathedral and city square!

Location: Situated a few minutes away from the Cologne Central train station, Friesenplatz, Museum Schnutgen, and Helios Leuchtturm Ehrenfeld

Type of Rooms:

• Double Comfort
• Superior Twin Room
• Junior Suite

Lodging style: Part of the CityClass Hotels

Amenities/highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Bar and restaurant
• Outdoor terrace
• Off-site public parking
• Facilities for people with reduced mobility
• Highly rated for a two-person trip on Booking.com (9.7 out of 10)
• Public parking

Guests Say:

• “Nice room, pleasant staff and good WiFi.”
• “Fabulous location and friendly staff”
• “Lovely staff as well as breakfast.”

#10 – Lindner Hotel Dom Residence

Summary: Lindner Hotel Dom Residence easily stands out for its unique and striking design. A four-star hotel, it offers spacious rooms, fine Mediterranean cuisine, and quick access to Cologne’s top spots!

Location: It is 4-5 minutes away from Cologne cathedral and Central Station.

Types of Rooms:

• Business Class Room
• First Class Room

Lodging style: Part of the Lindner Hotels and Resorts

Amenities/highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Bathtub
• Outdoor terrace
• Some rooms have a view of the city
• One of Booking.com’s top picks in Cologne
• Rooms have city view
• Highly rated breakfast
• No parking

Guests Say:

• “Spacious room, very good breakfast”
• “The hotel location is very good.”
• “Great food.”