Best Hotels in Cologne (Köln), Germany in 2023

Looking for a place to stay within walking distance of the Cologne Cathedral and other must-see sites? This guide will help you find the perfect place to sleep in the city center of Cologne, Germany.

Home to a world-famous UNESCO heritage site and largest cathedral in Northern Europe, top-notch universities, a chocolate museum, several nearby castles, and so much more, Cologne (Köln) should rank highly in anyone’s Germany travel bucket list – even if just for a short visit.

Cologne is the largest city in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany and is great jumping off point for visiting the Rhein and Mosel regions.

I lived in Cologne for a time in high school, and Aaron & I have been back to visit this beautiful city in both winter and summer. On one Germany trip I planned a stopover in Cologne for a couple hours just so I could spend a little time at the amazing cathedral and wandering around downtown!

Whether you’re looking for overnight accommodations or plan to stay a while, this guide will help you find the perfect place to stay in Cologne, Germany.

Top Hotels in Downtown Cologne

All hotels listed below are in the city center and within a 10-minute walk from the train station, the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), public transportation, restaurants, shopping, and other must-see sites.

1. Best hotel for two people traveling together: Lindner Hotel Dom Residence
2. Perfect for families: Hilton Cologne
3. Closest to Cologne Cathedral: Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom
4. If you want an American-style breakfast: Cologne Marriott Hotel
5. Stylish business type hotel: Wyndham Köln
6. If you’d like a gourmet German restaurant: Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery
7. Best value for the price: CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom
8. Most elegant rooms and facilities: Hotel am Augustinerplatz
9. If you want to splurge on a luxury 5-star hotel: Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln
10. Best parking facilities: Maritim Hotel Köln

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Cologne Hotel Comparison Chart

The featured hotels are all in or near the historic district, and only a short walk to the Cologne Cathedral, main train station, shopping area and other popular points of interest.

All feature air conditioning, elegant rooms, free wifi access, breakfast, and an en suite private modern bathroom. Some feature amenities like room service, a stylish restaurant, cable channels, a concierge, an indoor swimming pool, laundry service, on-site parking or a roof terrace.

You’ll find boutique hotels, historic buildings, and a couple luxury accommodations for when you want to spurge.

Below is a comparison chart overview so you can easily compare hotels. Scroll down to find a more detailed review of each hotel!

What to Look For In a Hotel in Cologne

When looking for a place to stay in Cologne, we recommend considering which of the factors below are most important to you.

1. Central location in the Altstadt (Old Town) downtown area. In Cologne, if you want to stay in the heart of the city, the best location is within walking distance of the Cathedral. That way you’ll also be close proximity to Cologne central station (which is right across from the Cathedral) and public transportation in general.
   
2. Number and size of beds. You’re likely to have the option to book a variety of bed types – e.g., king (which might be 1 mattress or 2 twins on one king-sized frame – often with 2 duvets), a queen, or 1 or more twins. Sometimes a single room will have a queen or a twin. Not all of these will be available every hotel, though, so be sure to check what type of beds they offer.
   
3. Rooms with en suite full baths. Most hotels offer full en suite bathrooms, some with a bathtub, some with a bathtub and shower combo, others will just have a shower. Some hotels in Germany – usually smaller boutique hotels or budget hotels – will offer rooms with a shared hall bathroom. The hotels in this list have full en suite bathrooms.
   
4. Rooms with A/C. Summers in Germany can at times be hot and humid. Not all hotels in Germany have A/C, so if this is important to you, be sure to specifically look for it before booking. Note: if you don’t have A/C in your hotel, you’ll likely be able to open the windows (though you’re not likely to have a screened-in window).
   
5. Breakfast. Most hotels offer free or paid breakfast (sometimes whether or not you get a free breakfast depends on the type of room you book). Many hotels offer a full German breakfast buffet, while others are simpler (bread, Brötchen, cold cuts, jam, coffee, tea). American chain hotels may offer an American-style breakfast (eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc).
   
6. An elevator. While you’re likely to find an elevator in large, modern hotels with high floors, stairs might be the only option at older, boutique or smaller hotels. If you don’t mind carrying your luggage up a few flights of stairs, these non-elevator hotels are often quite charming. But if an elevator is important to you, look for larger, modern, or chain hotels.
   
7. Parking. Some city center hotels will offer on-site parking for a daily fee. If there’s no on-site parking, you can likely find a nearby public parking area or on-street parking.
   
8. Free wifi. Most hotels will offer free wifi throughout the hotel but it’s a good idea to check on that if having free wifi is important to you.
   
9. Amenities. Hotels may offer facilities such as a gym, sauna, indoor pool, on-site restaurants and bars, or services like valet parking, a concierge or laundry service. Some even offer babysitting services! Many hotels offer the option to pay at the hotel and fully refundable rooms – sometimes at a slightly higher price than pre-pay or non-refundable rooms.
   
10. Good value. Staying in a popular part of the city will typically cost more than staying further out but you’ll be able to easily walk to many sites and you’ll be close to public transportation. So you’ll not only have more flexibility during the day, you’ll also save time and stress by not having to “commute” to the city center each day.

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Where to Stay In Cologne: Our Recommendations

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

The last time we were in Cologne together, we stayed downtown in the vibrant pedestrian area full of shopping and restaurants. We were able to easily walk to the hotel from the train station (with our luggage) and get to everything we wanted to see and do in the city, including the famous Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral).

We highly recommend staying in the downtown area so you have easy access to everything Cologne has to offer (see our Cologne City Guide for what to do and see there). The hotels in this guide are all conveniently located in the city center.

If Cologne will be your first stop in Germany, the nearest large airport to fly into is Düsseldorf. Depending on where you’re flying from, you might be able to get a direct international flight. Frankfurt is a bit further but still convenient.

10 Best Hotels in Cologne 

This guide shows you 10 of the best places to stay in Cologne City Center so you can maximize your stay in this beautiful city.

The Lindner Hotel Dom Residence is located in the city center with quick access to Cologne’s top spots. The elegant rooms are equipped with an en suite bathroom with bathtub and shower, wifi, A/C, and mini fridge. The hotel has an elevator, a highly-rated buffet breakfast, and on-site parking for a daily fee. Some rooms have a view of the city!

You’ll also enjoy an outdoor terrace, swimming pool, spa, and laundry service. The staff speak English and there’s a 24-hour front desk.

Click here for more information.

PERFECT FOR: Two people traveling together who are looking for a comfortable, affordable hotel in the city center.

GUESTS SAY: “Great location to the city center and train station. Breakfast was really the best we had on our trip, a ton of options and items always refilled by staffed. The rooms were comfortable and quiet. I would say it was a pretty good value for the price.”

SUMMARY: From spacious rooms and modern design to highly-rated buffet breakfast and central location, this 4-star hotel provides a no-stress, comfortable stay in Cologne.

→ Click here to book a fuss-free stay with all the comforts and essentials of a modern hotel!

Hilton Cologne has famous tourist spots right at its doorstep. It’s 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. Additionally, 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!

Click here for more information.

PERFECT FOR: Families traveling with kids who want spacious rooms in a great location

GUESTS SAY: “Room was spacious and comfortable. Restaurant was great both for dinner and breakfast. Hotel was conveniently located near to the cathedral and main train station. Staff were friendly and helpful.”

SUMMARY: Hilton Hotels are known for their stellar service and first-class facilities, and the Hilton Cologne is no exception. This hotel features family rooms which is perfect for families who want to travel in comfort without sacrificing location and quality of service.

→ Click here to book a comfortable stay with your family in the heart of Cologne!

A Few More Options

If you’re looking for luxury, would prefer to stay a bit outside of the city center, or are looking for something more unique, here are some great options:

• Savoy Hotel – With its sophisticated suites and interiors, this hotel makes for a great luxury stay. But it’s not as close to the Cologne Cathedral, around a 10-minute walk.
• Qvest Hideaway Cologne – This designer hotel is set in a historic building built in 1897 and is certainly one of a kind. This hidden gem is a 15-minute walk away from the Cologne Cathedral.
• Hyatt Regency Köln – Upscale hotel featuring modern suites with river views. Comes highly rated though it’s located on the other side of the Rhine.
• 25hours Hotel – A boutique hotel with vibrant, vintage-style rooms and furnishings located in a retro building. It’s also located a bit further outside of Old Town.
• Adina Apartment Hotel Cologne – Great for those looking for an apartment-style hotel and modern studios. It’s a very new accommodation and is on the other side of the Rhine.
• Villahotel Rheinblick – This hotel is a grand villa by the Rhine River with beautiful traditional rooms. Though its unique location means it’s quite far from the city center.