
Travel Editors
May 19, 2023
8 min read
The Best Hotels in Cologne

With its stunning Gothic architecture, museums, and arts scene, Cologne offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the city's rich history blended with contemporary culture. For those looking to explore the city beyond the typical tourist spots, we recommend visiting these neighborhoods: Ehrenfeld, a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood known for its arts scene, colorful street art, and mix of trendy cafes and bars; Nippes, a charming residential area offering a quieter pace of life, characterized by weekly markets, local parks, and small boutiques; Agnesviertel, an upscale area loved for its stunning architecture, antique shops, and proximity to the river Rhine; and Belgisches Viertel, a trendy district known for its array of boutiques, art galleries, and diverse dining options.
The Best Hotels in Cologne
18Arts Hotel
This hotel, located in the center of Cologne, features modern architecture and contemporary art in both its guest rooms and common spaces. It's located within close proximity to numerous galleries, museums, and historic sites. Amenities include an indoor heated pool, spa services, a fitness center, and personalized concierge service.
The hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant offers curated dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients and wines from an extensive cellar, while the rooftop bar provides panoramic city views and serves craft cocktails and late-night snacks.
25hours Hotel The Circle
Located in the neighborhood of Friesenplatz, this hotel offers a blend of retro-futuristic design within its 207 rooms and suites, all decorated with a creative flair that draws inspiration from the hotel's former life as an insurance building from the 1960s. Highlights include a rooftop terrace with a sauna and views of the iconic Cologne Cathedral.
In-house dining options include a restaurant serving innovative dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, a café, and a cocktail bar. Other amenities include versatile event spaces, a well-equipped gym, and access to loaner bicycles.
AMERON Köln Hotel Regent
This four-star hotel offers modern rooms with comfortable beds, bathrooms, and convenient amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. It is located just a short distance from popular attractions such as Cologne Cathedral, RheinEnergieStadion, and Neumarkt Square. Amenities include an on-site dining venue offering a selection of international and local dishes, along with a well-equipped fitness center with a sauna and steam room.
Appartel am Dom
This aparthotel is situated in the center of Cologne, providing easy access to several attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the historic Old Town, Museum Ludwig, and various shopping streets. The well-equipped apartments come with free Wi-Fi, fully stocked kitchenettes, and contemporary furnishings.
Guests can enjoy an optional daily breakfast buffet in the courtyard, while nearby dining options include a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a fusion of European and Asian flavors.
art'otel Cologne powered by Radisson Hotels
This art-inspired hotel offers 218 rooms each with distinct wall murals. The property features views of the Rhine River and the city's historic harbor, a contemporary art collection by renowned Korean artist SEO, and a convenient location within walking distance of popular attractions.
The hotel places a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating eco-conscious practices throughout its services. This includes the use of organic toiletries and implementation of energy-efficient measures. The on-site restaurant and bar serve contemporary international cuisine and a variety of craft cocktails, and there is also a wellness area which includes a Finnish sauna, steam bath, and fitness center.
Astor & Aparthotel
This hotel is located in the center of Cologne within walking distance of top attractions such as the Cologne Cathedral and the main train station. The property offers various types of accommodations, including classic guest rooms and spacious, fully-equipped apartments. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk assistance, and an on-site fitness center.
The in-house dining venue serves international cuisine made with fresh ingredients and offers an extensive wine list. The property's lounge and bar area also serves a variety of beverages and light snacks.
CityClass Hotel Residence am Dom
This four-star hotel features rooms equipped with air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, with some offering views of either the Cathedral or shopping streets. The location provides easy access to a variety of attractions, with the Old Town and the banks of the Rhine River within walking distance.
Other highlights of the hotel include a daily breakfast buffet served in the spacious breakfast room, an on-site fitness center, a cozy reading corner, and a friendly, multilingual staff.
EuroNova arthotel
This boutique hotel is located in the Zollstock district and offers rooms and suites with minimalist design and bold art. The on-site restaurant serves creative, seasonal dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients, while the intimate hotel bar offers a curated selection of local beers, fine wines, and artisanal cocktails.
Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom
This family-owned, five-star property was established in 1863. It features neoclassical design with 137 rooms and suites, two Michelin-starred restaurants, a fitness center, and a piano bar. It is conveniently located near major attractions such as the Museum Ludwig and Romano-Germanic Museum, as well as shopping boulevards and the main train station. The hotel also offers an afternoon tea service and a private garden.
Hotel Allegro
This boutique hotel offers 72 rooms and suites, each with quality furnishings, flat-screen TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and espresso machines. The hotel is also conveniently located within walking distance of the famous Cologne Cathedral, historic Old Town, and numerous shopping destinations.
Amenities include an on-site gourmet restaurant serving cuisine inspired by local and international flavors and a wellness center featuring a sauna, steam room, and a variety of treatments.
Hotel am Augustinerplatz
This boutique hotel offers well-furnished rooms with complimentary WiFi and flat-screen satellite TVs. Highlights include 24-hour reception, airport shuttle service, a business center, and a daily breakfast buffet. A cozy bar and lounge area is also available.
Hotel Santo
Located near the Rhine River and Cologne Cathedral, this hotel offers easy access to the city's rich history, culture, and attractions. The property comes equipped with amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and 24-hour front desk services, and also offers a daily breakfast buffet featuring both local and international cuisine. This hotel is also committed to sustainability and eco-conscious practices.
Hotel Stadtpalais
This four-star hotel offers easy access to popular landmarks and features 64 rooms, each designed with a mix of classic and contemporary styles, offering free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air conditioning. Property highlights include a buffet breakfast and a lobby bar and lounge that serves cocktails made with seasonal ingredients, regional spirits, and wines.
Humboldt1 Palais-Hotel & Bar
This boutique hotel, located in the center of Cologne, offers 18 guest rooms, including suites and a penthouse. The on-site bar serves craft cocktails, wines, and a selection of gourmet snacks, all with views of the Old Town. The hotel's location provides easy access to the city's top attractions, local shops, and nightlife.
Hyatt Regency Cologne
Located on the banks of the Rhine River, this hotel is within walking distance of many of the city's cultural and historic landmarks. The property offers spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen televisions. Hotel amenities include a spa, a well-equipped fitness center, and an indoor pool. The rooftop restaurant serves a mix of international and regional cuisines, while the bar offers craft cocktails and live piano music.
Leonardo Hotel Köln Bonn Airport
This four-star property is located within walking distance to Cologne/Bonn Airport. It offers 177 guest rooms, each soundproofed for a peaceful night's rest. Amenities include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and ample parking. There's also an on-site restaurant that serves both regional and international cuisine, an extensive breakfast buffet, an indoor pool, and a sauna.
NH Collection Köln Mediapark
This modern, upscale hotel is located in the Mediapark district and features 217 guest rooms. It's also close to various attractions, historical sites, and the city's business district.
The hotel's on-site restaurant offers contemporary international and regional cuisine, and the bar serves craft cocktails and fine wines. Other facilities include a fully-equipped fitness center and sauna, as well as flexible event spaces.
Savoy Hotel
This hotel is located in the heart of Cologne and offers rooms and suites with quality furnishings and contemporary art. On-site facilities include a spa and wellness center, a fitness studio, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city skyline.
Guests can enjoy an international breakfast buffet and the hotel's proximity to a mix of restaurants, bars, and cafes offering a variety of dining options.
The Ascot Hotel Köln
This four-star hotel is located close to the Central Station, boutiques, and restaurants. Its rooms feature premium bedding, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and complimentary WiFi. The property's highlights include a buffet breakfast, an on-site spa and wellness center, a relaxation area, and well-equipped conference facilities.
THE QVEST hideaway
Located within a neo-Gothic building that was once a historical city archive, this hotel offers 34 individually designed rooms and suites with high ceilings, large windows, and modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and Nespresso machines. The property also features a collection of art and photography, as well as views of the city's Old Town and easy access to Cologne's must-see attractions.
The hotel's library offers a wide selection of architecture and design books, and the property frequently hosts curated exhibitions showcasing both international and local artists or photographers.
Villahotel Rheinblick
Located on the banks of the Rhine River, this boutique hotel features a central location and rooms and suites with a unique blend of modern amenities and elegant furnishings. Property highlights include an on-site gourmet restaurant serving a selection of international and German dishes, an extensive wine list, and a well-equipped fitness center.
Wasserturm Hotel Cologne, Curio Collection by Hilton
This 19th-century water tower has been transformed into a boutique hotel located in the center of Cologne. Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, this property offers 88 guest rooms and suites that combine contemporary design with the building's historic features, each with views of either the city skyline or courtyard. Additional amenities include an on-site spa, fitness center, restaurant, and event spaces.
