“Oh de Cologne!”
If you make one visit to Cologne this is the place to stay! Its the only place we've stayed on our first visit but would be a choice to return to. First class accommodation, service and location. Get used to the idea that eating in a restaurant out is the thing to do. We couldn't get a table at either of their two restaurants on either night......because they are small. Room service menu is adequate but not brilliant choice, but what there was, was quality. Piano bar is delightful for a night cap and watching the eclectic range of visitors.
If you fly in to Cologne the train to the centre is brilliant and the station just 5 minutes from hotel and as much as we normally take taxis it is so much smoother on the train.
Big christmas market 5 minutes walk across cathedral square. This hotel has benefit of location without being right up against the noise and the concierge, with his brilliant english was extremely helpful and spot on with what we needed to do!
Highly reccommended, I would go back.
Area recommendations
From the hotel you are virtually right in the middle of all the action. It is a comfortable afternoons walk to go from the Cathedral, to the riverside, through all the main pedestrianised shopping streets, visit all 6 of the Christmas markets, go to the Ludwig art galery and have lunch in their very friendly and open restaurant.
For a bus tour of 90 minutes covering the rest, going across the river to the Exhibition Halls and shopping malls via the zoo, the stop is just across the road from the hotel.
You can get a real flavour of the place in two days and not come home exhausted.
Do it all!
When to go
Nice city to visit any time I am sure but the Christmas Markets are worth it.
Dining
For a taste of Germany, eat the sausages, potato fritters, waffles and doughnuts, washed down by Gluehwein at any of the markets. Real afternoon tea and cakes just head across the square to Cafe Reichard, busy, beautiful and wow some great pastries.
For a comfortable lunch, bright and airy good choice the restaurant in the Ludwig Museum.
Saturday night buz and lots of choice head towards the Alt Markt and the River area. We had a great steak and bottle of wine in El Toro.
No need to dress up either just enjoy.
