Name: Hotel Collegium Leoninum
Price range: £98

Admire the superb symmetry of this former residential palace, an architectural treasure in Bonn’s historic center that is now part of a university campus.

Kurfürstliches Schloss is an electoral palace in the heart of Bonn’s Old Town. The immense structure was built at the turn of the 18th century as a residence for the Prince-Electors of Cologne. Check out the palace’s impressive architecture and spacious gardens. Today, Kurfürstliches Schloss forms a central hub for the University of Bonn and its spacious lawn is a regular hangout for local students.

The lavish residence was first established as the home of Prince-Elector Joseph Clemens of Bavaria. It was designed by esteemed Swiss architect Enrico Zuccalli and completed in 1705. Wander around the exterior of the building to appreciate its grandeur. Enter the palace to see how the University of Bonn has transformed the building into a hub for learning. Since 1818, the Kurfürstliches Schloss has been a major building in the university’s city campus. You’ll find the university’s administrative centre inside, as well as the faculties for humanities and theology. Check the university’s schedule and you might catch a public lecture or talk within the palace’s auditoriums.

One of the palace’s key features, however, is its princely garden. The Hofgarten is an extensive lawn with colonnades of trees flanking either side. The grassy lawn is a popular spot for students to gather, relax and study, as well as hold festivities and demonstrations. Stretch out on the grass if the sun is shining or take a seat in the courtyard directly fronting the palace if it’s chilly. The views looking back toward the palace are magnificent.

Kurfürstliches Schloss is located between Bonn’s city centre and the Rhine River. It is easy to access on foot from the city’s historic centre and the main railway station. Alternatively, make use of the city’s trolleybus system to reach the palace. The building is open daily for free. Be sure not to disturb any classes or lectures as you explore the main halls. The Hofgarten is a peaceful green oasis that can be visited any time of day.

Plan a trip to see Electoral Palace

ACHAT Hotel Monschau

per person

14 Jun - 17 Jun

Return direct flight included

Manchester (MAN) to Cologne (CGN)

7.8/10 Good! (214 reviews)

A very no frills room in need of a good cleaning and some updating. The elevator wasnt working, which seems to be a common occurance according to reviews. We stayed on the 5th floor, which was a bit of a trek with luggage. The location was convenient if taking transit, just a couple mins from the stop, and a short walk to the town centre. The bed was comfortable. Breakfast was pretty good.

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2024

Mauritius Hotel & Therme

Innenstadt

per person

26 May - 30 May

Return flight included

London (LHR) to Cologne (CGN)

8/10 Very Good! (427 reviews)

Our second time here - it’s an old school great German spa hotel, with the exceptional sauna complex (which includes rituals every hour from 13.00). It’s dated at parts but that’s compensated with the very fair value. The breakfast was plenty, the service kind and welcoming and the room large and clean. We will come back.

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Mauritius Komfort Hotel in der Altstadt

Innenstadt

per person

26 May - 30 May

Return flight included

London (LHR) to Cologne (CGN)

8/10 Very Good! (140 reviews)

Stayed at this hotel due to its close proximity to the Cologne Christmas Markets and because we required a triple room. The location of the hotel is convenient - close to tram stop and a few mins walking distance of the Christmas Market at Heumarkt. There is also a great Brauhaus just around the corner for German beer and food. However, the hotel is on a main road and the traffic was incredibly noisy - even after midnight you should expect to hear drunken shouting, sirens, fast cars driving past etc outside. Our room was also located opposite the elevator, so we could hear every guest on our floor using it and all of their conversations. On our second night a male guest was very loud returning from their night out and as they got off the elevator around 2am they purposefully banged on our door very loudly which was a little scary (I assume they were drunk). If choosing to stay here, keep your doors firmly locked and pack ear plugs if you want any sleep. In terms of cleanliness, it was quite a dusty room. The sink was very slow to drain water. There was also occasionally a “dirty pipe/sewage” smell in the bathroom - I imagine the sinks need some drain unblocker/cleaning products! Beds are quite hard and pillows are very lumpy. On a positive note, the staff we did encounter seemed friendly - check in and check out was quick and easy. Overall, we chose this hotel purely for location and convenience, but would not choose to stay here again.

Reviewed on 11 Dec 2023

Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

University of Bonn

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Bonn during your travels in Bonn. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

Old City Hall Bonn

You can learn about the history of Bonn with a stop at Old City Hall Bonn. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

Bonn Marketplace

Stroll around Bonn’s historic market square and admire magnificent rococo architecture or have a refreshing meal in a lively outdoor café.

Bonn Minster

See the sky-piercing spires and intriguing courtyard sculptures in one of Germany’s oldest churches, a Romanesque minor basilica in downtown Bonn.

Beethoven Monument

Check out a 19th-century bronze statue of Beethoven, one of the city’s favorite sons, when you stroll around the bustling city square of Münsterplatz.