We stayed here for two nights when we visited for Christmas markets. The larger markets and Kölner Dom are about a mile walk away, or a quick tram ride from the main station near the cathedral. One market, Nikolausdorf, was just down the street from the hotel.
The staff member who checked us in was very nice, and when we asked for extra pillows, he brought them up to our room. We booked the hotel online and did have to pay a small local tax upon check out, but it was less than ten euro.
The hotel was incredibly quiet, which made for two great nights of sleep. The large bed is two single beds pushed together, and in true German fashion, two duvets. I was super warm when I slept because I just wrapped myself up in the duvet. Plus, with two separate beds, I didn't hear when my husband got up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
The room had a small fridge, which we used for sodas that we bought from the REWE grocery store a few doors down. The shower was great and the bathroom had all of the necessary toiletries (shampoo, lotion, body wash, hand soap).
We didn't try the breakfast or gym/sauna, so I can't comment on those. We got enough exercise walking to and from the Christmas markets and around the city, and we ate breakfast at the local bakery.
I would certainly stay here again, and if any of my friends are visiting Köln, this hotel is close to everything the city has to offer, including Kölner Dom, public transit, markets, and wonderful restaurants. read more