This hotel, located in central Cologne, is one of my favorites in this city. It is roomy and comfortable, from the spacious rooms to the generous bar area, in which a rich variety of cocktails are served. The service is kind and hospitable, and your stay comes with a plentyful amount of perks. For instance the fitness, pool and spa section, to which I would like to pay an extra compliment:
A ticket for the fitness/wellness section will cost you 10 Euros, which are added to your bill at checkout. Towels come with the entrance as well as a key for a locker. You will need to be aware, that bathing suits are prohibited in the spa area. You want sauna, steam bath and other wellness stuff - don't be afraid to go buck naked among other men and women.
However, as opposed to the Danish way (big shower rooms, in which people all to often are seen showering wearing their swimsuits), the Germans have screened showering compartments, which ensures that everyone who is to enter the pool have no excuse to not be clean. In these compartments, you can wash yourself all over and not be impaired by chastity and shyness.
I like this sentiment, as bathing suits all to often carry residues of chlorine along with body bacteria, which are released with the heat in a sauna or in the warm waters of a jacuzzi. However, for the pool, you will need your bathing suit.
The wellness section itself is wonderful, featuring relaxation chairs, bio sauna and steam bath a perfect place for relaxing after a day climbing the Kölner Dom. Highly recommendable, and definitely this hotels biggest trump card! read more