If you want to be close to the main train station in Cologne, then this is your place. This hotel is LITERALLY attached to the train station. You hop off your train, walk down a hall and there's the front door. It doesn't get more convenient than that!
The hotel is no-frills but very comfortable. The room had just enough space for our bags. The bathroom was small as is the norm in Europe but it was clean. The shower was stained and needed to be replaced but while we were there (in December 2012), there were lots of renovations going on in the common areas. We saw them putting in new carpet on the stairwells and repainting the hallways, so I'm guessing the entire property was getting a refurbishment. Even so, the room was just fine and very comfortable.
The only issue we had was when my husband went to open the room window to let in some fresh air...and the ENTIRE WINDOW FELL OUT OF THE FRAME and onto his head! There was nothing but a window-shaped hole in the wall! Luckily he was able to catch the window and pop it back in! It was scary, though! We were glad it didn't fall and shatter into a million pieces. Again, perhaps the hotel has been renovated but I sure do hope management plans to replace or at least recaulk the aging windows!
We had a great view of the cathedral (literally steps away) but be warned that you will be woken up very early by VERY LOUD chiming church bells. It's charming but startling! Great location and just about everything you'd want to see in town, including great shops, bars and restaurants, is within a 5 - 10 minute walk. The hotel offers a very small 24 hours a day snack menu and there's a taxi stand 10 steps outside the front door. The location is what makes this hotel a superstar! It's budget and no-frills but still a good value. read more