The then archbishop of Cologne, Dr. Karl Joseph Schulte (1871-1941) - Archbishop of Cologne from…read more1920 to 1941 (from 1921 Cardinal of the Diocese) - built the house in the years 1926 to 1929 to the plans of architect Bernhard Rotterdamm in Bensberg as a priestly seminary of the Archbishopric of Cologne. The foundation was laid on June 29, 1926, by Nuncius Pacelli, who later became Pope Pius XII. It also served as an allied forces and war hospital during WWII. This is now a center for learning and assembly as well as a hotel and conference center. I found this hotel when looking for a place to stay and decided to book here. It's located on a large piece of land and it's a huge building just a short distance from the center of town in Bensberg. The rooms are fairly basic but clean and fully renovated in 2014 or 2015. The staff are very friendly and reception was quick to book us in. It's a functional room and has most things you need for a short stay. Prices are reasonable and no credit card is required for booking or check in. Buffet breakfast is included with the room price and they have a 24 hour reception. The breakfast was quite ok and had plenty of options from continental to cooked food. All in all a nice place and I would happily come here again anytime.

Of all the hotels I've stayed in my nearly 55 years on this planet, I have to say the Althoff…read moreGrandhotel Schloss Bensberg is the best! No picture does this place justice; you have to BE there yourself to experience what I mean. It's like I rode straight onto a period movie set, only this was real! The service here is just the right amount. By that I mean I've been to some hotels where there's a staff member around every corner asking how I'm doing, and others where I can't find any help whatsoever. It's almost like the staff here could read my mind and become available whenever I needed something! Everything about this place is grand, as its name clearly states. :-) My room had the highest ceilings of any hotel room I'd ever visited, and was more nicely appointed than the suite I once got at The Plaza in New York! The fridge is stocked with complementary drinks from spring water to beer, and replenished daily. While the Vendome restaurant wasn't open on any of the days I was visiting, I still ate practically the best dinner of my life at Enoteca. The breakfast buffet at Castle Restaurant Jan Wellem was superb as well! I'm already pining for this place, and will most assuredly visit it again when I get the chance.

We stayed three days it was all the way five star. Excellent service wonderful accommodation…read morebeautiful spa and grounds. They were wonderful with our two year old and gave spa and baby products in the room for him. Turn down bed service. Wonderful stay. It's expensive for Europe but not America. This stay in California would be 1200-2500 a night and Florida 800 - 1500 a night