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And for an extensive guide on where to stay in Cologne, including my top hotel picks, read my detailed article.
Where to Stay in Cologne: My Selection of the Best Accommodations
Wondering where to stay in Cologne? Looking for the best areas and districts?
You’re at the right place!
As I know Cologne very well, I have created this guide of:
- Cologne’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
- For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget
Let’s find your dream hotel now!
My favorite hotels in Cologne
Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Cologne, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.
Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:
- Where to stay in Cologne for the first time: CityClass Hotel Europa am Dom, located right next to the cathedral!
- Where to stay in Cologne with a beautiful view: Hyatt Regency Köln, located in Deutz district.
- The Best 5-star hotel in Cologne: Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom, right next to the cathedral.
- Where to stay in Cologne on a budget: Koncept Hotel International or Motel One Köln-Neumarkt
- Where to stay in Cologne with family: Mauritius Hotel & Therme, with an indoor and outdoor pool
- My favorite hotel in Cologne for a romantic stay: Wasserturm Hotel Cologne (located inside a water tower, very unique!)
Altstadt-Nord: The Historic Heart
Altstadt-Nord is the true center of Cologne and the most famous part of the city.
This is where you will find the main landmarks, the central train station, and the bustling banks of the Rhine River.
It’s the best area if you want to be in the middle of the action and discover the city’s main attractions.
And if you’re visiting Cologne in December, the Main Christmas Market is located in Altstadt-Nord, right next to the Cathedral!
You should stay in Altstadt-Nord:
- For a first time stay, as you can visit everything on foot.
- To see the Cathedral every time you step out of your hotel.
- If you are traveling by train, since the central station is right here.
- For the Christmas Markets, specifically the ones at the Cathedral and Alter Markt.
This is the perfect area to see:
- Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), the massive Gothic masterpiece, symbol of the city.
- Museum Ludwig, home to one of the largest Picasso collections in Europe.
- Alter Markt, the historic market square filled with traditional breweries (Brauhäuser).
- Great St. Martin Church, a beautiful Romanesque church along the river.
- The Rhine Promenade
- The Cathedral Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt am Kölner Dom) – from late Nov to Dec 23rd.
Where to Stay in Altstadt-Nord?
- CityClass Hotel Europa am Dom: Just a few steps from the Cathedral. Comfortable double rooms starting at 110€, breakfast for 19€. Strong points: perfect location, clean rooms, very professional staff. A great choice for its excellent value for money.
- Eden Hotel Früh am Dom: Right next to the famous Cologne Cathedral. Traditional rooms from 130€, breakfast included. Strong points: attached to the Früh brewery (perfect to try local beer!), unbeatable location, rooms views of the cathedral.
- Hilton Cologne: 5-star hotel located close to the cathedral and central station. double bedrooms from 150€. Strong points: wellness area with gym and sauna, fantastic breakfast, perfect location for train travelers.
- Hotel Stern am Rathaus: A smaller hotel located in a quiet street near the Old Market. Cozy double rooms from 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: very central but quiet, excellent breakfast, friendly service.
- Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom: This 5-star hotel is located close to the Cathedral. Tastefully decorated double room from 340€, breakfast at 48€. Strong points: the iconic location, the Michelin-starred restaurant, the exceptional service. This is simply the best luxury hotel in Cologne!
Altstadt-Süd: The Trendy South
Altstadt-Süd covers the southern part of the historic center and extends down to the lively “Südstadt” area.
This district is perfect if you’re looking to do shopping, enjoy modern architecture, and want to try Cologne’s traditional nightlife (historic pubs, beer gardens, and the traditional Kölsch beer!)
It feels slightly less touristic than the North but is still packed with things to do and great places to eat.
You should really stay in Altstadt-Süd if you want:
- Great Shopping: The famous Schildergasse and Hohe Straße shopping streets run through here.
- Modern Vibes: The Rheinauhafen area features cool architecture and upscale dining.
- Wellness: This district is home to some great spa hotels.
- Chocolate: The famous Chocolate Museum is located here on the river.
This district is perfect to discover:
- Rheinauhafen, the modern harbor district famous for the three “Crane Houses” (Kranhäuser).
- The chocolate museum, a must-visit attraction for anyone with a sweet tooth!
- Schildergasse, the busiest shopping street in Cologne.
- Severinstraße, a street famous for its local shops and authentic atmosphere.
- The Harbour Christmas Market, located near the Chocolate Museum. It has a unique maritime theme with white tents and fish specialties!
Here are my favorite hotels in Altstadt-Süd
- art’otel Cologne (Radisson): Located right in the Rheinauhafen. Colorful, art-filled rooms from 115€. Strong points: views of the harbor, stylish decor, very close to the Chocolate Museum.
- Dorint Hotel am Heumarkt Köln: Located directly at Heumarkt square in the Old Town. Spacious, high-end rooms from 120€. Strong points: large indoor swimming pool (not common in Cologne city center!), great gym, spa, excellent breakfast. A great choice for its excellent value for money.
- B-Chill Cologne: Perfectly situated between Altstadt-Süd and Altstadt-Nord. Modern, art-inspired rooms from 130€. Strong points: very central location, stylish design, easy digital check-in process.
- Hilton Wasserturm Hotel Cologne: Housed in a historic water tower. Unique, design-focused rooms from 130€. Strong points: amazing 360-degree rooftop terrace, unique architecture, very stylish. A very unique hotel, perfect for a romantic stay in Cologne!
Neustadt (North & South)
Wrapping around the historic center in a semi-circle, Neustadt is where the locals actually live and hang out.
This large area includes the famous Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel) in the north and the green parks in the south.
You can stay in Neustadt:
- If you want to enjoy the nightlife, especially in the Belgian Quarter, famous for its trendy bars.
- For a younger, hipster vibe, far from the tour bus crowds.
- If you love fashion and food, with plenty of boutiques and restaurants
- For a relaxing stay, close to the Stadtgarten or Volksgarten parks.
Best things to see and do in Neustadt:
- Belgian Quarter, the trendiest neighborhood in town, centered around Brüsseler Platz.
- Stadtgarten, a lovely park with a beer garden and jazz concert venue.
- Aachener Straße, a lively boulevard packed with theaters and restaurants.
- MediaPark, a modern district with a lake and cinema.
- The Christmas Markets at Rudolfplatz and Neumarkt
The Best Hotels to Stay in Neustadt
- Steigenberger Hotel Köln: Located on Rudolfplatz, next to the Belgian Quarter. Spacious, classic double rooms from 120€. Strong points: very central, great breakfast buffet, tram stop right outside.
- 25hours Hotel The Circle: Located near Friesenplatz, right next to Altstadt-Nord. Retro-futuristic rooms from 120€. Strong points: rooftop restaurant with a view, very fun design, bike rental. A great choice for its excellent value for money.
- Ruby Ella Hotel Cologne: Located in Neustadt-Nord near the Belgian Quarter. Stylish rooms from 125€. Strong points: 24/7 bar, cool design, more high-end feeling, central location for nightlife.
Deutz District
Deutz is located on the other side of the Rhine, just across the Hohenzollern Bridge.
Locals sometimes joke about it being the “wrong side” of the river, but it actually offers the best views of the Cologne skyline!
Staying in Deutz is convenient if you are attending an event or want a quieter atmosphere while remaining close to the center.
You should really stay in Deutz if you want:
- To enjoy the best panoramic views of the Cathedral and the Old Town.
- If you are visiting a trade fair at the Koelnmesse.
- If you are going to a concert at the Lanxess Arena.
This district is perfect to discover:
- The Hohenzollern Bridge, famous for its thousands of love locks.
- The Cologne Triangle, a building with a rooftop observation deck offering the best view in the city.
- Rheinpark, a large beautiful park along the river, perfect for relaxing.
- Lanxess Arena, the main venue for big concerts and sports events.
Here are my favorite hotels in Deutz district
- Insel Hotel: Located right next to the Deutz station. Clean and practical double room from 120€, breakfast included. Strong points: very convenient location, good breakfast, helpful staff.
- Hotel Stadtpalais: Set in a historic building near the Lanxess Arena. Modern double room from 130€. Strong points: beautiful architecture, sauna, very clean.
- Radisson Blu Hotel Köln: Located near the trade fair (Koelnmesse). Spacious and stylish rooms from 130€. Strong points: large inner courtyard, gym, great design.
- Hyatt Regency Köln: This 5-star hotel sits right on the river bank. It offers elegant rooms with stunning views of the Cathedral. From 210€. Strong points: indoor pool, large fitness center, beer garden with a view. My recommendation for a luxury stay with an a great view!
Where to Stay in Cologne on a Budget
If you’re traveling on a budget, here are a few great hotels for a stay in Cologne without spending too much:
- Premier Inn Köln City Mediapark: Located in Buchforst, 20 minutes walk or a short metro ride from the cathedral. Modern and clean double rooms from 70€. Strong points: indoor pool, gym, excellent value for money if you don’t mind being slightly outside the center.
- Koncept Hotel International: Near the Südstadt district. Minimalist, design rooms from 75€. Strong points: digital check-in, very central location, stylish and modern vibe. An excellent choice for a budget stay in Cologne.
- NH Köln Altstadt: Located in the severinsviertel area, near the Chocolate Museum. Spacious double rooms from 90€. Strong points: sauna and steam bath, very good breakfast buffet, close to the Rhine river.
- Classic Hotel Antonius: A short walk from the main train station and the Rhine. Art Nouveau style building with elegant rooms from 100€, breakfast included. Strong points: beautiful architecture, rooftop terrace, very charming and quiet.
- Motel One Köln-Neumarkt: Located right on Neumarkt square, the main shopping hub. Modern, and nice design rooms from 105€. Strong points: stylish lounge, perfect for shoppers, highly central. In my opinion the best value for money you can get in Cologne!
Where to Stay in Cologne with Family
In Cologne, there aren’t many hotels offering family rooms, so if you need one, book quickly!
- a&o Köln Neumarkt: Located in Altstadt-Süd. Large family rooms with bunk beds from 130€. Strong points: very affordable, simple but practical.
- Mauritius Komfort Hotel in der Altstadt: Located right in the Old Town. It offers large family rooms for up to 5 people from 170€. Strong points: very spacious accommodations, perfect location for sightseeing, great for larger families.
- Mauritius Hotel & Therme: Situated near the Neumarkt area. Modern family rooms from 180€. Strong points: impressive wellness area with 2 pools (indoor and outdoor), sauna, jacuzzi, and a terrace. You will love the spa facilities after a day of visits!
- Hotel Stadtpalais: Located directly opposite the Lanxess Arena. Elegant family rooms in a historic building from 210€. Strong points: excellent breakfast, very comfortable beds, convenient if you are attending an event at the arena.
What is the best hotel in Cologne?
If you are looking for the best hotel in Cologne, I recommend you the Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom.
And if you’re looking for something a bit less expensive, but with a pool and a view, you should book a night or more at Hyatt Regency Köln.
The Hilton Wasserturm Hotel Cologne is also an excellent choice!
Where to stay in Cologne: The best hotels
To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Cologne, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.
You can sort them by price or by district!
