Latest Reviews for Cologne

There is a picturesque Cathedral in the centre, but 2 days is more than enough! The hotel is located approximately 50 minute walk to the centre, (15 euros in a taxi), something that wasn't publicised on the website.

I can recommend eating at the Nirvan Persian restaurant near the Cathedral and Latino Loco Mexican was excellent

Organised our week break independently to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Flew Germanwings from BHX. I had pre- arranged flowers for the hotel room at a very resonable rate. Arrived to find champagne and a bowl of fruit in addition, on the house. Rooms and maid service were faultlessThe reception staff were most helpful.The choice of food for continental breakfast is unbelievable. There is a sauna and health area in the basement. If you are not happy with nudity dont go in the evening when the sauna is running. If you are at ease with your body get down there its free.

Use a taxi to get to the hotel from the station, but after that just turn left and the centre is about 15 minutes walk, or go across the road to the left and follow the road opposite down to the river and enjoy a pleasant walk along the embankment.The bus service 132 and 133 stop outside the hotel, ticket machines are on the buses ? 2.30 single. or try it on and get a short hop ticket for e1.20. Meals are reasonable at the bottom of the old town around fischmarkt. Do the chocolate museum and walk the shopping area. The Dom is not completely open all of the time because of church services so be prepared to return later. Claudius therme natural salt water baths and sauna was discounted with presentation of German Wings ticket. Same rules apply as above to sauna area but there are still plenty of therapeutic pools to laze in. KD and Viking line do 1 hour boat trips along the Rhine. Well worth doing. We found the local people and people working most helpful and friendly.

We would recommend the hotel and the City for a short break.

Cologne Carnival Monday 7th February.

Arrived at the Intercontinentel Hotel at 1030 on the Saturday morning and was able to check straight into our room. The location of this Hotel is on the end of one of the main pedestrian only streets and within 7-10 minutes of the Cathederal, Neumarkt, Altmarkt and all main attractions.

The Hotel itself is very bright, airy and modern with great leisure facilities, better still, all staff that we came into contact with were genuinely warm, welcoming and friendly and could not have been more opposite to the imagined 'typical German stereotype.' In fact, the staff had such an impact on our stay that I felt compelled to compliment the General Manager personally at the end of our holiday!

We were there for the Carnival which starts gearing up with Parades and events from the Saturday culminating with the huge Rosemontag Parade on the Monday. What a Fantastic event. Four and a half hours to pass by, 6kms long! 95% of the thousands in the audience are in FULL fancy dress, (procurable from many sources locally including CandA from 20 euros for a full outfit). The Parade participants throw 40 tonnes of sweets, chocolate bars, chocolate boxes, soft toys, flowers and gifts into the audience and most people go home with a carrier bag full, (I know we did)! It's just one long weekend party throughout the entire central area of Cologne, think Rio but cold not hot. There is no bad behaviour just fun and frolics with quite a bit of drunkeness of course, but at no time was there any feeling of insecurity felt by my partner or myself.

We are definately going again in 2005 and will be wearing full fancy dress, perhaps we will see you there!

I booked a three night for the price of two with Cresta. The operator was really helpful and we had no problems with our travel arrangements. A travel pouch arrived complete with a Dorling kindersley guide book of Germany. We flew with British Airways to Dusseldorf and then transferred by the sky train to Koln railway station. This was very efficient and easy to use. Only confusion was that in our details it said to use the shuttle which is actually called the sky train.

On arriving in Koln we took a taxi which cost us 6 Euros 30 cents. On our return we actually walked to the railway station as we knew the way. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the Flandrischer Hof Hotel. First impressions of the hotel were very good. It is a very nice hotel which is ideally placed for exploring Koln. Our room was very clean with a shower that always had hot water and very good maid service. Breakfast was typically European - bread, cheese, ham, salami, fresh fruit, yoghurt, croissant and even doughnuts !!

I would definitely stay in this hotel again.

When in Koln you must check out the Chocolate factory down by the Rhein. It costs 6 euros to get in but is well worth it. The chocolate tree was a definite must for me ! The shop sells all sorts of chocolate but is a little overpriced. We also went inside the Dom (cathedral) in the centre. It is beautiful and you must spend 5 euros (for 2) to climb the 509 steps to the top of one of the towers. Absolutely fantastic.

Another good place to go to is Peters Brauhaus in the old town down by Fischmarkt. Food is very good and a fantastic atmosphere.

We were leaving Koln just as their carnival was beginning (5 days before Ash Wednesday). EVERYONE gets dressed in fancy dress and parties for 5 days. It looked amazing.

If you love mooching about, drinking beer or coffee and shopping then Koln is the place to go. It is shoe heaven and we will be going back next year for the carnival complete with costumes.
A brilliant city with fabulous people.