Nestled on the Western fringes of the River Rhine in Germany, Cologne is a city bustling with life, and its unique character has absorbed a rich history dating back to the ancient Roman Empire.
Famous for its glorious Cathedral, many significant museums, a vibrant Belgian Quarter, and its world-famous Carnival, the city exhibits an eclectic mix of activities for every visitor to enjoy.
Cologne’s ecclesiastical treasures, cultural coalescence, and wealth of architectural heritage can be felt in its impressive hotels, which range from medieval boutiques to modern urban masterpieces. Here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Cologne, Germany (in no particular order)…
1. Ruby Ella Hotel Cologne – an upscale, quirky-chic and design hotel in a location perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
Housed in a former TV studio, Ruby Ella welcomes you to the place where the most famous late night talk shows in Germany originated.
This captivating essence is ever-present in the hotel, with neon signs, gleaming chrome, and the band’s instruments contributing to a true throwback.
Also pointing to this era in Cologne’s 1950s theatrical history is the bar, which is fully stocked with memorabilia, and is a charming spot for a night of social antics.
A Lean Luxury style permeates the guestrooms, which are draped in high-quality, dark-wood panelling, beautifully contrasting the futuristic views of the Cologne skyline from the windows.
2. Wasserturm Hotel Cologne, Curio Collection by Hilton – one of the most spectacular hotels in Germany providing an Instagrammable, industrial-chic and upscale stay
The listed building that houses the grand Wasserturm Hotel was once the biggest water tower in Europe, and its cylinder façade evokes the feel of a castle keep.
The architects behind this masterpiece have made the most of daylight by sharing tall windows between two storeys, and have included a stunning foyer which is like an intriguing maze of tall brick columns.
A suspended mezzanine walkway takes you to the first-floor rooms, while a smart ground-floor bar leads to a manicured garden. From the top-floor communal hub, you can walk a complete circuit of the tower and relish breathtaking views of Cologne.
3. 25hours Hotel The Circle – an urban, retro and hip hotel perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
Fronted by a pleasingly dystopian exterior, this modernist gem of a hotel is the repurposed shell of a former 1950s building. The décor is centred around an ambiance of industrial hip, with records adorning shelves, a slumped astronaut by the lift, and various house plants inviting a touch of nature.
A standout feature is the mirrored lifts, which escort you to the 200 guestrooms which are arranged in sweeping rotunda corridors, after which the hotel is named.
A futurist, retro style embellishes the guestrooms, which range in size from medium to gigantic, and feature an open-plan layout with modern gadgetry.
The Circle is conveniently located by the Belgian Quarter, and is within walking distance of the Christmas markets, beer halls, and Cologne’s beautiful gothic cathedral.
4. Urban Loft Cologne – a cool, creative and trendy hotel well equipped for a memorable city getaway
Urban Loftis a lively melting pot of cultures – a place where global meets neighbourhood and creatives meet urban explorers. The hotel is an inner-city haven full of eclecticism, and visitors flock here from near and far to revel in a vibrant communal hub.
Stunning artwork drapes the walls throughout the property, and every visual frame is a flamboyant reflection of the city’s colourful charm.
Whether you’re here to enjoy a co-working experience, a social atmosphere, or a blissful night’s sleep, this hotel has you covered. At Urban Loft, nights of comedy, music, and art are provided in the form of events, while delicious urban food and local coffee can also be savoured on-site.
5. Hotel Friends – a vibrant, elegant and hip hotel where guests can hire bikes to explore around the city on
‘Making friends and keeping them’ is the motto embraced by this graceful boutique hotel, which strives to highlight the connection between life and vitality by offering many charming spaces steeped in a friendly ambiance.
The entire property is decorated with elegant furniture and plush decor, setting the tone for a charming city break. This essence radiates into the guestrooms, which are bedecked in a warm style, comprising vivid hues and soft tones to complement a restful experience.
Enhancing the friendly character is the on-site restaurant, which offers a cheery setting in which to tuck into various homemade culinary delights.
To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Friends
6. art’otel cologne, Powered by Radisson Hotels -a modern, stylish and sleek hotel where guests can experience freshly prepared food made from local ingredients
Here we have a leading accommodation for business and leisure travellers, adding a unique concept to the Cologne hospitality circuit.
You can settle into a tastefully furnished room with artistic flair, inspired by the Neo-Romantic art of the city, and sink into plush king-sized beds after a busy day exploring the Rhine metropolis.
An opportunity to discover the city through a creative lens is provided here, alongside a chance to bask in stunning views from an expansive terrace.
Guests can also benefit from a sauna and a lounge area, as well as a restaurant which has been awarded the international Green Key eco-label.
7. Legend Hotel – an elegant, new and contemporary hotel designed to feel like a home away from home
Inviting you to experience the beauty of yesteryear, combined with the modernity of today and the digitalization of tomorrow, the Legend Hotel is your place to feel good and relax in the heart of the action.
This boutique hotel is idyllically located in the centre of Cologne’s Old Town, and is the result of years of sensitive planning and cooperation with the greatest minds of the city.
Standing confidently next to the town hall, the materials and colours have been chosen in such a way to reflect the surrounding ambiance, creating a place where serenity, elegance, and urban living co-exist in blissful harmony.
The guestrooms were specially designed with comfort in mind, and pair high-quality surfaces with golden style elements, warm light sources, oak parquet, and noble walnut wood.
To book, check prices or availability for Legend Hotel
8. 18Arts Hotel – a creative, bright and unique hotel located in the heart of Cologne
18Arts Hotel is a living testimony to Cologne’s eclectic vibe. Each room is a work of art in itself, and is designed by 18 different artists from a wide variety of fields.
As a result, a wonderful symbiosis of styles has been incorporated into the hotel, which can also be felt from the many communal nooks.
The hotel boasts a celebrity room, which contains many personal pieces of furniture donated by various celebrities over the years, with 10% of the rent revenue going to a carefully selected children’s charity.
As you can imagine, the entire property is ornate with many precious paintings, dazzling wall embellishments, and quirky seating areas, paying homage to its creative roots.
To book, check prices or availability for 18Arts Hotel
9. Motel One Köln-Messe – a pet-friendly, cool and quirky accommodation in an ideal location to enjoy the city
This cool design-led hotel is peacefully situated on the eastern side of the Rhine, just a hop across the bridge from the city centre.
An extra feel-good factor is offered through carefully chosen interiors, which synthesize the essence of home comforts with the timeless elegance of a five-star hotel chain.
Constantly re-updated to keep up with the times, the colourful hues and hip-trendy furnishings of Motel One evoke an air of glamour. As you return from a day of exploring the urban cityscape you can treat yourself to a nightcap in the Lounge’s bar, before retreating to your private sanctuary and diving into a cosy box spring bed for a dreamy night’s sleep.
10. Hotel am Augustinerplatz – a stylish, trendy boutique B&B hotel steps away from the popular shopping streets
Centrally located in the beating heart of Cologne’s city centre, guests at Hotel am Augustinerplatzcan visit the historic old quarter, cathedral, and the banks of the Rhine within a short walk.
A comfortable, sophisticated design permeates the 53 guestrooms, which much like the communal areas, boast a trendsetting style characterized by sleek, original décor.
Guests can take advantage of a sumptuous breakfast before heading out to explore this vibrant city, and can return to an unforgettable dining experience represented by a moody tone ambiance and a charming menu of regional delights. Beyond its eloquent interior design, a personalized service fills the hotel with a unique charm.
11. THE QVEST hideaway – a historic, upscale and modern accommodation surrounded by an array of restaurants, bars and cafes
The exterior of this beautiful 19th-century building is clad in neo-gothic arches, stone columns, and clover-shaped mullioned windows.
A step inside is just as impressive, with elegant décor and modern hues gearing you up for a stay brimming with modern opulence.
While The QVESTis pleasantly tucked away in a quiet position, the city’s more fashionable nightlife is within walking distance, truly offering the best of both worlds.
The hotel is adorned with eccentric photographs paying homage to the property’s history, and the 34 guestrooms echo a radiant charm through medieval wooden ceilings, contrasting the bathrooms which contain white marble with chrome fixings.
12. Koncept Hotel International – a vibrant, contemporary and tech-savvy accommodation within walking distance of popular local attractions
Opened in 2021 to continue Colognes colourful, cosmopolitan, and multicultural vibe, Koncept Hotel International treats you to a traditional experience steeped in authenticity and sleek design.
The hotel echoes a vision of digitalization, which complements its mission to create a sustainable hospitality brand. The use of Smart Technologies guarantees a blend of comfort and convenience, and many environmentally friendly approaches are adopted which include organic products and ecological energy sources.
The exquisite attention to detail is combined with a local flair while focusing on the cultural influences of the city’s diverse inhabitants. The hotel offers four room categories, all embellished with a chic design and fitted with state-of-the-art amenities.
13. V8 Hotel Köln at MOTORWORLD – a new, themed and fun accommodation offering guests a buffet or vegetarian breakfast
If you are fascinated by transport, this is the perfect hotel for you. V8 is part of the ‘Motorworld Köln-Rheinland’ group, and is decorated in a stunning car theme.
The name comes from the V8 engine, which set new standards courtesy of its extreme precision and exceptional performance. Expressing enthusiasm through exemplary design, the hotel lives up to this appellation effortlessly.
The car-crazy concept in the guestrooms is guaranteed to mould your stay into an unforgettable experience, whether you choose one of the suites or themed rooms. Additional offerings include a stunning terrace, a spectacular lobby bar, a gym, and a library.
14. Black Hotels Köln – a unique, sleek boutique accommodation featuring an elegant on-site bar and terrace
Situated in one of Cologne’s most exciting and trailblazing districts, where many visionaries often come empty-handed and leave filled with a life-changing artistic drive, The Blackis brimming with chic elegance.
A moody lit tone sets you up for an inspiring welcome to the city, which is beautifully harnessed by luxurious materials, plush seating areas, and modern hip decor.
Guests can choose to rest their head in either the ‘Black Loft’, the ‘Black Superior Loft’, or the ‘Manhattan Loft’. All are equipped with quintessential black marble bathrooms, an industrial design, and high ceilings, accompanying a comprehensive array of lavish furniture.
15. Aparthotel MyCologne – a beautiful, rustic and cozy accommodation styled with unique gothic decor
Extending over the 3rd and 4th floors of a 19th -storey commercial high-rise on Belfortstrasse, Aparthotel impresses with a distinctive, elaborate design which indulges in reminiscence of the city’s surroundings.
Seemingly taken from the pages of a Medieval novel, the interiors are adorned with traditional flair, and share a nod to a bygone era through prehistoric wooden beams and bespoke gothic décor.
In the 19 studios and apartments, this vintage feel is beautifully contrasted by a modern outlook, through state-of-the-amenities and plush linens, offering a truly unique hospitality experience. Throughout the property, a graceful vigour is lent through artistic wall embellishments and a soft moody lighting system.
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
