Hotel in Cologne in April

I enjoyed the modern Hilton, steps from the HBF. It’s too expensive for many posters here.

During Christmas Market, we stayed at the Lowerbraun Hotel - room overlooked the river AND the restaurant on the lower level absolutely fantastic. A few blocks to the cathedral.

For location and comfort, I can also recommend the Hilton Cologne. The hotel is just a few blocks from the cathedral and was conveniently close to the train station for our numerous day trips. In early April 2025, our large, modern twin room was $229 a night. The extensive buffet breakfast was quite good but not included with the room.

It’s definitely a business hotel - during our stay there was at least one (maybe two) large corporate meetings happening at the hotel. We were in the newer, quiet annex on the back side of the hotel so we only noticed the business people/activity at breakfast.

In 2023 we stayed in the CityClass Alter Markt. It is just steps away from all the museums, the Cologne Cathedral and the pedestrian shopping zone. It is also convenient to all the restaurants and brewpubs on the Alter Markt square. I don't remember what we paid but it is a small family-run hotel and had a very personal touch. It would be cheaper than a Hilton. There is no noise from the square at night (double glazing). Our daughter really liked the spread they put on for breakfast - lots of choices. While we were there we visited the Farina Haus perfume museum and the Chocolate Museum (which is a little further away but still within walking distance). We really enjoyed both. I have been to other chocolate museums and this one is quality. Rooms are small but very comfortable. I think if you pay a little more you can get a bigger space. We only stayed one night so we weren't so fussed by this.

Lavandula

Thank you for your suggestions. Just found out that Cologne has a music festival the dates we plan to be there so hotel space is limited and costly. Your recommendations are not available but appreciate your help

Cologne has great public transportation. Stay somewhere near a metro stop and you can easily get to the town center. Just know that the city was heavily bombed and re-built modern. Very little old world charm remains, but the cathedral is gorgeous.

If Cologne is busy you could try Brühl or Bonn. Bonn is worth a stop in its own right (gelato-coloured houses, Poppelsdorfer Schloss).

Lavandula