Courtyard by Marriott Cologne

Ann-Kathrin and Charlotte were fantastic in the food service and bar area. Their attentive, excellent hospitality made the long days feel less tiring, and they’re a real credit to the establishment. Getting around the city was easy, and the station was a quick walk away.

The bar downstairs had a nice atmosphere, and the status voucher was a thoughtful touch. Breakfast was only average, decent enough but not memorable. We had a spacious corner room through Platinum status, and it was surprisingly quiet despite facing the street. The furnishings and carpet felt dated, and there was room for a small sofa, but everything was clean and worked fine. Service was friendly, and the location made it easy to explore the city. We stayed two nights and found it good value. I’d happily return for a short city trip.

The room was very quiet, and we slept comfortably. It had a good bed, soft towels, tea and Nespresso machines, and a safe. We also found water and a nice cookie waiting for us. The room was clean, though the toilet brush was sitting in the toilet bowl when we arrived, which was awkward and we didn’t want to touch it. The bathroom setup was a bigger issue: frosted glass was the only separation from the bedroom, so privacy was poor and using it at night would light up the whole room. The TV was awkwardly placed on a side wall at a right angle; its pull-out arm got in the way of the nearby lamp. For a room this large, the layout felt poorly planned, and even small Moxy rooms use space better. The hotel is modern and new, around a 15-20 minute walk from Cologne cathedral and close to the centre. We got an upgrade to a larger room and free breakfast thanks to our Marriott status. There aren’t many amenities beyond the comfortable rooms and cozy lobby with restaurant, but it covers the basics. The buffet had a nice selection when we visited, and we especially liked the fresh juices and pretzels. It was a comfortable, good-value stay for someone wanting a semi-central base, and we’d consider coming back.

There wasn’t a coffee machine in the room or anywhere in the lobby for guests to use, which would have been useful early or late in the day. The room also had no comfortable chair for relaxing or working, and the lobby seats weren’t comfortable either. On the positive side, the staff were friendly, professional, and efficient, so check-in and other interactions went smoothly. The hotel was clean and well maintained, as I’d expect from a Marriott. Overall, the service and cleanliness were good, but the comfort and basic amenities left room for improvement.