Hotel Im Kupferkessel

The room was compact but had everything I needed: a simple bed, desk, wardrobe and private bathroom. It's about a 10-minute walk to the city centre, with other shops and bars nearby in the freisenstraase area. Online check-in was easy, and using the door code to get in was straightforward. There's no actual reception, but there is a workspace downstairs where I believe the owner often stays. A really nice place in Cologne, and I'd gladly come back.

The room was small, but clean and comfortable, and the WiFi was good. I found the automated check-in especially easy: I got a code, entered it at the main door, and that was it. Some places make the process feel like an escape room. The location and price were great, and the stay was super pleasant. I'd stay here again if I come back to Cologne.

The room was clean enough, though cleanliness felt average overall. There isn't an elevator, and the stairs are narrow, so heavy luggage has to be carried up. Rooms are very small, but fine for solo travelers. The walk to the center takes 15 minutes. Since I was there in rainy season, it felt a bit far, even though Kölner Dom was also just 15 minutes away. For the price, it was satisfying.

The room and bathroom were nice, with some thoughtful touches. There was a bottle opener in the fridge, heaters in the room, open floor space, and the WiFi was pretty steady throughout the building. The lounge had been redone since the older photos, and had board games, outlets and maps. I also caught a glimpse of the two cats, though they don't go beyond the lounge area. Getting around was easy enough. The place was walkable from the station, but far enough away that it didn't feel like the busy center. Check-in and checkout were fully online, so there wasn't much chance to meet anyone. You can enter as soon as you get your door code, which I hadn't realized and thought I needed to wait until my stated arrival time. I was on my own with a large suitcase, and didn't know most rooms were three floors up, reached by a very steep staircase. Getting my bag up was a noisy struggle. I asked about a room on a lower floor, but the room type I paid for, 1b & 1b, was only upstairs, and the owner seemed a bit passive about it. I never saw another guest. I like connecting with people while traveling, and that won't happen much here. If that suits you, this could be a great place to stay.