The Penny Pincher Inn - Hostel

There was no hot water when I went to shower around midnight, so I had to take a cold one. Aside from that, it was a lovely, friendly hostel. The common area has an arcade and Nintendo games, which was really cool. Tea and coffee are free in the kitchen, though some coffee options cost €0,50.

Getting to the cathedral took about 20 minutes, and the location worked well for me. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere made the hostel pleasant, and having a kitchen meant I could cook and save some money. I'd gladly come back.

I booked for the gamescom days because it was the cheapest option and only a five to ten minute walk from the event. The place has a great atmosphere, and you can see the care the one person managing it has put into the hostel. Everything was clean, with new carpets that aren't ancient and worn out. There's a little kitchen with free coffee, but you wash your own glass, plus a shared fridge, books, and a free arcade full of fighting games. Rooms have four beds, arranged as two bunk beds, and four lockers. There are little notes around the place explaining how to do things. I really liked it, and if I go to gamescom next year, I'll book here again.

Penny Pincher Inn made for a clean, budget-friendly stay in Cologne. The staff were genuinely kind and helpful, and offered to make me more comfortable. Most things I might need were included, while anything else was available at reception for a modest price. Its location was handy for the train station, restaurants, grocery stores, the Rhine riverfront, and the Deutzer Bridge to old town, all just minutes away. I'd stay at Penny Pincher Inn again if I'm back in Cologne.