Weber

The beds were super cosy, and my son and I both slept very well during our trip to the Christmas markets. The staff we met were friendly and accommodating. The garage was easy to access and reasonably priced at 15€/day, but I think there was only one key, which had to be returned each time I used the car. We found it convenient to reach the central parts of the city on foot or by tram. Our room had a shower and sink, but the toilet was on another floor. That wasn't the end of the world, but it was tricky when travelling with a toddler.

The bed was very comfortable and the staff were nice. It was super easy to get into downtown Cologne, with several train options. Just keep in mind that the walls are a bit thin. Noise bothered me on one of my three nights, but earplugs sorted it out.

I've stayed in Koln four times over the past two years, and my last two visits were at Hotel Weber. It's now my go-to. The hotel is in the Barbarosa platz section of Koln/Cologne, and the rooms and bathrooms are very clean. The staff are really friendly and happy to help, and most speak English quite well. You can reserve parking ahead of time, it's easy to get in, and the price is fair. My only wish is that there were more rooms with full bathrooms, though the building limits that. The room without a private toilet still has a show and is very nice.

The hotel is small and quaint, not a long walk from the centre, and there's a tram stop right outside. Paid parking is available. The rooms are ensuite, though the toilets are shared. When I arrived, I was told I had to pay cash for the city tax and parking despite the card reader being there. I argued and ended up paying by card, since I was travelling for work and couldn't withdraw cash using my company credit card. In six years of weekly work travel, I'd never come across this policy at another hotel. I took off a star because of it and can't recommend the place to people who travel using cards only. They should state this policy on their website(s).