Hotel Vintage

It was comfortable and affordable, with shops and the train station conveniently nearby. But my room had a strange fish smell, and there was no WiFi even though it was advertised. Nobody was at reception during my first hour after arriving.

Pulheim is a peaceful village, and the hotel is near the train station, about 15 minutes from Köln Center. The room was clean and the staff were helpful. We asked for a warmer room, and they brought us a heater, then moved us to another room the next day. It’s a budget-friendly place where you get what you pay for, and it met our expectations. I’d stay here again if I visit Köln.

There’s no breakfast, so don’t count on it. The WiFi is terrible, and the TVs don’t work. It’s close enough to Cologne’s center and bus station, and fine if all you need is somewhere to sleep.

The short version: cold, dirty, poor internet, difficult check-in, and bad or nonexistent service. The bed wasn’t very clean, and the room was freezing because the heating barely worked. I was already frustrated trying to check in: they send no information before you arrive, nobody was there, and there were no signs. Only a tiny note on the door said to go to the restaurant or call. I called, but a child who couldn’t speak answered, and I stood outside in the cold for half an hour before someone finally explained how to get in. I was exhausted and cold by then, and the room was about as cold as outdoors. They hadn’t checked it either, since the shampoo bottle was completely empty. A staff member told me to wait if the room wasn’t warm. I waited until 11 p.m.; it still wasn’t warm, and when I called again, he’d switched off his phone and gone to sleep. I’m usually calm, but I’m writing this so people know. If you have another option, I’d recommend choosing it.