2-Star Hotels in Cologne

This was my first time staying at a hostel as I wanted a bit of traveller experience and most importantly keep my trip to Cologne cheap and affordable for three days. I read tons of reviews before I opted to stay at a&o and I was convinced this was ideal place in terms of location, affordability and also getting the best experience as a traveller. On my arrival, I was greeted with a warm welcome by there friendly staff at reception, I quickly observed what they had to offer and in honesty not much, a small lounge area with a small bar but they did have a pool table...I didn't mind too much as I knew I would be out most of the day. I was told I be staying in a 6 bed room (mixed) which I was ok with as I wanted to meet people, I had to pay around 5 Euros for sheets and a towel as this is not included to my surprise. There was no locker but a secure cage under the bed and If I wanted to securely lock it I would had to pay a refundable 20 Euro deposit to get a padlock from reception. The room was ok, it was clean and had good lighting but space was limited. There was separate toilet and shower room which I felt was convenient and was kept in a good condition. During the night, I didn't really get the best of sleep as you can hear a lot of people talking and walking up and down the hall way. Also, it's a 24hr check in so therefore anyone could come stay in the room at anytime which sometime kept me restless. It's also worth mentioning, this hostel accommodates pretty much everyone, from couples, big groups, school trips and family which during my stay I saw plenty of. The hostel is in a good location, 10-20 mins walk and you will find yourself surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops and in the central part of Cologne. My overall thoughts of staying at a&o is, it's a good place, friendly staff and pretty much everything at your doorstep. Not the best of sleeps I've had and knowing anyone could come in at any time was not ideal. I didn't always feel that my personal stuff was safe and secured but that's just me and I was a bit let down with the lack of facilities the hostel had to offer. I defiantly would recommend staying there if you come in a group but if alone no more than one night. Would I stay there again or at any hostel for that matter...probably not! If you're a hotel person like me then I would suggest to keep it like that.

Stayed for two nights. Easy to get around. Close to all amenities, lots of restaurants with different cuisines in the area. Small room with double bed nicely decorated and comfortable enough unspite of little closet space. Clean. There are no shower cup, and just soap for all your body parts, including hair. The staff provided me with a kettle upon requst, so I could have a cup of tea in my room. Continental breakfast is very satisfying. And this hotel has the best cappuccino in Koeln.

This is not an ideal hotel at all. I would not give it anymore than a poor rating. The outer front of the hotel is awful and actually looks like it's closed. Very uninviting! On walking in, I was ”met” (not greeted) by a female member of staff who was OK (she did offer some conversation).... but not the most welcoming of people. I was kept waiting initially while she fetched someone else. In the meantime, I filled in some forms and a rather grumpy and disheveled looking person arrived. He mentioned I had to pay a fee for something but it wasn''t really clear what it was for. I reluctantly paid as it was only 4 euros and I didn't really understand German - had it been anymore, I would might have been more inclined to argue. The room (I was in 107) was frankly reminiscent of something from the Bates Motel. Very old furniture. The room was hot (I had to open the window) and although there was a TV, adequate WIFI, cleans towels etc - the standard was just frankly horrendous. I saw a pube on the wall in the bathroom! For this next part (I take partial responsibility as I WAS warned) but after 10 there is no reception which means you have to take your two keys with you. Now I stupidly assumed it was because the front door would be locked after 10. The real reason is because the hotel room door itself locks behind you. I walked out of the hotel room as I went to see if I could find someone to lend me a fan and the door locked behind me. Without anyone in reception, I was stranded late at night in the corridor. I had to physically climb out of the window and LUCKILY I had left my own open due to the hot weather.... otherwise I don't know what I would have done. I did NOT have the breakfast. It was included in the price but frankly everything seemed so sub-standard that I didn't want to risk it. Honestly, I know you get what you pay for but this wasn't even worth that and I paid approximately £50.

Nestled in the vibrant city center, a&o Hostel Köln Dom offers the perfect base for exploring the magical Christmas market. The double room provides a comfortable and affordable option for travelers seeking a cozy retreat after a day of festive adventures. With its central location, you'll find yourself immersed in the heart of the action, surrounded by the twinkling lights, aromatic food stalls, and joyful atmosphere of the Christmas market. Beyond the Christmas market, the hostel's central location allows for easy access to other attractions in Cologne. Take a stroll along the Rhine River, visit the Chocolate Museum, or explore the historic Old Town. The Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands majestically nearby, offering breathtaking views from its observation deck.

The hotel is located in the main building of the Cologne railway station. It is very convenient and you don't have to worry about eating out. The room is clean and comfortable, and the cathedral can be seen from the window. The only inconvenience is that there is no kettle.

Pretty good, continue next time

This centrally located hotel room is really good value. We had a room that backed onto the back quiet space, which was perfect in a busy area. Bells in the morning from various churches was magical! That said, no air conditioning. We didn't really miss it much as the evenings were cool, we opened the windows and noise was next to nothing. Breakfast setting was good but more minimal than many. However, we were well refreshed every morning for our exploring. Although not formally set up with a baggage room, they were more than happy to store for a period of time.

Not far from the railway station, within walking distance. In the room, the sockets are concentrated on a socket board at the door, which is not enough. There is no kitchen, not even a kettle (many hostels do not have a kitchen, but there is a kettle at the check-in). Let you buy it on the vending machine and forget it is one Euro or 1.5 Euro for a cup. There are supermarkets and Chinese supermarkets nearby.

Booked a room at a non-refundable rate. We were informed after payment that our room number will be 1 (it is located on the 1st floor). However, when we arrived we were given keys to the 12th room on the 4th floor. There is no elevator in the hotel and we, with a small child and 2 suitcases, went up the stairs to the 4th floor, after which my husband had an asthma attack. For the convenience of the room - the room is tiny, the bed is one double (the three of us were already cramped), there is no kettle, no refrigerator, wi-fi worked, the room has a small table and 1 chair, toilet and shower, 3 towels. Room price includes breakfast. It was excellent, freshly sliced from sausage, cheese, salad greens, milk, pastries, coffee beans, toasts and jam. The hotel is located near the airport (2-stop S-19 train) in the Kalk chapel. Taxi to the airport 30 euros.

Stayed at the B&B for one night while visiting Köln. Plenty of free parking and a easy, no hassle check in. Rooms are clean and fine for staying the night. Breakfast is limited but then again it’s only a tenner. Recommend to travel by car and park at P&R Haus Vorst to get onto the line 7 tram to travel to the city center.