Crowne Plaza, Cologne

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Cologne for three nights over Christmas and had a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing experience.

The pros:-
The staff at the hotel were incredibly friendly and we were able to check in around three hours prior to the official check in time as our flight arrived early morning. In fact throughout our stay the staff couldn't have done more for us - from the maid to the reception; the restaurant to the ...
...is rated as a four star so I was expecting a high standard. I've stayed at a number of four and five stars over the last few years and this ranked alongside them. It is quite a large hotel with two restaurants, a bar and leisure area. There are a considerable number of standard rooms, a few suites and a presidential suite. We were fortunate enough to be upgraded from a standard room to a suite on arrival and were also greated with complimentary fruit, ... more

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza Cologne for three nights over Christmas and had a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing experience.

The pros:-
The staff at the hotel were incredibly friendly and we were able to check in around three hours prior to the official check in time as our flight arrived early morning. In fact throughout our stay the staff couldn't have done more for us - from the maid to the reception; the restaurant to the bar everybod was wonderful.

The hotel itself is rated as a four star so I was expecting a high standard. I've stayed at a number of four and five stars over the last few years and this ranked alongside them. It is quite a large hotel with two restaurants, a bar and leisure area. There are a considerable number of standard rooms, a few suites and a presidential suite. We were fortunate enough to be upgraded from a standard room to a suite on arrival and were also greated with complimentary fruit, drinks and newspapers.

The room was extremely large with a large bed, sofa, dining table and four chairs, satellite and ppv television, spacious bathroom, and large storage facilities (wardrobes, drawers and cupboards). The room had an incredible view over the city of Cologne and the catherdrale through an extremely large walls of windows (four windows in total). There was even an automatic shutter which could be put down if you couldn't be bothered moving to adjust the curtains. Not that this was necessary, however, as the 'turn down' service arrived each day to close the curtains, plump the pillows, pull back the covers and leave chocolates. Not bad eh? There was also a minibar which was not as expensive as most.

The bathroom was spacious and cleanly decorated, with the usual free complimentaries (shower gel, shampoo, soap, slippers, bath robes, hair cover and moisturiser). The only quibble I would have with it was that it was a combined bath/shower with a shower curtain. I've never been a big fan of these, but such is life.

The breakfasts were wonderful. Served from 6.00 until 10.30 it was a buffet service with the usual selection from smoked salmon, cheeses, meats and bread to cerials, fruits and cooked meats (bacon, sausage etc). There were a number of different teas and coffees also available. Breakfast was served in the main restaurant (Sands) which was well decorated and again with large floor to ceiling windows offering a nice view over the street.

The cons:
The location of the hotel was a bit of a conundrum. It was a ten to fifteen minute walk to the shopping area and other ten to fifteen minutes to the main tourist area of the city (where the Cathedrale, Rhine and museums are located) At the same time it was located in the heart of a bustling area full of bars, restaurants and small boutiques. The was a tram service which went to the city centre every five to ten minutes and so nowhere was out of reach.

There was a swimming pool area and fitness area which I always make use of, so I put my stuff on and headed down to the area. Unfortunately this was not quite up to the standard of similar hotels. The pool was quite small, the fitness centre had only a few machines and there was no jacuzzi. There was, however, a sauna which I almost ventured into - until I noticed that the people in there were unclothed. Being British and male (and the people in the sauna not being hot babes, lol!) I quickly about turned!

Overall, I was very happy with the hotel. It cost £40.00/night each including breakfast and who can complain about a free upgrade? The atmosphere of the hotel was very relaxing and the service wonderful. I would definately stay at this hotel again if in Cologne and would heartily recommend it to anybody who is not desperate to stay in the city centre. 

...less