Hopper Hotel et cetera, Cologne

Advantages: location
Disadvantages:

...This is a small, friendly hotel in the centre of Cologne literally a stones throw from the cathedral and the roman museum. A number of bars and good restaurants are right on the doorstep and there are two christmas markets within a short walk, including the one in the shadow of the cathedral. The railway station is easily walkable with a small amount of luggage and there are taxis, again, right outside the door. We went in 1999 and couldn't get a room in 2000 because they were renovating. It really is a pleasant place to stay for a couple of days. Especially around the time of the Christmas markets. There is an excellent Lebanese restaurant just down from the hotel towards the river. If you go, take a look at their provocative logo. . .... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: amenities, christmas atmosphere
Disadvantages: modern

...We went to the Cologne christmas market and it was well worth the trip. The city itself is quite modern with an excellent cathederal ( the Dom) at it's heart. There are lots of good hotels, river trips, bars and restaurants. The christmas markets were excellent, both as an experience and to buy presents. There are four or five markets in the city all selling sweets, hot food, mulled wine, toys - especially wooden ones - and christmas fare generally. The best market was in the shadow of the cathederal itself, next to the roman museum (interesting, 7/10). Beware, though, not to travel as we did last year on the weekend of Toddsonstag (oh my poor German spelling) when everything shuts on Sunday. I believe that it is the last weekend in November.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Lots of History
Disadvantages: Not for non history lovers

...If you visit Argentina, I think that it worth crossing the Rio de la Plata (River Plate) to visit Uruguay. And colonia is a good option. It takes an hour or two, depending on the ferry you choose to cross the river. Buquebus is the name of the company that organizes this travels that can also include a lunch in a farm, or in a restaurant inside the old city, or even a night in a hotel. The price for a whole day including the meal and the tour is about 40 pounds, depending on the menu for the lunch (the farm option is more expensive). Colonia used to be the old capital of the country. The complete name is colonia Del Sacramento, a catholic name for one of the eldest spanish/portuguese colony in South America. How old are we talking about? The portuguese Manoel Lobo founded it in 1680 and then although Portugal and Spain agreed over... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful