Jolly Hotel Media Park, Cologne

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

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: Sights, shops, bars, restaurants, Kölsch
Disadvantages:

...Cologne is definitely worth visiting - and not just to see the famously massive cathedral in the centre of town. You wouldn't be able to miss it in any case, as the awe-inspiring buolding towers above the skyline and is visible for miles around whichever way you approach the city. The city centre has many easily-accessible car parks and a fine public transport system and is home to a large pedestrianised shopping centre, as well as many good bars and restaurants. Ideal for a day trip or weekend, no visit to Cologne is complete without sampling several glasses of the local brew, Kölsch, a beer which you will find slips down remarkably easily!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful