Starbucks, Am Domkloster 2a, Cologne

Advantages: History. Scale. Drama. Art. Views. Free Admission.
Disadvantages: Crowds. Luggage.

...organ is supplementary to, although only half the size of the original instrument, located in the North Transept. IF YOU DON'T LIKE HEIGHTS LOOK AWAY NOW! Whilst on a spiritual and artistic level, the shrine of the Magi is the undoubted highlight of any visit to Cologne Cathedral, in my book the experience of climbing the tower takes some beating. This is something of a hobby of ours, climbing towers, particularly in cathedrals, if you think the view from the top of St Paul's in London is good, then that from the top of St Peter's Cologne is in another league! In order to make the 509 stair ascent of the South Tower to a viewing platform at the base of the spire, we handed over 2 Euro each at the kiosk and started climbing. This was at about 10.00am; by the time we came down, approximately an hour and a half later, there was a long... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Position. Clean. Spacious. Parking. Receptionists.
Disadvantages: Facilities.

...WHY DID WE BOOK THE HOTEL VIKTORIA - COLOGNE? It all started earlier in the year upon receiving an unexpected wedding invitation - not in Cologne, but in Lubeck, three hundred miles to the north east. Having decided on taking the car, and to make an autumn break of it, we decided that we would split our German holiday in two: three days in Lubeck and a further three in Cologne. During the last six years we have driven through Cologne over twenty times on our way to or from Poland, but have never stopped to actually see this magnificent city. We spent several nights on the 'net looking for a suitable hotel, quickly coming to two conclusions: 1) that Cologne is a far from cheap place to stay, and that 2) the actual choice of accommodation in the city is not all that great, especially if, like us, you want to stay in the city... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very 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