Very poor for a Hilton - try the Hyatt instead
by TripAdvisor Member nollag
Stayed at the Hilton Cologne for a weekend in December with Mrs. Nollag to visit the Christmas markets. One night was at their pre-paid rate of €148, and the other was on points.
Overall rating: 2/5 – this hotel is well below standard for a Hilton
Detailed review:
Directions from the hotel: 1/5 – Poor. I was told it was a block away from the main railway station. Had to keep asking locals for directions.
Check in: 1/5 – three staff talking amongst themselves when we arrived. I eventually had to interrupt them, very politely, to get someone to attend the booking. The check-in girl could not find my reservation, at first, and then there was no upgrade available. No instructions in terms of how to find things like the elevators, the gym, or where breakfast was served
Room: 3/5 – good clean room. However the bathroom was small, the shower door did not close, and the storage space was limited. Tried to work the coffee machine but gave up in frustration. The instructions for the room safe did not match the key pad on the machine, and it took two visits from the front desk to figure out how to operate the machine. No apologies offered. Insufficient towels and toiletries – had to call housekeeping for more.
Gym – 0/5 – poor facilities. Only opens at 10am !!!! No complimentary water available, but you can purchase mineral water for €1.50 a time.
Breakfast – 1/5 – poor service. Front desk at breakfast spoke no English at all, other than to take your room number. Serving staff seemed quite happy to take orders, which in my case were for simple things like more milk, or fruit juice, but never got round to fulfilling them. The table next to ours was cleared while the diners had gone to get something more to eat, despite the lady leaving her handbag on display at the table
Lobby bar – 5/5 – Philipo and Thomas were excellent, and really knowledgeable local guides. More staff like this needed
Exec Lounge – 0/5 – none available
Check out – 4/5 – good service from Theresa, who asked me how the stay went, and was very understanding when I listed my concerns in a quiet and respectful manner. She then gave us a small gift from the hotel, some chocolates, and promised the hotel manager would call. She also wrote off the bar bill. The Operations manager called me within 24 hours, but I have yet to call him back. So at least they are trying to make amends
Overall, I think I’ll stay at the Hyatt next time though!!! Looks like a much better location also, overlooking the river.
Good central location
by TripAdvisor Member ExitSeat
Three night stay at Hilton Cologne during visit to Christmas Markets. Room only rate of £84 per night booked through Expedia.
Hotel easy to find and just a five minute walk from the main station. No wait at check-in. Staff were friendly and helpful with directions to room and restaurants.
Room was clean. Sufficient hanging space but no drawers at all in desk or next to bed. Closer inspection of the bottle of water revealed a 5 euros price tag.
Restaurant Konrad only used for breakfast (22 euros!). Good selection of cereal, fruit, cold meat, cheese, bread, hot food. Tea/coffee served promptly.
Bathroom well lit and with heated towel rail. Shower fitted halfway along bath so not easy to use with fixed shower screen. Toothbrush arrived within ten mins of request.
Room service arrived after stated 25 mins. Food was hot and well presented on trolley.
Check-out efficient.
Although all conference facilities appeared to be in use every day the hotel didn’t feel full. Other guests were mix of business and pleasure visitors. Ten minute walk to choice of good restaurants.
Nice, but not German
by TripAdvisor Member odog828
After several wonderful German hotels, we didn't really want to stay here, but it was all that was available for the price in Cologne. The ambience of the small hotels is so nice. We were pleasantly surprised at the friendly and helpful staff. Room was small, but adequate, with a nice bathroom. Also, a breakfast wasn't included, which seemed to be usual in German hotels. Great location, just a block from the train station and a block from the Cathedral. Easy walk to everything to see in Cologne.
Too much for the basics
by TripAdvisor Member Happyhubby&Daddy
The room was very clean, bed comfy, and the bathroom above average. Yes, the location cannot be beat if you are a tourist...
As the previous reviewer stated, this is a BUSINESS hotel...read..nothing is included! To use the wifi was ridiculous..as was the breakfast...
There is a place for internet just down the street that charges 1 euro for a half hour versus 25 euros to use the internet in your room..
Overall, very clean and quiet..
perfect stay for Xmas markets
by TripAdvisor Member Countrymaid
Last weekend in November for the Xmas markets.Well worth spending a bit more for a decent hotel. The Hilton is 2 minutes from the main railway station.The staff are happy.professional and helpful.The twin-bedded room was simplistic luxury with really comfortable beds...so comfortable that after a full day exploring the town ,alternatively washing food down with beer amd Gluhwein, we couldn't be tempted to leave them and fell asleep before 10pm!
