We stayed here for one night and certainly enjoyed the marvelous location of this hotel, but we were not upgraded and our room didn't impress us at all. In fact, it was a bit ragged looking and quite small, although they did give us a nice view of the fabulous cathedral and the square. Maybe that's what they thought was an upgrade when I asked for one?

The bathroom was tiny, had no shelf whatsoever to place toiletries on, and a bathtub that literally could not accomodate my "posterior" sitting down, and I wear a size 7, so I assume anyone over 130 pounds can forget about taking a bath! They also had not heard of the shower curtain that arcs out to give some more space so that when you wash your hair, your arms don't have to hit the wall...

The two beds in our room that were pushed together to make a large one, were not "heavenly" in the least, and the pillows were uncomfortable to us. There was a flat screen tv, though, and it seemed out of place with all the period furnishings that still remain, such as the black/white tile floor and the 40's looking light fixtures, and the window latches, etc. We were staying on cash & points, so perhaps we got a smaller room, but ...whatever..the rate was great at $60 a night.

We got a recomendation from a local woman we met, and had dinner at a nearby restaurant named Weinhaus Brungs, Marsplatz 3-5, Tel. 0221-258-1666. www.weinhaus-brungs.de
which was totally charming, and about a 10 minute walk from the hotel. We ate outside in the garden area, but they have a huge indoor area that accomodates many people, and the woman we met said that often locals book meetings and parties there as the prices are very reasonable. Our food was delicious and they even changed some stuff around on the menu for one of us who is a vegetarian. They were offering chanterelles in many different forms, which is a specialty there and we were there at the right season. They also make their own ice cream.

Koln was a beautiful city to walk around, especially on the river. We walked all the way up to the Chocolate Museum (run by the Lindt company) and spend about an hour there and had a great time. The little cafe inside offers incredible desserts and a wonderful view!