Originally Posted by
pcg2001
I have been reading this is worn and in need of renovations. Though Priceline classed this as a 5 star hotel (and yes, I am aiming for the Marriott). I am bringing my parents along and would like this to be a memorable stay.
Just stayed a weekend there and thought that the upkeep state of the public areas and my room (I had a suite) was absolutely OK. The design, however, was a little 80's, so maybe that's what makes people say it's in need for renovation as this is not really state of the art any more.
I read on Tripadvisor that someone had paid €45 for the Club Package (breakfast, mini bar, lounge). This seems "cheap" given that breakfast seems to be €25 each.
Make sure you get your Marriott rewards number added to your reservation and monitor the eMail you have given there. About five days before arrival you will get an eMail from the Virtual Concierge that will offer this package. And yes, even though you might not get an response as other hotels do this eMail is read...
That said, be aware that this offer refers to the Club breakfast and the Club offering is substantially of lesser extend than the regular breakfast - it is continental only and had no hot items when we stayed there. Basically coffee, juices, boxed cereals, bread, jam and cold cuts - that's it.
My questions are as follows: will I be offered this possibility upon arrival (with availibility) or am I better off contacting them in advance? Is it more expensive at check-in? With Club Package are rooms better?
Can't answer that, sorry.
Are there places nearby for cheaper breakfast?
Certainly, depends a little on your definition of nearby, however. There are some places right next to the hotel which I don't know personally, however if you make a right out of the hotel and then turn left on the next large street, you will find a bunch of places offering food at lower prices. Cologne tends to be rather inexpensive, so I would not expect more than 5-6 Euro per person for a breakfast. On hint: Bakeries in Germany offer breakfast-food for cheap, which so far has always delighted my US-guests who enjoyed the pastries a lot.
Parking: it says Off-site parking, fee: 1.6 EUR hourly, 14 EUR daily Is this near the hotel?
The off-site parking is right across the street.
If you stay over a sunday, consider their brunch-offer. While it is not overly cheap (36 Euro per person including drinks - also alcoholic) I found quality and presentation worth it. It starts at noon on sundays, so you might want to skip breakfast for it (that's what we did).
Greetings - Dirk