Originally Posted by nollag
I’m visiting Cologne for the Christmas markets in December with Mrs Nollag. I’m Diamond with both Hilton and Hyatt, and the room rates are roughly the same.
Given the choice of the above two hotels for a leisure break, which would you go for? Are they both of comparable standard? Do they both have an exec lounge / RC? What is the gym (or pool) like in both? How near are they to the cathedral?
Hyatt Cologne has a very nice lounge with a quite unique view on the Rhine and the Dome. Breakfast is quite nice and evening food could be improved with hot food. The pool is quite nice, with a full sauna, steam room and equipment room. It is my favorite hotel in Cologne - I like the Graugans restaurant for its innovative/nice looking food. If you go, be sure to reserve table with Cathedral view. Final recommendation: one side of the hotel is facing the railway - ask for room on the other side if you want them to be quieter.
The Hilton would not be my alternative choice. If you like exceptional servicem stay at the Excelcior. If you like architecture, stay at the Wasserturm...but none of those beat the sunset views you could have from the Regency Club.