When I was in Cologne a few years ago, I stayed at the Four Points. It's centrally located right across the street from Cologne Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and the Dom (big cathedral - main tourist site in Cologne). It is also a short walk to the Rhein, shopping area and the "old city" (not sure what they call this in Cologne). The hotel was your typical mid-range European hotel. I believe a buffet breakfast was included.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...estphalia.html

The city itself is fine - a short weekend trip was enough for me.

Regarding 7AB - I don't have any TATL experience in these exact seats but I sat in 7C on the return from CGN. The crowding of people in front of me, the proximity of the galley and being bumped by the cart got old after a few hours. 7B might experience some of the interference from the crowding but it should not be too bad. If row 16 is full, I'd go with 7.

Enjoy!