Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: hotel (63) room (29) service (28) staff (25) breakfast (19) great (16) rooms (15) stay (15) Excelsior (14) good (12)
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  • 3/5 Pui 3 months ago on Google • 239 reviews New
    The location is definitely the best of this hotel. I stayed 4 nights and the room size is adequate compared with other single rooms in a German big city. The downside is that the shower-toilet needs to be renovated. The shower titles is desperately asking for retirement and there is not air exhaust. Because of these, it does not feel inviting to come back. I guess the new part of the hotel is better but of course comes with a higher price. A nice feature is the small and well maintained fitness studio. Limited training equipment but enough to kick the day with a good workout. I would suggest to have an earlier opening time as 6:30 am is kind of late for business trip. The front desk service is very helpful, specially an Asian white man (probably Japanese) who is always in the right side of the reception desk. Every hotel should have hundreds of him. Congratulations to the hotel for having him. I am not a breakfast person and not willing to spend 44€ breakfast just to get my morning coffees. I was told that one cannot drink coffee in the breakfast restaurant but in the garden or main sitting area. However, service is very slow on those areas and sometimes there is not. Honestly, the Starbucks in the main train station back to the hotel saved me with my morning coffees and evening tea. The young and friendly service at Starbucks was great considering such as busy environment.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mithrim 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely perfect in any way, every time I visit. If I could give 6 stars for service, I would. We had a professional yet relaxed barkeeper who engaged in friendly conversation and made us have a great evening. She was authentic and awesome as a host. She is either a pretty good actress or she really loves her job. Keep her! For reference: June 23rd ~19:00 at the bar.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 prem p. 1 year ago on Google
    Location is great and in the center just facing the cathedral. Very warm and cozy, staff were very sweet, helpful, polite, helpful professional & welcoming. Breakfast was very tasty. Room was very beautiful, clean with very comfortable bed, I was touched by celebrating my birthday with a sweet and tasty welcome. I left with great memories and a promise to come back to such wonderful place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachaphon W. 1 year ago on Google
    Excelsior hotel is the embodiment of the word luxury. From the warm greeting and welcoming upon arrival to the absolute high level of service and care provided by the staff members. It was beyond my expectation. Although the hotel is on the older side (They are celebrating their 160 years anniversary this year), the room is well kept and probably recently renovated. We chose to stay in the Cathedral view suite. This suite probably have the best view in the hotel. I would also like to add that they have an awesome breakfast. I especially love the fresh cold press juices. All in all, this is a wonderful experience and I’ll be sure to come back and stay here the next time I’m in Cologne.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Farid M. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing stay at Excelsior Hotel Ernst! Meticulous attention to detail from start to finish. Friendly, helpful staff wherever we turned. We loved the room service and the breakfast selection. The bed was incredibly comfortable. Location was perfect nestled between Köln Hbf and the Dom. Easy access to the Altstadt and River front. We will most definitely be staying here again. Thanks for an amazing night!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Garry T. 1 year ago on Google
    Deceiving. I have stayed in many different caliber of hotels, from 1 to 5 stars. The Excelsior is 3 stars, at best. The service was fine. The room, however, was much different from what I was made to believe from the photos. The hotel boasts of being open for over 150 years. My idea of a 5 star hotel, however, does not include staying in a suite that looks and feels over 150 years old. The hotel stay per night is expensive, and if you’re paying that much money, most people in 2022/23 likely want a room from this year, not one from the 1800s. I would not stay at the Excelsior again, nor would I recommend it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Deborah W. 9 months ago on Google
    Words can't describe the grandeur of this place and all of the staff were so very friendly and accommodating, even to our small dog. The place was most clean and the decor was beautiful. The room's elegant with all the amenities. Cozy bar area and several locations to eat or have a drink in, (and the food is tops). The cathedral is right out the front door and very central. Seriously I could go on, when we go back we will definitely stay there! Very safe, and quiet.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A S. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow unreal service top notch Godiva Hospitality! I would recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a beer away with their love one. We brought our family and it was a bit much but the hotel was amazing even bringing cookies and milk for bed time. Unreal how catering they were I can not express enough how they did everything they could to ensure we had an amazing time! I would most definitely visit again, I can not thank the staff enough for being patient with us and out crazy family.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alina Bortsova (. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing hotel. Luxurious, with great design. Attentive staff and wonderful service. However there was loud music on Saturday night
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard R. 2 months ago on Google • 47 reviews New
    Right across the magnificent dome. The hotel is very well maintained. The service is high class. A small wellness corner right under the roof with a small fitness part. Breakfast is very well. Assortment and service is good like you may expect from a hotel in this category

  • 5/5 Evgeny N. 7 months ago on Google
    Fancy hotel in the heart of the city, close to everything made in the art-deco style. Exceptional service and breakfast, nice Benedict eggs. Rooms are a bit outdated, but it matches a style and historical decoration that is quite unique and still very clean and good.

  • 5/5 Mimo F. 1 year ago on Google
    Prime location, outstanding service. Interior and rooms are classy and comfortable. Breakfast buffet offered surprisingly good vegetarian and vegan selection.

  • 5/5 Rachel 9 months ago on Google
    This was a lovely hotel. Right next to the train station and the Cologne Cathedral. The rooms were amazing. The staff was excellent and attentive. The French dinner and the breakfast were incredible. Would stay here again any day!

  • 5/5 Pestilenz 11 months ago on Google
    A bar and a hall as they should be. In case you are willing to pay top prices for top quality. Friendly and efficient personal, lovely guests, (almost educated) children included. Even the music was the way you can expect. For me still the absolutely top luxury level of hotel possible in Germany. Enjoy your stay!

  • 1/5 Або �. 10 months ago on Google
    I lived with my family at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst with the 29/01/2012 to 04/02/2012. I want to warn all travelers to the case of an unpleasant experience I had at this hotel. 30.01.2012 year found that the safe was gone from the electronic part of the money left me in the store, and most surprisingly, the code that I used to close the safe, maintained and operated to open. Lost a large sum of money, 3500 € (euros). I informed the police about this intsedent. Sharing with his friend, who lives in Cologne, was surprised that a year ago her friend, who lived at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst am Dom, just robbed, removed from the safe of 4500 € (euros). Unfortunately, he did not inform the police and gave publicity to this case. I understand that to get their money, and I can not dream, but with all my heart I want to warn all, safe in this hotel is not reliable and if you use the services of this hotel, do not leave it in cash and valuables. Good luck to everyone.

  • 5/5 Dagmar R. 1 year ago on Google
    Best brunch ever!! It's really worth the money 92 € on a normal Sunday. Friendly and helpful staff.

  • 2/5 patricia l. 1 year ago on Google
    English tea in the hotel excelsior ernst for 66 euro per head was a great disappointment. I have no problem with the price if the quality is good, but the quality of this tea was really not what I expected. The sandwiches were meagre, the unusually tiny scones were dry and tasteless, the cakes were too sweet (ànd possibly just out of the freezer) and, the greatest sin, the tea was cold! It was served in china tea pots ( no 5-star silver teapots) and stood on a candle light stove to supposedly keep the tea hot. In my experience, as an English person, the tea should not be stewed on a candle stove. Anyway, the atmosphere was peacefu,, the staff were attentive but the tea was awful - especially for the price.

  • 4/5 Sophie B. 7 months ago on Google
    Located right next to the world-famous cathedral, the Cologne Cathedral, and thus in the heart of Cologne's old town - a bit old and in need of an overhaul in parts... very friendly staff and that makes up for a lot

  • 5/5 Ajay J. 2 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    We stayed here for couple of days. Its THE BEST LOCATION. Right in front of the Cathedral. Overall the hotel has a Royale feel. Nice old & artistic look gives a very cosy feeling. Restaurants were excellent, service was great. Special call out to the Valet parking team. They are so friendly & helpful. Thanks a lot to the TEAM that made our stay memorable.

  • 5/5 Jay P. 7 months ago on Google
    I had the pleasure of staying at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst in Cologne, Germany, and it truly exceeded all expectations. Situated in the heart of Cologne, this remarkable hotel is perfectly located near the Rhine River and the awe-inspiring gothic cathedral. Despite the challenge of accessing the hotel by road during peak check-in times, the attentive valet service ensures a smooth experience, promptly parking your car and ushering you into the hotel. The hotel’s front office was managed by the charismatic “Dan the Man,” a tuxedo-clad gentleman who greeted us with a warm smile. He facilitated a seamless check-in process and took the time to ensure we were well-acquainted with all the amenities the hotel had to offer. The Excelsior Hotel Ernst exudes a grandeur that harks back to the opulent luxury of bygone eras. It’s almost like stepping into a storybook setting. The ornate yet cozy elevators and the character-filled hallways and carpeting transport you to a realm of high-end sophistication. Every corner of the hotel emanates a sense of history and elegance. The hotel’s restaurants and bars are a delight, serving exceptional food and drinks that are sure to bring a smile to your face. In all my travels, the Excelsior Hotel Ernst has certainly earned its place among my top favorites. Its unique charm, impeccable service, and attention to detail create an unforgettable experience that will have you longing to return.

  • 5/5 Travelling D. 6 months ago on Google
    Amazing location a short walk from the main train station and also Across from the Dom.stunning views from the 5th floor spa windows of the dom plaza. Helpful and friendly concierge and also front door .Room130- nice spacious room, views of the side of the hotel- Marzallenstrasse. Beautiful interior , nice colours combination.Air conditioning rather noisy with a mechanical noise from time to Time. Spa is small, just two rooms- steam and dry with no pool. It has a functional gym with one weight bench section and a few cardio machines. Black out curtains did not keep all the light out and was fiddly to sort out. Pillows could be firmer. Was too soft . Noise on a Monday morning on rooms facing Marzellenstrasse- 6.30 am with the bin man and 7am with the bells ringing. Out of the control of the hotel but could do with some better noise insulation. Breakfast was excellent- limited selection but good quality from bread, meats, fish, pastries. Cooked breakfast was also very good. Coffee took a long time to arrive- arrived after the cooked breakfast and was average. Milk froth on top of the cappuccino was too stiff like cardboard. Service was good but was on the slower side. All in all an excellent location, interior/ room and breakfast.

  • 5/5 Lisa H. 7 months ago on Google
    The best part of this hotel is the breakfast and the amazing service by the lovely Asian gentleman who serves the breakfast he always gives service with a smile and remembers your preferences and your name! I never saw this anywhere else! He is the best!

  • 5/5 Adam B. 7 months ago on Google
    The most wonderful hotel! Every detail was perfect. Incredible staff, amazing bar, perfect location -- dreamy rooms. Look no further, this is the best hotel in Koln!

  • 1/5 Obiwan K. 7 months ago on Google
    The rooms are bad and old. They are not “luxury” old, they are literally old like everything in room was secondhanded. Nothing luxury at all, there is feeling as pretty old 3-star. Room temp is colder than outside, and you can do nothing, because old building doesn’t have climate control. Asked for change room to another category, but was refused because hotel doesn’t have another rooms (what?) Photos and description on Booking is very tricky.

  • 5/5 Darren N. 3 months ago on Google New
    One of the nicest hotels I’ve stayed in. 2 nights work visit during December ‘23. Wonderfully helpful staff, food was incredible. A classy and historic hotel right in the center of cologne. I’m already looking forward to coming back!

  • 5/5 Bert De M. 3 months ago on Google New
    The hotel is right next to the Dome and everything is within walking distance. Staff service is great, valet service took care of our car, smooth check in and great diner at Hans Staube restaurant.

  • 5/5 Yehia A. 3 years ago on Google
    Great luxury hotel with a nice old-fashioned feel to it. Located very close to the train station, right by the cologne cathedral. The staff is exceptionally friendly and welcoming. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, and include all necessary amenities, including disposable masks and disinfectants. Highlight of my stay: due to Covid-19, the staff serve breakfast to your room. You select all desired items from a menu in advance and the staff brings it to your room at the desired time. Great choice for a business stay, would be delighted to return.

  • 3/5 Paweł P. 2 years ago on Google
    I was not guest in hotel, but as a conference guest. Food was good, but lunch was not enough to be full after eating it. Conference rooms were ok, so were the rest rooms. After some time there was not enough of fresh air in the conference room.

  • 5/5 Karri K. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my favourite hotels in the world. Very warm service, everything is perfect here. Contrast this to any of the ”chain” luxury hotels and you’ll see that at Excelsior the people really truly care about their guests. Once Covid is over I’m looking forward to once again visiting Cologne and Excelsior Hotel Ernst. It will be one the first things I will do.

  • 5/5 Ricardo Pérez de Tudela O. 4 years ago on Google
    The facade of the Excelsior hotel is part of the city landscape. If you are lucky to stay in one of the suites, you will enjoy an incomparable view of the Cathedral, If not, the experience is still worth it. From the friendly staff, to the elegant rooms, the stylish wooden piano bar, the great breakfast buffet, every detail becomes an unforgettable experience.

  • 5/5 Rawan E. 4 years ago on Google
    We checked in quite late around 12 am, the service was exquisite the staff was helpful and friendly, the rooms were clean neat and looked very luxurious. The breakfast was delicious with variety of options the interior of the hotel looked also beautiful. Would definitely come back again :)

  • 3/5 Storage P. 4 years ago on Google
    we checked in to a £250 per night room for 3 nights.... we decided against dinner bed and breakfast because we have not been to cologne before and wanted a wander. The hotel is lovely. The service is not. We were not offered a lunch or dinner (which we would have been more than happy to pay for) so went elsewhere and spent nearly £600 outside the hotel and felt we were not particularly wanted

  • 1/5 Charles L. 4 years ago on Google
    My wife and I just left the hotel yesterday and we stayed in a room facing the courtyard on the highest floor. We knew the hotel was old but the room just felt dirty (e.g. worn out drapes and carpets) and the bathroom smelled really bad. What is really silly was they charged my wife as an extra person when we checked in. This was totally unexpected for the price we already paid for what I considered a top tier hotel. All the hotels I stayed at in the past assumed 2-person occupancy for a room. We will not return to this hotel.

  • 5/5 Bartosz W. 4 years ago on Google
    I think the oldest hotel in Cologne, dated 1863. Interiors can overwhelm with luxury, which certainly does not appeal to all the guests. The appearance of standard rooms may also not suit everyone, but the quality of services and the hotel restaurant are at the highest world level. Even if after a visit you will say you did not like it - it is totally worth to visit. P.S. Minibar is included in a room price ;)

  • 5/5 Gary B. 7 years ago on Google
    Amazing hotel and friendly staff. I had a change in plan on my trip and found this hotel available on a last minute notice. Right away on arrival the hotel starts treating guests every need. Recommending food, sights, history, shopping, and any other need. The room was outstanding. Very spacious and clean. Given all the rooms on our trip had been tiny, this was a very nice change. We ordered room service for a late dinner and the food was very good and quickly delivered. The hotel is right across the street from the Cologne Cathedral and a very short walk to shopping and lots of local attractions. We also happened to show up for the Karnival celebration which made for a lot of fun sights.

  • 5/5 Daniel 2 years ago on Google
    Best breakfast I ever had. Amazing service. We enjoyed our stay a lot! The room seemed a little out dated at first sight but it became really cozy once we settled. The bathroom was really big and beautiful. We highly recommend taking a bath while having some bottles of sparkling wine.

  • 5/5 Rachel S. 1 year ago on Google
    An absolutely incredible hotel. We stayed in a Grand Deluxe room and it was spacious and well appointed. We also enjoyed the pillow menu! Staff was very friendly and the piano bar was well stocked with a beautiful wine list.

  • 3/5 Hazim M. 1 year ago on Google
    So first of all, the service is top notch, everyone is smiling, and everyone is welcoming. The negatives of the hotel comes in terms of small issues. First, the shower in the room is horrible. It is clean and beautiful but over engineered. Next the places to work outside of your room aren’t great. They offered a private room which was great until the smell of it hit, and I had to leave. That is part of being an old hotel I guess. Second, the WiFi is horrible. It is manageable but for being an expensive hotel with guests and business clients, the Wi-Fi could use a lot of work. I don’t like the idea of spending all this money and then having to spend additional money to go to a co-writing space to work. However, there were a lot of positives; the room was beautiful, beds were super comfortable, the minibar was complimentary, and they were always ready to help with anything that you needed. I would consider staying here for vacation, but if you had to work, probably stay at another hotel.

  • 5/5 Amar 1 year ago on Google
    Good whatever time of the day that you’re reading this, If you’re looking for a phenomenal ambiance, refined interior, great place to have a drink where the staff as well informed of their World Class selection of drinks this is the place to come to. The customer service is top of the line just like their drink selection. Matthias Allgaier is the “Drink Maestro” and provided us with such a memorable experience of our first evening in Köln. We are so grateful we walked in to this location ... the staff made all the difference

  • 5/5 Meredith B. 2 years ago on Google
    A truly phenomenal stay in every respect. Solicitous staff, gorgeous and spotless room, a special birthday cake and card left for my husband on his birthday. Our every need was met with care and kindness, and we very much appreciated the staff's thoughtful attention to COVID safety precautions.

  • 5/5 SelectBlend 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent! Dan and all the hotel staff were GREAT!! Awesome location, awesome food (make a reservation) awesome staff, awesome room!

  • 5/5 Enmanuel R. 1 year ago on Google
    Great location, super clean and still has that luxury 50's vibe. Rooms are spacious, well appointed and extremely comfortable. Steps from the cathedral, and about 5 minutes to the center of Cologne. Highly recommend

  • 5/5 Raphael O. 1 year ago on Google
    I felt like home away from home. Then I forgot my phone charger together with my pajama suit which was well kept and later shipped to me in Frankfurt before I left for Kenya my country. I love Excelsior Hotel

  • 5/5 Julian R. 1 year ago on Google
    I had a great time at the Excelsior Hotel. Quick checkin, room was prepared with a small snack (which I really appreciated after long travels). It’s located right next to the Cologne dome (probably the closest hotel to the Cologne Dome and the Köln Hauptbahnhof). In the backyard they have a beautiful outside area where I enjoyed my breakfast. Room was clean but found some hair on a white towel, can happen.

  • 4/5 Michael K. 1 year ago on Google
    Overall extremely nice experience! - super friendly and helpful staff - fancy piano bar with a small selection of pricey food / large and exemplary selection of wine - large and luxurious rooms that portray classic / old style - the breakfast deserves a 5-star rating.

  • 3/5 Guillermo O. 1 year ago on Google
    The hotel could use some upgrading. Not enough electric connection points, and with cel, tablet and computer, with two persons in the room... impossible! Not to say it has the worst internet connection you can imagine. Poor wifi. Not good for work!

  • 5/5 Asma A. 1 year ago on Google
    Location is great and in the center just facing the cathedral. Very warm and cozy, staff were very sweet, helpful, polite, helpful professional & welcoming. Breakfast was very tasty. Room was very beautiful, clean with very comfortable bed, I was touched by celebrating my birthday with a sweet and tasty welcome. I left with great memories and a promise to come back to such wonderful place.

  • 5/5 TheCPPluxury 1 year ago on Google
    Heritage hotel of world class luxury standards ! Superlative service, superb accommodations - do ask for a Cathedral (Dom view). Many suites are recently renovated ! Unbeatable location. Impeccable food - do try both the classic and the Asian !


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