We stayed for only a night, but were very impressed with this hotel and its staff. We booked a standard suite, but were upgraded to one with an extra ½ bath. Some of the suites have a traditional decor, and others are more modern (ask for “the Hanseatic Wing”). We preferred the more modern decor and the staff were happy to oblige us. Overall, the staff was wonderful: friendly, helpful, and professional. We were always welcomed, and any request or question was responded to quickly and professionally. The staff elevated the hotel and turned a really good stay into a great one. Our room was spotless, and very nicely appointed. There were tons of closets and more than enough towels—no skimping. The shower was not just a rain shower head, but a deluge. It was the best shower that we can remember having used in a hotel, which is saying quite a bit. Breakfast (included in our rate) was a full buffet with the usual museli, meats, cheeses, pastries, etc plus a menu for eggs and French toast type items. All were prepared well, served elegantly, and in a comfortable and well appointed room. It was fairly faultless. The hotel’s location in Köln can’t be beat. It is around the corner from the train station, and across the street from the Dom. The entire historic portion of Köln and the shopping district is within 15 minutes walk. There are many restaurants to choose from within a very short walking distance, including a great bakery (Bäckerei Merzenich) only 5 minutes walk away.

All staff I interacted with went above and beyond to make this a wonderful experience. I was in town for 3 concerts for a total of 9 nights at this hotel. Accommodations were top-notch, housekeeping was on-point. Calling out a few employees: Concierge Josef, Concierge Hae-Nam. Each put in a lot of effort to ensure I had everything I needed and also helped with reservations, suggestions for things to do, etc. Finally, the staff in F&B, specifically Henrik; we were in town for many days and met up with friends from across the world. Henrik ensured that we were always taken care of in the bar, and even kept the evening going late for us at our request. This truly added to the trip and I can honestly say that without the exemplary customer service given by Henrik that our enjoyment of the hotel would have diminished. Highly recommend this property!

The location was the best, room was the best in Koln and I would rate it better than many if not all hotels in Germany. The staff is very good and friendly. The rooms are very modern and luxurious. I would only stay in the hotel each time I visit Koln

This is a grand old 5 star hotel with an excellent location, right at the Cologne Train Station and directly across from the Cathedral. My Classic Double Room felt spacious, as did the bathroom with big shower and separate bath. It was luxuriously appointed in the style befitting the overall hotel, and looked out onto the hotel’s central courtyard. Although there were some very minor housekeeping issues, the room was clean and well presented, and very suitable for my 2 night stay. Staff were friendly and very attentive.

My husband and I went for a long weekend to Cologne, travelling from London to Cologne via the Eurostar. The first positive aspect is that the hotel is a 2 minute walk from our train platform - it is so centrally located, next to the train station and the incredible Cologne Cathedral. The hotel feels like a very nice mix of old school and modern glamour. Our room was lovely. It was beautifully decorated and everything is luxurious and cozy - perfect combination. The bathroom wasn't big but it was immaculate and very elegant. My only issue came when I caught my foot on the weight scale that is in the bathroom - don't know why anyone would feel the need to weigh themselves on a getaway and certainly not great addition to a small bathroom! The breakfast was excellent and the staff were lovely. The breakfast was held in a beautifully decorated room with smaller rooms off it. For breakfast lovers, you won't be disappointed - they start early and have a large range of choices. We had a pre dinner drink at the bar on our first night. It's a very interesting small ball with a kind of burnt orange leather meets deep wood decor. The drinks were good but the accompanying bar snacks were inedible. Felt like they were trying to reinvent the wheel and failed. One was ketchup crisps..it's a no. We got an excellent recommendation for dining from the concierge on the first night and and another from a different concierge on our second night, despite it being a Saturday night. We thoroughly enjoyed our short stay at the Excelsior and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other travellers looking for luxury and coziness.