InterContinental Koln - Cologne, Germany     

I have racked up several visits to this hotel over the past 3 three years. I always enjoy my time at the hotel; the bar is cool, the health club is worth a visit and the rooms of a good size. The last time I stayed I rented a suite. Although it was a bit on the expensive side for the size of room (approx 55 sqm) it came with a large roof terrace. Only four rooms (all suites) in the hotel have the roof terrace - the terrace includes a seating area and is great for entertaining. The terrace has some of the most stunning views of Cologne available from any hotel in the city. All the terraces look out towards the Cathedral (Dom). I think the large difference in price between the suites and the next best rooms is attributable to the view; if the view is important to you then go for the suite; otherwise the next best room is not much different in terms of size and quality. I should mention that only the suites overlook the Dom; all the other rooms have pretty unremarkable views. The Club Intercontinental lounge on the 7th floor is also good; it has a really relaxed ambiance and compliementary beverages and snacks. The hotel itself is very modern and has a young vibe; rooms are of a contemporary design; the bar attracts a mainly 30 something crowd; there is live music and a large selection of cocktails that are properly prepared. I would definitly recommend this hotel; if at all possible, try to book a room with 'Club' in its description; these rooms are located on the top floor and are much roomier than the other bedrooms.

The hotel is located few minute walk from the Cologne Cathedral and centre of the city. It's a new hotel and so far I dislike modern and cold design I also disliked the design and interiors of this hotel but this is just a matter of taste as otherwise everything was as expected for an InterContinental hotel. The glass elevators are spectacular as so far you reach a higher floor, you will get a great view of the Cathedral. I asked also for a room with a cathedral view and my wish was fulfilled, the view of the lit nightly Cathedral was stunning. As the whole hotel, the room had a cold modern design in shades of browns and greys and halogen lights which I not liked much.. At least it was spacious, all the furnishings are new, comfortable, all was superb clean and the view gr8. The hallways are quite gloomy too with no daylight and done in dark colors.. The service overall is very good as in all german top hotels. The fitness/gym/pool area downstairs (Holmes Place) is giant with a large pool/jaccuzzi/gyms etc. and access is complimentary for guest hotels (via direct elevator) Unfortunatelly the club is frequented by lot of it's local members so it was pretty busy, lot of people using the gym etc. so not so relaxing as expected. Used the hotel restaurant just for breakfast, very good quality and selection. For a luxe dinner, I was recommended the Hanse Stube Restaurant of the Excelsior Hotel next to the Cathedral being one of the best in the city and indeed it was a superb fine-dining experience.