Marienburger Bonotel - Cologne, Germany 

Booked via internet and stayed 3 nights with 2 children under 10. The smell of cigarette smoke was overwhelming in the lobby and on the floors, but this is typical of Cologne. We had asked for a non-smoking room over the web but they gave us a smoking room that really stank, and said they were completely booked. When we insisted, they managed to get us a nonsmoking room and it was so much nicer! Got 2 beds pushed together and it was okay for the 4 of us (kids are skinny). Was disappointed that there were no usual goodies in the bathroom (soaps only in wall dispensers) but the free bottles of flavored water in the minibar made up for this! We really enjoyed their new and free Wellness center with jacuzzi, sauna, and small workout room. We thought it was close to the center for some reason, and were disappointed to find out that it would take 30 minutes to bus downtown! We had hoped to be able to leave the car parked but ended up driving everywhere so in the end did not mind the distance (some 5 or 6 kms from center), and found out that hotels in town had outrageous parking fees where we were able to park for free here. Had dinner in room and the pizzas are really delicious! Staff friendly and helpful (other than not giving us a non-smoking room right off). By the way, they say that if you book via their own site, they guarantee against a free breakfast that you'll pay at least 5 euros less than booking with others.

There are plusses and minuses here. It is clean and well run. Nothing too terrible especially given the rate of 49E. A very quiet residential area, albeit a busy street. I just think their web pictures make it look a lot better than it is. Maybe that room they show is the Penthouse suite or something. Bed was a little saggy. Worst complain I have is that the bath is a ways down to the floor, if you are not young and nimble, be careful. And as was mentioned the smell of smoke and more so of cooked food is all over. But the windows in the room open full size so that helps. if you are on a budget, this is a great place. You don't need their breakfast, because next door is a supermarket w/ fresh made coffee and baked goods! It is not walking distance really from downtown, but there is a bus I think the 132, it takes about 24 minutes and stops right there. You don't need a cab to get there. About a 10-15 minutes walk into town you will find some beer halls, a nice Sushi place, restaurants. Very friendly and helpful staff. You might consider this hotel if you want to get away from the downtown noise and rowdyness at night.